Class of 2027 Rankings: The Unveiling

The 2023 football season hasn't just been about the seniors making their final impressions. Or the juniors. Or even the sophomores.   So far this fall, we've seen a number of freshmen who, despite their youth, have earned valuable playing time and even - in some cases - starring roles. Almost exclusively, we're talking about players who have done so on the varsity level.   Not surprisingly, many of these youngsters have attracted the attention of college programs who are now trying to project what four years of high school ball will do for their games.   Indeed, these 26 have proved themselves earlier than most.   Let us introduce you to the players who comprise the initial Prep Red Zone South Carolina rankings in the Class of 2027.   DEFENSE   [player_tooltip player_id='1036784' first='Kaiden' last='Aiken'] DB, Blackville-Hilda - Undersized by most varsity comparisons, Aiken has been starting at safety all season for the Hawks. He gets around the 5-foot-8, 155-pound frame by knowing the game and having no issue attacking bigger players.   [player_tooltip player_id='1036779' first='Kaiden' last='Watkins'] ATH, Rock Hill - While doubling as a dangerous kickoff and punt returner, Watkins is capable of playing either safety or corner on defense. He's got enough speed to make up yardage in a hurry.   [player_tooltip player_id='1036773' first='Lamar' last='Singleton'] ATH, Baptist Hill - Singleton put up a few offensive touchdown early in his prep career. But we love what he's capable of on defense more. The defensive back is averaging better than five stops a game and has played a part in a couple turnovers.   [player_tooltip player_id='755914' first='Jaiden' last='Bryant'] DL, Irmo - From an early huge performance against Lancaster (eight tackles, three tackles for loss, sack) to last week's showing against Ridge View, Bryant is already a force. A true edge rusher with a great first step, Bryant is a potential big-time player in the making.   [player_tooltip player_id='1036772' first='Raheim' last='Saunders'] DL, Whale Branch - Saunders is another one of those guys who has a hard time convincing people of his real age. That's the joy of being a 6-foot-2, 305-pound freshman. He's on the brink of already becoming a dominant Class A player in the trenches.   [player_tooltip player_id='1036769' first='Maleek' last='Dukes'] LB, Kingstree - We're not going to outthink ourselves when it comes to Dukes. The younger brother of another Blazer standout, Maleek put up six tackles for loss and four sacks in one game. You can't ignore that type of production, especially from a freshman.   [player_tooltip player_id='1036757' first='Peyton' last='Bradshaw'] DL, Crestwood - When the Knights wanted to add some size to the middle of their line, one of the junior varsity call-ups was Bradshaw. He's had an instant impact, putting up tackles and getting behind the line in his three varsity games.   [player_tooltip player_id='1036755' first='Kendaris' last='Bailey'] LB, Gaffney - With everything the Indians defense have working for them, that a freshman is top six in tackles and and top three in tackles for loss seven games into the season should tell you everything you need to know about his production.   [player_tooltip player_id='1036752' first='Owen' last='Bex'] LB, Trinity Collegiate - Bex looks the part at 6-foot-2 and 190 pounds, and he's likely got another decent spurt left in him yet. That's got Trinity coaches ready for the future, as their first-year linebacker already has 13 tackles for loss heading into this week.   [player_tooltip player_id='779428' first='Tajeh' last='Watson-Martin'] DB, Belton-Honea Path - After the Bears' offense does it thing, it feeds right into what Watson-Martin does best. The 5-10, 160-pound corner needed just five games to break up five passes and pick off two more, including one off one of the state's top QBs.    [player_tooltip player_id='1036731' first='Dennis' last='Glenn'] DL, Boiling Springs - Boiling Springs needed another way to prevent opposing lines from sending the kitchen sink at talented edge rusher [player_tooltip player_id='771223' first='Calvin' last='Jackson']'s. Glenn has been the answer. The interior lineman is a bulldog up the gut and has no issue taking on multiple players.   [player_tooltip player_id='378969' first='Jaiden' last='Kelly-Murray'] DB, Summerville - We're not saying Kelly-Murray hasn't been coached up - not in the least. But watching the Green Wave free safety makes it evident that he's got some serious instincts that most 14 or 15-year olds don't. Our top player can affect every play when he's on the field.    OFFENSE   [player_tooltip player_id='309825' first='Grayson' last='Clary'] QB, Daniel - We need one hell of a reason to include a junior varsity player on this list. Clary's arm strength, accuracy and pure productivity on the lower level bridge the gap. His numbers are insane, and we've got some strong offseason evaluations to back it all up.    [player_tooltip player_id='1036785' first='Kyson' last='McLeod'] WR, South Aiken - The Thoroughbreds aren't exactly a pass-first team, so receivers need to make the most of their opportunities. McLeod did that, turning three of his first four receptions into touchdowns.    [player_tooltip player_id='1036782' first='Jagger' last='Spivey'] WR, Ashley Ridge - The Swamp Foxes didn't need another home run threat on the outside this season. Spivey adjusted and quickly proved himself to be an inside-out receiver capable of mixing things up with strong route-running.   [player_tooltip player_id='1036777' first='Trevon' last='Williamson'] RB, Gilbert - The 6-foot, 180-pounder doesn't need to carry the load while the position is covered. But that doesn't mean he's not getting valuable snaps to learn the speed of the game. Oh, and he's averaging 8.8 yards per carry and has five early touchdowns on his resume.   [player_tooltip player_id='1036776' first='Israel' last='Harris'] OL, James Island - It's not hard to believe one of the best defensive lines in the state is helping to develop the next big thing on the offensive line, too. And Harris is definitely big. At 6-foot-1 and 315 pounds, Harris is holding his own and forcing himself onto the field on Fridays.   [player_tooltip player_id='1036774' first='Amare' last='Patterson'] WR, Beaufort - Patterson isn't the Eagles' top target on the outside, but what he's doing with them is right there among Class 3A's best. He's averaging just shy of 22 yards per reception and clearly knows how to find some open space.   [player_tooltip player_id='840548' first='Tre' last='Howard'] QB, Ridge View - The Blazers have the luxury of developing Howard this season while simultaneously easing him into more and more action. Then, he's got three-year starter written all over him.    [player_tooltip player_id='691267' first='CJ' last='Brooks'] OL, Gaffney - There aren't many freshman around the state getting left tackle reps. And there are even fewer doing so at the Class 5A level. Brooks and his 6-foot-4, 325-pound frame is among the rare exceptions. He's got some staying power as the skills meet up with the size.   [player_tooltip player_id='1036756' first='Jordan' last='Bovain'] ATH, Hampton County - The plan now: Ease the freshman with top sprinter speed into a number of formations. The play later: Put some weight on him and let him become Hampton County's next star running back.   [player_tooltip player_id='1036753' first='Aiden' last='Gibson'] RB, Woodruff - It took for a few games for the staff to trust a freshman, but he's made them look smart. He put up 453 yards and three touchdowns in his first few games. He has the ability to go around or through defenders.   [player_tooltip player_id='1036748' first='Sequel' last='Patterson'] ATH, Indian Land - Patterson is a true three-way offensive standout. A potential full-time quarterback job, he's also just as capable of running or catching passes for touchdowns.    [player_tooltip player_id='1036740' first='Tiyon' last='Fanning'] RB, White Knoll - Of the first 281 plays undefeated White Knoll had in its first seven games, 100 of them ended up in Fanning's hands. He's a strong back who is trusted to get quality yards and move the chains. In the process, he's already put up 11 offensive touchdowns.   [player_tooltip player_id='1036733' first='Henry' last='Rivers'] QB, Berkeley - The Stags' offensive coaches have put a lot of their eggs into Rivers' basket. He's averaging more than 25 passes a game and has already eclipsed 1,500 passing yards another another 200 on the ground. All told, he's got 23 touchdowns to his name in seven games.    [player_tooltip player_id='1036721' first='Tre' last='Segarra'] RB, Byrnes (pictured) - A true multifaceted, tailback, Segarra can break long runs or punch it up the middle into traffic. He catches the ball out of the backfield with ease, as he's second on the roster in receptions. That last part has been vital, as teams have already started to gear up to stop his ground capabilities.

The 2023 football season hasn't just been about the seniors making their final impressions. Or the juniors. Or even the sophomores.