2025 Rankings: Lowcountry Zone Read

The 2023 production we saw is starting to look more and more vital to 2024.   Amid realignment and all the craziness that accompanies it these 10 Lowcountry players in particular have put some extra sauce on what's ahead.   We've got a huge offensive lineman, a kicker with a monster leg, a quarterback with a dynamic arm and linebackers with all the trust they'll ever need. And we haven't even yet brought up the trio of defensive linemen who call themselves teammate.    Yes, indeed, the Lowcountry is a zone to watch as we inch toward next fall. These 10 players are all well positioned to add some larger benchmarks to their personal resumes.   [player_tooltip player_id='809756' first='Will' last='Codding'] LB, Beaufort   We're pretty sure everything is lining up nicely for Codding. The Eagles' top tackler from 2023 finished with 87 total stops and 13 tackles for loss. He added four sacks and forced a fumble. We think that was his down year. Beaufort is among the front runners for a region crown amid all the realignment drama and has a chance to position itself pretty well for a postseason run. If that happens, Codding has likely done his thing.    [player_tooltip player_id='367350' first='Jaden' last='Cummings'] QB, Summerville   You're not going to convince us that Cummings' 2,998 passing yards were all because of [player_tooltip player_id='771065' first='Yannick' last='Smith']'s abilities on the outside. In fact, we think opposing teams might be about to find the Green Wave quarterback even tougher to defend. With Smith off to ECU, a whole bunch of other receivers are about to step into the spotlight and give Cummings targets all over the field. If not, he's got the ability to hurt teams with his legs.     [player_tooltip player_id='272709' first='Malachi' last='Jefferson'] [player_tooltip player_id='486418' first='Dalton' last='Woodall'] [player_tooltip player_id='1012698' first='Hendrix' last='Beran'] DL, James Island   The Trojans weren't done any favors when the SCHSL multiplier kicked them all the way up to the top half of Class 5A. Neither did getting stuck in the same region as Summerville, Fort Dorchester West Ashley, Ashley Ridge and Stall. But you also can't deny that James Island's top three defensive linemen don't help form one of the best units in the state. They're going to be tested against long odds. And if they can propel Jamar McKoy's squad to a few high-profile wins against that type of competition, there's no telling what they might be able to attract in terms of expanded recruiting angles and statewide honors.    [player_tooltip player_id='809745' first='Max' last='Moorman'] LB, Oceanside Collegiate   Moorman's 97 tackles in the Landsharks' state championship run weren't a team high ([player_tooltip player_id='589056' first='Miles' last='Robinson'] held that honor). But Moorman (pictured) has a high college ceiling and gets another year of high school ball to show it. He's pushing 6-foot-3 and now over 200 pounds and moves more like a strong safety. Of course, Oceanside's gonna have a state championship target on its back and will be playing in a higher classification this time around. But there's no reason to expect this team can't make yet another substantial playoff push and elevate his status, and vice versa.    [player_tooltip player_id='605521' first='Gray' last='Dangerfield'] K, James Island   Dangerfield has arguably the biggest leg in the state among all players in 2024, regardless of classification. He's a touchback waiting to happen on kickoffs (64-of-78 last season) and has field goal range of upwards of 53-55 yards consistently. As previously mentioned, the Trojans are probably going to have to scrap for everything they get next fall, and that means putting points on the board and maximizing field position any chance they get.    [player_tooltip player_id='346190' first='Bryce' last='Lawhon'] OL, Ashley Ridge   Lawhon spent some time clogging up the middle of the trenches on defense last season, but don't confuse that for his real job moving forward. The 6-foot-6, 350-pound tackle (yes, the size is verified) is going to take a starring role in what is going to have to be a much more diverse offense moving forward. He'll be charged with protecting the quarterback and opening holes along the edge all season long. There aren't many defenses that have anything close to the type of size, and it could mean some lofty accolades for him along the way.     [player_tooltip player_id='464896' first='Darrell' last='Holmes'] LB, Stratford    Holmes can line up as a true middle linebacker or put his hand in the turf and play a rush end spot. And he's going to do plenty of both as the situation dictates. And the differentials are going to happen. With a new region slate, Stratford is going to see the Wing-T (Cane Bay), spread offenses (Berkeley, Goose Creek), a modern run-first (Lucy Beckham) and a veritable unknown (Wando, new staff).      [player_tooltip player_id='1039208' first='Hank' last='Aeppli'] LB, Lucy Beckham   Last fall, Beckham had one of the best defenses statistically in the state. Aeppli was tied for third on the team in total tackles (71) and had a team-high 20 tackles for loss while recording 12 sacks, 15 quarterback hurries and three forced fumbles. Now, the Bengals are losing roughly half of their varsity roster from last year's squad and are moving up to Class 5A. Aeppli has a chore on his hands. But that means he's going to be counted on to do even more. We think he's going to be just fine, and his number should prove it.

The 2023 production we saw is starting to look more and more vital to 2024.