2025 Rankings: Upstate Loaded At Linebacker, Defensive Back

Jed Blackwell January 29, 2024 @ 06:32 PM

The 2025 Rankings in the Upstate are strong across the board, but particularly at defensive back and linebacker. Ten players occupy the two positions, and they're all standouts. Here's a look.   In defense-first Region II-5A, a pair of standout 2025 LBs and a talented DB are among the guys who stand out the most. Spartanburg's [player_tooltip player_id='624354' first='Cam'Rich' last='Smith'] is a force, and he made a stingy Vikings' defense stand out last season. Smith had 79 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, nine sacks, three hurries, a fumble recovery, and two forced fumbles for the Vikings. He's a fast, physical player who makes plays all over the field for Spartanburg.   Teammate [player_tooltip player_id='346191' first='Calvin' last='Choice'] played everywhere the Vikings needed him a year ago, including at RB and WR as well as at DB. He's fast, athletic, and is a difference-maker in all three phases of the game who plays with a violent streak.   Gaffney's [player_tooltip player_id='605522' first='Andrew' last='Ruppe'] (pictured) is a tackle machine, with a hundred on the year, including multiple for loss. He nabbed three interceptions, returned one for a touchdown, and scored as a fullback as well. And he plays linebacker like the other team gaining a yard is the worst possible thing that could happen. He's special.   The two other Upstate LBs in the class are prototype LBs. Clinton's [player_tooltip player_id='150043' first='Brett' last='Young'] made 69 tackles and had 17 tackles for loss a year ago as he led the Red Devils to a region title and a deep playoff run. He added 5.5 sacks and 12 hurries, picked off two passes, knocked down another, and recovered a fumble. He flies to the ball, he's physical when he gets there, and he's seemingly never in a bad position.   Meanwhile, at Daniel, [player_tooltip player_id='1157945' first='Spencer' last='Conn'] flew all over the field for the 3A state champions. Conn had an astounding 148 tackles, including 15 tackles for loss and seven sacks. He had an interception, deflected three passes, recovered four fumbles, and blocked a punt. He's the unquestioned leader of Daniel's defense.   A pair of Greenville defensive backs made the list, as [player_tooltip player_id='390438' first='Ramani' last='Bruton'] and [player_tooltip player_id='276660' first='Christian' last='Henderson'] make more than a solid duo in the Red Raiders' backfield. Bruton had a sensational season, with 27 tackles, a tackle for loss, five interceptions, and three pass deflections. Bruton is outstanding in coverage, and is capable of locking down one side of the field for Greenville. Henderson is active, excels at run support, and physical, as he's one of the Red Raiders' biggest hitters. He had two interceptions and knocked down eight passes last season.   Westside's [player_tooltip player_id='346193' first='Zeke' last='Marshall'] is one of the most athletic defensive backs on the list. At 6-3 and 175 pounds, Marshall has great size, and his athleticism is off the charts. He's great in coverage, he's great against the run, and he's a big reason the Rams ran all the way to the 4A state title.   [player_tooltip player_id='605526' first='Tyler' last='Morgan'] at Wren is one of the most interesting guys in the rankings. He does so much, so well that it's hard to define where to put him. He's made a home at DB as Anthony Frate's system makes the Hurricanes more stingy by the day. He had 56 tackles last season, picked off a pass, and knocked down three more. Morgan has huge upside as he gets even more comfortable.   Walhalla's [player_tooltip player_id='867240' first='Silas' last='Parish'] is another guy who does a whole lot for his team. He played a bunch of offense and returned kicks for the Razorbacks, but defense is what he did best. Parish racked up 162 tackles last year, with 12 tackles for loss, a sack, and four hurries. He picked off a pass, knocked down another, recovered two fumbles, and caused six. He's an active defender, he's quick, and he closes on the ball with bad intentions.

The 2025 Rankings in the Upstate are strong across the board, but particularly at defensive back and linebacker. Ten players occupy the two positions, and they're all standouts. Here's a look.