Community Film Room, Episode 47
In this article:
Our Winter rankings update pinpointed even more players from the 2025, 2026 and 2027 classes who have stood out in their respective positions. For a variety of reasons, our team decided that each of those new additions were worthy of…
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Continue ReadingOur Winter rankings update pinpointed even more players from the 2025, 2026 and 2027 classes who have stood out in their respective positions. For a variety of reasons, our team decided that each of those new additions were worthy of a coveted spot in our rankings.
But we’d be naive to think we’ve evaluated everyone or didn’t miss a few along the way.
PRZ South Carolina is constantly looking at as many of the 10,000-plus prep football players in the SCHSL and SCISA ranks as possible.
Now, the Community Film Room is back.
In each edition, we’ll break down five unranked players from across the state to let you see what we’re seeing. The series will lead right into the the start of the spring rankings cycle, the ever-growing importance of the summer schedule and then the 2024 season.
In Episode 47, we’re highlighting an offensive tackle who checks a lot of boxes, a 1,000-yard receiver who now becomes the guy, a defensive end who is pure power off the edge, a hybrid safety capable of shaking things up and an efficient quarterback from the Lowcountry.
Before we get into the nitty gritty on Aiken, scroll ahead to the 1-minute mark of his reel below and watch the next 12-14 seconds. You’ll see Aiken get leverage on an opposing player, drive him into the end zone, and then with the help of a teammate, to the ground. Nice play, right? Then watch as Aiken extends his hand and helps up the opponent.
Considering some of the things we see, and the fact that Aiken is routinely pummeling opposing defensive linemen and linebackers, we think that’s got to matter. Especially since we’re already starting to think he is the complete package in the making. His height and size and footwork and performance in the Joanne Langfitt Challenge have us thinking Coastal Carolina won’t be the only offer on his plate for much longer.
Highlights
Keyshun Henderson Keyshun Henderson 5'10" | 175 lbs | WR JL Mann | 2025 State SC
Keyshun Henderson Keyshun Henderson 5'10" | 175 lbs | WR JL Mann | 2025 State SC
After seeing some spot duty on defense as a junior, Henderson switched to offense and had one of those seasons a lot of people will remember for a long time. He hauled in almost 50 receptions for more than 1,000 yards and 12 touchdowns in helping Mann to the Class 5A Upper State finals.
Henderson clearly has home run capability, and he and quarterback
Ethan Anderson
Ethan
Anderson
6’2″ | 185 lbs | QB
JL Mann | 2024
State
SC
combined for a few of those last season. But the rising senior receiver also showed some acumen in traffic, taking a few receiver screens behind the line the distance, too. Depending on Mann’s quarterback situation moving forward, both are likely in the works for next fall.
Listed at 6-feet tall and 240 pounds, Bowman is pure power coming off the edge. Last season, he was second on the team in total tackles (62), but his bigger impact was the damage he could do behind the line. In just 10 games, he accumulated 27 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, nine quarterback hurries and a fumble recovery. He has multiple highlights in which if fends off an offensive lineman and a chipping tailback en route to the quarterback.
And maybe the best “other” part of his game is his ability to shift inside on interior running plays. So all that power isn’t pure momentum; in fact, its seemingly under a lot more control that anyone might initially believe.
Allen is one of those players who is just fun to watch play the game. As a hybrid linebacker/safety, he lines up all over the defense, including occasional sets upright at the end of the line. No matter where he starts, he’s quick to the point of attack and a ferocious tackler in one-on-one situations.
Translation: If he’s close, it’s usually too late for the ball carrier.
He then showed during U.S. Army Combine earlier this month that he could be just as effective in coverage. Those multiple skill sets aren’t always necessary against Whale Branch’s most run-first slew of opponents, but they’re being noticed for a potential move to the next level.
Highlights
Chalmers Ballard Chalmers Ballard 6'2" | 180 lbs | QB Lucy Beckham | 2025 SC
Chalmers Ballard Chalmers Ballard 6'2" | 180 lbs | QB Lucy Beckham | 2025 SC
All the ogling over Lucy Beckham’s defense last year masked that Ballard was showing he could lead this run-first offense while simultaneously being highly effective in limited passes. He finished his junior season with just shy of 1,700 yards in 11 games while going 20-3 on touchdowns to interceptions and completing better than 66 percent of his attempts.
Ballard has some decent size and a quick release that allows him to get the ball where it needs to be before the defense has a chance to react and make a play on it. We expect him to get even more play calls during his senior season.