Most Complete Teams: January 2024 Rankings Update

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Over the last month, the Prep Redzone South Carolina team completed the January update of our Class Rankings. And while we provide plenty of analysis from a local perspective from six reporters across the state, we haven't provided a wide lens from across the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We sought out to find the teams with the most players ranked across the 2025, 2026 and 2027 rankings, giving you an early look at players to watch plus who will be in their respective regions after region realignment by the South Carolina High School League last month. And there's teams from just about all of our zones. Let's jump in:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>1. <strong>Oceanside Collegiate&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Number of ranked players – 8</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Top ranked player – <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1094944' first='Aiden' last='Manavian'] </strong>(No. 8 overall), 2027</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Early 2024 Outlook – Oceanside defeated Gray to win the 2A state championship in 2023. The Landsharks have young talent like Manavian, who already has a Group of 5 offer from Central Michigan University as he heads into his sophomore year. On the defensive side of the ball, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='809752' first='Grayson' last='Freeling'] </strong>returns after a stellar junior season where he racked up over 85+ tackles. Oceanside will be making the move to 3A football after being in 2A for the past two seasons – the teams they will face in region VI-3A include Battery Creek, Hanahan, North Charleston and Orangeburg-Wilkerson.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>T-2. <strong>Gray Collegiate</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Number of ranked players – 7</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Top ranked player – <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='473010' first='Michael' last='Boulware'] </strong>(No. 3 overall), 2026</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Early 2024 Outlook – Gray came up seven points shy of the state championship in 2023, but the pieces are there for the War Eagles to make another run in 2024 with Montgomery returning along with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='272707' first='Caleb' last='Ford']</strong>. They've also got a junior quarterback returning in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='232668' first='Tyler' last='Waller'], </strong>who threw for 20 touchdowns in 2023. The War Eagles will be making the jump from 2A to region IV-4A in 2024 and will face Aiken, Airport, Brookland-Cayce, Gilbert, Midland Valley, North Augusta and South Aiken.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>T-2. <strong>Gaffney</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Number of ranked players – 7</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Top ranked player – <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='473029' first='Jaiden' last='McDowell'] </strong>(No. 7 overall), 2026</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Early 2024 Outlook – As Gaffney looks for a deeper playoff run after falling to Dutch Fork last year, they will have one of the top running backs in the state returning in McDowell, who ran for 1313 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2023. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='284134' first='Jayvon' last='Gilmore'] </strong>should provide a nice one-two punch in the backfield. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='605522' first='Andrew' last='Ruppe'] </strong>will be a leader for the Indians on defense, <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/01/2025-rankings-upstate-loaded-at-linebacker-defensive-back/">who was all over the field in 2023</a>. The Indians will be in region II-5A with Boiling Springs, Dorman, Eastside, Byrnes, Riverside, Spartanburg and Wade Hampton.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>T-2. <strong>Dutch Fork</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Number of ranked players – 7</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Top ranked player – <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1012706' first='Josh' last='Smith'] </strong>(No. 16 overall), 2026</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Early 2024 Outlook – The Silver Foxes brought home <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2023/12/what-we-saw-dutch-fork-repeats-as-class-5a-champion/">another state championship</a> in 2023. And there's no reason to believe that Tom Knotts' squad won't be back in the mix again in 2024. Smith will anchor things on the defensive line and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1025776' first='Raleigh' last='Salters'] </strong>returns<strong> </strong>at linebacker. There will be a dual threat in the backfield with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1013047' first='KJ' last='Smith'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1012701' first='Maurice' last='Anderson'] </strong>returning at running back. Dutch Fork will be in region IV-5A with Chapin, Irmo, Lexington, River Bluff and White Knoll after the recent realignment by the South Carolina High School League.&nbsp;</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>T-3. <strong>Dillon</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Number of ranked players – 6</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Top ranked player – <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1172360' first='Kelvion' last='Manning'] </strong>(No. 27 overall), 2027</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Early 2024 Outlook – Dillon had a solid year, finishing 10-2 before falling to eventual state runner up Camden in the second round. Coach Kevin Roller will have talent to work with, including running back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='346196' first='Jamarion' last='Fling'] </strong>who ran for 1584 yards last year and made a jump in <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/01/2025-rankings-update-the-stockrisers-2/">our 2025 rankings update.</a> It also helps that quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='205556' first='Josiah' last='Oxendine'] </strong>as the Wildcats head to Region V-3A, facing Aynor, Georgetown, Loris, Marlboro County and Waccamaw.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>T-3. <strong>James Island</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Number of ranked players – 6</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Top ranked player – <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1036776' first='Israel' last='Harris'] </strong>(No. 27 overall), 2027</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Early 2024 Outlook – The lines of scrimmages should be a strength for the Trojans in 2024 as <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1012698' first='Hendrix' last='Beran'] </strong>along with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486418' first='Dalton' last='Woodall'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='272709' first='Malachi' last='Jefferson'] </strong>return on the defensive line, while Harris (mentioned above) is a Division 1 offensive lineman, currently holding offers from Central Michigan and Georgia Southern. The Swamp Foxes will be in region VIII-5A with Fort Dorchester, Summerville, Stall and West Ashley.&nbsp;</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>T-3. <strong>South Pointe</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Number of ranked players – 6</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Top ranked player – <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='212416' first='J'Zavien' last='Currence']</strong> (No. 2 overall), 2026</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Early 2024 Outlook – There is no shortage of talent for coach Bobby Collins' squad heading into next year. While they will need to replace [player_tooltip player_id='771038' first='Malachi' last='Marshall'] at quarterback, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1012612' first='Aidan' last='Turner'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1157761' first='Mason' last='Picket-Hicks'] </strong>will provide a one two punch in the backfield. Keep an eye on <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1165103' first='Anthony' last='Baxter']</strong>, who already has multiple Division 1 offers. The Stallions' region will look different in 2024 as they will face York, Richland Northeast, Lancaster, Dreher, Camden and AC Flora.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>T-3. <strong>Westside&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Number of ranked players – 6</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Top ranked player – <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='346189' first='Cutter' last='Woods'] </strong>(No. 2 overall), 2025</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Early 2024 Outlook – The reigning 4A state champions will look to defend their title and everything will start with Woods, who is racking up college offers. He'll have <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1157819' first='Sharode' last='Richardson'] </strong>in the backfield, who got plenty of carries <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/01/2025-rankings-triple-digit-guys-capable-of-breakout-years/">last year in a loaded backfield.</a> New additions include <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='272708' first='Chamarryus' last='Bomar']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='272705' first='Armoni' last='Weaver']</strong> – both of whom were at Byrnes in 2023. The Rams remain in the same region with Emerald, Fountain Inn, Laurens, Southside and Wren.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>T-4. <strong>Ashley Ridge&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Number of ranked players – 5</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Top ranked player – <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1036782' first='Jagger' last='Spivey'] </strong>(No. 38 overall), 2027</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Early 2024 Outlook – <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='402509' first='Trevor' last='Kalisz'] </strong>returns at quarterback after helping the Swamp Foxes to an 8-3 record before falling in the playoffs. He can sling it around and he'll have Spivey to throw it next year as well. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1012625' first='Dylan' last='Polansky'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='346190' first='Bryce' last='Lawhon'] </strong>will anchor things up front on their respective lines of scrimmage. The Swamp Foxes will be in region VIII-5A with Fort Dorchester, James Island, Summerville, Stall and West Ashley.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>T-4. <strong>Blythewood</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Number of ranked players – 5</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Top ranked player – <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1012579' first='Sterling' last='Sanders'] </strong>(No. 21 overall), 2026</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Early 2024 Outlook – The Bengals struggled in 2023 to a 4-7 record, but they have a lot of young talent returning that should help them get things turned around in 2024. The defensive line will be a strength with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1157756' first='Zarion' last='Williams'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1157753' first='Kemuel' last='Little'] </strong>accompanying Sanders up front. They'll have a young receiver returning in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1172370' first='Kanye' last='Reed']. </strong>The Bengals will be in a new region of 5A this year with Lugoff Elgin, Ridge View, Spring Valley, Sumter, Westwood and West Florence.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>T-4. <strong>South Florence&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Number of ranked players – 5</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Top ranked player – <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='809742' first='Amare' last='Adams'] </strong>(No. 3 overall), 2025</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Early 2024 Outlook – Yes, the Bruins will have the Clemson commit in Adams back from a team who finished as the 4A runner up to Westside last year. But <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='272722' first='Zion' last='Gilbert'] </strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/01/2025-rankings-gspd-zone-read/">will be back after running for 1,535 yards in 2023.</a> Keep an eye on offensive lineman <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1157891' first='Jayden' last='Granger'] </strong>who had a <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/01/2025-rankings-update-new-additions-on-offense/">solid 2023 in his first year at South Florence</a> after transferring from South Pointe. The Bruins will remain in region V-4A with Crestwood, Darlington, Lakewood, Lower Richland, Hartsville and Wilson.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>T-5. <strong>Greenville</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Number of ranked players – 4</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Top ranked player – <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='390438' first='Ramani' last='Bruton'] </strong>(No. 22 overall), 2025</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Early 2024 Outlook – You may not know his name right now, but quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='349806' first='Bryson' last='Drummond'] </strong>could boost his recruitment with another huge year with the Red Raiders, which is <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/01/2025-rankings-update-new-additions-on-offense/">why he was one of the newest additions in our 2025 rankings.</a> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='276660' first='Christian' last='Henderson'] </strong>will be a name to watch defensively as he was active all throughout the year. The Red Raiders did make the jump from 4A to 5A this fall with Easley, Greenwood, Hillcrest, J.L. Mann, Mauldin, T.L. Hanna and Woodmont in their region.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>T-5. <strong>Hartsville</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Number of ranked players – 4</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Top ranked player – <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='272699' first='Da'Marion' last='Coe']</strong> (No. 6 overall), 2025</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Early 2024 Outlook – The duo of Coe and <strong>Hakeem Waters </strong>will be one to watch in the state in 2024. We saw them at the Joanne Langfitt Showcase in Myrtle Beach in December and <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2023/12/joanne-langfitt-challenge-the-award-winners/">both of them walked away with awards that night.</a> Keep an eye on <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1012620' first='Web' last='Barnes'] </strong>who <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/01/2025-rankings-gspd-zone-read/">should have more of a bigger role defensively.</a> Hartsville will remain in 4A this fall with Crestwood, Darlington, Lakewood, Lower Richland, South Florence and Wilson.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>6.&nbsp; <strong>Summerville&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Number of ranked players – 3</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Top ranked player – <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='378969' first='Jaiden' last='Kelly-Murray'] </strong>(No. 1 overall), 2027</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Early 2024 Outlook – Everything will start for the Green Wave in 2024 with quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='367350' first='Jaden' last='Cummings'] </strong>returning for his senior season after <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/01/2025-rankings-lowcountry-zone-read/">throwing for 2,998 yards in 2023.</a> Summerville will remain in 5A this fall with the recent realignment with teams accompanying them include Ashley Ridge, Fort Dorchester, James Island, Stall and West Ashley.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list -->