2024 All-State: Defensive Backs and Specialists

The Prep RedZone South Carolina staff looked at the nearly 10,000 varsity players in the state and picked out our top 75. These are the guys we think will make huge impacts this season and help their respective teams in many different formats.   We will look at the specialists and defensive backs that made the list and what makes them stand out.   Specialists   [player_tooltip player_id='1158026' first='Tripp' last='Bryant'] K, River Bluff – Bryant is a weapon for the Gators. He was perfect on 32 extra point attempts last season while connecting on 7-of-9 field goals with a long of 47 yards. He averaged 34 yards a punt with none being downed inside the 20-yard line. He's gotten stronger in the offseason and he's comfortable from 50 yards and in. It's likely his punting average will increase due to the extra strength as well.   [player_tooltip player_id='605521' first='Gray' last='Dangerfield'] K, James Island – One thing is almost certain. When James Island scores, the other team will likely have to go 80 yards to score. Dangerfield had 64 touchbacks last season on 78 kickoffs. Add in the fact that he made a long field goal of 44 yards, and you see why he's on this list. He's bigger than most kickers and that should translate to better range in 2024. It will be a safe bet the Trojans will be going for 3 points if they reach the opponents 35-yard line.   [player_tooltip player_id='464892' first='Justin' last='Welch'] K, Dutch Fork – Welch might be a huge reason the Silver Foxes won another Class AAAAA state title in 2023. His field goal in the closing seconds propelled Dutch Fork to a semifinal victory over JL Mann. But he was more than one big kick. Welch was 9-of-12 on field goals with a long of 41 yards. He might handle more kickoff duties this season, but his biggest impact is from a big leg that gives a loaded Dutch Fork team another weapon.    [player_tooltip player_id='1350457' first='Mac' last='Winburn'] LS, St. Joseph's – Not many publications are ranking long snappers, but they play an integral part of special teams. Winburn is accurate, gets the ball back quickly and can even make tackles down the field. He's just as accurate and quick on extra points. He doubles as a linebacker.     [player_tooltip player_id='1253927' first='Jacob' last='Adams'] P, West Ashley – Adams doubles as a punter and placekicker. He made this team as a punter but he's just as adept at placekicker. The left-footer averaged around 44 yards per punt and will help the Wildcats win plenty of field position battles. His range on field goals should be from 45 yards and closer.   [player_tooltip player_id='1395070' first='Keith' last='McCune'] P, Ashley Ridge – The junior is a solid 6-foot, 165 pounds and has a strong leg to boot. He has great hangtime and averaged around 40 yards per kick. McCune also shows a solid touch when he can pin opponents inside the 20-yard line.   Defensive Backs   [player_tooltip player_id='390438' first='Ramani' last='Bruton'] JL Mann – Bruton makes the move to JL Mann after starring for Greenville the past two seasons. He's grabbed 11 interceptions the last two seasons. He's a shutdown corner that will draw the opponent's best receiver. He will play him on an island for the most part. It will be best if quarterbacks throw the opposite direction in 2024.   [player_tooltip player_id='272699' first='Da'Marion' last='Coe'] Hartsville – Let's be honest. Coe might end up playing a number of different roles for the Red Foxes this season. Safety will likely be his spot in the secondary but he's a dangerous return man that will try his skills at wide receiver.    [player_tooltip player_id='1157893' first='Jordan' last='Crim'] Camden – Crim finished last season with 87 tackles and four interceptions from his safety spot. He reads and reacts well and plays centerfield as well as any defender in the state. He can also be used in man coverage if necessary. But Crim is best when he can read the play and either play the pass or provide more than adequate run support.     [player_tooltip player_id='1012621' first='Devin' last='Geronomi'] White Knoll – Geronomi played on one of the best defenses in the state in 2023 and he got better each week. He finished with 56 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, six pass breakups, one fumble recovery, one interception and two blocked kicks. He scored one defensive touchdown. He's going to be asked to be more of a leader this season and is poised to take on that challenge. He will also see time at wide receiver.   [player_tooltip player_id='1249778' first='Jordan' last='Joe'] North Central – Joe is bigger than most defensive backs at 6-foot-3, 175 pounds. He plays safety and brings a punch when making a tackle. He covers a lot of ground and helps out in both pass defense and coming up to support in run defense. He also has great leaping ability so that helps when playing against taller receivers.    [player_tooltip player_id='1249733' first='Onis' last='Konanbanny'] Heathwood Hall – The fact Konanbanny (pictured) has only played football for a handful of years is what makes this selection exciting. He is a former soccer player who moved to the United States in 2022. Since then, he's taken a liking to the American style of football and is a menace as a defensive back. He's 6-foot-2, 175 pounds and runs like a deer. He can shut down top receivers and cover his side of the field, allowing his teammates to focus on the rest.   [player_tooltip player_id='1249802' first='Damarcus' last='Leach'] Abbeville – Leach is another big safety that does so many things well. He's 6-foot-3, 185 pounds and plays safety in a very aggressive manner but reads and reacts best. Even being on the bigger side, he can match up with small receivers or cover the taller ones with ease. Leach is also versatile enough to play near the line of scrimmage and help in run support.   [player_tooltip player_id='1249747' first='Zach' last='Rogers'] Lewisville – Rogers does a lot of dirty work, but he can play in coverage as well. He had 38 tackles, five tackles for loss and a couple of interceptions a season ago. The Lions only allowed 44 points all season with eight shutouts and Rogers being on the back end of the defense is a huge reason why.     [player_tooltip player_id='1012606' first='Elgin' last='Sessions'] Dutch Fork – Sessions played on a loaded defense that ended up winning the Class AAAAA state championship. He finished with 39 tackles with four tackles for loss, two interceptions, nine passes defended, two fumbles caused and a fumble recovery. But his impact isn't measured by numbers but more by the leadership and calming presence he brings to the table.    Watson-Martin is only a sophomore but he's what we call a lockdown corner. He finished last season with six interceptions, 10 pass breakups, a fumble recovery and 57 tackles. That all came with most teams staying away from him. He has great hips, breaks on the ball well and has quick closing speed.

The Prep RedZone South Carolina staff looked at the nearly 10,000 varsity players in the state and picked out our top 75. These are the guys we think will make huge impacts this season and help their respective teams in many different formats.