Unveiling the 2028 Rankings: Nos. 17-24

As the 2024 football season reaches the midway point of the regular season, we've seen more than enough evidence from the youngest players around the state that the future is bright.    They've forced themselves onto their respective fields.   And it's not simply to take up space or provide a warm body.   No, the 24 players who comprise our <a href="https://prepredzone.com/south-carolina/rankings/2028-rankings/">initial Class of 2028 rankings</a> have started to prove themselves early. Some lead their teams in certain statistical categories. Some bolster already strong squads that could be around deep into the playoffs.   All of them have made an impression.    Let us introduce you to Nos. 17-24 in the initial Prep RedZone Class of 2028 rankings.    No. 24: [player_tooltip player_id='1467850' first='Elijah' last='Harper'] ATH, CA Johnson   There's very little Harpers hasn't already factored into all three phases of this team so early in his varsity career. He's carried the ball and caught passes, made tackles and returned kicks; he's even punted. The long-term plan probably includes dropping some of those responsibilities. But the body of work to date gives Hornets plenty to think about.   No. 23: [player_tooltip player_id='1467849' first='Ryan' last='Jahn'] RB, Wando   Jahn's varsity debut was a three-carry, two-yard night that didn't move the needle much. But hone he got his chance in Game 2 against Hanahan, he made it count. Jahn rushed for 106 yards and a score and then followed it up with an 86-yard showing against Ashley Ridge. Wando is trying not to rush the process for the tailback, but the foundation is there.   No. 22: [player_tooltip player_id='1467847' first='Beau' last='Hite'] QB Emerald   In the narrow loss to Broome two weeks ago, Hite put himself on the map by throwing for 171 yards while rushing for another 55 yards. This is still a run-first offense, and Hite has time to develop. However, the 6-foot, 160-pound quarterback has all the makings of someone who can take on more and more of the playbook while managing the offense with relatively few mistakes.   No. 21: [player_tooltip player_id='1151306' first='Bryson' last='McGee'] RB, Berkeley   The Stags' youth movement is continuing with this class. Remember, Berkeley already has a 2027 tailback in [player_tooltip player_id='1271259' first='Jessie' last='Brown'] whom the staff believes big things are possible. Now, Brown has a complementary position mate who can share the workload while providing a quick burst. In McGee's first real action, he averaged 10.4 yards per carry.    No. 20: [player_tooltip player_id='1467841' first='Trey' last='Wimbley'] WR, Daniel   The Daniel offense has been one of the most powerful in the state the last four years. The reload to the next big quarterback in [player_tooltip player_id='309825' first='Grayson' last='Clary'] also includes yet another weapon in Wimbley (pictured). The two already share a solid connection and linked up for their first touchdown last week against Clinton. The 50-yard play bolstered our earliest beliefs of what Wimbley could be over time.    No. 19: [player_tooltip player_id='1467834' first='Jay' last='Eady'] QB, Airport   <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/07/2024-preview-airport-eagles/">The plan to move Eady into the starting spot was decided long ago</a>. Still, seeing him in varsity action has displayed just how much faith this staff has in him. He's already rushed for 354 yards and three touchdowns while passing for another 221 yards and two more scores. His completion percentage and pick rate aren't where he wants them to be, but the game reps happening like they are is a huge plus for not only him, but the Airport offense as a whole.    No. 18: [player_tooltip player_id='1467828' first='London' last='Wilder'] ATH, Socastee   Wilder is out for at least a few more weeks while recovering from an injury, but we saw plenty of him in the preseason and first half month of the season to put him into this exclusive list. Wilder is going to be as much of a threat lining up at receiver as he is out of the backfield. He's got excellent hands and runs solid routes. When he's lined up in the pistol, he's got the field vision to pin-point his attack.     No. 17: [player_tooltip player_id='1016577' first='Elijah' last='Mitchell'] WR, James Island   Mitchell is 6-foot-3 and uses every bit of his size to widen his catch radius by boxing out would-be defenders. Coach Jamar McKoy has already said something pretty heady things about the freshman receiver and we can't find any argument that McKoy is on to something here. It all still looks pretty raw, sure, but the pieces are there for Mitchell to turn into a top-flight receiver this run-first team of late can use to branch back out in the future.

As the 2024 football season reaches the midway point of the regular season, we've seen more than enough evidence from the youngest players around the state that the future is bright.