Breaking Down the 2024 Mr. Football Finalists

Who will be Mr. Football for 2024?   This year's list of top seniors includes four players in the SC Prep RedZone's top 10 overall rankings. All five selections were also selected to play in this year's Shrine Bowl, set for Dec. 21 at Spartanburg. With the Touchstone Energy Bowl, where the winner is announced, taking place the same day at Doug Shaw Stadium in Myrtle Beach, the recipient will be recognized during their game in Spartanburg.   Here's a look at the five finalists:   [player_tooltip player_id='1012834' first='Malik' last='Clark'] WR, Rock Hill   A University of South Carolina commit, he's the number one wide receiver and ninth ranked player overall in the SC Prep RedZone Class of 2025. At 6-foot-2 and 183 pounds, the physicality he brings to the position allows him to create separation with his defender with near ease. Add a high vertical jump and ability to change directions from one side of the field to another and you have a wide receiver who can open up the field. Through nine games, he's already surpassed last year's numbers with 53 receptions for 757 yards and eight touchdowns. Last May, he finished third in the 100 meters at the Class 5A championship with a time of 10.62 seconds. He looks to join Chris Hope as former award winners from Rock Hill.    [player_tooltip player_id='605525' first='Marquise' last='Henderson'] RB, Belton-Honea Path (pictured)   The Clemson commit and Class 3A All-State selection is the No. 1 ranked player in the SC Prep RedZone Class of 2025. He has rushed for 5,535 yards, 73 touchdowns and 30 100-plus yard games in his career. He had a monster junior campaign in which he rushed for 2,336 yards and 37 touchdowns. Along with his explosive speed in running through a hole and upper body strength to fight off tacklers, the 6-foot, 170-pound senior has uncanny field vision He also has reliable hands both carrying (only five career lost fumbles) and catching the football (45 receptions, 683 yards, eight touchdowns in his career). The Bears have lessened his carries this season, but his 153.9 yards-per-game average is the second highest in his career.    [player_tooltip player_id='797158' first='Shedrick' last='Sarratt'] OL, Gaffney   A University of South Carolina commit, he's the lone linemen among the five finalist. He looks to join past Gaffney Mr. Football winners Malcolm Long and Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins. The 6-foot-4, 300-pound offensive tackle is ranked 40th overall in the SC Prep RedZone Class of 2025 and third among offensive linemen. He has worked hard to develop himself into a lean blocker. He reportedly has dropped 25 pounds since his sophomore year. A two-sport athlete, he's able to overwhelm defenders with natural strength. He uses his long reach to his advantage in blocking up field or pushing a defender away from the quarterback. Sarratt's blocking is a reason why the Indians average 415 yards per game and 33 points a contest.    [player_tooltip player_id='272698' first='Will' last='Wilson'] QB, Richland Northeast   The lone out-of-state commit is headed to North Carolina State. He's ranked fifth overall in the SC Prep RedZone Class of 2025 and third among quarterbacks. At 6-foot-1 and 225 pounds, he's demonstrated his dual threat ability in making game-changing players with his strong arm and feet. He amassed over 4,000 total yards and 47 touchdowns last season and had 2,175 total yards and 18 touchdowns prior to getting sidelined after Week 5 with an injury. The Cavaliers were off to their best start since 2015 at 6-0 before he went down.    [player_tooltip player_id='346189' first='Cutter' last='Woods'] QB, Westside   Woods is University of South Carolina commit and was a Class 4A All-State selection last season. He's ranked second overall in the SC Prep RedZone Class of 2025 and first among quarterbacks. He's thrown for 8,804 yards and 90 touchdowns in his four-year career to go with 437 rushing yards and 11 scores. At 6-foot-3 and 195 pounds, he prefers throwing out of the pocket and thrives in the RPO game. He's still quite agile and elusive in moving out of the pocket to throw or run for yardage. He guided the Rams to a 14-1 record last season and the Class 4A title and has them on a 20-game winning streak.

Who will be Mr. Football for 2024?