CCC Woodland: Scouting the Underclassmen

We've got three years of evidence that the Carolinas Coaches Combines have been instrumental in propelling the next wave of stars into the limelight.   And while we already know some of the big names in the two younger classes, there are even more names we haven't yet heard on a wider scale.   Enter the Woodland site for the 2027s and 2028s on March 23.   That day, nearly 200 underclassmen will compete for some individual awards. More importantly, they'll be looking to take advantage of the biggest offseason event in the state.    Top Ranked Stars to Watch   [player_tooltip player_id='378969' first='Jaiden' last='Kelly-Murray'] ATH, Summerville (2027)   Kelly-Murray was nominated as a receiver, but we know better than to pigeon-hole him to one spot. During the individual drills, we could see him at tailback and defensive back, as well. Either way, he's got the athleticism to take over in any of those spots.    [player_tooltip player_id='1036733' first='Henry' last='Rivers'] QB, Berkeley (2027)    This time a year ago, we all knew Rivers' name. But he was also still recovering from an injury suffered at the end of his freshman season and didn't participate in the combine. For as successful as he's been on the field, getting verified data on him will be huge for his own recruitment.   [player_tooltip player_id='1215391' first='Jayven' last='Williams'] RB, Summerville (2027)   Williams went from unknown to certified standout in the blink of an eye. To think that he topped out a 21.90 miles per hour at this event a year ago, and we're equally anticipating both his updated data and see how much he's grown since he was verified at 5-foot-5.5 and a 152 pounds 11-plus months ago.   [player_tooltip player_id='1172366' first='Tyrone' last='Jennings'] DL, White Knoll (2027)   Jennings is a beast who finds ways to take over Class 5A football games. In a combine setting, especially during the one-on-ones, he could be a nightmare for anyone lining up against him. He's already started pulling college offers. This could be his inroads to even more.   [player_tooltip player_id='1615021' first='Dexter' last='Chavous'] DL, Silver Bluff (2028)   Speaking of defensive linemen, Chavous has the type of size at 6-foot-3 and 315 pounds to make anyone pay attention. What we want to see his how he looks against competition from bigger schools when there aren't 20 other bodies closing in around him.    [player_tooltip player_id='1010338' first='Cameron' last='Gleaton'] TE, Midland Valley (2028)   The Mustangs' run-first offense asks Gleaton to be much more of a blocker. But don't for a second think he doesn't have pass-catching abilities that will make a much bigger impact over the next three seasons. The combine is a springboard waiting to happen for Gleaton.   Around the Combine   [player_tooltip player_id='1467834' first='Jay' last='Eady'] QB, Airport    Eady has a 4.65 40 time under his belt, a respectable figure for a freshman quarterback who ran more than he threw during his varsity debut season. Having seen him in person - and knowing that 40 time is nine months old - we think his GPS data and 40 times will look even better. This is the next step in seeing how a player who was asked to do so much at such a young age can further his own development.   [player_tooltip player_id='1061146' first='Teru' last='Davis'] WR, Summerville and [player_tooltip player_id='1016577' first='Elijah' last='Mitchell'] WR, Berkeley   These two are interesting players to keep an eye on because the Combine will be their first public showings since transferring earlier this month. Davis went to Summerville from Goose Creek - where he led the Gators with 764 yards and five touchdowns. Mitchell, who was in the Catawba River Region prior to a move to the Charleston area last year, enrolled at Berkeley after leading the Trojans is receptions and yards.   [player_tooltip player_id='1151306' first='Bryson' last='McGee'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1271259' first='Jessie' last='Brown'] RBs, Berkeley    While these two will be competing against the field, we're also interested to see how they compete against and with each other. Brown, a 2027, was one of the Stags' primary ball carriers at the beginning of the year and even put up a 100-yard game against Summerville. But then he got hurt, missed a month of the season and opened up the door for McGee. The 2028 tailback went from one carry in that game against Summerville to then averaging 72 yards per game and leading all running backs in yards    Rising Stars   [player_tooltip player_id='1536398' first='Simeon' last='Jones'] and Joshua Simpkins DL, North Augusta    The Yellow Jackets are almost assuredly going to be one of the top-ranked teams in the Class 4A when the preseason polls come out in August. And if these two can put on a show at Woodland, it could show even more of what North Augusta is doing on a program level. We already know all about the Yellow Jackets' stacked rising senior class. These two get to be the de facto sign of the future.   [player_tooltip player_id='1432907' first='Markeese' last='Winn'] DB, White Knoll    Winn (pictured) has grown some two inches and 25 pounds in recent months and may eventually move to an outside linebacker spot. For now, he's a projected starting corner for the Timberwolves. He had 24 tackles last fall in a combo defensive back role.   [player_tooltip player_id='1664217' first='Kiawan' last='Ford'] DL, Battery Creek    At 6-foot-2 and 250 pounds, Ford is going to turn some heads simply walking around the Woodland turf. He's definitely not a bull-rush defensive end, but his stride and quick first step could be a difference maker in an event like this.    [player_tooltip player_id='1664543' first='Jacobi' last='Saunders'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1664526' first='Malcolm' last='Gordon'] LB, Bluffton   A season ago, the bulk of the Bobcats' defensive playmaking responsibilities fell on the shoulders of Kaleb Gaston and Isaiah Bastian. Saunders and Gordon, though, we're simply playing in mop-up time. These two are productive and have great chemistry. It could translate quickly at Woodland.

We've got three years of evidence that the Carolinas Coaches Combines have been instrumental in propelling the next wave of stars into the limelight.