Top Freshman in the Midlands and CSRA

"The sky is the limit."   This was the most common quote used by Midlands and CSRA head coaches regarding their standout freshmen from last season.   For those players in that group, it's all about right now. As rising sophomores, their continued development matters more in the immediate rather than distant future.   The Midlands/CSRA Region has a sizable presence in the Prep Redzone SC Class of 2028 rankings. There's a good number of linemen mixed in with athletic players at the skilled positions.   More important, many of these players showed promise as consistent contributors. Here's a look at what to expect from the Class of 2028 in the Midlands/CSRA Region:   [player_tooltip player_id='1615063' first='Preston' last='Smith'] RB, Midland Valley   The 5-foot-9, 190-pounder was the youngest of the three contributing Prestons on the Mustangs. His 592 rushing yards and six touchdowns were second on the team. Smith's strong lower body strength enables him to run through contact. He also possesses an unsuspecting burst of speed when needed along with good pass blocking skills. Smith is "killing it" in the weight room, according to head coach Brent Dorn. This should prepare him for an increased workload next season.    [player_tooltip player_id='1467823' first='Jayden' last='Martin'] ATH, Crestwood   The 5-foot-11, 150-pound rising sophomore (pictured) showed his speed and athleticism as a freshman. He amassed 593 yards and five touchdowns at running back, wide receiver and quarterback. Martin also had three interceptions at free safety. Head coach Roosevelt Nelson has seen improvement from Martin in every game. He's also shown an ability to dominate in all three phases of the game. Add a strong work ethic and Martin appears headed to further accolades.    [player_tooltip player_id='1581472' first='Jace' last='Shropshire'] DL, Blythewood   Quick and agile, the 6-foot-1 lineman showed his high potential as an effective pass rusher for the Bengals. As Shropshire continues to religiously work out in the weight room, he's expected to become even more formidable upfront. Blythewood head coach James Martin said the next step for Shropshire is developing his hand and footwork. Once he adds those skills to his speed, the sky is the limit.    [player_tooltip player_id='1615022' first='Eli' last='Sanders'] OL, Newberry   The 14-year-old left tackle quickly allayed any concerns regarding his transition from middle to high school. At 6-foot-1 and 275 pounds, he's already bench presses 270 pounds and squatting over 400 pounds. On film, his physical size and strength stood out against older players. Sanders also demonstrated sound blocking techniques in helping the offense average 38 points a game. The Bulldogs also went undefeated in Region IV-3A and, like Sanders, look to repeat that success in 2025.    [player_tooltip player_id='1151291' first='Brody' last='Lorenzo'] OL, Dutch Fork   "Unprecedented" for the Dutch Fork program is what head coach Tom Knotts called what Lorenzo accomplished this past season. As a freshman, he was the starting center for an undefeated Class 5A Division I championship team. The intensity and confidence upfront displayed by the 6-foot-2, 280-pound Lorenzo translated into dominance on the field. The Silver Foxes averaged close to 38 points and 400 yards per game. As the season progressed, he also collected his share of “pancakes”. He was also utilized as an interior defensive lineman. Knotts even compares him with Malik Sumter, whom he cites as the best he's coached in his legendary career. With Lorenzo and Nick McDaniel the lone returning starting offensive linemen, expect him to take an even more leadership role.    [player_tooltip player_id='1312448' first='Jovan' last='Howard'] RB, Westwood   The future new head coach of the Redhawks will inherit a tough, physical tailback. At 5-foot-9 and 175 pounds, Howard provided a spark in the offense with five touchdowns. He hits the line of scrimmage with power and has a natural sense for finding openings. It will be interesting to see what type of offense the new leadership will implement to capitalize on Howard's talents.    [player_tooltip player_id='1615021' first='Dexter' last='Chavous'] DL, Silver Bluff   Watch on film the prodigious freshman blow past opposing centers. His play is a primary reason for the Bulldogs to have optimism for an improved 2025 season. At 6-foot-3 and 315 pounds, Chavous can disrupt plays upon leaving his stance at the line of scrimmage. He's shown an ability to simultaneously knock over a lineman and make the tackle. Chavous also possesses a persistent motor willing to chase down a ball carrier anywhere on the field.    [player_tooltip player_id='1467834' first='Jay' last='Eady'] QB, Airport   Watching the 6-foot-1, 165-pounder in action, his natural ability leaps off the film. He can make deep throws while avoiding a sack and is one of the fastest players on the Eagles. Get past the athleticism and you find a quarterback with innate leadership skills that are advanced for his age.    [player_tooltip player_id='1615103' first='Conrad' last='Hampton'] LB, Keenan   The 5-foot-8, 165-pound rising freshman is no pushover on the Raiders' defense. He carries around a well-chiseled frame crafted from countless hours in the weight room. On the field, he's relentless in pursuing the football, often not settling for just bringing down the ball-carrier. Along with 29 tackles, Hampton had three sacks, two forced fumbles and a blocked punt. As Hampton continues to improve his technique, look for his individual numbers to increase. This should pay dividends long term to the Keenan defense.    [player_tooltip player_id='1467819' first='Brandon' last='Poston'] DL, Aiken   In his first game against Aynor, the 6-foot-1, 210-pounder was a one-man show on defense. All but one of the 13 tackles, four for loss, by Poston were solo. He finished with 27 tackles in seven games. Poston's size also made him available to play at tight end. With the Hornets hiring Steve Hibbitts, it will be interesting to see how he'll utilize his potential impact player.   [player_tooltip player_id='1467817' first='Liam' last='Flynn'] K, Blythewood   It's not surprising to hear head coach James Martin declare Flynn having the “best leg in the state" as a freshman. He did have 23 touchbacks last season. His ability to force teams to start deep in their territory was a factor in the Bengals' early success. At this stage, Martin is confident enough to have Flynn attempt field goals from as far as 60 yards. He eventually sees Flynn developing into a Power 4 kicker before his senior year.   [player_tooltip player_id='1467850' first='Elijah' last='Harper'] ATH, CA Johnson   The 6-foot-1, 150-pounder made an early impression for the Hornets. His size and athleticism enabled him to play wide receiver and sometimes at tight end. He also played safety and potentially can grow into an edge rusher given his commitment to the weight room. Away from the field, he's a stellar student both in the classroom and in the film room. The Hornets hope to capitalize on his versatility as he continues his development.   [player_tooltip player_id='1615072' first='Levar' last='Gilchrist'] DB, South Aiken   As a freshman, the 5-foot-10, 170 pounder made a quick impression. From the preseason, Gilchrist demonstrated his quick instincts and hustle to the football. His willingness to put his body into the fray was seen with his 60 tackles. Along with providing run support, Gilchrist also kept tight coverage at his position.

"The sky is the limit."