CCC Spartanburg: Previewing The 2026s

The April 27 Carolinas Coaches Combine at Spartanburg brings together some of the Palmetto State's most versatile talents.   This Upstate combine will feature players who can thrive at more than one position. More important, it's an event with players hungry to improve their recruiting stock.   Here's a sample of the over 200 rising seniors who will look to shine in Spartanburg:   [player_tooltip player_id='473001' first='Jaylen' last='McGill'] RB, Mountain View Prep   Since re-opening his commitment on Feb. 12, the rising senior has continued to attract high interest from colleges. Rushing for 1,658 yards and 24 touchdowns in the first season at Mountain View will leave a lasting impression. One can guess what 40-yard time he will post given the level of speed he demonstrated on the field.   [player_tooltip player_id='1267286' first='Amadre' last='Wooden'] RB, and [player_tooltip player_id='1592414' first='KD' last='Whitt'] WR, Batesburg-Leesville   The Panthers' duo were integral parts of the team's undefeated regular season. The 5-foot 10, 195-pound Wooden combines speed with strength which will serve him well during the 40-yard dash and broad jump. The 5-foot 7, 170-pound Whitt is light on his feet and could potentially post one of the fastest times in the 40-yard dash. His elusiveness at wideout will test many of the defensive backs in attendance.   [player_tooltip player_id='402497' first='Kentavion' last='Anderson'] DB, Dorman   At 6-foot 2 and 185 pounds, the rising senior possesses all-around physical traits that would make him a threat on either side of the football. Having posted times of 4.25 in the pro shuttle, 4.39 in the 40-yard dash and 37' in the vertical at other events, expect Anderson to improve on those numbers in Spartanburg. He also has six schools, including Clemson and South Carolina, on his list of top schools. It's another opportunity to highlight his talents to them and possibly others.   Shaheed Williams and [player_tooltip player_id='617663' first='Kaleb' last='Simpkins'] DBs, Strom Thurmond   These two are a pair of cornerstones in the Rebels' defense. While listed as a defensive back, Williams had much of his success as an outside linebacker. His upper body strength is evident on game film and his latest weightlifting numbers. He should thrive in the bench reps, having done 10 at 185 pounds and completing a squat lift of 405 pounds. The 6-foot, 170-pound Simpkins is a playmaker both on defense and on special teams. His quickness will be made evident during the running drills and competition portion.   [player_tooltip player_id='797155' first='Justice' last='Hopkins'] DL, Byrnes   Expect the 6-foot-2, 235-pound rising senior to post one of the fastest times at his position. A workhorse at the edge, Hopkins has demonstrated his swiftness in pursuing tacklers. Add his upper body strength and here's someone who could post high numbers in the bench rep and excel in the one-on-one exercises.   [player_tooltip player_id='284134' first='Jayvon' last='Gilmore'] QB, Gaffney   The 6-foot 5, 190-pound rising senior has shown improvement the past two seasons playing quarterback at Ben Lippen and Gaffney. He threw for 2,650 yards last season for the Indians, displaying an accurate touch on the deep ball. Given his past experience as a wide receiver, look for Gilmore to thrive in the pro shuffle and 40-yard dash.   [player_tooltip player_id='283891' first='Noah' last='Thomas'] QB, Belton-Honea Path   The lone All-State quarterback among the 16 invited to Spartanburg, Thomas threw for 1,800 yards and 26 touchdowns last season and posted decent numbers in past workouts (4.5 in the 40-yard dash, 4.44 in the pro shuffle). This is an opportunity for the 5-foot-11, 160-pound rising senior to show the Bears' offensive success was not exclusively due to running back [player_tooltip player_id='605525' first='Marquise' last='Henderson'] - who's now at Clemson.   Cassidy Horton OL, North Central   The 6-foot, 260-pound two-way lineman is currently playing baseball for the Knights. On the gridiron, he's a bulldozer upfront playing center. This event gives him an opportunity to display his strength and footwork in the various drills and compete one-on-one among some of the top defensive linemen in the state.   Kai Copeland DL, Chesnee   The 6-foot-2, 248-pound rising senior is a force upfront for the Eagles. He's fierce off the snap and even demonstrated some vertical skills in game film. Look for Copeland to use this opportunity to highlight his athletic skills in drills and during the one-on-one exercises.   [player_tooltip player_id='1395078' first='Kam' last='Taylor'] TE, Woodruff   The 6-foot 5, 225-pound rising senior takes a methodical approach to his position. His size makes him an easy target and one not easy to bring down with just one person. He collected 24 receptions for 364 yards and eight touchdowns. Taylor's upper body strength should help him thrive in the bench reps.   [player_tooltip player_id='1592567' first='Bradley' last='Lucas'] and CJ Willliams LBs, Greenville   The Upstate tandem combined for 221 tackles last season. They resemble twins on the gridiron with similar physical measurements and the intense approach to the game. Look for both players to motivate off each other in the various drills.   [player_tooltip player_id='816752' first='Will' last='Love'] PK, Spartanburg   Specialists normally receive little attention for expectations at combines. The rising junior is coming off a strong performance at the South Carolina High School Blitz Junior Showcase last January. He had three field goals, including a 54-yarder and averaged the same number on punts. Love can potentially shine in those events (broad jump, pro shuffle) where it's vital to have strong, durable legs.   Zacchaeus Dickson OL, Southside   The 6-foot 2, 250-pound rising senior can squat 500 pounds, deadlift 385 pounds. It translates into a blocking machine who overpowers anyone in his path on both sides of the football. The bench reps should be another day in the weight room. However, he also has an opportunity to display other athletic traits in the running drills.

The April 27 Carolinas Coaches Combine at Spartanburg brings together some of the Palmetto State's most versatile talents.