Community Film Room, Episode 64

Our Winter rankings update pinpointed even more players from the 2026, 2027 and 2028 classes who have stood out in their respective positions. For a variety of reasons, our team decided that each of those new additions were worthy of a coveted spot in our rankings.   But we'd be naive to think we've evaluated everyone or didn't miss a few along the way.    The changing of the guard happens year after year, and, as such, PRZ South Carolina is constantly looking at as many of the 10,000-plus prep football players in the SCHSL and SCISA ranks as possible.   Now, the Community Film Room is back.   In each edition, we'll break down five unranked players from across the state to let you see what we're seeing. The series will lead right into the the start of the spring rankings cycle, the ever-growing importance of the summer program schedules and then the 2025 season.   In Episode 64, we've got a pair of quarterbacks, two defensive backs with the capability to morph into something else and a receiver who looks like he's on the brink of a huge statistical season.    At about the 1 minute mark of Dow's sophomore reel it becomes clear why some folks are going to be high on one of the tallest quarterbacks in the class. At 6-foot-5 and right around 200 pounds, the left-handed signal caller gets chased out of the pocket to his right and while on the run re-positions his body to get a nicely thrown ball where it needs to be.   Dow needs to add some arm strength to his accuracy (he completed 65 percent of his passes last fall), but it's also important to remember that 2024 was his first real action. If his 943 passing yards, 358 rushing yards and 15 combined touchdowns are the starting point, the next phase of his game could be really fun to watch.      As we pointed out in a story last month, it stands to reason that the 5-foot-11, 175-pound Winn could make the move from his hybrid cornerback/safety spot to an outside backer spot for the Timberwolves. There will be a need there, and Winn adding weight in the offseason could go a long way toward filling that void alongside some of established pieces on that defense.   He was already strong enough during his sophomore season to fight off would-be blocks from receivers, tight ends and tailbacks in order to contribute in the run game. As far as his defense in the passing game, Winn understands when to contain and when to attack.      Ware Shoals' 2024 opponents had no clue who No. 7 was in the defensive backfield. They do now. The freshman sensation ended his opening varsity campaign with 60 tackles, five interceptions - two of which he took back to the house - six tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, two sacks and a fumble recovery.   He kept his freshman mistakes to a minimum while flashing his athletic ability. Often, the latter made up for the former. Coach Chris Dodson has more experienced and productive defensive players ready to go for next fall, so Robinson can continue to develop. Granted, he'll be doing so with some notability.      If you're looking for a receiver in the Class of 2027 who could flirt with some big offensive numbers this coming fall, Houpt might just be your guy. As a sophomore, he led the Eagles in receptions (65) and yards (784). Clearly, he and big quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1395087' first='Reid' last='McCollum'] have formed a bond. Considering the team's other two 500-yard receivers graduated, and Houpt might just have a monster season.   How does he do it? Houpt is active in a passing game that loves to freelance. McCollum breaks the pocket, linebackers suck in knowing he's a threat to run and it buys Houpt more than enough time to find an opening. Add in an ability to catch the ball away from his body, and the numbers tend to stack up quickly.      A true dual-threat quarterback, Lewis was nearly as dangerous with his legs as he was his arm for the Eagles. He completed just shy of 60 percent of his passes for 1,444 yards and 11 touchdowns. On the ground, he rushed for another 843 yards and 11 scores.    Lewis is taking every advantage his height and mobility provide, using the first to see the entire field and the second to get out of trouble to make even better decisions down the field. The fact that he helped push Greenwood to nine wins in a difficult region is just as telling.

Our Winter rankings update pinpointed even more players from the 2026, 2027 and 2028 classes who have stood out in their respective positions. For a variety of reasons, our team decided that each of those new additions were worthy of a coveted spot in our rankings.