Community Film Room, Episode 66

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 66, we've got a two-way standout, a pair of linebacker who can abuse opposing ball carriers, a receiver who recently transferred to a new program and a defensive lineman who defies his measurements.     When we think of all the best parts of Walker's game that comes across in his film, none are probably higher than the play he makes at the 1:22 mark. He follows an opposing ball carrier, let's the blockers engage elsewhere and then pounces, where he knocks the ball away (and recovering it) while making the tackle. It was as close to perfect as a head coach could ask for.    Not all of his time on the field was that productive, of course, but he had plenty of highlights. From his 25 reception for 376 yards and two scores as a physical receiver to his 38 tackles, nine tackles for a loss, three interceptions and two caused fumbles, Walker was an playmaker simply biding his time for his next big one.      After playing more of a defensive end spot last year - thanks to a pair of established linebackers - Russell if prepared to move into his primary spot this offseason and right on into this fall. All he did was finish the 2024 season with 57 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and three fumble recoveries.    It sent the tone for what teammates expect out of this weight room monster moving forward. They already know he's going to find ways to be around the ball at all times. And given this defense tends to filter everything toward its linebackers, and his junior numbers are expected to dwarf those from his first varsity go-around.      As a junior at West Florence, Perkins caught 40 passes for 670 yards and eight touchdowns, all of which led the Knights. He also played some occasional defensive back, where he had 20 tackles and three pass breakups over the course of the year.    Now at South, Perkins should have even more opportunities to turn his route-running into increased production. He's an upper-echelon pass catcher who knows what his first move needs to be after hauling in a reception, and his verified membership of the 21-mph club more than handles the rest.      Let's start with two different sets of numbers. First, Jackson's stats: 72 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 12 quarterback hurries, five sacks and a forced fumble. Second, Jackson's height: 5-foot-8. Those two things normally don't jive for a defensive lineman. Yet, he's proof positive that production and size don't always add up right on paper.   So, how does he do it?   The 225-pounder explodes of the line, and he's not simply hurling his body blindly into traffic. Younger players could learn quite a bit from Jackson about gap exploitation. He finds creases and is an expert at getting through them.      Cavallini didn't get a full junior season, as he suffered a minor leg break that cost him the entire month of October. However, the middle linebacker finished the regular season with 23 tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss. Now healthy again, Cavallini has the look of the Chiefs' top middle linebacker.    He's going to take over that spot for Sloan McIntyre (74 tackles) and should be able to fill the void based on his understanding of the system and his production capabilities against the run. The Chiefs will open with two strong rushing attacks in Goose Creek and Darlington, and Cavallini could play a hand in reversing both results from last year.

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.