2027 Rankings Update: Lowcountry Additions

The 64 players added to the Prep RedZone Class of 2027 rankings all earned their spots in a variety of methods.   The PRZ staff took the first half of the offseason to further evaluate those players' impacts from the 2024 season, but also what they've done since. What we found was a large wave of players ready to make their mark on the state's football landscape.   Here are the 15 new additions from the Lowcountry who now have a number next to their names.   [player_tooltip player_id='1664611' first='Andrae' last='Ellison'] OL, Beaufort (pictured)   Minus a lack of pure height (Ellison is a shade under 6-foot), he has every other metric you'd want from your center. His footwork allows him to move left or right in a hurry, and he's adept at getting the snap off an engaging proactively.    [player_tooltip player_id='1664605' first='Sam' last='Crumpton'] TE, James Island    Crumpton still has a lot of room for improvement, but his base line is significantly higher than most tight ends his age. He's already an accomplished blocker. In the pass game, he can do the same or haul in the occassional pass. Last fall, he averaged 18.1 yards per reception.   [player_tooltip player_id='1664589' first='William' last='Donato'] DB, Bishop England    The converted quarterback has found a new home in the defensive secondary, where he had 30 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and an interception last fall. He's got an acceleration off the snap that allows him to stay with receivers one-on-one.    [player_tooltip player_id='1664573' first='George' last='Perry'] DB, Woodland   Perry's 62 total tackles and five interceptions helped lead a Wolverines' defense that held opponents to fewer than 18 points per game in 2025. He has no issue supporting against the run but simulaneously can drop into coverage, something reflected by his pick total.    [player_tooltip player_id='1664566' first='Coran' last='Houpe'] RB, Cane Bay   Houpe was one of three Cobras who ran for at least 400 yards last year. He finished with 467 and three touchdowns while averaging a team-best 5.37 yards per carry. Houpe has good size at 5-foot-11 and 165 pounds and will works in nicely with the team's offensive scheme.    [player_tooltip player_id='1664543' first='Jacobi' last='Saunders'] LB, Bluffton   The 5-foot-7, 185-pound linebacker was an effective defender for Bluffton last fall, as he put up 65 total tackles (37 solo). He knows how to sniff out ball carriers, which is something that will benefit the Bobcats against some of the rushing attacks on the docket.    [player_tooltip player_id='1651108' first='Ben' last='Buffum'] OL, Wando   The 6-foot-3, 290-pound Buffum will be instrumental in the Warriors' offense taking its next strides behind quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1592323' first='Harris' last='Stone'] and the rest of the gang. His run blocking could also be crucial in slowing things down come region play.    [player_tooltip player_id='1664526' first='Malcolm' last='Gordon'] LB, Bluffton    Like Saunders, Gordon was also among the Bobcats' leading tacklers last fall, finishing the season with 64 stops to go along with six tackles for loss, three sacks and 17 quarterback hurries. He also recovered two fumbles, forced one and broke up a pass.    [player_tooltip player_id='1607177' first='Joey' last='Houpt'] WR, Hilton Head Christian    While the 5-foot-9, 165-pound Houpt isn't going to scare anyone getting off the bus, he'll gladly sneak up and bite with his play. Last fall, he led the team in receptions (65) and yards (784) while scoring five touchdowns offensively.    [player_tooltip player_id='1664501' first='James' last='O'Connor'] RB, Oceanside Collegiate    For all the talk about how much success Oceanside has had throwing the ball, the Landsharks have one heck of a diversion to the passing game with O'Connor in the backfield. The 6-foot, 205-pound ball carrier is at his best in close quarters and short-yardage situations.   [player_tooltip player_id='1602363' first='Ben' last='Eikenberry'] LB, Wando    Four of the six Warriors who put up more than Eikenberry's 42 total tackles (in eight games, no less) have run out of eligibility. It immediately moves up the ranks on this defense. He's built like a traditional middle linebacker and has the lateral movement to maximize his size.   [player_tooltip player_id='1664222' first='Derrick' last='Raniszewski'] QB, Hilton Head    Rainszewski's arm isn't as heralded as it probably should be, but that's because Hilton Head has had and still has some ball carriers who can get the job done. But 45 yards in the air is nothing to the quarterback, and we should see more of that in the months ahead.   [player_tooltip player_id='1664217' first='Kiawan' last='Ford'] DL, Battery Creek   Ford's star is rising quickly. The 6-foot-1, 260-pound lineman gets upfield and gives the Dolphins the type of player who opposing squads can't simply mark one-on-one and call it a day. In a close game, he's someone who could change momentum with one snap.   [player_tooltip player_id='1664216' first='Anthony' last='Williams'] WR, Fort Dorchester    Everything about how last season's stretch run and the first half of the offseason screams that Williams is primed for a monster junior season. He's fast and physical against defensive backs and knows how to fight for extra yards when he's not simply blowing by his defender.   [player_tooltip player_id='1640504' first='Luke' last='Russell'] LB, Bishop England   Russell's indoctrination to varsity ball was a success in every metric. He finished with 57 tackles and 12 tackles for loss while recovering three fumbles. He certainly looked the part of the next big production guy on that side of the ball for the surging Bishops.

The 64 players added to the Prep RedZone Class of 2027 rankings all earned their spots in a variety of methods.