Predicting Every Team's 2025 MVP: Region II-3A

One of the top receivers in the state along with two dynamic threats under center headline some of what we will see in region II-3A out of the Upstate in 2025.   Here are our picks for MVP in region II-3A:   CAROLINA TROJANS   [player_tooltip player_id='1667546' first='Jordyn' last='Rice'] LB, 2026   Rice is an aggressive, attacking linebacker who can affect the quarterback and make them feel that the pressure is on when he comes. There were several times when we watched his film that he knocked the ball away or got into the backfield to make tackles. He finished with 15 total tackles in 2024. Rice's athleticism helps him at quarterback as well, as he's able to elude defenders on designed keepers or in the quick game, such as screens to the running back – he finished with 237 yards passing and two touchdowns.    CHRIST CHURCH CAVALIERS   [player_tooltip player_id='816751' first='Jude' last='Hall'] WR, 2026   Hall (pictured above) is the No. 1 ranked player at the receiver position for the Prep Redzone Class of 2026 rankings, and for good reason. At 6-foot-4, he is a nightmare to try and defend on the outside. He can go up and make the contested catches against defenders, even if they are in man-to-man coverage. He is an excellent route runner and can box out defenders and catch the ball at its highest point. The All-Region receiver recorded 57 receptions for 795 yards and five touchdowns. He holds offers from Florida Atlantic, Georgia Southern and Howard to name a few.    PALMETTO MUSTANGS   [player_tooltip player_id='1715879' first='Kaleb' last='Ricketts'] QB, 2026   Ricketts is a dynamic, dual threat quarterback that thrives when the play breaks down. He can scramble around and keep plays alive with his feet. He's quicker than you may realize and is not afraid to take a hit and go right into the middle of the defense. If you get too caught up in what he does on the ground, he can throw it right over top of the defense where he has a receiver there for a touchdown.    POWDERSVILLE PATRIOTS   Keagan Reid QB, 2026   Reid can absolutely sling it and is back for his senior season with the Patriots. He puts the ball in a position where only his receiver can catch it, right in the bread basket. Most of the time, his receivers are able to catch it and run right underneath it for a score when we turn on his tape. If it's not a score, he will do the next best thing and check it down to a receiver on a shallow. He can also scramble around and make some plays with his legs.    SOUTHSIDE TIGERS   Jaziar Houston DB, 2026   Houston is another fly to the ball, attacking safety who can fly around and make tackles in space. He can also rush the passer and takes great pursuit angles to the ball. His athleticism is useful on offense because of how quick he is when he gets into open space. He's also a difference maker on special teams. Simply put, if he finds a rush lane or some open space, it could spell trouble for opposing teams in 2025.    ST. JOSEPH'S KNIGHTS   [player_tooltip player_id='1601913' first='Paul' last='Norman'] WR, 2026   Norman is a sure pass catcher on the outside. He looks the ball into his hands and can make something happen after the catch. There were a couple of catches on his film where he made competitive catches where the defender was over top of him. He's dangerous in the open field on kickoff return as he took several deep into opponent territory or for a touchdown in 2024, and we expect that to continue heading into 2025.

One of the top receivers in the state along with two dynamic threats under center headline some of what we will see in region II-3A out of the Upstate in 2025.