Upstate's Best: Unsung Guys Who Get It Done

Every team needs guys you don't often hear about. Guys who aren't afraid to do whatever the team needs. Guys who shine in an unfamiliar position. Guys who start young, and learn and grow as they take their lumps, and shine as upperclassmen.   Guys like the ones on this list.   We've given you a look at the top players in the 2026 class in the Upstate, as well as fifteen who are uniquely positioned for success. Now, here's a look at some of those gritty guys, the unsung heroes who help make it happen.   [player_tooltip player_id='1592374' first='Trey' last='Burke'] QB,Spartanburg   Yes, it's a little bit odd to have a quarterback on this list. But Burke might be one of the best-kept secrets in the state. We think that's going to change.   Last year, he was thrust into the starting role out of necessity, and despite some summer work, he was in a situation where he was very much learning on the job. Thanks to a standout OL, a workhorse RB, and his own work ethic, he did a remarkable job in leading the Vikings' offense.   Well now it's his job without question, and Burke has put in a ton of off-season work to get better and stronger. He's got a big arm, good pocket presence, and his grasp of what the Vikings want to do on every play gets better and better with every snap. Burke is a rarity these days - an incumbent senior QB who has a breakout season still in front of him. He's committed to East Carolina, and now he'll get to work leading the Vikings.   Spartanburg coach Mark Hodge: "I have coached multiple all-star QBs, including two Shrine Bowl QBs, and Trey is one of the best I've ever had the privilege to coach. His athletic abilities and size alone separate him from most. Combine this with his intellect, experience, work ethic, leadership, and passion for success, and it makes Trey an elite QB. One major D1 college coach stated he was the best QB prospect he had evaluated in the Southeast. I am looking forward to watching Trey compete and lead this year's team. I foresee a special year for a special player.   Adrian Estrich OL, Woodmont   Woodmont was forced into a sudden change last year when QB Jordan Sink suffered a season-ending injury. The Wildcats turned to what was mostly a single-wing attack, which revealed two things: Ezekiel Belcher was really, really special, and a lot of his 2,000-plus yards came right behind Estrich.   Estrich combines his talent with good technique, making him a top-notch offensive lineman. He wins his matchup most of the time, usually in dominant fashion while neutralizing the guy across the line. He's physical and nasty, and he's capable of putting guys on their backs regularly. And as last year showed, he can do all of that even when opponents can easily guess what's coming. With his new coach as a former OL standout himself, there's a tremendous chance that Estrich will get even better in his last year at Woodmont.   Woodmont coach Malcolm Boyd: "Adrian, I don't even know where to start. He is one of the hardest workers I have ever been around. He commands a room when he's around. He doesn't talk much, but when he does everyone, and I mean everyone, listens, because they know he is giving everything he has each time out and they can't question him. I think he's super athletic, he runs well, and has feet as if he played soccer his whole life. But truly, his greatest asset is his leadership."   [player_tooltip player_id='1592470' first='Kylan' last='Dixon'] DL, Belton-Honea Path   It's hard to put into words what this year's senior class has meant for BHP, and there are several we could plug in here. One guy is [player_tooltip player_id='1592470' first='Kylan' last='Dixon'], a four-year starter on the defensive line who's got two all-conference appearances on his resume already and who's poised to do even more.   Dixon does a ton on the DL, but 35 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, three sacks, and eight hurries only tell part of the story. What's more telling is what the linebackers behind him are able to do. Three of those guys put up more than 56 tackles each and combined for 30 tackles for loss, in part because Dixon was eating up space and commanding a double-team on every play.   He's been through some battles as a Bear, as have his senior teammates. After a 4-7 season in 2021, Dixon and his group reignited the school's tradition, and that includes a 36-5 record in the three seasons since. That group includes Dixon's twin brother Keylan Dixon, an all-region selection for three straight years at offensive guard, and Keagan Mosher, another four-year starter and all-region performer at the other guard spot.   BHP coach Russell Blackston: "Kylan is the heart and soul of the middle of our defense. He commands a double team on every play, he lets our linebackers roam around and make plays, and he does a great job with tackles for loss.And those two guards are extremely special. In 30 years, I think I might've had five four-year guys on the OL, and they're two of them. All of those four-year starters are special, and they're like family to me and this program."   [player_tooltip player_id='1757028' first='Dallas' last='Williams'] OL, Greer   There are things that are a given in high school football in South Carolina, and one of those things is the reputation for excellence when you're an offensive lineman at Greer.   When your coach is a legendarily hard-nosed OL himself, and takes the position under his wing, you tend to learn a few things. [player_tooltip player_id='1757028' first='Dallas' last='Williams'] is no exception. The Yellow Jackets' senior tackle is already very good, and he's got the potential to be a monster. He knows how to use his 280 pounds to his advantage, and an offseason of work has made him stronger.   Williams is a good pass-blocker, but he really excels in the run game. He often pulls from the right side, and does a good job of taking on and neutralizing blockers. He improved as last year progressed, and is looking to improve even more.   Greer coach Will Young: "Dallas has got tremendous upside. He's got great feet and body control, and he has really improved his mental approach to the game."   [player_tooltip player_id='1267223' first='Carver' last='Davis'] ATH, Ninety Six   This list is all about those guys who step up and do the gritty, necessary things to win games. There's an argument that nobody did that last year to a higher degree than Davis.   He was forced into a spot at QB, despite that not being a natural position for him. He played well in a difficult offense to learn, often playing on instinct as much as on ability. He helped the Wildcats weather the storm, and got better in the process. Oh, and he stands out on defense too, where he flies to the ball and provides some stopping power. As things get back to normal for Davis, he'll only get better.   Ninety Six coach Mathew Bennet: "Carter Davis shouldered the burden of having to play quarterback when it wasn't his natural position last year. He's a natural wing back and defensive back. He's a four-sport athlete. He's also one of the most high-character kids I've ever coached.

Every team needs guys you don't often hear about. Guys who aren't afraid to do whatever the team needs. Guys who shine in an unfamiliar position. Guys who start young, and learn and grow as they take their lumps, and shine as upperclassmen.