Player Matchups To Watch In Region III-5A Volume 2

Our Player Matchups to Watch series for Region III-5A continues as the players who will make an impact on this region are numerous. If you missed Volume 1 from yesterday, <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/02/player-matchups-to-watch-in-region-3-5a-volume-1/">take a look at it here.</a>   We've got speedy wide receivers, aggressive linebackers who will meet the running back in the hole and hard nosed running backs who know how to find the green grass.    [player_tooltip player_id='1172345' first='Trenton' last='Lynch'] (RB, Spartanburg) and [player_tooltip player_id='1823452' first='Donovan' last='Franklin'] (LB, Rock Hill)   Lynch is one of the top returning backs in the state in 2026, and already has numerous Power Four offers to go along with it with teams like ECU, Rutgers, Maryland and App State. He runs with purpose and intention that is fun to watch, as he rushed for over 1200 yards and over 19 touchdowns in 2025. If you try to get in his way, he will simply run you over because of his upper body strength and ability to explode in the hole, as we saw numerous times on his film. He will keep opposing defensive coordinators up at night trying to figure out ways to contain him.   Franklin is an instinctive linebacker who can diagnose plays quickly and get into the backfield, sometimes before the back can get going. He has good speed and lateral movement that allows him to roam freely. He can drop out in coverage and get good depth and take it back for a pick six, like he did in the 2025 season opener. He can also line up and take the direct snap at running back as well – he took a few to the house last year as well.   [player_tooltip player_id='1718680' first='Payton' last='Vining'] (WR, Northwestern) and [player_tooltip player_id='1818140' first='Antwone' last='Tarrence'] (LB, Dorman)   Vining was a home run hitter for the Trojans, accounting for 383 yards on 36 receptions and five touchdowns. He ran crisp routes, whether it be go routes or routes to the middle of the field, which created voids in the coverage that the defense presented. He caught what came his way and it will be interesting to see how he fits into a new look region minus [player_tooltip player_id='1267334' first='Kameron' last='Vance'], who led the Trojans in receptions.   Tarrance will look to take away what opponents like to do best with his own aggressiveness and ability to get to the ball quickly. We saw plenty of times on film where he recognized a screen, and blew the play up before the running back could make the catch and get up field. The same thing goes for jet sweeps – if he sees someone getting the ball, he's going to make a b-line to get there as quickly as possible.   [player_tooltip player_id='1820158' first='Dai'Shion' last='Watkins-Hymes'] (WR, Dorman) and [player_tooltip player_id='1604056' first='Kahlil' last='Williamson'] (DB, Northwestern)   Watkins-Hymes will primarily line up on the outside at the receiver position. And he's a sure handed one – whether it's routes to the sideline or deep vertical routes to the end zone. He has great hands and blazing speed to out run defenders, especially when it's man-to-man coverage. The Cavs even used him at the H-back position, where he can catch quick passes out of the backfield or on reverses. He'll be fun to watch in the Upstate in 2026.   Williamson's ability to stay stride for stride with receivers and not allow them to create separation is impressive. He understands what the Trojans want to do defensively as far as coverages are concerned, which allows him to play fast and be physical. He had a couple of pass breakups that were timed at the perfect time that nearly gave him an opportunity to nab an interception. He finished with 6 pass breakups and one blocked extra point in 2025.   [player_tooltip player_id='1266099' first='Broden' last='Mitcheson'] (RB, Fort Mill) and [player_tooltip player_id='1036731' first='Dennis' last='Glenn'] (DL, Boiling Springs)   Mitcheson has a burst of speed and power that is fun to watch when he gets out into the open field. He runs like he is shot out of cannon most times – if he gets a head of steam, it could be a touchdown. He can also catch balls out of the backfield and if that's not enough, he can even step in at quarterback, where the Yellow Jackets used him as a wildcat type back. He is productive with the ball in his hands and it will be interesting to see if he'll stay at running back or whether or not he'll have some more opportunities at quarterback.   Glenn is tough to block from his nose tackle position and takes the fight to the opposing offensive linemen. He doesn't stop until the whistle blows or he gets to the running back – he has a motor that is running constantly and he has good hands to fight off blocks and impact plays.   Keegan Heisler (DB, Fort Mill) and [player_tooltip player_id='1822081' first='Izael' last='Johnson'] (RB, Boiling Springs)   Heisler is a hard hitter from his safety position and made an impact on the JV squad, and some varsity situations when they presented themselves in 2025. He can come up in run support and limit the play to a short gain and he's impactful on special teams as he hustles down the field and makes a tackle on the ball carrier that way.    Johnson returns for his senior season for the Bulldogs and he was a guy who when the opportunities presented themselves, he took advantage of it. He's a hard runner who once he gets out into the open field, he can make things happen. He even ran a guy over during a scrimmage prior to the 2025 season. He has good vision to see the whole field and has a good combo of speed and power that you like to see.

Our Player Matchups to Watch series for Region III-5A continues as the players who will make an impact on this region are numerous. If you missed Volume 1 from yesterday, take a look at it here.