Player Matchups To Watch: Region III-2A Volume 2

Volume 2 of our look at player matchups to look in Region III-2A is here. This time we're looking at a two-way player in the Midlands that we think will be a must watch along with a returning running back who could be one of the top players in the region with his ability to see the whole field and wait for his blocks to develop.   And we've got a look at a rising sophomore who turned heads in 2025, and we expect him to make more progress in 2026.   [player_tooltip player_id='1667267' first='J'von' last='Kelly'] (RB, Andrew Jackson, pictured) and Randy Murphy (DL, Columbia)   Kelly could be one of the more exciting players to watch in this region. He's a speedster with the ball in his hands and can fly when he finds an opening. As we've written previously, he's a difference maker on special teams, as he took several back to the house for touchdowns in 2025. At the running back position, he is patient to let his blocks develop and then he's able to explode and power through contact.   Murphy is tough to block on the inside from his end spot. He has great size for the position and that allows him to overpower opposing offensive lineman and get into the backfield by the time the running back tries to get up field and get extra yardage. He can disrupt run plays out of their design of where they're supposed to go and make the back go back inside. The result like most of the time we saw on film – is a tackle for a loss.   [player_tooltip player_id='1664508' first='Jordan' last='Wilson'] (ATH, Kennan) and [player_tooltip player_id='1824532' first='Akai' last='Williams'] (LB, Mid Carolina)   Wilson can play all over the field, but he causes a lot of havoc for opposing defenses at receiver. He's a great route runner that can take the top off the defense and use his speed to outrun defensive backs and get into the end zone. He's another difference maker on special teams as he can find a lane and change the game with a big return. He's impactful on defense, as he forced a fumble and blocked a kick. Simply put, he's an all around fun player to watch that will be a must watch for the Raiders in 2026.   Williams made the most of the reps he got as a freshman for Mid Carolina. We were impressed with his play recognition and ability to play out in space. There was one play in his film where he rallied on a shallow route to wrap up and make a sure tackle, which is not something you typically see out of young guys. He chased a quarterback down on a scramble to limit the play to a short gain.   [player_tooltip player_id='1603999' first='Caleb' last='Feaster'] (RB, Chester) and [player_tooltip player_id='1820031' first='Dontavias' last='Griffin'] (DL, Newberry)   Feaster has a great combo of speed and power that you want to see from the position. And he knows when to be patient and turn on the jets and leave everyone in the dust. He has great size for the position and can handle inside run plays, toss plays, jet sweeps or catch a reverse like an H-back lined up in the backfield. He'll be the focal point for the Cyclones in 2026 as they will have a new coach in Jerry Caldwell, who was previously the longtime defensive coordinator.   Griffin has a motor that is always running and he will not stop until he gets to the ball carrier. He takes good pursuit angles to the ball, especially in passing situations where he can defeat blocks quickly. It doesn't matter if he lines up at defensive end or defensive tackle, his impact is the same. He impressed us with his ability to read a screen and before the back could get going, he limited the play to a short gain. He keeps his eyes in the right place in the run game and if he gets his hands on you, it's a tackle for loss.   [player_tooltip player_id='2106788' first='Nycari' last='Kinard'] (WR, Columbia) and [player_tooltip player_id='1821766' first='Russell' last='Sutton'] (DB, Kennan)   If you want a sure handed possession receiver, Kinard is your guy. We saw several catches where he caught the ball at its highest point and got yards after the catch. He has great size for the position and he can beat one-on-one man coverage and win the 50/50 balls. He generally lines up on the outside and you can tell that he's comfortable in it with the impact that he's able to do.   Sutton is aggressive at the point of attack and can read the quarterback's eyes well to jump on the ball and make plays. Once he recognizes the passing routes, he reacts to them and gets yards after he makes an interception. If you come across the middle, you'll want to do so wisely. He's fun to watch down in the box in run support as he can come up and lay the lumber on the ball carrier with some hard hits.    [player_tooltip player_id='1823537' first='Gavin' last='Mitchell'] (TE, Mid Carolina) and [player_tooltip player_id='1822644' first='Jacayden' last='Miller Anthony'] (LB, Andrew Jackson)   Mitchell has what you're looking for at the tight end position, and we expect him to have a big impact in 2026. He has smooth hands and runs good routes to be able to find the green grass and help out his quarterback. He's tough for defenses to pinpoint because of where he can line up and create mismatches for defenders. By the time you do catch him, it's too late and he's behind you for a touchdown. He's also a contributor on defense and he can make hard hits and make plays on the ball when they present themselves.   Anthony is tough to block from his defensive end spot. He knows how to make the right move from the snap of the ball to get into the backfield and be impactful, whether it's against the run or the pass. There was one play on his film where he knew he wasn't going to be able to get in for the sack, so he did the next best thing – get his hands up and he batted the ball up in the air and one of his teammates made the interception.

Volume 2 of our look at player matchups to look in Region III-2A is here. This time we're looking at a two-way player in the Midlands that we think will be a must watch along with a returning running back who could be one of the top players in the region with his ability to see the whole field and wait for his blocks to develop.