Underrated 2027s: 20 To Watch In The Upstate

As always, the Upstate is loaded.   But the wealth of talent isn't just at the top of the rankings. There are a ton of Upstate players who have flown a little bit under the radar, and the 2027 class is loaded throughout the rankings, including deep into the numbers. And that's not even mentioning guys who aren't ranked yet, but could take huge strides in that direction.   Here's a look at some of the players who could be poised for a breakout year from the bottom third of the rankings, or from just outside.   [player_tooltip player_id='1819527' first='Anius' last='Smith'] DL, Greer - Smith's a guy who drew high praise from his coaches before last season even started, and he backed it up on the field. He'll look to continue the tradition of quick, strong, disruptive Greer defensive linemen.    [player_tooltip player_id='1819842' first='Tyvion' last='Hall'] DB, Boiling Springs - Hall (pictured) is a turnover machine. He had four interceptions, knocked down three more passes and recovered a fumble a year ago, running back two of the picks and the fumble for scores. And that was in action that was limited due to injury. Hall has the potential to climb the rankings in a big hurry.   [player_tooltip player_id='2045855' first='Tywan' last='Earl'] DL, Westside - Earl is a really interesting player, and one who's capable of completely taking over a game. Want proof? How about a nine-tackle, SIX tackle-for-loss outing in the Rams' win over Fountain Inn last season. He's big and physical, and Earl is sometimes able to affect a game just by imposing his will.   [player_tooltip player_id='1823657' first='Connor' last='Davis'] QB, Woodruff - Davis had a kind of quiet season for the Wolverines - not that you can consider 2,500 passing yards and 30 touchdowns quiet. To put it a better way, all Davis seemed to do was exactly what the Wolverines needed for him to do - put the ball where it needed to be, when it needed to be there and take care of the football without being flashy. He excelled at all of that, and he's got a ton of weapons coming back at his disposal.   [player_tooltip player_id='1823372' first='Mack' last='Rambo'] RB/LB, St. Joseph's - If you've got the best RB name in the state, you'd better back it up. Rambo does just that. He's a wrecking ball, and last year he averaged nearly 140 yards a game and scored 16 times. All that came in seven games, as he was sidelined with an injury. His physical style will suit him well against just about any defense.   [player_tooltip player_id='1763355' first='Elias' last='McGee'] WR, Seneca - The Bobcats had a pair of sensational sophomores at WR, and sometimes McGee was a little overlooked. That's a mistake. He was the team's second leading receiver with more than 750 yards on 33 catches, and he scored nine time. All three of the Bobcats' top receivers are back, and McGee could find even more success this season.   [player_tooltip player_id='1818140' first='Antwone' last='Tarrence'] LB, Dorman - Tarrence was a key piece on a very good defense last season, with 88 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, 15 hurries, and two forced fumbles. The Cavaliers LBs were an elite unit, and Tarrence was an elite player for them. He's back and ready for more.    [player_tooltip player_id='1821275' first='Xavier' last='Huggins'] WR, Powdersville - You want a game-breaker? Well, have we got a guy for you. Huggins had 60 catches for nearly 1,000 yards, turned in more than 1,500 all-purpose yards, and scored 16 times in 2025. His athleticism is off the charts, and he shows it every time he touches the ball. He doesn't have to be in space - give him a second and he'll find some.   [player_tooltip player_id='1822144' first='Richie' last='Maxwell'] LB, Southside Christian - Maxwell was all over the place for the Sabres last season, with 78 tackles, eight tackles for loss, and 12 hurries. He picked off a pass, he knocked down nine more, and he recovered a fumble. He's a quick, smart, ball-hawking LB who makes everybody around him better.   [player_tooltip player_id='1816751' first='Calvin' last='McCoy'] RB, Greer - McCoy was undoubtedly the offensive focus for Greer last season, carrying the ball 207 times for more than 1,300 yards and 13 scores. He's in a unique position to thrive - the Yellow Jackets return all four leading rushers and a talented group on the offensive line. McCoy's blend of speed, power, and balance should see him continue to lead the way.   [player_tooltip player_id='1791039' first='JT' last='Forrester'] DL, Wren - Forrester is a disruptive player who spends a lot of time in the opponent's backfield, as last year's seven tackles for loss, four sacks, and 13 hurries show. He's capable of moving the line of scrimmage and winning one-on-one matchups, and he's only getting better.   [player_tooltip player_id='2082969' first='Aaron' last='Gilliam'] DB, Southside Christian - Gilliam had 75 tackles last season, with three tackles for loss, and he really proved his worth in coverage. He picked off two passes and knocked down five more, helping to lead a deep and talented Sabres' defensive backfield.   [player_tooltip player_id='1820569' first='McCray' last='Pruitt'] OL, Belton-Honea Path - How good was Pruitt? Well, good enough to dent the starting lineup as a junior in a senior-heavy rotation. It's his turn to lead the group, and he's got enough talent and plays with enough aggressiveness to embrace that role.   [player_tooltip player_id='1823740' first='Cam' last='Wilson'] WR, Pickens - Wilson was the Blue Flame's leading receiver a year ago with 550 yards and three scores. With QB [player_tooltip player_id='1581467' first='Brooks' last='Dow'] back and poised for another big year, Wilson will absolutely benefit. He leads the team's four top receivers who all return, and they could be scary.   [player_tooltip player_id='1819429' first='Imri' last='Logan'] QB, Boiling Springs - Logan won a battle for the QB position last season, and grew as the season progressed. He's athletic and able to make things happen with his legs, and he showed growth as a passer. Another offseason of work could have him ready to break out.   [player_tooltip player_id='1822131' first='Keilon' last='Tucker'] WR Chapman - Tucker was one of the keys to Chapman's downfield game last season. There's a chance he might just run by you, no matter who you happen to be. He makes adjustments well when the ball's in the air, he's capable of making people miss, but mostly he's about one thing - speed. He'll be a legit deep threat again for the Panthers.    Tajah Landrum LB, Blue Ridge - Landrum is an active, physical LB who's flown under the radar for the Tigers, but a closer look tells you all you need to know. He had 80 tackles and eight tackles for loss a year ago, and he's poised to be the heart of the Blue Ridge defense in 2026.   [player_tooltip player_id='1719852' first='Kelyn' last='Durham'] RB, Eastside - Durham's contributions for the Eagles last season were quietly consistent - third in carries with 89, third in yards gained with 656, and third in rushing touchdowns with five. But he was anything but quiet, demanding attention every time he touched the ball. He'll likely be the workhorse in the backfield for Eastside this year.   [player_tooltip player_id='1790681' first='Adreyan' last='Monroe'] DB, Gaffney - On a unit with a ton of standout guys, Monroe demands attention. He made 65 tackles with five for loss last season, adding a sack, an interception, and a fumble recovery. Monroe's a guy with a high motor who just seems to show up and make big plays for the Indians.   [player_tooltip player_id='1820009' first='Wyquial' last='Moss'] LB, Byrnes - Moss is a prototype Byrnes LB - quick, smart, and a big hitter. He showed a knack for being in the right place at the right time last season, with 37 tackles and three pass break-ups. With graduation losses on the defensive side of the ball for the Rebels, Moss will have a bigger role and looks ready to lead.

As always, the Upstate is loaded.