2026 Preview: North Charleston Cougars

It's been difficult for North Charleston to sustain success in football but if you ask senior running back/defensive back [player_tooltip player_id='1818640' first='Tion' last='Blackney'] about it, he's quick to point out the Cougars like being in the underdog role and think they can improve on the 5-5 record from a year ago.   “It was a problem not having enough depth,” Blackney said at the recent PRZ Media Day at Philip Simmons. “I think we've already improved on that this summer. There are more guys showing up to weights and putting in way more effort. It's going to be an overall better season.”   Blackney said it was “regular and expected. We do what we do,” when asked about having a shortage of players at times.   While former head coach Adrain Grady moved into more of an administrative role, associate head coach Omar Collier won't have a pure shortage of weapons at his disposal.   Linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1817380' first='Cedric' last='Burkes'] returns in the middle of the defense after registering 78 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and eight sacks last season. Blackney is going to play on the back end of the defense and provide a lockdown corner and experience. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='1817372' first='Demonte' last='Aiken'] is also going to play both running back and safety.   The 2028 Class has some bona fide standouts with [player_tooltip player_id='1818651' first='Willie' last='Hudson'] playing receiver and defensive back. [player_tooltip player_id='1818652' first='Zyquell' last='Mcclary'] saw limited action last season but will likely be counted on in a running back rotation that will try to keep players fresh.   Anthony Porter is going to replace the production of CJ Furby at quarterback. [player_tooltip player_id='1818645' first='Timothy' last='Haymond'] (pictured above) is entrenched at right tackle and on the defensive front but he's going to have help. Melvin Jacobs Lakeith Major Frank Williams and Traevon Simmons will join Haymond on the offensive line and give the Cougars an experienced group to operate behind.   [player_tooltip player_id='1817381' first='Kamauri' last='Meggett'] Andre Finkley and Tyrone Frazier-Jackson will have to be productive at the receiver spot to take some pressure off of Porter and the running game.   Jonathan Gonzalez and Chris Flowers will join Haymond on the defensive front. [player_tooltip player_id='1822333' first='MiKhail' last='Dukes'] [player_tooltip player_id='1817377' first='Temaury' last='Hill'] and Davilla Valentine should be part of the linebacker rotation.   The Cougars will compete in region 5-3A that includes defending state champion Oceanside Collegiate, Hanahan, Georgetown and Bishop England. This senior class has gone 13-18 and wants to set the foundation for years to come.   “I just try my best to show the guys around me that it's a necessity to work at the same level every day. There's never a need to be lazy to find a reason to complain. Just work every day. Don't take shortcuts,” Blackney said. “That's the legacy we want to leave.”   STARS SET TO SHINE   [player_tooltip player_id='1817372' first='Demonte' last='Aiken'] DB/RB, 2027 – Aiken made more of a mark on defense last season with 17 tackles, a tackle for loss and an interception but he's going to be part of a handful of players that will contribute on both sides of the ball. He's durable and one of his biggest traits is the way he comes downhill quickly to deliver a blow when he arrives at the ball carrier.   [player_tooltip player_id='1818640' first='Tion' last='Blackney'] DB/RB, 2027 – Blackney is another player that will play multiple positions. The coaching staff called him a Swiss Army Knife. He will contribute on offense, defense and special teams. He understands the system on both sides of the ball and makes sure everyone is lined up properly. Blackney could end up at several positions – it's just the piece of finding where he's going to produce the most.   [player_tooltip player_id='1818645' first='Timothy' last='Haymond'] (pictured above) OL/DL, 2027 – Haymond has morphed into a leader, and he does it by example more so than being loud. He was constant on the offensive line last season and will look to help more on the defensive side this season. He has all the physical attributes to make it work at 5-foot-11, 235 pounds. He has a wrestling background, so he understands leverage and angles better than most.   Frank Williams OL/DL, 2027 – Williams is likely going to handle the left guard spot on offense and fit into the defensive line rotation as the season progresses. He moves well for this 5-foot-9, 250-pound frame. He gets out in front of the play and can block defenders on all three levels.   FILM REVIEW   [player_tooltip player_id='1817380' first='Cedric' last='Burkes'] LB, 2027 – He was called the “bell cow” of the defense. He's a leader and gets after it on every single play. Burkes averaged right at 10 tackles per game and spent a lot of time in the backfield. Burkes has a great ability to rush the passer and that was displayed by the eight sacks, and five quarterback hurries he contributed. As long as he stays healthy, he could go well over 100 tackles this season.    BIGGEST LOSSES   Lorenzo Kitching ATH – There's going to be a huge production standpoint to fill with the graduation of Kitching. He rushed for over 1,100 yards, had 400 yards receiving, 24 tackles and an interception.   [player_tooltip player_id='1467808' first='Anthony' last='Simmons'] OL/DL – Simmons was expected back after a sophomore season in which the 6-foot, 345-pounder contributed 41 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 10 quarterback pressures and two sacks. He transferred to James Island this summer.   UP-AND-COMING POTENTIAL   Lakeith Major OL, 2029 – The coaching staff believe they have the cornerstone of the offensive line for the next three years. Major received playing time as a freshman and he's going to handle snapping duties in 2026. He makes a lot of calls, makes accurate snaps and makes sure everyone is on the same page up front. He's already 5-foot-11 and 200 pounds but is going to get bigger and stronger with more time in the weight room.   [player_tooltip player_id='1818651' first='Willie' last='Hudson'] DB, 2028 – Hudson was described as a competitor that gives his all on every play. He's undersized but plays bigger than his frame. He's going to make plays in several different situations. Hudson is tall and lanky and attacks the ball at its highest point. And despite weighing less than 150 pounds, he does play with physicality.    Simmons is more of a blocker than a receiving threat at this point but that's not to say he couldn't develop into a valuable safety option in the passing game. He's physical and at 5-foot-11, 195 pounds and that allows him to match up with nearly anyone.   Don't be surprised to see Simmons contribute on defense as well. He can fight through contact and give the Cougars an added body on a smaller roster.

It's been difficult for North Charleston to sustain success in football but if you ask senior running back/defensive back Tion Blackney Tion Blackney 5'8" North Charleston | 2027 SC about it, he's quick to point out the Cougars like being in the underdog role and think they can improve on the 5-5 record from a year ago.