Midlands 2027 Class Looking To Go Out With A Bang

There is one thing to be said for the Midlands of South Carolina – that area is never void of top-ranked talent capable of playing at the next level. Don't expect the 2027 Class to be any different.   This senior class will have players sign with all tiers of the college ranks come December.   In this Zone Read article, we're going to look at the Top Five in the rankings and players that are new to the rankings but could have monster senior seasons to raise their profile. And finally, we're going to look at five players that have yet to commit to a school but have done everything they've needed to up until this point. But they have one final chance to make a statement.   It's a talented bunch. And it's split between those you already know and maybe a few others you're not so familiar with, at least not yet. You better learn about them quickly.   Here's are some highlights from the Midlands' representation in the Prep RedZone Class of 2027 rankings.   ZONE'S TOP FIVE   [player_tooltip player_id='755914' first='Jaiden' last='Bryant'] DL, Irmo   Bryant had a rather eventful summer, first committing to LSU before backing off that commitment and casting his lot with Miami. There's a reason that most of the Power Four schools offered the talented Yellow Jackets defensive lineman. He has everything teams look for in a player on the defensive front and according to most, he's just now realizing how good he can be. Bryant says his recruitment is over but that's not going to stop schools from trying to sway the No. 2 overall player in our 2027 rankings.     [player_tooltip player_id='756223' first='Nate' last='Carson'] OL, Irmo   We stick with school off St. Andrews Road for the next player from the Midlands in the 2027 rankings. Carson committed to South Carolina several weeks ago and that coaching staff believes he's a big-time prospect that checks in at 6-foot-5, 275 pounds. Carson is the No. 9 ranked prospect on our list. Carson has the size, power and speed that should transition well to the next level. It would not surprise us if Carson becomes one of the crown jewels of this Class.   [player_tooltip player_id='1172363' first='Khristian' last='Jackson'] WR, Ridge View   Jackson is one of the two players ranked in the Top 19 of the Class that has not committed yet. One of the reasons for that is Jackson has battled the injury bug, and schools might want to see if he can get through the season healthy. But there is little question about his talents. His biggest asset might be his speed but he's a great route runner and has above average hands. He's going to have plenty of help with [player_tooltip player_id='1172370' first='Kanye' last='Reed'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1603911' first='Isaiah' last='Small'] transferring in.   [player_tooltip player_id='1172366' first='Tyrone' last='Jennings'] DL, Irmo   We've said this before and will repeat it here – if Jennings were a little bit taller, he would be one of the most sought-after talents in this Class. He's the other player in the Top 19 players that haven't committed yet. He's stocky at 6-foot-1, 260 pounds but that makes him almost impossible to move and he's a run-stopper that can also get after the quarterback. He moves well for his size and can chase ball carriers down in small spaces. Playing alongside Bryant helps but Jennings also stands out on his own.   [player_tooltip player_id='409882' first='Jaden' last='Wuerth'] DL, Dutch Fork   Wuerth made his first season with the Silver Foxes a memorable one with a state championship and committing to Clemson this offseason. He's a power player in the trenches and can take over games in certain stages. He plays well against the run and makes plays in the backfield as evidenced by his 12 tackles for loss and four sacks. He has an uncanny ability to knock the ball loose as he caused three fumbles last season.   SLEEPERS NO MORE   [player_tooltip player_id='1821935' first='Michael' last='Traynum'] ATH, Ben Lippen   Traynum was limited to seven games last season, but he did a little bit of everything for the Falcons. He ran for over 400 yards, was the second leading receiver in terms of catches and added an interception on defense. Did we mention he also handled kickoff and punt returns? He's going to do a lot of the same things and Ben Lippen might have surrounded him with additional weapons so defenses can't key on Traynum.   [player_tooltip player_id='1819190' first='Jayven' last='McClain'] WR/DB, Westwood   There's a chance that McClain will see the coaching staff up close and personal at halftime and after the game. The rest of the time, he's going to be playing both sides of the ball for the Redhawks. He was a physical defender at defensive back last season but with his 6-foot-3, 180-pound frame he might become one of the best receivers on the team. He's learning to play offense, but he might carve out a huge role before it's all said and done.   [player_tooltip player_id='1822425' first='K'Mari' last='Brown'] LB, Gilbert   The Indians lost its top two tacklers from last season so there's plenty of production to replace. That's right where Brown should step in and become a factor in the middle of the defense. He's 5-foot-10, 195 pounds with the ability to make plays at the line of scrimmage or he's quick enough to make plays sideline-to-sideline. He should slide into a leadership role and provide some of the void missing from last season.   [player_tooltip player_id='1824184' first='Terrell' last='Golson'] LB/RB, CA Johnson   The Green Hornets made a run in the playoffs last season and that momentum could carry over to this season. Golson is going to be a huge part of that. He accounted for over 1400 yards of offense and 14 touchdowns with 10 two-point conversions as well. Add in his 50 tackles and 11.5 tackles for loss and he's a player that could skyrocket up the rankings over the next cycle.     [player_tooltip player_id='1820916' first='Wyatt' last='Mazza'] ATH, Mid-Carolina   Mazza took snaps at quarterback, running back, tight end and linebacker last season and he excelled at all of them. He's going to be a four-year starter and will likely be a jack of all trades again this season. The Rebels have a new coaching staff and they're going to lean on the talents of Mazza just like the previous staff. His toughness is his calling card but there is plenty of athleticism to go around. He's going to do whatever it takes to finish his career in grand style.   RECRUITS ON TAP   [player_tooltip player_id='1036777' first='Trevon' last='Williamson'] RB, Gray Collegiate (pictured above)   We've watched Williamson for three seasons already and all we've seen is improvement each season. He looks bigger than last year and is likely going to be a workhorse in the War Eagles attack. There's reason to believe he could flirt with 2,000 rushing yards after finishing last season with 1,662 yards and 25 touchdowns. Gray Collegiate will have a passing attack that will keep defenses honest so that could open things for Williamson.   [player_tooltip player_id='1036740' first='Tiyon' last='Fanning'] RB/LB, Lugoff-Elgin   Fanning was a three-year starter at White Knoll, and he will finish off his senior year across town at Lugoff-Elgin. The Demons are getting a back that can make people miss or run through them if needed. He has a physical style but also has breakaway speed. He didn't play defense with the Timberwolves, but he's expected to take his share of snaps at linebacker as well this season.   [player_tooltip player_id='1422592' first='Caleb' last='Pinkney'] DB/RB, River Bluff   Pinkney's calling card has been defense but don't be surprised if he's not the primary ball carrier this season. He had seven interceptions as a sophomore, and teams threw away from him last year so he only had one pick. He's still going to see his share of snaps on defense, but he is going to give the Gators a bonus in the running game. He's a slasher and brings a home run ability to the position.   [player_tooltip player_id='1822187' first='Hunter' last='O'Neal'] RB, Keenan   O'Neal has become a huge part of the Raiders offense, running for over 2,300 yards the past two seasons. That trend is expected to continue. He has a compact frame that helps him bounce off tackles and makes it nearly impossible for defenders to get a big hit against him. Keenan is hoping to bounce back from a 3-8 season and if that happens, they're going to put the ball into O'Neal's hands often.   [player_tooltip player_id='1603712' first='Jordan' last='Davis'] LB, AC Flora   AC Flora might be facing the biggest roster turnover of anyone in the state. They had a huge senior class and several younger players opted to transfer for various reasons. That leaves Davis to hold things together defensively. He had 79 stops, 12 tackles for loss and four sacks during his junior campaign. He has all the physical tools to be successful and he's going to have to be a leader for a team with a totally different look from a season ago.

There is one thing to be said for the Midlands of South Carolina – that area is never void of top-ranked talent capable of playing at the next level. Don't expect the 2027 Class to be any different.