Realignment Reality: The New Class 1A

When the talk was over and the dust started to settle, the South Carolina High School League's realignment for the 2024-2026 window immediately pointed to massive change.   A three-times multiplier went into effect statewide, and the filter-down to Class A eliminated some of the power programs who'd dominated in recent years while adding others to the mix. The totality of the movement left a whole bunch of athletes capable to driving the bus.    In the final installment of this five-part series, we're looking at the players we expect to shape Class A during the 2024 season.    [player_tooltip player_id='1158047' first='Elisha' last='Baker'] LB, Lewisville - Baker isn't the team's top returning tackler, but what he does is clean up a lot of potentially messy situations and allow his teammates to excel, too. He also had 10 sacks in 12 games - an added bonus to his 42 stops.   [player_tooltip player_id='816740' first='Marcus' last='Cann'] ATH, Bamberg-Ehrhardt - Cann shot way up our 2026 ranking after averaging more than 20 yards per carry and reception (each). He's an electric ball carrier and a dynamic receiver capable to putting up massive chunk plays every single time he touches the ball.   [player_tooltip player_id='1012649' first='Landyn' last='Cribb'] LB/DE, Johnsonville - Cribb is expected to be among the classification's leaders in tackles next fall, using his ability to line up off the line or on the edge as necessary to slow down opposing offenses. A third straight postseason run only aids in his endeavor.   [player_tooltip player_id='464885' first='Chanston' last='Crosby'] QB, Bamberg-Ehrhardt - The Georgia State commit will be looking to improve upon and already impressive junior season and while he'll be losing a few of his weapons there are already others lined up ready to get things cranking next fall.    [player_tooltip player_id='1220232' first='Christopher' last='Glover'] LB, Calhoun County - While Glover had a bit of a safety net in a senior position mate last fall, he absolutely showed out during his sophomore season, putting up 104 tackles, four tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and an all-state node.   [player_tooltip player_id='1172343' first='Klyn' last='Gordon'] ATH, Baptist Hill - Gordon was one of the state's more productive freshmen in the fall, putting up four interceptions and 64 tackles on defense and hauling in 20 passes for 329 yards and five touchdowns on offense.   [player_tooltip player_id='1254034' first='Romaine' last='Grant'] WR/DB, Baptist Hill - Not only did Grant top 1,000 yards receiving last season. He also intercepted five passes and recorded 51 total tackles. Clearly, he's going to give Baptist Hill some opportunities next fall, too.   [player_tooltip player_id='809751' first='Ian' last='Grissom'] QB, Lewisville - Grissom was a lock for Class A All-State honors last fall after throwing for more than 2,900 yards and 37 touchdowns while putting up an 8-1 touchdown-interception ratio. He'll have every opportunity to repeat the feat.   [player_tooltip player_id='402516' first='Zyon' last='Guiles'] OL, Carvers Bay - The 6-foot-4, 260-pound tackle simply has too much size and power for most defenders who try to crash the backfield. And he's improving his footwork by the month in what's starting to develop one of the state's best 2026 linemen.   [player_tooltip player_id='605527' first='Jaquel' last='Holman'] RB, Blackville-Hilda (pictured) - A transfer and a position change led Holman to develop into one of the state's most valuable members of his team. He averaged 10.5 yards per carry en route to 1,600 yards and 26 touchdowns.   [player_tooltip player_id='1012859' first='Karmello' last='Jones'] RB/LB, Cross - We like what Jones can do on defense, and he's going to be used there more during his final season. But we like even more that he averaged more than one rushing touchdown per game and 7.6 yards per carry on offense.   [player_tooltip player_id='1249802' first='Damarcus' last='Leach'] DB, Abbeville - The 6-foot-2, 185-pound safety is quickly developing into one of the hotter prospects in the state, especially in the smaller classifications. His range is well above the norm and he plays the ball and opposing receivers equally well.   [player_tooltip player_id='1157986' first='Javaris' last='Logan'] DL, Bamberg-Ehrhardt - Logan is an absolute load at 285 pounds, and he's faster that person of that size probably should be. He's got all the tangibles, and his 24 tackles for loss last fall might only be a glimpse of what he's capable of long term.    [player_tooltip player_id='1249809' first='Karson' last='Norman'] RB, Abbeville - Abbeville has produced its share of strong ball carriers, and Norman is the next in line. He topped 1,200 yards last fall and is in line to go well above that total during his senior season. He was a all-state pick and definitely has a chance to double up.   [player_tooltip player_id='1165108' first='Zori' last='Pierce'] QB, Lamar - We've hinted at the long-term potential Pierce has after watching him throw for 1,400 yards and rushing for another 300 during his first year on the varsity. His progress over the next two season with a pass-oriented scheme? Yep, sky's the limit.   [player_tooltip player_id='922678' first='Wade' last='Poston'] QB, Hannah-Pamplico - Whether its with his arm or his legs, Poston is a schematic problem for everyone who plays the Raiders. His freelance ability matched with his backfield mate allows him to be even more dangerous.   [player_tooltip player_id='473021' first='Caden' last='Ramsey'] WR/DB, Cross - When Ramsey was a freshman, the staff knew his soon-to-be 6-foot-5 frame could allow him to compete with much older players. As a sophomore, he could start to really impact outcomes. As a junior, the staff expects him to start taking over games.   [player_tooltip player_id='1012841' first='Daniel' last='Ray'] DE/TE, Lake View - Ray moved up to defensive end after originally playing more of an outside backer position and his length makes him a problem for most Class A offensive tackles.   [player_tooltip player_id='1013065' first='Amir' last='Rogers'] ATH, Latta - Rogers is primed to take over a bunch of new responsibilities, thanks to an impactful senior class moving on. There's a good chance he's sees high reps at tailback, receiver, linebacker, the defensive backfield or anywhere else the staff needs help.   [player_tooltip player_id='1253974' first='Kayshaun' last='Schumpert'] RB, Whitmire - Over the course of the last two seasons, Schumpert has rushed for 2,000 yards and 23 touchdowns. If Whitmire leans into his abilities in 2024, it's entirely possible he flirts with both numbers next fall alone.    [player_tooltip player_id='1165126' first='Kelvin' last='Smalls'] LB, Baptist Hill - Baptist Hill's fast-paced offense also tends to expose defensive players who can't keep up. Smalls wasn't one of those players. He finished the year with 124 total tackles in 10 games.    [player_tooltip player_id='762756' first='Kendall' last='Walton'] OL, Lamar - Walton never wanted to just be considered a big lineman in the state's smallest division. He proved that wasn't the case when he ran some of the fastest times for the position at the Joanne Langfitt Challenge in December.    [player_tooltip player_id='464882' first='Jamarcus' last='Williams'] RB, Hannah-Pamplico - Williams' 2023 season was derailed by a knee injury before region play even cranked up. But there's no reason to think he won't be highly effective again after rushing for 2,006 yards as a sophomore.

When the talk was over and the dust started to settle, the South Carolina High School League's realignment for the 2024-2026 window immediately pointed to massive change.