2029 Rankings: Meet the Class Nos. 8-14

Potential might be off the charts.   The production value will increase.    And the needs of each team will get all of these players more and more involved.   But as we run through a proper introduction to each of the selections for the inaugural unveiling of the Prep RedZone Class of 2029 rankings, it's also important to highlight the present. That's exactly what we're doing.    Each of the 27 athletes named to the list have shown potential, sure, but also an ability to work their way onto the fields across the state now. Let's continue the breakdowns with those holding down spot Nos. 8-14 in our initial 2029 rankings.   [player_tooltip player_id='1840728' first='Jaydon' last='Moore'] DB, Aiken    In a few years, you're going to be able to go back to August 29, 2025 and see exactly when Moore was able to put himself on the map. That night against Airport, he picked off two passes, broke up another and made a couple tackles. In the games that followed, he started to get into the mix on special teams returning punts and kickoffs. He's also played some back-up duty on offense late in a couple games, as well, and will be used increasingly on that side of the ball and time goes on. In the meantime, the cornerback version of Moore has already put himself among the state's leaders in interceptions (three) after all of just four varsity games.    Aiken coach Steve Hibbits: “He's a very intelligent player that can be a playmaker on both sides of the ball. Jayden has tremendous ball skills and a feel for the game especially when   the ball is in the air. When he is near the football really positive things are gonna happen for Aiken.”    [player_tooltip player_id='1606964' first='Greg' last='Rushing'] RB/LB, Chesterfield    Nothing short of pure explosiveness, Rushing has added a serious spark for the Rams. Take a peak at his offensive numbers so far through four games: 67 carries for 427 yards (6.4 ypc) and six touchdowns; five receptions or 67 yards and a score. That's just shy of 125 yards of offense per game, as a freshman, playing varsity ball. Did we mention he's also got 13 tackles on defense? Chesterfield is staring at a possible star in the making in the face. With that knowledge in hand, its feeding the beast early and often and letting him put all his athleticism to use.    Chesterfield coach Nick Dixon: “[player_tooltip player_id='1606964' first='Greg' last='Rushing'] is the hardest-working guy we have on our team. His drive to be great is impressive for such a young player. Greg is a true do-it-all back; he can catch it out the backfield, line up in the slot, run between the tackles and still have that burst at the second level. On top of that, he handles his business in the classroom, which makes his ceiling even higher.”    [player_tooltip player_id='1817932' first='Beanie' last='Brown'] DL, Porter-Gaud   Brown played all of two games before opponents discovered trying to block him off the edge one-on-one wasn't necessarily and strong game plan. That's because after those first two games he'd already put up three tackles for loss, two sacks and three quarterback hurries to go along with his 15 total tackles. Brown is a ferocious defensive end that uses his 6-foot-1, 200-pound frame to out-muscle tackles and shrug off chip blocks. Porter-Gaud already has a history of inserting younger players into the lineup and letting them excel. And Brown's name is next on that list.    Porter-Gaud coach Matt Neighbors: “Beanie will be a force over the next few years throughout the state. He just turned 14 and is already 6-foot-1 and 200 pounds with incredible athleticism and strength for his age. He has consistently been one of our best defensive players this year. He projects to be a linebacker at the next level. The last kid I had that looked and played like him at his age is now playing on Sunday's. He's special."    [player_tooltip player_id='1840741' first='Johnny' last='Dobbs'] LB, Aiken    The mesh happening in the Aiken defense right now has already paid dividends. The Hornets who have a blend of experienced players who haven't had much success alongside some fresh faces who don't know any better. The impact of guys like Dobbs in that mix is providing one heck of a boost. On top of his 15 tackles during his first four games, he also provided some pop by blocking a pair of punts. Against Hilton Head in Week 2, his five tackles and two tackles  for loss weren't enough to lead to a win, but it also wasn't exactly the demolition that happened between those two teams in 2024, either. Dobbs isn't a game changer. At least, not yet. We don't know how much longer that will remain the case.   Aiken coach Steve Hibbits: “Johnnie Dobbs has an awesome upside with his frame and length. He's very good in the open field and is physical in the box. He should end up becoming a Power 4 kid for sure.”    [player_tooltip player_id='1647349' first='Cade' last='Amell'] QB, Hammond   Amell has been on our radar longer than any other player in the class, thanks to two major factors. First, Amell was the starting quarterback at Trinity Collegiate in 2023, when he was an eighth grader. Then, he and his family elected to reclassify him down a year; he essentially repeated his eighth grade season while continuing to work on a high school level class load. Then, this offseason, after 22 games at Trinity that saw him throw for just shy of 3,000 yards and 28 touchdowns, he joined his father at Hammond and starting working himself into the lineup. He's still splitting reps with a senior in a mostly rush-first attack, but his long-term potential has never looked higher.   Hammond coach Jon Wheeler: “Cade is an amazing young man. He's a hard worker and loves the game. He has a live arm and with his work ethic and ability. He has a chance to be special before it's all said and done.”    [player_tooltip player_id='1397682' first='Lodon' last='Veal'] OL, Union County It's one thing for a speedster to see freshman-season playing time. For an offensive lineman to do it takes a special set of circumstances that all have to fall in the right place. Veal and his timeline all fit perfectly into those circumstances. While playing both guard and tackle, he's in the midst of establishing himself as one of Union County's most reliable weapons, especially among those who never touch the ball. Veal is big and strong and checks boxes that a lot of schools would love to have available to them at this stage of the game.    Union County coach Quinnon Isom: “Lodon is already built for the next level. He brings that same toughness from being a middle school state champion wrestler. He's the kind of player who will lead the 2029 class and, if he keeps working, will be playing on Saturdays and eventually Sundays. His potential is off the charts.”    [player_tooltip player_id='1817438' first='Jae' last='White'] WR, Westside    No one expected the Rams to replace the sheer amount of firepower they had at their disposal a year ago after graduations hit the defending state runners up like a ton of bricks. But we also didn't expect this roster to be mute. Enter White (pictured), who has a great build, knows how to work the sideline and has the strength to outmuscle coverage one-on-one. No. 9 is going to put up a bunch of yards and touchdowns, and his individual rise will be felt by the time his freshman season is in the books.    Westside coach Brian Lane: “Jae has 4.5 speed and is a physical route runner. He has an offer from Johnson C. Smith University. Jae's best traits are his toughness, physicality and route running. He has a high football IQ.”

Potential might be off the charts.