Spring Rankings: 2029 Sneak Peak

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When the next rankings cycle begins in mid-April, we're already going to be ready to go.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A product of three additional months of evaluations will add players to every returning class, and we'll cap off the cycle with more names included among the 2029s. For some, this was simply about us having time to look deeper into what we saw last fall. For others, it's an indication of a rise that started a hair later in their individual paths.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For all, the number next to their name next time around is deserved.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are a select few of the players we will add in the Class of 2029.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1715570' first='JP' last='Branyon']</strong> TE/LB, Landrum&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Branyon was able to provide a nice boost for the Cardinals' defense in spots last fall, putting up 39 tackles, three tackles for loss and a couple sacks. But we're taking a bigger notice of his offensive capabilities, at least for now. Branyon as an H-Back gives Landrum some opportunities because of his plurality of roles in the position. He can line up on the line, split out into the slot, start next to the quarterback and then attack in a number of ways from there.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2137612' first='Kamaury' last='Little']</strong> OL, Lake Marion&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Gators have some nice pieces, and Little not only is one of them, he might very well develop into one of the more college-ready offensive linemen in the state over the next 18 months. While that part is TBD, what we're already seeing out of him from his spot at guard (for now) is a contact-loving interior lineman capable of getting some solid push. As the bend and weight room time increase, he could be downright scary.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1600293' first='Davis' last='Taylor']</strong> QB, River Bluff&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Taylor is still super green, something we saw during portions of his freshman season, even after he started getting more valuable reps during the week and under the lights for the varsity squad by October. He saw a steady diet of pressures - wouldn't you go after a freshman QB? - but he also started to show some improved decision making and, not surprisingly, had his most efficient game in the last one of the season. He may or may not start as a sophomore, but he'll keep getting those reps.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1817112' first='Isaiah' last='Littlejohn']</strong> OL, Lugoff-Elgin</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Every now and again, we can be charged with jumping the gun, ranking a player prior to his varsity debut. We also know an influential varsity player when we see it. The Lugoff-Elgin coach's son already has the size (6-foot-2, 280 pounds, size 18 shoe) and the mental awareness to be not only a starter from this point forward, but one who can handle any ask. He very well could play all five positions on the line before his high school days are over.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1938780' first='Caden' last='Hunter']</strong> WR, Mountain View Prep (pictured)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At 5-foot-9 and 175 pounds, Hunter has already been described by the MVP staff as the receiving corps' best route runner. He started in the slot last fall as a rookie and caught five touchdowns, three of which came against Broome in in late October. He finished with 17 receptions for 263 yards. Considering he essentially forced his way onto the field among four older receivers, we're seeing his target count blossom as a sophomore.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Aiden Rutledge</strong> ATH, Fort Dorchester</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Less than three weeks after Rutledge started high school, he was playing his first varsity action for one of the state's more notable big-class programs. He returned punts in that 2025 season opener, only to see his role expand little by little. By the end of his first season, he'd also returned kickoffs, caught 10 passes, put up nine carries and even attempted a pass. We don't know exactly where all he'll play as a sophomore, but he'll likely be in different spots again.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1676976' first='Camden' last='Lockhart']</strong> OL, Blacksburg</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Still a few inches south of 6-feet tall, Lockhart is going to continue to fly under the radar until he gets a little taller. But his trial by fire as a freshman has got to count for something, too. Lockhart was starting at center for Blacksburg, finding ways to let his 270ish pounds add on to the blocking calls he was making. He's a three-sport guy (wrestling, track) with some great early strength numbers.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->