Region IV-4A Players Of The Year Candidates

Ian Guerin June 15, 2022 @ 03:37 PM

As we inch closer to the 2022 season, Region IV-4A will be led by some top-flight players ready to make headlines. Frankly, this region is going to be a week-to-week highlight reel. We’re already putting together a short list of potential player of the year candidates on both sides of the ball. All seven of these players have strong resumes while others, and some of them are moving into key spots that is anticipated to increase their individual production. [player_tooltip player_id="202727" first="Apollos" last="Cook"], WR, Airport A 6-foot-3, 205-pound receiver who can run a 4.71 40 and had otherwise ridiculous athleticism? Yeah, I guess why we can see why he’s such a prized recruit. Cook (pictured), the son of new Airport head coach Andre Cook, is a surefire bet to get plenty of touches. DJ Curry, RB, North Augusta After splitting time with multiple backs as a sophomore, Curry quadrupled his carries and yards and tripled his touchdown figure. And after that 1,042-yard, 13-touchdown season, we believe a stable coaching staff will only add to his potential. [player_tooltip player_id="272702" first="Jevon" last="Edwards"], RB, South Aiken How’s this for a freshman season? 135 carries, 1,072 yards and 11 touchdowns rushing and 10 receptions for 170 yards and another score. That’s not even considering that the Thoroughbreds didn’t even get a full slate of games. Edwards has a chance at a special legacy. [player_tooltip player_id="91351" first="Jayden" last="Fuller"], DE, Aiken Fuller is among the top five players in the Class of 2024 for a reason. He’s a certified threat to break off a play from the edge on every snap. He plays much bigger than his 6-foot, 215-pound frame would suggest, but seeing him live and on film tells a big story. [player_tooltip player_id="272716" first="Andon" last="Hawkins"], LB, Midland Valley Although just a freshman last fall, the 5-foot-10, 180-pounder was fourth on the team in tackles while getting his feet wet at the varsity level. He impressed to the point where he’s sliding into the middle of the defense, where Kane Walker piled up more than 100 stops last year. [player_tooltip player_id="262690" first="TJ" last="McElmurray Jr"], QB, Midland Valley At 6-foot-4 and just shy of 200 pounds, McElmurray is a physically imposing quarterback who threw for 1,309 yards and 10 touchdowns while rushing for another 187 and two scores. This season, he’ll have significantly less pressure on him and should blossom further. Jacquez Ryans, LB, North Augusta The 5-foot-11, 195-pound middle linebacker will have every chance to improve upon his 91 total tackles (74 solo) from last year. He’ll be consistently lining up against offenses who will attack on the ground, and Ryans is up to that challenge.