2022 Preview: Lower Richland Diamonds

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>You can't accuse Lower Richland coach Marlin Taylor of shying away from competition. The Diamonds will find out quickly how much they can improve from its 8-2 record and second round playoff exit from a season ago.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Four of the five non-region games will be on the road. They open at West Ashley then travel to Westwood before coming home to face Ridge View. They close out the early season portion of the schedule with road trips to Class 5A schools Rock Hill and River Bluff.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If that wasn't daunting enough, Lower Richland opens in a new region in Class 3A with preseason favorites Gilbert and Brookland-Cayce right off the bat. They close out the regular season slate with games against Orangeburg-Wilkinson, Swansea and Dreher.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“If we don't get beat up too much in the non-region, that should have us ready when region play starts,” Taylor said. “They only way to get better is to play tougher competition. I think what we do early will help us for a region run.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Taylor will have plenty of experience on the offensive side of the ball but will have to replace quarterback Robert Adams. The leader for the spot is senior <strong>Marcus Smith</strong>, who has been in the program four years and gets his shot this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The experience around him will be helpful. It starts up front with three returning starters that includes 6'9”, 350-poiund <strong>Dakarai Sumter</strong>. Sumter recently picked up offers from Kentucky and Middle Tennessee and Taylor expects more to roll in during the season. <strong>Cameron Newton</strong>, another 300-pounder, and <strong>Keyondre Richardson</strong> round out the returners.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Diamonds have a wealth of experience back at the skill positions as well. It starts with the return of three wide receivers that accounted for the bulk of the receiving yards last year. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="202736" first="Nate" last="Branch"]</strong>, a Coastal Carolina commitment, is electric with the ball in his hands. He had over 800 receiving yards last season with 10 touchdowns.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ty'Quan Washington</strong> and <strong>Mekhi Campfield</strong> are more than capable of making defenses pay as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lamarion Pearson</strong> split time at running back last season when he rushed for over 700 yards but should be the primary ball-carrier this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“We have seven starters back on offense and those guys have been real leaders for us,” Taylor said. “Having those guys up front gives a sense of protection for a new quarterback. And our skill guys have been in the fire before and performed at a high level.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Only four starters return on defense but it's a solid nucleus to build around. <strong>Deamonti Garrett </strong>came into his own last season and is seeing his recruiting pick up. He should fit in nicely at Mike linebacker. <strong>Salaytheo Washington</strong> and <strong>Tedric Brunson</strong> are the other two returners at linebacker as well. Jefferson Watson could play a linebacker or strong safety spot.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The secondary will be held down by <strong>Jamel Patterson</strong> and transfer <strong>Trevon Stewart</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Taylor is still working through the defensive front and the remainder of the secondary.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“That group is really flying around the football, and I can't wait to see them play against someone else other than our offense,” Taylor said. “We might be faster than last year. We just need some guys to come along but I think we will be okay on that side of the ball.” &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->