1. Marcus Lattimore*RB – Sr., Byrnes
Video: Byrnes Lattimore Wins Player Of Year
One of the best high school players in the country, Lattimore scored 30 TDs last season with over 2300 yards rushing (300 in the state title game alone). Gatorade named him SC Player of the Year, and he has a chance to repeat. Without a doubt he will be the player to watch this season to see how many records he can break. Look also for a commitment to one of the many schools who have offered him scholarships.
2. Kelcy Quarles* DT – Sr., Greenwood
The top-ranked defensive tackle in the nation recorded 17 sacks last year with a top-notch defensive line. With two star seniors graduated, Quarles is the leader of the Eagles defensive line and has the potential to do a great deal of damage to his opponents.
3. Charon Peake WR – Jr., Dorman
Peake was named to the All-American Sophomore team last year and is already getting big scholarship offers. His amazing speed and great hands should make him a top threat in the Upstate now that Dorman will have to rely more on the passing attack.
4. DeAndre Hopkins** WR/DB – Sr., Daniel
Watch: DeAndre Hopkins, Daniel High School
Although he’s been recruited as a defensive back, Hopkins is the biggest dual threat on our list. Last season, he intercepted 9 passes (14 his sophomore year) and as a receiver snagged 8 TDs. He also has been recruited to play basketball (22 points per game), but has made a verbal commitment to Clemson to play football.
5. Brandon Willis* DE – Sr., Byrnes
This 250-lb defensive end made 144 tackles last season along with 13 sacks. His size doesn’t slow him down, and his quick pursuit off the line has made him a top prospect and a valuable asset to the #2 Rebels.
6. Dominique Parks RB – Sr., Greer
With over 2300 yards and 28 TDs last season, it’s hard to believe this guy is still flying under the radar and playing only a few miles from Lattimore (he even wears the same #21). He electrified the Yellow Jackets offense last season and carried them to one of their best seasons in recent years. Keep an eye on Parks.
7. Joe Craig** ATH – Sr., Gaffney
Watch: Joe Craig Scores TD
Quarterback? Runningback? Nope, he’s playing wideout this year for the Indians, but he’s also going the other way as a defensive back. Watch out though, because this future Clemson Tiger can play pretty much any position with his lightning quick speed.
8. Corey Miller* DE – Sr., Byrnes
If you try to avoid Willis, Corey Miller owns the other end of the line, and he has recorded 228 tackles and 12 sacks in the past two seasons. He recently committed to Florida State, and should be as big of a threat as Willis on the defensive line.
9. Dylan Thompson QB – Sr., Boiling Springs
Watch: Dylan Thompson Leads Bulldogs
Thompson is a sleeper hit who had a breakout season last year to make the Bulldogs the 4A Cinderella. Even though the Bulldogs are banned from this year’s playoffs, this USC commit should be a lethal weapon against 4A defenses.
10. Calvin Caldwell DB – Jr., JL Mann
The sleeper defensive pick, Caldwell intercepted two passes, defended seven, and made 50 tackles his sophomore season. Keep an eye out for this kid who is already grabbing the attention of Michigan and Vanderbilt.
Honorable Mentions
Jake Lambert QB – Sr., Woodruff
Last season, Lambert threw for 3300+ yards and 34 TDs. He is Woodruff’s all-time leading passer and wreaks havoc on his AA opponents. He just received an offer from Air Force.
Martavis Bryant* WR – Sr., Hanna
A hot wideout prospect, Bryant is 6’4 with a 3-foot vertical. He also has pretty good speed and has recorded nearly 1600 receiving yards and 9 TDs in the past two seasons.
Chas Dodd QB – Sr., Byrnes
The Nixon Nuts will obviously disagree, but Dodd still has to prove his success isn’t just due to his offensive weapons (now just Lattimore and Jazz King). Besides, Northwestern’s QB Justin Worley is on pace to break all of Willy Korn’s career records and he’s just a junior. Dodd committed to Rutgers, but he will have to prove he can play well despite his small stature.
Jake Nicolopulos LB – Hanna
This linebacker still has some work to do, but his size and prowess helps him bring down a lot of tackles for the Yellow Jackets.
*Rivals100
**Rivals250
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