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The 2022 season will proved to be a very good offensive showing for most teams, as more than a handful return starting quarterbacks who are among the most talented signal callers in the state. The senior and junior classes are each strong and we will see a couple of rising sophomres takeing the reigns this season.
SENIORS – CLASS OF 2023
This group already has players who have offers on the table and we could see all of these guys playing football on Saturdays in 2023. Among the seniors at the top is Brookland-Cayce’s Tanner Staton, a 6-2, 200lbs two year starter who had 2963 yards passing, 663 rushing yards, 22 passing TD/ 6 rushing TDs in his junior season. Keenan’s Hernandez O’Neal (5’11, 200) started as a junior and finished with 1,576 yards passing and 236 rushing and scored a total of 19 touchdowns. He is a definite sleeper in this class. AC Flora returns Carew Bates (6-1,180), who has played WR and DB for the Falcons, to lead a talented group on offense for the Falcons. Wagener-Salley senior Cameron Davis (5-10,170) is a two-way player who is a run threat at Qb but will more than likely play CB at the next level. Dutch Fork’s Aliam Appler (6-4,205) was a starter his sophomore year in North Carolina before transferring here as a junior. He’s a big, strong kid with a strong arm and can make all of the throws; he’s looked strong in off-season camps and should be a strong leader for the Foxes. Blythewood senior David Herden (6-0,190) entered as a starter last season when the Bengals lost their starting quarterback to injury and he filled in nicely, winning some games for the Bengals. He is in a competition for the starting job this Summer and they have not named their starter as of yet. Saluda’s Jonah McCary (5’8,160) is a two sport star who can sling the ball and has weapons around him to be successful again. Gilbert’s Chance Jennings (5-11,175) returns to lead the Indians on offense. He currently holds offers from The Citadel and Newberry College. He finished 2021 with 1,375 yards and 15 TDs and 436 yds rushing and 5 TDs. Westwood’s Dylan O’Neal (5-10,185) has some weapons around him and he’s got wheels when they aren’t open. He is considred by many to be one of the top dual threat QBs in SC for this class.
JUNIORS – CLASS OF 2024
This Class, in my opinion, is stronger than the senior class. At this very early stage of the evaluation period for this cycle, I have to say my top guy in the Midlands is Lexington’s Taiden MInes (5-11,185). He finished his junior season passing for 1,468 yards and rushing for 420 yards with ten touchdowns. He led the Wildcsats to a 3-1 mark in region, finishing 2nd to Dutch Fork, and a 10-3 overall record through the third round of the 5A State Playoffs. But there is a lot of competition in this class. Crestwood’s Javion Martin (6-3,180). He won the Co-Offensive Player of the Year award for 3A Region VI. He finished the season with 1,242 yards and 12 scores, completing 73 of 133 passes. Blythewood’s Harrison Collins (6-3,215) was the starter for Blythewood that went down to injury at mid season but had still thrown for more than 1000 yards. He’s got a strong arm and, in my opinion, the edge as the starter but he is in a competition with senior David Herden. Gray Collegiate’s Riley Staton (6-3,185) takes the reigns at mid season and completed 50 of 72 passes for 917yds .and 9TD, leading the War Eagles to their first ever State Title. he also has former Gamecock QB Phil Petty as his QB Coach at Gray. Camden’s Grayson White (6’0,250), is a big bodied and strong athlete who can flat sling the football hard. There are 11 returning starters to his line up and he should be successful for the Bulldogs.
SOPHOMORES – cLASS OF 2025
While there aren’t a lot of stats for these two guys, their film speaks volumes. I’ve had a chance to see each of them and they are going to be very good for their teams. Irmo’s AJ Brandt (6-1,185) is a solid spread guy who has a strong arm and throws well attakcing the corners. White Knoll’s Landon Sharpe (5-10,175) saw varsity action asa a freshman at quarterback and appears to be developing into a solid players for the Tiberwolves.
