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There is an impressive group of athletes amongst the top wide receivers in the Midlands and more than a handful of these guys are going to play at the next level. Here is my look at the top guys at this position.
THE ELITE
Airport’s Apollos “Los” Cook is clearly the elite of this group. The 6-2, 200lbs receiver popped onto my radar as a sophomore at River Bluff High School. He’s one of those receivers that not only has good size and good speed, but can create separation. Trust me, there are guys with great speed that just can’t separate because of lack of burst or poor routes. Cook has it all. He is listed among the top three or four wide receivers in the state but I have seen them all and can tell you there is not a better one in the 2023 class in South Carolina.
CLOSE TO THE TOP
These guys are next in line. Chris Lawson (6-1,185) of Ridge View is a speedster with great hands and the ability to stretch the field. He caught more than 40 balls in 2021 and had close to 1000 yards. Zion Agnew (5-11,165), also of Ridge View, is a burner who has great speed and hands. He had 65 catches in 2021. Bot of these guys will be playing on Saturdays, next season, for App State and East Carolina, respectively.
Lower Richland’s Nate Branch (5-10,170) is another burner, slot type of receiver who can cause problems with his speed. This kid runs good routes, sinking his hips creating great transition and separation. He is headed to Coastal Carolina for his college.
Westwood’s Noah Jennings (6-1, 170) is a player I believe has been grossly ignored and under rated by most. He’s a field stretcher with excellent speed. I’d like to see him high point the ball more in battle but he uses his body good to position himself for the catch.
HUGE UPSIDE
The next tier of player are all very capable of being “the guy”, showing flashes of greatness in their play but not quite putting it together completely.
One that needs some evaluation against big talent is a transfer from Maine to Dutch Fork. Isaiah Jones (6’3, 200) was a star in Maine in a smaller school setting, helping his team to a state title. He was considered by many there to be Maine’s best football prospect. He has the size, speed and has shown prowess on the field. He is strong after the catch but I need to see him in some 5A football.
Saluda’s Zion Wright (6-3, 175) and Crestwood’s Nigel Johnson (6-3,180) may be the two biggest sleepers on this list. Both of these guys could be right up near the top of this list. Wright is a long body who stretches the field with good speed and athleticism. He had 29 catches last season for 600 yards. Johnson is the same and very athletic, creating some mismatches on the outside. He played some quarterback for the Knights last season but I expect big things from both of these guys in 2022 and expect them to be in the top five or six of this list by season’s end.
Spring Valley’s NIgel Ancrum (5-8,165) is a slot receiver who gives the Vikings speed to kill. Ancrum is a 10.62 100 meters track star and demands cushion in coverage. He’s a great burner type of recevier and is dangerous with the ball.
PROMISING BUT NEEDS MORE EVALUATION
Lower Richaland’s Mekhi Campfield (6-4,200) has the measurables but I need to see some consistent production. He’s got a great frame and is fast and athletic and could be one of the best in the Midlands.
Blythewood’s Josh Gary (6-2,190) is a player with the tools but need to see more consistency catching the football. In 2021, he went through two quarterbacks and that can sometimes be a difficult adjustment but he has the speed and raw talent to play at the next level.
THE UNKNOWN
These are players that are new to the area and I just need to see more on them but are talented enough to be near the top of this list.
Blythwood’s Deon “DJ” Tyler (6-3, 195) transferred from Kennesaw, Ga in the off season. Unknown how he will play in South Carolina but he looks very good in camps in the off season. He’s from Blythewood and played middle school ball there before moving to Georgia.
Spring Valley’s Kendell Williams (6-5,205) is a rising senior who plays basketball for the Vikings but has decided to play football his senior year. He gives the Vikings a big wide out to create some match up problems and if his athleticism and prowess from the court can translate to the field, he will be one of the Midlands’ best by season’s end.
