The talent in the Midlands high school athletes is always amazing and the level of that talent in the younger classes is very high right now. Today, i wanted to take a look at some of those young guys and what the future could hold as we look ahead.
The freshman Class of 2026 is hard to mention this early because most of these players aren’t even on campus yet. But Fairfield Central has a rising freshman who is going to be taking starting snaps at quarteback and that is Cameron McMillon (6’1,185). He’s got a strong arm and has been airing it out in Summer 7 on 7, making the Griffins a legit consideration for an elite air attack this year.
CLASS OF 2025
The Class of 2025 is absolutely loaded with talent on the surface and we haven’t even begun to see a lot of guys from this class play yet.The one’s we do know about are outstanding. I’m gonna start with River Bluff’s Stephen Collier (6’3,200). This guy is a two-way player at wide receiver and safety. I have little doubt that he is the most dynamic athlete in this Class at this time. He’s a Power 5 prospect in my opinion and projects high as a defensive player. He’s going to get a lot of looks as a safety and with his frame, may grow into an outside linebacker. He will be an elite prospect in national rankings when he gets to be a junior.
Another elite guy from the sophomore group is Richland Northeast quarterback Will Wilson (6’2, 205). Like Collier, Wilson is a dynamic athlete and should see Power 5 offers sooner than later.
Irmo quarterback AJ Brand (6’1,180) has already drawn verbal offers from Division I schools during the camp season. He’s a speedy guy and has the ability to play multiple positions, making him attractive as a prospect.
River Bluff quarterback Parker Murray (6’1,200) is a dual threat quarterback with a good football IQ. He’s got a strong arm and can make the necessary throws and is very dangerous with his legs. I look for his stock to go way up during this football season.
River Bluff Offensive Lineman Pac Pitts (6’5,245) is another Gator that I expect to see a rise in stock. He’s still a baby in terms of experience but he has the physical tools and the drive to become one of the top linemen in the Class of 2025 for the Midlands.
AC Flora’s Aiden Mosley (5’11,185) is an athlete I think can develop into something special. He’s played corner and running back for the Falcons as a freshman and while he will end up running the ball for them, I see him playing as defensive player at corner or possibly even growing into a linebacker or strong safety.
Hammond’s Mike Tyler (6’3,210) is a dangerous player and lines up at wide receiver for the Falcons. He has the potential to be a Power 5 receiver but I likke him as a linebacker. I can see him being a top prospect at either position.
Fairfield Central’s Tydarion Grier (5’10,170) was impressive as a freshman for the Griffins and he is going to be a solid prospect at wide receiver and possibly even defensive back. He will run the football at running back, as well, and he’s a legit 4.5 guy.
Dreher LB Willie Smith (6’0,195) is a physical player who has good speed and athleticism. He will line up for the Blue Devils at running back, as well, but I see his future on defense.
Lugoff-Elgin’s Kyle Bacon (6’4,200) plays defensive back and tight end for the Demons. He has a high football IQ, the son of a coach (Bill Bacon) and I think he has a future at the next level as a defensive back. That said, he could continue to grow and fill out and be a legit TE prospect.
White Knoll QB Landon Sharpe (5’10,175) was impressive as a freshman starter for the Timberwolves. He is more of a dual threat quarterback and throw well on the run. I believe he can play at the next level but, as with most prospects, his size will matter so growth and development is going to be important.
Brookland-Cayce’s Tyrone Jackson (5’11,220) is a starting linebacker for the Bearcats who played as a freshman. This is a guy who will develop into a good prospect on defense. He’s very physical and aggressive.
Thursday’s Baxter’s Blitz will take a look at the Class of 2024.
