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West Columbia (SC) Let’s spend some time talking about preseason watch list for the Mr. Footbal – Midlands award. Now, let me just say ahead of time that every player in the Midlands is eligible for this award. I have seen some lists around the state that say “Finalist” on it but how can we have “finalists” for an award that is supposed to be based on your season (not career) and that season hasn’t even begun? That’s just nuts. This is NOT a finalis list. This is just some names that I expect to be there when we narrow this thing down to a finalist list. I will continue profiling watch list players throughout the weekend and next week.
Obviously the skills guys are always going to get press and highlight these lists. So I’m going to mentnion five skills players and five more skill-utility players that I think can be there based on how I believe they will perform this year. Now let me go on record as saying I don’t like using the word “skill player” and associate with just one certain group of positions. EVERY freaking positino on a football field requires skills. So for the record, I will use the term “skilled utility player” when referring to linemen and linebackers. Again, this is not a finalist list and these players are in alphabetical order. This first group of ten are all seniors.
The Skill Players
Brandon Cisse, DB/WR, Lakewood HS – This kid, who is committed to NC State, will not come off of the field. Not only is he the top DB in the Midlands, he is also a dangerous wide receiver. as well as the Gators’ punter, punt returner and kicker. I look for a huge season from this young man.
Apollos Cook, WR, Airport HS = Cook is the total package as a wide receiver. He has a high football IQ; he has size; he has speed; he has toughness; he has great hands. But does he have an offense that is going to be able to have enough threats to keep people from double teaming him and shutting him down? I think he is going to have a big season.
Alias Graham-Woodberry, RB, Gilbert HS – The only hurdle this kid could face is he shares the backfield with 2024’s top running back. But AGW is a speedster and lethal in traffic and uncatchable in space. I look for him to have another 1500+ yards season this year.
Jarvis Green, RB, Dutch Fork HS – The top running back in the Midlands running behind a huge offensive line with wide receivers the defense has to respect, all ingredients for a big season for this kid.
Tanner Staton, QB, Brookland-Cayce HS – Staton is poised for a big senior season. He will have fewer targets this year than he had in 2021, but I believe in this young man’s talent.
The Skilled-Utility Players
Terrell Hopkins, LB, CA Johnson HS – I think this may be the most under rated linebacker in the state. He has the potential to play big Division I football. I expect him to dominate in his league this year.
Montique Rhame, DE, Sumter HS – I happen to think this guy may be the best defensive lineman in the state. He’s a menace for offenses and an absolute nightmare for quarterbacks when he come off the edge.
Kendarious Kinard, OL, AC Flora HS – Watch the film; it’s self explainatory. He doesn’t give up sacks and is the most physicaly dominating lineman in the Midlands.
Xavier McLeod, DL, Camden HS – Virtually unblockable, this guy is a wrecking crew for offenses. I think he is going to be a terror again this season. I worry about his offense leaving the defense on the field too long, though.
Chandler Perry, LB, Dutch Fork HS – This is a tackling machine. 130 with 15 for loss in 2021 and I have no reason to expect less from him this season.
