Related Articles
West Columbia (SC) As I continue to go through the different groups and phases of the football team and look a the strongest units, the defensive back group is, by far, the deepest group in the Midlands. This group has several players who are major division I prospects and some whom have committed already. Here is a look at the top defensive back groups in this segment of the Midlands Elite Units: The Secondaries
1. DUTCH FORK SILVER FOXES
It seems that the Foxes have been in every one of the elite units but in this one, as with the linebackers, they are the top group. They are anchored by all-state safety Landon Danley (6’2,200). Last season, Danley had 77 tackles, 5 for loss, 4 interceptions, 4 PBUs and 2 forced fumbles. He’s joined by senior Pual Taylor (5’9,185) who may see some OLB play this season. last season, he had 28 tackles and 1 interception. Senior corners J’Von Mack (5’11,190) and Ben Montgomery (5’11,185) are both back, as well. Last year, in 7 games, Mack had 16 tackles and Montgomery had 15 and 9 PBU’s in 9 games.
2. SPRING VALLEY VIKINGS
The Vikings are thin on defense but they have a good group of defensive backs. Jordan Chestnut(6’0,170) is one of the top DBs in the Midlands and he is back. Joining him is David Wilson (6’1,220), along with Zion Fuller (6’2,175) and Nigel Ancrum (5’9,165), who just won the AAU National 100m Championship this summer with a time of 10.1. These guys are strong in coverage and have speed.
3. AC FLORA FALCONS
The Falcons are loaded at DB and then some. Returning are seniors Xavier Dow (5’8, 180) at corner. He is joined by Kareem Young (5’10,180) and Dontavious Pettus (5’8,170), along with sophomore Sterling Reese (6’1,160). Also back are junior safeties Ryan Biggerstaff (5’9,160) and Zach Verzyl (6’0,180).
4. FAIRFIELD CENTRAL GRIFFINS
The Griffins return one of the stronger sets of DBs in the Midlands. Senior Donovan Watkins (5’10,170) is an absolute player and one of the best. Jalian Yarborough (5’11,180) is also back, along with Jai Boyd. Junior Roman Davis (5’9,160) is also back along with sophomore Chris Jackson (5’8,160)
]
5. CAMDEN BULLDOGS
The Bulldogs return three guys who were starters for the State Runner-Up team last season. Dylan Locklear (5’10,165) is back with fellow senior Henry Green (6’2,175) and junior Jah Mayrant (5’10,,175).
6. SUMTER GAMECOCKS
The Gamecocks are always strong on defense and they have a strong group in the secondary. Senior Zyeir Gamble (5’11,180) returns after having a 9 interception season last year. He is joined by Marquis Lane (6’1,185) and Nate Butler (6’1,175). Junior Jauron Bennet (6’0,175) also returns as a starter during his sophomore season.
7. GRAY COLLEGIATE WAR EAGLES
The War Eagles return three starters to a group that racked up some takeaways in 2021. Senior Devin Johnson (5’8,165) was one of the state interception leaders with 5 last season. He is joied by Junior Blake Croft (6’1,195) and Savion Smith (5’9,170).
8. LEXINGTON WILDCATS
This is a very unsuspecting group. They are very good in coverage and in run support and are probably capable of being one of the top three or four units on this list. Senior Kam Coulter (5’9,165) is strong at corner and fellow senior Chris Frye (5’11,180) is one of the more under rated DBs in the Midlands. Juniors Hayden Woolbright (6’0,160) and Jacob Gepfert (5’9,160) are the other two starters. Woolbright and Frye will both see time on offense as well.
9. AIRPORT EAGLES
The Eagles have some strong senior talent leading this group with Kendell Stroman (6’2,160) and Jordan Mims (5’11,180). Mimms, is one of the more under rated DBs in the Midlands and you need to watch this kid. Joining them will be junior Sebastian Sapp (5’8,150).
10. RICHLAND NORTHEAST CAVALIERS
Junior Myle Pratt (6’0,180) is a solid prospect and player for this group, along with senios Jaquan Clark (5’10,170) and Avonte Grant (5’10,175).
