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West Columbia (SC) Each year as I go through film in the off-season and then see the players live, I scratch my head in wonder why some of these guys don’t have offers – or don’t have bigger offers. In a day where colleges are throwing out offers like candy in a parade, there is no reason that some players aren’t getting love from the recruiters. Now, granted, in some cases, there are legitimate reasions, such as grades, test scores, and just lacking physical traits.
Here are some of the guys in the Midlands that I feel are being mistakenly ignored by the college recruiters.
I’m going to start with Dutch Fork defensive back Landon Danley. This kid is 6’2, 200lbs and is an excellent tackler. He’s good in space and has great ball skills. He had 3 picks last season with a handful of pass breakups. He’s a safety in a linebacker body and has the speed to play either spot. Oh, did I mention he is a three spoirt star (football, basketball, track). He has an offer from Bryant University, which is a Division I school, and has an offer from Wofford, but this kid can play at a much higher level. I think he’s a power five talent. There no excuse why a school like NC State or Duke from the ACC hasn’t called. And what about South Carolina? Right in your backyard, guys. A college coach will NEVER be criticized for taking a hometown kid if it doesn’t work out. What am I missing here?
I’m going to go with another Dutch Fork guy, wide receiver Isaiah Jones. Jones is a 6’3,190lbs reciever who has also played defensive back. Now, Jones transferred from a private school, Thornton Academy in Maine, in the off-season. In Maine, he would have been considered a favorite for their Mr. Football award this season and has shined in a lot of national camps. His problem has been lack of exposure. But he is as physical of a wide receiver as you will see and I think he is one of those guys that is going to be an absolute gem to whomever pulls the trigger and offers him.
Batesburg-Leesville’s Patrick Swygert is a 6’4, 240lbs athlete who has been completely off the radar. This kid has a lean, athletic body and could play tight end easily. For Batesburg-Leesville, he’s a tight end, defensive end and even a tackle at times. He has a huge upside, as in a frame that can pack on another 30 lbs easily. Imagine a tackle with the athleticism he has. Again, I think he’s a kid that could be a Division I tight end and possibly even grow into a lineman. At 6’4 he’s probably have to move inside to a guard position at Division I, but he could be a freak at any of those positions at the Division II level.
QB Riley Staton at Gray Collegiate is about to see his recriting stock soar. He’s a 6’3, 190lbs signal caller and I believe the only hold up with him is he only started half the season last year. But he demonstrated solid skills in games all the way through winning the State 2A Championship. He looked solid in 7 on 7s, impressed some coaches in the off-season at their camps he was invited to and looked good in the jamboree this past weekend. I look for him to get a power five offer in the next ten weeks and if he doesn’t, something is wrong.
One I’m scratching my head on is Crestwood QB Javion Martin (6’2, 190). He’s a junior but He’s started two years for the Knights. Last season, as a sophomore, he won co-offensive player of the year for the region. He was 73 of 133 for 1,242 yards and 12 TDs. He carried the ball 33 times for 175 yards and 5 more scores. He’s a definite FCS type of guy and possibly higher.
Lexington TE Cam Sutton (6’3, 240) is a tight end-Hback that is an absolute terror blocking. He’s physical, explosive, explosive with his hands, holds his block either downfield or to the ground. He’s got receiver hands, catches the ball away from his body and is a physical ball carrier. I like this kid at the position he’s at for the next level. Power Five schools will stay away because he’s “too small” for the TE spot at that level, but as a fullback, he could do it. He can play TE/Hback easily at FCS or small Division I level.
Junior linebacker Seneca Moore of Lakewood is a beast on defense. He’s 6’2, 205 and athletic. He’s a 4.6 40 guy, a state qualifier in the high jump (6-4). He’s athletic enough to play safety and physical and athletic enough to play outside linebacker. He’s a downhill player, hits with his pads, has great range and gets over trash well in pursuit. Last season, he had 58 tackles , 4 sacks and 10 tackles for loss. This is a power five player. He’s got some interest from NC State, where his teammate DB Brandon Cisse is committed. In state schools may want to take a serious look at this 2024 guy.
