5 Hidden Gem 2021 York County Prospects
We’re back with another edition of our Hidden Gem series, taking a look at a few unsigned Class of 2021 prospects in York County who have some offers or none at all. These guys are all great players and students as well. Let’s dive into the four guys we looked at on film:
Clover – C Scott Lackey (6’1, 240 lbs.)
Twitter: @ScottLackey9
Analysis: Lackey is a fundamentally sound center. He can drive the defensive tackle right into the ground on run and pass plays. He’s great with his hands. He knows when there is a screen pass coming to get out in front and allow the defensive tackle to chase the quarterback and he made a crushing block to allow the ball carrier to get some extra yards. He holds his block until the whistle. He has offers from Hamden-Sydney College, Methodist University and Avrett University but remains unsigned. He’s a strong student in the classroom with a 3.9 GPA.
Catawba Ridge – ATH, QB, OLB Kayden Hager
Twitter: @HagerKayden
Analysis: Like most on the Catawba Ridge Copperheads roster, Hager played multiple positions including quarterback. He showed during the 2020 season that he is elusive and can really make his presence known in the read option game at quarterback scoring touchdowns in place of their starter who got injured during the year, who we’ll get to in future articles. He can put the ball on the money on the deep ball as well. Or he can make an impact at outside linebacker being instinctive to recognize the play and take it back for six. He also was an Honorable Mention in postseason honors voted on by South Carolina high school football coaches. He also just received his first Division 1 preferred-walk on offer from Long Island University. Check him out, coaches!
South Pointe – WR Caleb Rayner
Twitter: @calebrayner11
Analysis: Out of all the wide receivers we’ve looked at so far whether in-person or on film, we’re not sure if there’s a more physical receiver who won’t go down on first contact. Because that’s what Rayner embodies. He not only has smooth hands, but he’s versatile as well. He’ll line up in the backfield and make an impact running the ball. He can go up and make catches in traffic and knows how to go get the ball at its highest point. He will win the one-on-one battles more times than not. He was also an All-Region selection following the 2020 season. His offensive coordinator said he takes his academics very seriously. Surprisingly, he has yet to obtain an offer.
Fort Mill – TE/OT Brooks Rhinehart
Twitter: @RhinehartBrooks
Analysis: The first thing that jumped out to us when watching this guy’s film was his size. He checks in at 6’5 and plays on the offensive line, but he can also flex out and play at tight end. That size makes him difficult to defend because just when it looks like he’s blocking, he’s actually going out for a 15-yard pass to get an easy first down for his team. He’s got good hands when he goes out for a pass. We noticed one play where he made a great seal block on a quarterback power run. He’s an impressive student in the classroom with a 4.1 GPA. He holds offers currently from Erskine College and Georgia Military College.
BONUS ADDITION: Northwestern – SS/CB Key’Shard McCrorey
Twitter: @xxkam4
Analysis: McCrorey was a force at safety and corner for the Northwestern Trojans’ defense in 2020. In looking at his film, this guy knows where to find the ball and if you’re a quarterback, you’ll want to be very careful throwing it to his side as he had multiple interceptions during his senior year as well. Quarterbacks also did not have very much success with the quick passing game, either. Even if a receiver makes the catch, he would be there to either make a big hit on the receiver or pick it off. He’s very aggressive against the run as he fills running lanes quickly before the ball carrier can really get going, whether that’s outside stretch plays or option pitches. Just a brief glance at his Twitter account, it doesn’t look like he has any offers so coaches you should definitely check this guy out!