York Co. Early 2022 Watchlist and More Part 2
In this article:
Let’s jump into Part 2 of our 2022 Early Watch List series in York County, S.C. Read until the end because we’ll be revealing a few other things to watch involving a 2022 prospect from outside the area and a 2023 prospect from the area.
This group is impressive with several multiple sport athletes, let’s take a look at them:
If you missed Part 1 of our 2022 Early Watch List series in York County, S.C., check it out here.
(*) indicates that this prospect’s stats were available at the time this article was written:
Early 2022 Player to watch from every York County team
Catawba Ridge – DB/WR/ATH Jacobie Henderson
Analysis: At the cornerback position, Henderson is everything you could want. He plays under control and shuffles his feet to time his break at the right time to interceptions. We noticed on film on a quarterback scramble in a goal line situation where he was defending against a possible pass play. He came out of his coverage quickly to keep him out of the end zone.
When he’s at wide receiver, this guy is quick and glides his way by defenders once he gets into the open field. He made a spectacular catch on a tip drill using his eyes and hands combined with great concentration. He checks the box academically with a 3.9 GPA.
Clover – WR Darius Bowser
Analysis: Bowser is a receiver that can stretch the field as the Blue Eagles lined him up outside at the “9” man position. He excels in winning the one-on-one battles and “stacking” the defender. He can find the green grass and create separation from his man on comeback and out routes. He runs crisp and full speed routes and is a threat in the kickoff return game with his speed to take it to the house.
Fort Mill – DE Miller Shouse
*2020 Season Averages: 5.7 tackles per game, 1.3 tackles for loss per game, 1.5 QB hurries per game, 1 INT returned for a TD
Analysis: Shouse is an exciting defensive end to watch on film. The first play we saw, he recognized a screen quickly and got his hands up to not only pick it off but take it back for a touchdown. He comes down quickly in his rush lanes as soon as the ball is snapped and makes a solid hit on the ball carrier either for no gain or a loss. He has a motor that’s running and a high football IQ to where he plays fast and physical, especially against the run. He can also affect the quarterback’s timing on the throws just by his presence in his face. He gets it done in the classroom as he has a 3.9 GPA.
Legion Collegiate Academy – CB/WR Skyler Woodard
Analysis: Good luck trying to throw the ball against Woodard. He is a shutdown, get in your face type defensive back that really makes it hard for receivers to get in a rhythm against. In the clips that we watched from the 2020 season, he stayed stride for stride with the opposing receivers, not allowing them to get any separation. His ability to turn and find the ball is impressive and he times his jump perfectly to make interceptions. He can also make plays in space and get off blocks well. Woodard runs track and he’s an outstanding student in the classroom with a 3.8 GPA.
Northwestern – WR Christian Watkins Christian Watkins 5'7" | 145 lbs | WR Northwestern | 2022 State SC
*2020 Season Stats: 43 catches, 595 yards, 7 TDs
Analysis: Watkins is a home run threat to take it the house every time he touches it. He can take a middle screen from a 5-yard gain to a 75-yard touchdown catch and run. He’s elusive and knows how to pick his way past defenders. We don’t remember many defenders being able to get a hand on him in his first few clips. He’s that good. You also have to keep an eye on him in the kick return game as well because once he finds a lane, it could be six points. He plays basketball and soccer as well.
Rock Hill – DE Maurice Bonneau Jr.
Analysis: The first word that comes to mind when thinking of Bonneau at defensive end is disruptor. One of the clips we watched on his film, the ball slipped out of the quarterback’s hands and right into Bonneau’s hands. He had the awareness to keep running with the ball and actually gained a few yards before he was brought down. The 6’2 defensive end knows how to defeat one-on-one blocks well which allows him to get into the backfield to make plays against the run. He has a motor that’s constantly running and he plays until the whistle blows. He’s an impressive student with a 4.0 GPA.
South Pointe – DB Quan Peterson Quan Peterson 6'1" | 175 lbs | DB South Pointe | 2022 State SC
Analysis: Peterson is an impressive corner who knows how to find the ball. Within the first few plays of watching his 2020 film, he reads the quarterback’s eyes well. He plays his man and zone coverage well. Even when it looks like a receiver may have some slight separation, he can make up ground quickly and make the interception. If he can’t make the pick, he’ll bat the ball away without interfering. His athletic ability makes him an impact player on special teams as well – he’s got the speed to where if he finds a convoy of blockers, it’s six points. He plays basketball as well.
York – OLB Mekayle Burris Mekayle Burris 6'2" | 200 lbs | LB York | 2022 State SC
*2020 Season Stats: 60+ tackles, 4 sacks
Analysis: Burris plays the outside linebacker spot in the York Cougars’ 3-4 defensive scheme and he’s really uses it to his advantage. He comes downhill and makes the tackle for loss quickly against the run game, making his presence felt. He fills the running lanes and has good gap integrity. He’s also an effective pass rusher and can come off the edge and lay the wood on the quarterback. He can play out in space, making tackles quickly there as well. He plays basketball and runs track as well and was an All-Region selection for the 2020 season.
One 2023 Local Name To Watch
Nation Ford – QB Carson Black Carson Black 6'3" | 190 lbs | QB Nation Ford | 2023 State SC
*2020 Season Stats (5 games): 131/199, 1704 yards, 23 TDs
Analysis: The first thing that stands out about Black on film is just the cannon of arm this guy has. He’s only a sophomore and his ability to take the top off the defense with the deep ball is impressive. His pocket presence is what gives you an indication that he understands the system and trusts his receivers to go out and make the plays and that’s exactly what he embodies. He puts the ball where only his guy can get it and excels in the short passing game as well as throwing on the run. He was the offensive player of the year in SC Region 3-5A football and was the Tri County 5A player of the year for 2020.
A 2022 name to watch statewide
Dillon – QB Jack Grider
Analysis: One of the first things we thought of when watching Grider’s film is a guy who puts the ball in the bread basket. His ability to throw the home run ball is impressive as he just has a cannon for arm. He can make the short to intermediate throws, too. But what’s even more impressive is his ability to make throws on the run. The velocity and touch on his throws stood out to us when he would scramble. He uses his legs effectively as well because when a play breaks down, he can scramble and take it to the house, like we saw on his film. He’s also a threat in the read option game. Grider is on the wrestling team as well and he gets it done in the classroom as a 4.2 GPA.