Super Early 2021 All-State Defensive Honors
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Eleven positions. Eleven players. Eleven honors. That’s it. Five months prior to the start of the 2021 football season, we’re ready to hand out some way early pre-season awards. Here are the 11 defensive players, regardless of grade or classification,…
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Continue ReadingEleven positions. Eleven players. Eleven honors.
That’s it.
Five months prior to the start of the 2021 football season, we’re ready to hand out some way early pre-season awards. Here are the 11 defensive players, regardless of grade or classification, we think are the best of the best going into Spring Football, the summer 7-on-7s and fall camp.
DEFENSIVE END
DJ Aiken DJ Aiken 6'5" | 265 lbs | DL Bluffton | 2022 State SC , Bluffton
Aiken isn’t a true edge rusher, but really more of a combo end-tackle based on the Bobcats’ scheme and how it utilizes the 6-foot-5, 265-pound nightmare.
DEFENSVE TACKLE
Eamon Smalls Eamon Smalls 6'3" | 300 lbs | DL Beaufort | 2023 TX , Beaufort
Already 6-foot-3 and 320 pounds, this Class of 2023 prospect chews up more than his share of space. He singlehandedly has opposing teams altering their run games.
DEFENSIVE TACKLE
Xzavier McLeod Xzavier McLeod 6'5" | 320 lbs | DL Camden | 2023 State SC , Camden
McLeod has the looks of the next great defensive lineman to come out of Camden. The 6-foot-4, 280 pounder is only going to get bigger and better over the next two years.
DEFENSIVE END
Hudson Lee Hudson Lee 6'5" | 250 lbs | DL Dorman | 2022 State SC , Dorman
Lee routinely goes against some of the best offensive tackles in the state and makes it look easy. He’s 6-foot-5, can see where he needs to be and has a great first step.
MIDDLE LINEBACKER
Caleb Edwards Caleb Edwards 6'2" | 240 lbs | LB West Ashley | 2022 State SC , West Ashley
Despite the pandemic-shortened season, Edwards put up crazy numbers during his junior year. It included 40 solo tackles and another 63 assisted stops.
MIDDLE LINEBACKER
Jalen Rambert Jalen Rambert 6'1" | 240 lbs | LB Powdersville | 2023 State SC , Powdersville
Rambert is a prototypical Power Five linebacker. At 6-foot-2 and 240 pounds heading into his junior season, he moves better than you’d expect and crushes anything in his way.
OUTSIDE LINEBACKER
Jaylen Sneed Jaylen Sneed 6'2" | 220 lbs | LB Hilton Head | 2022 State SC , Hilton Head
We’ve been looking for cracks in Sneed’s game for two years, and there isn’t anything we don’t love. He’s a form tackler, pursues perfectly and can get anywhere he needs to be.
CORNERBACK
Jeadyn Lukus Jeadyn Lukus 6'2" | 180 lbs | DB Mauldin | 2022 State SC , Mauldin
A lockdown corner who can also light up a receiver coming across the middle is a rare trait. And it’s why the Clemson commitment was so highly coveted.
FREE SAFETY
Keith Elmore Keith Elmore 6'0" | 185 lbs | DB Summerville | 2023 State SC , Summerville
At 6-foot and 180 pounds, the rising junior has the size, speed and vision to be the perfect centerfielder, especially against the Class 5A competition Summerville plays.
STRONG SAFETY
Randy Caldwell Randy Caldwell 6'0" | 185 lbs | DB Mauldin | 2022 State SC , Mauldin
One of the most ferocious hitters in the entire state, Caldwell is getting serious traction on the recruiting circles. It’s only going to continue until the day he signs.
CORNERBACK
Zayveon Wells Zayveon Wells 5'10" | 170 lbs | DB Lakewood | 2022 State SC , Lakewood
Wells became a starter as a freshman, led the team in interceptions as a sophomore and was the best defensive player overall as a junior.