2023 Rankings Update: Big Hitters
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People remember the names. If you don’t, I highly suggest you look them up on the internet. Ronnie Lott. Lester Hayes. Jack Youngblood. Ed “Too Tall” Jones. “Mean” Joe Greene. These were players you did not want to see if…
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Continue ReadingPeople remember the names. If you don’t, I highly suggest you look them up on the internet.
Ronnie Lott. Lester Hayes. Jack Youngblood. Ed “Too Tall” Jones. “Mean” Joe Greene. These were players you did not want to see if you were an offensive player in the NFL in the 1970’s and 1980’s. They could control games from various spots on the defensive side of the ball.
This group below should be considered Big Hitters of the Class of 2023. They can change the complexion of a game with outstanding defensive play.
Xzavier McLeod Xzavier McLeod 6'5" | 320 lbs | DL Camden | 2023 State SC / David Copley David Copley 6'1" | 210 lbs | LB Camden | 2023 State SC , Camden
The fact McLeod and Copley have another season together along the defensive line for Camden almost doesn’t seem fair to the rest of the state. McLeod is a menace that recorded 51 tackles, 17 tackles for loss and three sacks in 11 games. Copley added 46 stops. 12 tackles for loss and seven sacks in 12 games.
Eamon Smalls Eamon Smalls 6'3" | 300 lbs | DL Beaufort | 2023 TX , Beaufort
Smalls is over 300 pounds but athletic. He causes trouble upfront and is difficult to block. His recruiting is starting to pick up steam. Should be one of the highest touted defensive linemen in the state by the time the 2022 season begins.
Jalen Rambert Jalen Rambert 6'1" | 240 lbs | LB Powdersville | 2023 State SC , Powdersville
There is a reason Lambert is our No. 1 ranked player in the Class of 2023. He packs a wallop in his 6-1, 240-pound frame. When he reaches the ball-carrier, he does so with force and vicious intent. His recruiting is about to be in overdrive as he hits the summer camp circuit.
Omari Jenkins Omari Jenkins 6'2" | 225 lbs | LB Timberland | 2023 State SC , Timberland
Jenkins is another big play linebacker that looks to make the big hit. He does not have any offers currently but that is sure to change in the coming months. He’s 6-1, 225-pounds and has a chance to play at a high level.
Miquel Dingle Miquel Dingle 6'2" | 210 lbs | LB Byrnes | 2023 State SC , Byrnes
Dingle is an intriguing prospect out of Byrnes. He missed his sophomore season but burst on the scene last year. Playing both linebacker and safety, Dingle had 38 tackles and seven tackles for loss in 11 games. He’s the son of former South Carolina running back Mike Dingle.
Landon Danley Landon Danley 6'2" | 190 lbs | DB Dutch Fork | 2023 State SC , Dutch Fork
Danley is a big-hitting safety that Tom Knotts has said is one of the best he’s coached at that position. He’s 6-3, 190-pounds and is not afraid to come downhill fast. He could move to an outside linebacker spot but right now he’s the guy that man’s the Dutch Fork secondary.
Misun Kelley Misun Kelley 5'10" | 170 lbs | DB DW Daniel | 2023 State SC , Daniel
Kelly has shined on both sides of the ball for Daniel. He does not shy away from contact and made 24 tackles for the state champion Lions. He added 54 catches for 726 yards and 10 touchdowns on offense. His future is probably on defense but expect him to excel on both sides of the ball again next fall.
Zyeir Gamble Zyeir Gamble 5'11" | 180 lbs | DB Sumter | 2023 State SC , Sumter
Gamble made a name for himself with nine interceptions in 11 games. He wasn’t afraid to mix it up either with 40 tackles and 6.5 tackles for loss. His recruiting attention should skyrocket this summer.
Carew Bates Carew Bates 6'0" | 175 lbs | ATH AC Flora | 2023 State SC , A.C. Flora
Bates is probably a baseball player on the college level but that hasn’t stopped him from excelling on defense for the Falcons. He is a big-hitting defense back that has the ability to play closer to the line of scrimmage if needed.