2023 Rankings Update: Repping Their Schools
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Among 161 ranked players in the Class of 2023, 32 of them came from just five schools. Clearly, an influx of talent sometime clusters. There’s also something to be said for developmental waves. This time around, we noticed it specifically…
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Continue ReadingAmong 161 ranked players in the Class of 2023, 32 of them came from just five schools.
Clearly, an influx of talent sometime clusters. There’s also something to be said for developmental waves.
This time around, we noticed it specifically with three programs – Northwestern, Summerville and Oceanside Collegiate. These are three dramatically different situations, but they’re all producing great individual talent.
OCEANSIDE COLLEGIATE
The charter has been finding itself all over our rankings for various classes since we started. And while 2023 has branched out some to include more skill position guys, the trenches are clearly one of the Landsharks’ go-to strengths still. Offensive lineman Monroe Freeling Monroe Freeling 6'7" | 285 lbs | OL Oceanside Collegiate Academy | 2023 State SC and defensive linemen Tim Castain Tim Castain 6'1" | 240 lbs | DL Oceanside Collegiate | 2023 State SC and Marcus Adams Marcus Adams 6'5" | 235 lbs | TE James Island Charter | 2023 State SC are bolstering the lineup.
Not surprising, tailback Vaughn Blue Vaughn Blue 5'10" | 180 lbs | RB Oceanside Collegiate Academy | 2023 State SC has fed off that, and a developing passing game in the coming year should do wonders for receivers Cole Stricker and Jace Kraftchick Jace Kraftchick 6'3" | 205 lbs | WR Oceanside Collegiate | 2023 State SC .
NORTHWESTERN
The Trojans’ pass-happy attack has crafted itself as an offense that displays plenty of potential college prospects. Receiver Elijah Caldwell Elijah Caldwell 6'1" | 190 lbs | WR Northwestern | 2023 State SC is a top-flight name to watch next year, and fallow outside mate William Brooks William Brooks 6'3" | 175 lbs | WR Northwestern | 2023 State SC will have his chances, too. Tailback Qua Howard Qua Howard 6'0" | 180 lbs | RB Keenan | 2023 State SC , while splitting reps with talented sophomore Turbo Richard Turbo Richard 5'10" | 205 lbs | RB Northwestern | 2024 State SC , also managed to stand out.
A big reason (pun intended) for that is the excellent blocking of lineman Jordan Knox Jordan Knox 6'4" | 295 lbs | OL Northwestern | 2023 State SC , Ben Acus Ben Acus 6'3" | 305 lbs | OL Northwestern | 2023 State SC and Marcus Macon Marcus Macon 6'3" | 285 lbs | OL Northwestern | 2023 State SC .
SUMMERVILLE
The Green Wave stumbled down the stretch in 2021, losing each of their last five games. But what we saw throughout was a trial by fire for would-be returning players. Especially, defensive backs Keith Elmore Keith Elmore 6'0" | 185 lbs | DB Summerville | 2023 State SC and Michael Jenkins Michael Jenkins 6'1" | 165 lbs | DB Summerville | 2023 State SC , linebacker Steven Simpkins and defensive lineman De’Andre Jones De’Andre Jones 6'1" | 245 lbs | DL Fort Dorchester | 2023 State SC were still holding their own.
Their showing in losses to high-powered offense like West Ashley, Fort Dorchester and Goose Creek in those late-season games proved they could all be even better next fall.
After Oceanside, Northwestern and Summerville, two other schools had at least five players each named to the Class of 2023 rankings.
AC Flora (6)
Chris Lofton Chris Lofton 5'10" | 165 lbs | WR AC Flora | 2023 State SC , WR
Markel Townsend Markel Townsend 5'8" | 170 lbs | RB AC Flora | 2023 State SC , RB
Kendarius Kinard Kendarius Kinard 6'4" | 300 lbs | OL AC Flora | 2023 State SC , OL
Adonis McDaniel Adonis McDaniel 5'10" | 165 lbs | WR Ridge View | 2023 State SC , WR
Carew Bates Carew Bates 6'0" | 175 lbs | ATH AC Flora | 2023 State SC , DB
Braxton Burton, DL
Ridge View (5)
Zion Agnew Zion Agnew 5'11" | 160 lbs | WR Ridge View | 2023 State SC , WR
Tracy Stephens Tracy Stephens 6'4" | 240 lbs | TE Ridge View | 2023 State SC , TE
Chris Lawson Chris Lawson 6'1" | 175 lbs | WR Ridge View | 2023 State SC , WR
Josh Sadler Josh Sadler 6'3" | 215 lbs | LB Ridge View | 2023 State SC , LB
Marcus Kelly Marcus Kelly 5'9" | 165 lbs | RB Ridge View | 2023 State SC , RB