2025s With The Highest Ceiling?
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When we ranked just 26 players for the Class of 2025, we did so with a singular thought in mind. This was meant to be a selective group. We wanted the best of the youthful best, and we believe we…
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Continue ReadingWhen we ranked just 26 players for the Class of 2025, we did so with a singular thought in mind.
This was meant to be a selective group.
We wanted the best of the youthful best, and we believe we got it.
Sprinkled in among those 26 players are six who have already proved that their potential could be off the charts. They’ve produced on the varsity level, sure, but they’re all in situations where dynamic growth could have recruiters foaming at the mouth in a very short amount of time.
Cameron Austin Cameron Austin 6'0" | 175 lbs | QB Barnwell | 2025 State SC , ATH, Barnwell
Austin is listed as an athlete in our rankings, but his position – and his production levels – are all likely about to change. Here’s why: Although the 6-foot, 160-pounder played mostly receiver and defensive back as a freshman, it was done only to get him some time between the stripes. Austin is a quarterback by trade. What he also has at his disposal are two of the best rising seniors as teammates in running back Tyler J Smith Tyler J Smith 6'1" | 200 lbs | RB Barnwell | 2023 State SC and Clay Pender Clay Pender 6'1" | 165 lbs | ATH Barnwell | 2023 SC . Those three may all go off together in 2022.
Carlos Miller Carlos Miller 6'2" | 275 lbs | OL Dillon | 2025 State SC , OL, Dillon
Not many places produce 6-foot-2, 275-pound freshman offensive lineman at the varsity level. But most places aren’t Dillon, either. Miller started at right guard last year and was part of a pretty good group in the trenches. Individually, he shows a great ability to get of the ball in a hurry and engage early. He’ll be tested against some of the bigger opponents the Wildcats play, but as he continues to get bigger and faster – something Dillon’s weight room will accomplish – he could be a force for years to come.
Armoni Weaver Armoni Weaver 5'11" | 170 lbs | ATH Westside | 2025 State SC , DB, Byrnes
Dorman may one day talk about the kid who got away. And that may be next season. Weaver transferred to Byrnes after his freshman season. And all the Rebels got was a cornerback who not only saw a ton playing time at such a young age, but one who put up quality numbers. Weaver had two interceptions, seven solo tackles and six assisted tackles in nine games despite the fact that he was often out on the island against some high-quality receivers.
Jevon Edwards Jevon Edwards 5'9" | 195 lbs | RB South Aiken | 2025 State SC , RB, South Aiken
There’s a running back in the CSRA who everyone is watching in Silver Bluff’s Traevon Dunbar Traevon Dunbar 5'10" | 205 lbs | RB Midland Valley | 2024 State SC . And then there’s the player down the road some who has already drawn comparisons to him. Edwards’ measurables (5-foot-10, 170 pounds) are awfully similar, and his rushing abilities are, too. Last year, the South Aiken tailback ran for 1,148 yards and 11 touchdowns, all while averaging 7.7 yards per carry. If his receiving abilities continue to improve, we may be looking at a lock for FBS offers over the coming seasons.
John Simmons John Simmons 6'3" | 200 lbs | WR Myrtle Beach | 2025 State SC , WR, Myrtle Beach
Seahawks coach Mickey Wilson said this week that Simmons is already further along in the process than Adam Randall Adam Randall 6'3" | 200 lbs | WR Myrtle Beach | 2022 State SC was during his freshman season. Well, things worked out OK for Randall, the Mr. Football finalist who just started his Clemson career this month. Much like Austin at Barnwell, Simmons was able to see plenty of snaps as a freshman without much pressure. He hauled in 16 passes for 184 yards and three touchdowns. Then, he immediately moved on to starting for the school’s varsity basketball team. Simmons’ star will rise quickly.
Gavin Owens Gavin Owens 6'4" | 210 lbs | QB Rabun Gap | 2025 State GA , QB, Wren
Owens’ freshman season was sort of like watching a high-level tennis match go back-and-forth at a break-neck pace. The staff sort of cut the 6-foot-4, 195-pounder loose and let him going. He was a bit interception-prone, as he threw 13 of them in 10 games. But he more than leveled that out by throwing for 1,863 yards and 14 touchdowns and rushing for another 113 yards and three scores. Owens’ physical abilities are there, and that experience will aid in his ability to execute plays and read coverages.