Palmetto State Showdown Loaded With Talent
In this article:
One of the longest-running 7-on-7 events in South Carolina begins on Friday, and offers a look at a ton of players from both Carolinas. The Palmetto State Showdown at Byrnes features action on Friday evening and all day Saturday, with…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingOne of the longest-running 7-on-7 events in South Carolina begins on Friday, and offers a look at a ton of players from both Carolinas. The Palmetto State Showdown at Byrnes features action on Friday evening and all day Saturday, with nine schools represented. Byrnes, Wren, and Mallard Creek will field two teams each to round out the tournament field, while Chester, Wilson, J.L. Mann, Boiling Springs, Independence, and Kings Mountain will field “A” teams only.
Here’s a look at one player from each team to watch in this weekend’s action. Prep Redzone will be on site for complete coverage from Saturday’s pool and tournament games.
Miquel Dingle Miquel Dingle 6'2" | 210 lbs | LB Byrnes | 2023 State SC , LB, Byrnes: The hosts approach double-digit players in the PRZ rankings, with perhaps the strongest showing in the 2024 class. However, Dingle is a 2023 player who jumps out. He’s an athletic freak with true sprinter’s speed (and a state hurdles championship to show for it). He posted one of the nation’s fastest times in the 110 hurdles in the Spring, and every bit of that athleticism translates to the football field, as Dingle flies to the ball and covers the field well sideline-to-sideline. He committed to Texas Tech earlier this week, and will look to be even better in his senior season.
Gavin Owens Gavin Owens 6'4" | 210 lbs | QB Rabun Gap | 2025 State GA , QB, Wren: Owens is the No. 1-ranked player at his position and overall in the 2025 class. He’s got a big arm and a ton of talent, and he’s already made a major impact for the Hurricanes. As a freshman, Owens threw for 1,863 yards and 14 touchdowns for Wren in 10 games. He’ll only improve with more reps.
Zavian Scipio, LB, Wilson: Scipio is a force for the Tigers. He contributed 51 tackles last season, and shows great instincts and a love of contact. He’s also a monster in the weight room, benching 305 pounds and squatting 405, all at 180 pounds. His 4.63 speed puts him right in the middle of plays, and he plays with a physical style beyond his size.
Kam Williams, RB, Boiling Springs: Williams had multiple 100-yard games last season for the Bulldogs, and has added a power factor to his game, squatting more than 440 pounds. If Williams can continue to develop as a pass-catcher out of the backfield, he’ll be a huge threat in the Bulldogs’ offense under new coach Matt Reel.
Trooper Floyd, QB, Chester: Floyd did a little learning on the job last season, filling in capably for four-year starter Zan Dunham when Dunham was injured. Floyd has all the tools, and has certainly looked the part as the Cyclones played well at both the University of South Carolina and Justin Bethel events. Floyd camped at Florida State last week, and the sophomore signal-caller has tremendous upside.
Toby Cates Jr, WR, J.L. Mann: Cates was a bright spot offensively for the Patriots last season, contributing in a bunch of ways. He’s a problem in the slot, where he has the elusiveness to make people miss in one-on-one situations, the speed to run past defenders, and a knack for making difficult catches over the middle. He also lined up in the backfield, picking up big gains both on direct handoffs and on pop-passes. Cates also saw time in the return game for Mann. His speed makes him a player that has to be accounted for on every single snap.
AJ Richardson, LB, King’s Mountain: Listed as a linebacker, Richardson spends a lot of time with a hand in the dirt for King’s Mountain. There, his combination of speed and power is quickly evident, as he’s able to shed blockers and find the ball. When he stands, his already great first step becomes lethal. He has great anticipation, flies to the ball, and is physical when he arrives.
Michael Short, LB/DE, Mallard Creek: Short had 93 tackles and 21 tackles for loss as a junior, and all it takes is one look to see why he’s a huge factor. He’s an absolute nightmare off the edge, with a quick step and the speed to track down plays from behind. He does a good job winning one-on-one matchups, and excels at rushing the passer.