South Carolina is loaded with class of 2010 football prospects with
Byrnes High School leading the way. The defending state champions could have as
many as three All-Americans, according to Tom
Lemming.
“To have three All-Americans in one school, especially in
South Carolina, is an extremely unusual occurrence,” Lemming said.
Defensive linemen Brandon
Willis and Corey Miller, and
running back Marcus Lattimore are
all heavily recruited players who could be in line for the national recognition
next fall.
Willis stands at 6-foot-5, 255 pounds and recorded
13 sacks last year. His stronger frame sets him apart slightly from Miller.
Checking in at 6-5 and weighing 230 pounds, Miller will add weight in time but shows great explosion off the ball. He
registered eight sacks last season.
“No one in the country has better defensive ends,”
Lemming said.
Both Miller and Willis are receiving offers from around
the country. It may be Byrnes’ running back, however, who ends up being the most highly-prized recruit.
Marcus Lattimore, Byrnes
Photo By Don Wessel
Marcus Lattimore, MaxPreps’ National Junior of the Year, is
in the early lead to be considered the country’s top rusher, according to
Lemming.
“Right now, I have him as the nation’s No. 1 running
back,” he said. “But I haven’t seen everybody yet.”
While Temple (Texas) running back Lache Seastrunk and Little Rock Christian’s (Ark.) Michael Dyer will be among those to
challenge for that distinction, it’s clear that Lattimore is rivaled by only an
elite few.
“He’s built like a power back but has real good moves,”
Lemming said. “I think he’s the Bryce
Brown of this year: an instant impact player.”
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Lemming also thinks Chas Dodd will be a great addition to
a college program at quarterback. If not for his height (6-0), he’d be a major
recruit.
Around
the State
The Palmetto State’s top linebacker in 2010 will be
Beaufort’s Justin Parker.
“He gets to the ball in a hurry, and has no wasted
motion,” Lemming said. “I like him a lot.”
Six-foot-four, 315-pound Eric
Mack from Calhoun County is the state’s premier offensive lineman. He
registered 78 pancakes last year and has been flooded with offers since.
“He’s very aggressive and doesn’t let up on anybody,” Lemming said.
On the other side of the ball, Kelcy Quarles from Greenwood is another potential All-American. The
6-5, 265-pound defensive lineman stood out last year despite playing on the
same team as 2009 blue chip recruit Sam
Montgomery.
“This kid has a bigger body, is super explosive and just
as strong,” Lemming said of Quarles. “He is one of the best players I’ve seen
in the country and one of the nation’s premier defensive linemen.”
Adding to the state’s skill position star power is wide
receiver Martavis Bryant.
The Hanna star is already committed to Clemson, but
continues to entertain overtures from South Carolina and Florida among others.
His ability to make dynamic plays has attracted schools from across the
country.
“He makes acrobatic catches and make them look routine,” Lemming said. “He is definitely one of the best wide receivers in the country.”
Sleeper
Alert
Keep an eye on Sumter quarterback Stephen Curtis, who is still waiting on offers despite throwing for
over 2,300 yards and 23 touchdowns last season.
Curtis stood out to Lemming, thanks to his strong arm and
great foot work.
“I’m surprised a school like Clemson hasn’t gone after
him,” Lemming said.
Lemming also likes Fairfax quarterback Bashaud Breeland, an athletic, dual
threat with in-state offers from Clemson and South Carolina.
“Nowadays, everybody is going for athletic quarterbacks
more than pro-style quarterbacks, so he’ll get a lot of attention,” Lemming said.
Another athletic quarterback Lemming likes is Spartanburg’s
Cornelius Jones, who has already
been offered by Michigan.
Other
South Carolina Names to Know
DeAndre
Hopkins, DB, Daniel: Athletic two-way player stars at Daniel
Kalon
Davis, OL, Chester: A massive offensive line prospect at 6-5, 330
Mustafa
Greene, RB, Irmo: Greene was out of town during Lemming’s
visit, but could be a top 100-type player
Kegan
Funderburk, DE, Pageland Central: Only Michigan State has offered this
developing defensive end
Justin
Henderson/Aaron Cobb, Bamburg-Ehrhardt: Henderson is being
recruited as a tight end and defensive end. Cobb, a two way lineman, has
All-American potential at center, according to Lemming.
Quinton
Darby, RB, South Pointe: With the amount of talent that the
Stallions lose, look for Darby to be the focal point of the team’s offense
