Recruiting Round-Up: Lemming Visits Palmetto State

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