13. Byrnes (Duncan, S.C.) - Full preview
Akia Booker is explosive at wide receiver for Byrnes.
Photo by Randy Sartin
Strengths: Receivers and defensive backs are two areas of strength of Byrnes.
Akia Booker and
Tavin Richardson give the Rebels true vertical targets for returning quarterback
Shuler Bentley.
Shane Samuels, who picked off seven passes last season, leads a secondary that is completely intact from a year ago.
Question marks: There’s no clear feature back at this point. From a program where Marcus Lattimore starred for three years, that’s an unusual position to be in. The defensive line is also an area where head coach Chris Miller has focused this spring. Look for linebacker
Melvin Armstrong to slide down to defensive end to help fill a hole up front.
Outlook: Last year, Gaffney was the trendy team in South Carolina, but still, it was not all too surprising that Byrnes emerged as state champions. This year, the team should be much-improved, but it will once again have a bulls eye on its back. It’s a familiar spot for a program that has thrived in the spotlight.
