JBs Class of 2008 Stock Report
Signing day is in the rearview mirror and the time is upon us to pull up the sleeves
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and get to work on Recruiting - 2008. The signing class from South Carolina was absolutely
phenomenal, with more than 45 players signing with DI schools and well over 100 kids
inking the line to play football at some level in college. Well, buckle your seatbelts
folks, because the Class of 2008 is going to be just as exciting!
Cream of the Crop:
Ok, I always start this off by looking at the cream of the crop - the best
players/prospects in the state regardless of position. At first glance, this class doesn't
appear to be as deep as the 2007 class, but is every bit as strong - if not stronger - on
the surface.
href="http://scvarsity.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=40547">A.J. Green(6-4,
190) is going to be considered one of the top prospects nationally and for very good
reason. This 6-4 athlete is gifted with abilities that enable him to do things on the
field that defy description. Green runs very good routes and understands how to get
leverage on the defensive backs. He's got soft hands and positions himself well in
contested receptions. Best of all, the kid has incredible vertical ability and will rarely
- if ever - lose the jump ball. Athletically, he runs smooth, has great hips, and very
good control of his body. He's committed to UGA and says he's firm with the Bulldogs. That
said, the recent heavy interest in Green-the-basketball-player could make things
interesting when recruiting season starts warming up. He has a chance at being the top
rated prospect in the country.
href="http://scvarsity.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=54416">DaQuan Bowers
(6-4, 225) is definitely one of the nation's top players at his position. He has a
395-pound bench press max and a 595-pound squat. This season, he led his team in nearly
every defensive category including tackles, tackles for loss and sacks. He was a consensus
Class 2A All-State selection. Bowers has committed to Clemson
AC Flora OL Kenneth Page (6-5, 270) has seen his stock soar through the roof recently
after solid performances at the All-American combine and his film making its way to
recruiters. He currrently has nine major DI offers on the table. He is a definite Top Five
in the SCVarsity.com Class of 2008 rankings.
href="http://scvarsity.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=51935">Bruce Taylor
(6-3, 230) is going to be a Top Ten in SC and is probably the top LB in the state, though
I believe that we have at least three LB's that are all around the same caliber. Bruce
doesn't jump out at you in a game and doesn't make the big unforgettable plays, but he
does make plays every down. He's consistent and rarely out of position. He is committed to
Virginia Tech, though I wouldn't be surprised to see that open up if some other big dogs
come sniffing around the Seahawk nest.
href="http://scvarsity.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=57912">Robert Quinn(6-4,
250) is a guy that is going to play defensive end at the next level, though he has said
that whoever likes him at linebacker has an edge. He's very athletic and packs a powerful
punch.
High Stock Players
These are the guys that are high caliber, DI prospects, but not necessarily
challenging for the Top Five Players List. All of these are capable of coming into Top Ten
status for the state.
href="http://scvarsity.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=52897">Jaron Brown
(6-3, 190) has been one that we've been watching since his sophomore season. He's got very
good speed and is a solid, cerebral player on the defensive side of the ball. He doubles
as a wide receiver for the Braves and has good hands, but very raw on his route running.
He is dangerous in open space with the ball.
href="http://scvarsity.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=54665">J.T. Floyd
(5-11, 180) is a kid that had offers early after attending camps during Spring and Summer
of his sophomore year. He's got good coverage skills as a corner, can play pad level like
a strong safety, and is dangerous on the offensive side of the ball, as well. He's just a
very solid athlete. He's committed to Tennessee.
Chester's Charles
Whitlock (5-11, 170) has not been locked down into any position because of
the value he brings his team in so many positions. He's played quarterback, wide receiver,
running back, and lines up on defense. More than likely, he's going to be on the defensive
side of the ball. He has offers from South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Georgia
Tech, Clemson, Virginia Tech, LSU, Alabama, and Marshall. Passed for 1,600 yards and
rushed for 800 yards, scoring 26 touchdowns totaled in 2006 as a junior. He's been clocked
at a sub 4.5 40.
href="http://scvarsity.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=55278">Dalton Freeman(6-6,
270) is a guy that has seen his stock rise this Spring. He has an impressive offer list
from Clemson, Colorado, Duke, Ga Tech, Maryland, NC State, South Carolina, Vanderbilt, and
Wake Forest. The big man has quick feet and holds his blocks well. He's been clocked at
5.0 in the 40.
href="http://scvarsity.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=59404">Sam Hammond
(6-4, 290) has but one offer - from Clemson - but the big guy is definitely on the list of
top prospects from the state. He's powerful and has good speed. He should see more offers
during the May evaluation period.
href="http://scvarsity.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=57052">Jonathan Willard(6-2,
205) had 130 tackles 14 for loss with 2 sacks in 2006. He's got a high rating from
recruiters and has picked up offers from Clemson, North Carolina, and Tennessee. He is
going to see his stock continue to go up as we get into the evaluation period this Spring.
Fast Risers
These guys are already on the boards and will see some activity with their stocks this
Spring and Summer.
href="http://scvarsity.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=62730">Reid McCollum
(6-3, 190) passed for close to 3000 yards and 25 touchdowns this past season. He's got the
nation's top wide receiver (A.J. Green) to throw to, which is going to help him out. He
looked strong at Nike Camp last year in Athens. He's got a strong arm and is a cerebral
player. Will see some offers very soon.
href="http://scvarsity.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=61312">Kentrell Davis
(6-4, 295) is about to see his stock explode. The big trenchman has a quick first step and
has been clocked with a 4.9 40 and has a 30 inch vertical jump, displaying incredible
athleticism for a big man. He's got offers from South Carolina and Clemson, but this guy
is going to rapidly move up the chart during the May evaluation period - or sooner.
href="http://scvarsity.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=61032">Jay Spearman
(6-1, 190) is one of the fastest athletes in the class, with 4.4 speed. He's a dual threat
quarterback that could shift to another position at the next level. This past season, he
passing for 1,108 yards last season with seven touchdowns, while rushing for 1,111 yards
and 17 scores. You can view his film on SCVarsity.com's Varsity Underground message board.
He's another one that is going to see a lot of activity with his stock this Spring.
href="http://scvarsity.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=62463">T.J. Johnson
(6-4,285) is a guy that we highlighted during our media days last season and he is going
to see his stock rise fast this coming season. The big man is strong in the weight room
with a 325 bench and 450 squat, and has been clocked at 5.2 in the 40. He's got offers
from Maryland, Vanderbilt, and Troy, and is getting interest from the in-state schools.
Blythewood has two players that we feel will attract more offers this Spring -
href="http://scvarsity.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=54650">Marquan Jones
(5-11, 170). Mounce is a dual threat quarterback who led the Bengals to the AAA
state title this past season. He is a Clemson commitment in baseball, but the recent
interest in his football abilities is going to open things up on his recruiting. Jones,
one of the most dangerous scoring threats in the state in open space is verbally committed
to Clemson and has an offer from South Carolina.
Sleeper Stocks
This is a group that have very little activity right now in terms of offers, but have
the potential to see that change during the evaluation period. We expect these guys to
field offers after the recruiters see them this Spring and Summer.
href="http://scvarsity.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=52135">Jaquan Ridges
(6-5, 270) is going to be high in the state rankings when the SCVarsity.com Class of 2008
rankings are released. He may be the best kept secret in the state.
href="http://scvarsity.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=61148">Toquavius Gilchrist(6-1,
205) is the best at his position in the state and is going to see a lot of activity on his
stock this year. Like Ridges, he's going to be high on the rankings list for the state.
Richland Northeast linebacker Chaz Washinton (6-2, 185) passes the eyeball test with
flying colors. He's big, strong, and fast with no question. He is, however, young at his
position with only one year as a starter; he will see his stock go up and is generating a
lot of interest.
href="http://scvarsity.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=54100">Randall Hawkins
(6-1, 180) has one offer on the table from Wake Forest, but he's going to see a lot more
activity as the Spring and Summer heat up. Like Gilchrist and Ridges, he's going to be
high on the SC rankings when they are released.
Hanahan quarterback John Carnell (6-2, 210) may be the most underrated player in the
state. He's got a live arm, throws the deep ball and mid-range passes well, and has two
years of experience under his belt as the starter for the Hawks. He finished the 2006
season completing 55% of his passes for 2,973 yards and 24 touchdowns.
href="http://scvarsity.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=59090">Yari King
(5-9, 170) has been on our watch list since showing his abilities during his sophomore
season. He's got good coverage skills, excellent speed, and good hips. He's getting
interest from several schools right now, including South Carolina.
href="http://scvarsity.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=57408">Everett Dawkins(6-2,
250) has offers on the table from Maryland and Wake Forest and is going to see a lot more
activity before all is said and done. We feel he is at least a top fifteen prospect in the
state and is one of the better defensive players in the SC Class of 2008.
Strom Thurmond quarterback Aramis Hillary (6-3, 208) is one of the top athletes in the
state. He passed fore more than 1,600 yards and 11 scores this past season and rushed for
more than 600 yards and 9 more scores. The colleges certainly can't use "size"
as an excuse on this Hillary.
Myrtle Beach linebacker Evan Rose (6-2, 205) is another Seahawk linebacker that is
going to attract attention. He's strong and fast and makes big plays. He's got impressive
film but will need to work on making the plays more consistently to increase his stock.
Extremely hard hitter.
href="http://scvarsity.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=62935">Arterio Arnold
(6-2, 270) is a fast (4.9) lineman with a big upside. He finished 2006 with 120 tackles
and collected 11 sacks for the Red Raiders. He has one offer on the table from Kentucky,
but more will follow.
href="http://scvarsity.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=61245">Tyler Brennan
(6-3, 195) threw for 1,600 yards last season with 15 scores. He's got a big frame and a
strong arm. He has no offers on the table but has several schools expressing interest. A
good showing this Spring and a solid season will help his stock.
More to watch:
Ellington, RB, Berkeley
RB, Chesterfield
Jenkins, WR, Loris
QB, Myrtle Beach
J.J. Booker, RB, Blue Ridge
Josh Harris, RB/DB, Batesburg-Leesville
DB, Beaufort
DB, Wagener Salley
WR, Myrtle Beach
WR, Chester
Justin Lewis, OL, Johnsonville
OL, Ridge Springs-Monetta
McNichols OL, Byrnes
DB, Byrnes
LB, Beaufort
McClinton, LB, Spring Valley
DL, Calhoun County
WR, Greenville
DE, Ridge Spring-Monetta
DL, Carvers Bay
TE/DE, Greenwood
Springs, Ath, Chester
Duncan, WR, Woodruff
Patrick Jenkins, WR, Loris
Gene McAskil, WR, Chester
WR, Byrnes
Anthony Fontville, RB, South Florence
Zack Mendenhal, LB, Lexington
Special Teams/Kickers:
K, Summerville
K, Myrtle Beach
P, West Florence
