Palmetto Football Plus

Palmetto State Statistical Leaders – Offense

2010-12-24T09:19:00.000-08:00

Passing

1. Justin Worley, Northwestern

428 of 589 – 5,313 yds – 64 TDs – 72.7 Comp. %

2. Cyril Davis, Orangeburg-Wilkinson

244 of 399 – 4,147 yds – 43 TDs – 61.2 Comp %

3. Hudson Worthy, Porter-Gaud

270 of 389 – 4,102 yds – 43 TDs – 69.4 Comp %

4. Matt Layman, HH Prep

239 of 390 – 3,538 yds – 34 TDs – 61.3 Comp %

5. Zach Blair, James F. Byrnes

232 of 385 – 3,010 yds – 23 TDs – 60.3 Comp %

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Rushing

1. DeAngelo Henderson, Summerville

251 ATTs – 2,407 Yds – 27 TDs – 9.6 AVG

2. Shon Carson, Lake City

291 ATTs – 2,280 Yds – 33 TDs – 7.8 AVG

3. Chase Hames, Blacksburg

286 ATTs – 2,155 Yds – 22 TDs – 7.5 AVG

4. Kevin Miller, Lexington

281 ATTs – 2,056 Yds – 23 TDs – 7.3 AVG

5. Kendrick Salley, Williston Elko

155 ATTs – 2,051 Yds – 39 TDs – 13.2 AVG

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Receiving

1. Robert Joseph, Northwestern

108 RECs – 1,417 Yds – 25 TDs – 13.1 AVG

2. Stanton Seckinger, Porter-Gaud

105 RECs – 1,833 Yds – 26 TDs – 17.5 AVG

3. B.J. Boyd, Northwestern

100 RECs – 1,228 Yds – 15 TDs – 12.3 AVG

4. Quinshad Davis, Gaffney

95 RECs – 1,486 Yds – 16 TDs – 15.6 AVG

5. Dimitri Lowry, HH Prep

93 RECs – 1,461 Yds – 15 TDs – 15.7 AVG

Palmetto Football Plus Positional Rankings Defensive Backs

2010-12-24T08:04:00.000-08:00

1. Ronnie Martin, Spartanburg 5’11” 180 Committed to South Carolina

My Take: None of the major recruiting service have Ronnie Martin listed higher than a three star and none of them have him as the best defensive back in South Carolina. That’s where they are wrong. Many people look to stats for the answers and that’s where Martin is the best. You see he only has a few interceptions but that’s not because he wasn’t in the right spots it was due to the fact that opposing teams didn’t even target Martin’s side of the field. Northwestern’s vaunted passing attack only threw to Martin’s side three maybe four times in the entire game and two of them were on bubble screens. Marin received offers from Nebraska, LSU, Illinois, Maryland and Wake Forest but committed to South Carolina early in the process. South Carolina defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson got a gem in the recruiting process when Ronnie Martin committed.

2. Pat Martin, J.L. Mann 5’11” 195 Committed to Tennessee

My Take: Pat Martin is a hard hitting safety that has sideline to sideline speed. He doesn’t miss on many tackles and he is also no slouch in zone pass coverage. Where Martin needs to improve is on his single man to man coverage if he is ever put in those situations in the SEC it could be a long day for him. Martin committed to Tennessee and Coach Terry Joseph on August 15^th, 2010 but rumors have swirled that he will switch his pledge to South Carolina. Only time will tell if those rumors come into fruition.

3. Robert Smith, Woodland 5’11” 200 Committed to Clemson

My Take: Robert Smith has many similar characteristics to JL Mann’s Pat Martin. The only difference between the two is Smith is not as polished of a tackler and did not face the type of competition that Ronnie or Pat Martin faced in their career. Smith can be considered a project because if you polish his skills with correct coaching he could be a sleeper in the same way Rashard Hall was. Smith committed to Clemson on January 15^th, 2010.

4. Zeph Grimes, Bamberg-Ehrhardt 6’0” 200 Committed to Illinois

My Take: Zeph Grimes fits the mold of the new generation safety. He has speed to back it up too. Grimes, however, hasn’t faced an amazing amount of talent in his high school career therefore he hasn’t had to put his skills on display. He’s a good tackler – not great. He’s good in coverage – not great. His speed is good – not great. But going to the Big Ten as he is, you don’t necessarily have to have great speed. Grimes is a good find for Ron Zook and someone that he can polish and make a decent player out of.

5. Glen Hillard, T.L. Hanna 5’10” 170 Committed to East Carolina

My Take: T.L. Hanna’s cornerback Glen Hillard is built a lot like Ronnie Martin, that’s where the comparisons stop however. Hillard gave up a few deep balls this year and hasn’t been proven in bump and run and man-to-man situations. That’s something he’ll really need to work on if he wants to contribute for Ruffin McNeill’s ECU Pirates because a lot teams like to throw it all around in the Conference USA. With the right coaching however these techniques can get turned around easily.

Palmetto Football Plus Positional Rankings: Linebackers

2010-12-24T07:57:00.000-08:00

1. Lateek Townsend, Marlboro County 6’2” 202 Considering South Carolina, Clemson and USC

My Take: Lateek Townsend is one of the most sought after recruits in the entire 2011. He has offers ranging from coast-to-coast. His brilliant performance at the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas did not hurt his cause. Townsend made many plays in high school freelancing for the most part, something that will have to change at the next level. Along with his personality on the field people are attracted to Townsend’s off the field personality, he will certainly emerge as a team leader wherever he decides to go. Right now it looks like the front runner is South Carolina but Townsend has had a new leader at almost every stage of the recruiting process. He has already made official visits to Clemson, South Carolina and USC.

2. Dexter Staley, Williston Elko 6’2” 215 Considering South Carolina, Illinois, LSU and Michigan State

My Take: Dexter Staley is a football player. He has played on both sides of the ball while at Williston Elko. Speculation has arose about Staley’s grades and whoever signs him will probably have to send him to a JuCo. Staley as a football player has amazing closing speed and doesn’t miss too many tackles when he gets to where he needs to go. At this point in the recruiting process it looks like South Carolina is the leader for his services but this is probably a prospect you won’t see for another two years.

3. Ralph Cooper, Fairfield Central 6’1” 220 Committed to Illinois

My Take: Coopers speed has been clocked at a 4.77 which would be questionable for a linebacker playing in the SEC but Cooper is committed to a Big Ten school. Cooper will probably be able to play inside or out for Ron Zook’s Illinois squad. One thing that stands out about Cooper’s film is that he fills his gaps with precise discipline. When he fills those gaps he wraps up his opponent and brings him to the ground. If he plays inside for Ron Zook he will be one of the most productive linebackers in the Big Ten. Cooper can really develop into a tackling machine – a guy that could have 10 to 13 tackles by the time you check the stats. Cooper also claimed an offer from Georgia Tech but committed to the Illini and former Clemson coaches Ron West and Vic Koenning on October 22, 2010.

4. B.J. Goodson, Lamar 6’1” 225 Committed to Clemson

My Take: Goodson draws a lot of similarities to the aforementioned Ralph Cooper. Goodson will probably play inside when he gets to Clemson because he doesn’t have Lateek Townsend speed. But he could be very productive on the inside. Goodson has tendencies to miss the easy tackles trying to make a highlight reel play. This is something Coach Steele will get corrected. Goodson committed to Clemson over offers from LSU and Tennessee.

5. Quinn Backus, Greenwood 5’9” 190 Only offer is from Coastal Carolina

My Take: Quinn Backus is the defensive version of Summerville running back DeAngelo Henderson. Backus is one of the most productive linebackers in the state of South Carolina but has not drawn any FBS offers because of his height and weight, not his productivity. Backus plays sideline to sideline while also filling the gaps he is assigned to. When he reaches his opponent he usually lays the wood and sends a message. Backus was one of the leaders on the Sandlapper Shrine Bowl team. Backus’ only offer at the moment is from Coastal Carolina and if he ends up as a Chanticleer, that is the FCS steal of the entire recruiting class.

Q&A with Corey Crawford

2010-12-23T13:32:00.000-08:00

One of the most talented players in the entire 2010 recruiting class was Corey Crawford, he signed with Clemson. But since then he’s had to make a trip to Hargrave.

Crawford did an exclusive interview with PalmettoFootballPlus and talked about many different topics including how the trip to Hargrave went and what he’s weighing now.

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Palmetto Football Plus: What was your immediate reaction when you realized you wouldn’t be a part of the 2010 Clemson football team?

Corey Crawford: I was kind of bitter at first. I didn’t expect to have to go a different route like to Hargrave because I didn’t get into Clemson.

PFP: How did you find out, who told you and what was the whole scenario like?

CC: Coach Swinney told me. He told me that since I didn’t make it I’m going to have to go to Hargrave. He didn’t know if I made into Clemson at first because it took the NCAA a long time to determine if I was going to be qualified or not. They sent me to Hargrave just in case I didn’t make it into Clemson.

PFP: What were your initial feelings about going to Hargrave?

CC: They weren’t good. I just kept wondering why I had to go there because I really didn’t want to go. I just didn’t like the thought of doing the military stuff.

PFP: Did you ever waiver from your Clemson commitment?

CC: No sir, Georgia kept recruiting me and tried to get me to take an official visit but I never did. I stayed true to Clemson the whole time.

PFP: What was it like watching the team play how it did this year?

CC: They did pretty good. But it kind of hurt that I wasn’t there because I was supposed to be. I just kept thinking that I would be there next year to play and to contribute.

PFP: For people that haven’t seen you play or viewed your highlights, describe yourself as a player.

CC: In high school I played outside linebacker and when I got to Hargrave they moved me to defensive end. There are different plays here at Hargrave that I would have my hand down and still drop back into pass coverage. I would be downfield covering some guys, man-to-man.

PFP: Word is that you’ve put on a lot of muscle is that true?

CC: Yes sir, right now I’m at 275. Coming into Hargrave I was a little bit under 250.

PFP: Before you went to Hargrave did you get any advice from anybody on the Clemson team?

CC: I talked to Josh Watson. He was at Hargrave the year before I was. I talked to Jonathan Meeks about it too. They told me to keep my head up and it would just make me better.

PFP: Does this just make you much hungrier to perform when you do put on that Clemson Tiger uniform?

CC: Yeah, it just makes me want to play harder. It makes me want to be better than I ever wanted to be. I can’t wait to go in. I just can’t wait to get there so I can unleash everything when I go out and play.

PFP: What did you think about what Da’Quan Bowers did this year?

CC: I thought that was great. He’s one of the best at his position.

PFP: Other than Da’Quan Bowers, who else impressed you on the defensive line?

CC: The whole defensive line was pretty good. They were all very physical. I liked Jarvis Jenkins holding down the middle along with Brandon Thompson. Then you have Andre Branch coming off the end opposite of D.Q. I think they had a real good defensive line last year. And then you also had Kourtnei Brown coming off the bench and he’s a guy that contributed a lot. Overall I think they were one of the nation’s top defensive lines.

PFP: What’s it like knowing that when you go to Clemson you are going to get coached by two of the best defensive line coaches in America, Coach Dan Brooks and Coach Chris Rumph?

CC: I feel honored about it. I feel like it’s just an honor to be in a place where you get to learn from somebody who has put a lot of people in the NFL like Coach Brooks and Coach Rumph have. I just hope that I can learn enough to make it to that level one day.

PFP: Out of all the offers you had coming out of high school in 2010, what made you choose Clemson?

CC: The main thing was is that I could see myself at Clemson for the next four years because the coaches are more than just coaches they are almost like your father away from home. When I met the players I just had an immediate bond with them. As soon as I got there the first time I knew that I was at home.

PFP: What is it about Coach Swinney and his attitude that attract prospects like you to him?

CC: He’s real and he’s humorous. He’s also very spiritual. I think that’s the main thing for a lot of guys. I felt like I needed a man like him in my life to lead me the right way.

PFP: Have you looked at the recruiting class Clemson has lined up for 2011?

CC: Yes sir. I think it’s an outstanding class. I met Marlin Lane, the running back from Florida, and I also met Cortez Davis, the safety. I can’t wait to play with those guys. I can’t wait to see what happens. I really believe that with this class coming in and the talent that we already have I think we can end up winning the ACC Championship and going to a big time BCS bowl game next year. I wouldn’t be surprised if we did that.

PFP: Are you going to enroll in January?

CC: Yes, I’m all set to enroll January 10^th. I can't wait, Go Tigers!

Kelcy Quarles: Ready for Impact

2010-12-23T11:30:00.000-08:00

Last spring, highly touted defensive lineman Kelcy Quarles was primed and ready to start his South Carolina career. There was a barrier in his way however. This was his grades. Quarles was not going to qualify at the University of South Carolina in 2010. This is something Quarles somewhat expected.

“I kind of knew after my last test score that I wasn’t going to be able to go,” Quarles admitted.

Just like Quarles does on the football field, he took this block head on. South Carolina defensive line coach Brad Lawing addressed Quarles and his family at their home in Greenwood, South Carolina about the situation. The situation being Fork Union Military Academy in Fork Union, Virginia, a prep school that has produced such football players such as Eddie George, Vinny Testeverde, Plaxico Burress, Jacoby Ford, and the late Gaines Adams. This was a tough pill for Quarles to swallow.

“I was upset but everything happens for a reason. I was upset because I felt like I let a lot of people down,” Quarles said in an exclusive interview with PalmettoFootballPlus. “I told [Coach Lawing] that anything to get me to be a South Carolina Gamecock that I would do it.”

Quarles says that he received guidance from his future teammate Chaz Sutton, who also attended Fork Union. He said that Sutton told him that if he dedicated himself to this he would come out not only a better football play but a better person.

Quarles has been dedicated to the Gamecocks since he made the announcement official November 29^th, 2008. Just like when he was a high school senior, Quarles received a lot of interest from other schools when he was at Fork Union Academy. Quarles recalls schools such as Miami, Tennessee, Virginia Tech and Marshall trying to get him to take an official visit and even to switch his pledge. He kept talking to the recruiting coaches to benefit his Fork Union teammates, not himself.

“I talked to the coaches that came just so they would come around and get other players so I could help my teammates at Fork Union,” Quarles said. “I thought that maybe they could go to some of those schools that were trying to recruit me.”

The place that Quarles benefitted the most from the year at Fork Union was not the extra year on the football field. It was the year to catch up in the classroom. He cited a mindset change for most of his success.

“It just made me more determined to do better in the classroom and not to worry as much about football because it would take care of itself,” Quarles admitted. “It just taught me to be as dedicated in the classroom as I am on the field.”

The 2010 South Carolina Gamecocks did things that were unmatched in the history of their school like winning the East division of the SEC and beating Georgia, Tennessee, Florida and Clemson all in the same year. Quarles, who watched almost every South Carolina game on TV, said it was bittersweet for him.

“It was something I wish that I would have been a part of but I’m so proud of them,” Quarles says. “It was hard watching some of the games when I knew I could have been out there making an impact.”

While watching the Gamecocks play, he said he saw things that he thought he could improve on.

“Sometimes I think that they could have done better but not having the depth that we need can do that,” Quarles recalls. “I can understand that the guys needed a blow of air every once in a while.”

With the 2010 season behind him at Fork Union, Quarles is ready to fulfill his dream as to be a Gamecock. The 2011 season is something he has talked about at great lengths. Quarles has his eyes set at the top for the 2011 Gamecocks.

“The expectations are real high. This year you’ve seen that we can go to the SEC Championship game,” Quarles says of South Carolina’s 2010 success. “It’s like me and my Dad always talk about, we can run the tables next year and do some of the same things. I feel like we have a National Championship team.”

Q&A with Alex Howell

2010-12-23T08:33:00.000-08:00

Alex Howell of West Florence High is one of the top kicking prospects in the class of 2011.

He joined PalmettoFootballPlus for an exclusive interview on Thursday. He is talking topics ranging from the Boston College Eagles to soccer.

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Palmetto Football Plus: What attracted you the most to Boston College? What other offers did you receive?

Alex Howell: The opportunity to combine football with academics. I received offers from Maryland, Citadel, and grey shirts at UVA, and Clemson.

PFP: How long have you been kicking? Did you play soccer first?

AH: I did play soccer first, and I started kicking by the end of the 6th grade. I started to take if serious between 8th and 9th grade.

PFP: What do you think is your greatest asset, not only as a kicker, but as a football player?

AH: I believe my greatest asset is being able to do what my coach asks of me.

PFP: What coach recruited you for Boston College?

AH: Coach Dawson, the special team coordinator.

PFP: How many camps did you take in for Football?

AH: Around 20.

PFP: What school did you grow up a fan of?

AH: I never had a school while growing up.

PFP: As a kicker, do you have a favorite kicker or somebody that you look up to?

AH: I looked up to my brother the most. I also look up to Coach McCabe, the director of One on One Kicking. Both of them have taught me and are mentors.

PFP: Did Ryan Quigley going to BC have any effect on your decision?

AH: Yes, he has done a great job answering any questions that I have had. He was also the person I stayed with when I went on my official visit.

PFP: Does it give you extra motivation going to kick for another ACC school especially within Clemson’s division?

AH: Alittle, most of the schools i was looking at were in the ACC.

PFP: Do you have any friends that play College Football? If so, do you keep in contact with them?

AH: Yes, and I do. Some of my former teammates play. Also, at kicking camps you meet a lot of people and I keep in contact with plenty of college players that coach at those camps.

PFP: What was it like participating in the North-South Game? What did you think of the weather out there?

AH: The weather there was cold, wet, and windy.

Palmetto Football Plus Positional Rankings: Defensive Line

2010-12-23T07:33:00.000-08:00

1. Jadeveon Clowney, South Pointe 6’6” 245 Considering South Carolina, Alabama, Florida State and Clemson

My Take: Jadeveon Clowney is the best player in the nation in 2011, hands down. Period. Clowney, in my opinion, is the best defensive linemen to come out of the state of South Carolina since William Perry. At this stage of his career he is lightyears ahead of Clemson standout DaQuan Bowers. Bowers played against limited talent in high school, whereas Clowney has played the best of the best in the state of South Carolina. He also had an absolutely amazing Shrine Bowl, disrupting the North Carolina offense on many occasions including drawing five holding calls. Clowney has narrowed his list down to South Carolina, Alabama, Florida State, and Clemson. In my opinion it’s just a two horse race because Clowney is an SEC football player with South Carolina and their amazing Rock Hill, SC pipeline having the inside track. If Spurrier does indeed land Clowney, he will be the best defensive to play for him since Jevon Kearse another freak-like athlete.

2. Phillip Dukes, Manning 6’3” 295 Considering Alabama, Clemson and South Carolina

My Take: Dukes is a monster on the defensive line. He could contribute from the nose guard position or the three-technique. Dukes received his first offer from Clemson as a sophomore at Manning High School. At time Dukes is almost unblockable but there are times on his film that he takes plays off. But wherever Dukes goes when he is motivated he will be a factor on their defense. If the process ended right now I’d see Steve Spurrier and South Carolina signing Dukes but it’s a long way from February 3^rd and National Signing Day. Dukes will visit Alabama on January 7^th, Clemson on January 14^th, and South Carolina on the 21^st.

3. Gerald Dixon, South Pointe 6’2” 235 Considering South Carolina, Arkansas, Wake Forest and North Carolina

My take: Dixon along with Clowney were a nightmare for opposing players and coaches of the South Pointe Stallions. Dixon could be a real threat off the outside as a complementary player. I don’t see him developing into an every down dynamic pass rusher but I believe he will get many sacks in pass rushing and obvious pass downs. Dixon has a great rip move that he put on display against Spartanburg earlier this year. Dixon is a South Carolina lean but also has offers from Arkansas, Michigan State, North Carolina and Wake Forest.

4. Roderick Byers, Northwestern 6’4” 262 Considering South Carolina, Georgia Tech and Oregon

My Take: Roderick Byers can play either the end or tackle positions at the next level the way he did at Northwestern High School. Byers is yet another talented defensive linemen from Rock Hill. He has a high motor and can be a very disruptive player with the right coaching. Byers has already visited Georgia Tech and plans to visit South Carolina and Oregon as well.

5. Gerald Dixon Jr., Northwestern 6’2” 250 Considering South Carolina

My take: Gerald Dixon Jr. is the brother of South Pointe’s speedy pass rusher, Gerald Dixon. His frame however lends him to being an inside player that can contribute on every play. He has a high motor and is a very underrated run stopper. Speed might be an issue for Dixon Jr. as he was clocked in the forty at a five flat. Like his brother, Dixon Jr. looks like he will be headed to South Carolina which is his only offer. Dixon Jr. has been receiving interest from Duke, LSU, North Carolina, North Carolina State, and Tennessee.

Palmetto Football Plus Positional Rankings: Offensive Line

2010-12-23T06:49:00.000-08:00

1. Brandon Shell, Goose Creek 6’7” 300 Committed to South Carolina

My Take: Shell without a doubt is the best offensive linemen from the state of South Carolina in the past two years. Shell has the lineage as well, his great uncle is Raiders legend Art Shell. There is no comparing Brandon Shell’s footwork which is second to none. Shell is quite the player on the hardwood as well which is uncommon for a offensive linemen. Coach Steve Spurrier and Shawn Elliot got a major prize when Shell committed on November 1, 2010. He chose the Gamecocks over offers from Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Miami (FL), and Tennessee. He was recruited to South Carolina by Coach Steve Spurrier, Jr. and Coach Shawn Elliot.

2. Stephen Grommer, Spartanburg 6’5” 285 Committed to Maryland

My Take: Stephen Grommer is a very underrated player in the class of 2011. He has a very strong frame that stand to gain a little more muscle. He can play either the guard or tackle positions at the next level. His brother, Josef, is also an offensive tackle at Wofford. Grommer hasn’t spoke publicly about his commitment to Maryland since Ralph Friedgen was terminated at Maryland. Grommer has offers on the table from East Carolina and North Carolina State.

3. Shaq Anthony, Wren 6’4” 260 Committed to Clemson

My Take: Shaq Anthony showed very good leadership qualities at Shrine Bowl practices and also during the game. With Clemson’s depth at left tackle Anthony could have a path to seeing some playing time very early. Anthony needs to hit the weight room and gain some more weight if he really wants to be a premier player at the next level. Anthony committed to Clemson on December 13^th, 2009. Anthony also had offers from Georgia and South Carolina.

4. Ryan Norton, Mauldin 6’4” 275 Committed to Clemson

My take: Norton projects to be a center at the next level. Norton did not have a very good Shrine Bowl, could be due to the weather because his practice snaps were good but he had a few bad snaps with a bad long snap. Norton gets to the next level on blocks and he has great footwork. He was a three year starter at Mauldin High School in South Carolina’s Region II-AAAA, which is one of the hardest regions in the state. Norton committed to Clemson and Coach Andre Powell on May 28^th, 2010. He also had offers from Georgia Tech, Illinois, Maryland, North Carolina State, South Carolina, and Vanderbilt.

5. Jason Rexroad, Myrtle Beach 6’4” 270 Committed to Middle Tennessee

My Take: Rexroad is an outstanding offensive linemen who was a big pickup for Coach Rick Stockstill at Middle Tennessee. Rexroad will need to work on his muscle at the next level. His footwork is excellent as was shown by playing in Myrtle Beach’s wide open spread offense. Rexroad committed to Middle Tennessee on July 28^th, 2010. He also had an offer from Florida International.

Palmetto Football Plus Positional Rankings: Receivers

2010-12-22T11:16:00.000-08:00

Wide Receivers

1. Charone Peake, Dorman 6’3” 190 Committed to Clemson

My Take: Peake is probably the best athlete to come from South Carolina at the wide receiver position since A.J. Green. He stacks up to all the comparables, too. He has a tall frame that could use maybe 10 or 15 more pounds of muscle, nothing that a college weightlifting program couldn’t fix. Peake did not really impress at the Shrine Bowl, however, which has led many to believe there is a nagging injury somewhere. Peake has many offers but committed to Clemson and Wide Receivers coach Jeff Scott on June 16^th, 2010.

2. Shamier Jeffery, Calhoun County 6’2” 187 Committed to South Carolina

My take: If you listen to people on message boards and Gamecock fans all around, this is the second coming of Shamier’s brother, Alshon. I however did not see as much as everyone else did. His route running is nowhere near where his brother’s was at the time, which is to be understood with a guy who has played quarterback in high school. Jeffery is still a freak of an athlete that Steve Spurrier can mold into a playmaker more likely than not. Jeffery had offers from Auburn, Georgia Tech, Kentucky, North Carolina State and Tennessee, but made his pledge to South Carolina on November 29, 2010.

3. Antonio Cannon, Daniel 6’3” 175 Committed to Kentucky

My take: In my opinion, Cannon is going to be the sleeper of the 2011 wide receiver class if not the sleeper of the entire 2011 class. Cannon has all the tools and a prototype D-I receiver frame. His hands are above average and he’s got a lot of speed to boot. Cannon chose Kentucky over an offer from North Carolina State, he committed to the Wildcats and Coach Tee Martin on May 24^th, 2010.

4. Hakeem Flowers, Wade Hampton 6’2” 176 Considering UCLA, Michigan, Oregon, LSU and Georgia Tech

My take: Flowers is an explosive playmaker with a national reputation. He’s going to make some offensive coach look very smart sooner rather than later. He has a entire list of offers from out of state, high profile programs. He has shrunk his list down to UCLA, Michigan, Oregon, LSU and Georgia Tech. Flowers will pledge on National Signing Day (February 3^rd, 2011)

5. Donte Sumpter, Myrtle Beach 6’0” 170 Committed to East Carolina

My take: Sumpter was a key cog in machine that was the 2010 Myrtle Beach Seahawk offense. He was the main target of quarterbacks Everett Golson and Mitchell Campbell. Sumpter committed to East Carolina on May 20, 2010.

6. Stanton Seckinger, Porter-Gaud 6’5” 200 Committed to Clemson

My take: Seckinger reminds me of current Clemson tight end Brandon Ford, who came into the Clemson program as an oversized wide receiver. I think Seckinger puts on some more weight and becomes a tight end or is back up plan if one of Clemson’s Receiver commits does not qualify. The only red flag I have with Seckinger is that he played against very poor competition at Charleston’s Porter Gaud school. Seckinger committed to Clemson and Coach Dan Brooks on November 16^th.

Tight Ends

1. Jerell Adams, Scott’s Branch 6’5” 220 Considering South Carolina, Clemson and Arkansas

My take: It is not clearly defined what role Adams will have for the team he pledges to but one thing is for sure whoever lands him will be getting a football player. Adams played quarterback and defensive end for the Class A Division II Champion Scott’s Branch Eagles. Adams can contribute on the offense as a dynamic tight end or on defense as an outstanding pass rusher. Jerell Adams has offers from South Carolina, Clemson, Auburn, Florida, Illinois, Arkansas, Michigan, North Carolina State, and Notre Dame.

2. Marcus Bullard, Spring Valley 6’3” 200 Offers from Wake Forest and Furman

My take: Like Adams, Bullard is also a two way star. Bullard played outside linebacker for the Vikings of Spring Valley, but I think his spot in college will come at Tight End. He needs to gain some muscle to be able to handle blocks in the trenches. If he goes to an FCS school I believe he will be a standout in their program by his junior year. Bullard currently has offers from Wake Forest and Furman and interest from Auburn, Clemson, Maryland, South Carolina and Vanderbilt but don’t expect any of them to offer.

3. Craig Weick, James F. Byrnes 6’6” 195 Considering Coastal Carolina and Liberty

My take: Weick could become a real playmaker for either Coastal or Liberty. He has a frame that can become an NFL body; he also has great hands to compliment average speed. His only two offers from FCS schools are from Coastal Carolina and Liberty.

4. Alex Glover, Wando 6’3” 225 Committed to The Citadel

My take: Glover has the potential to excel in The Citadel’s offense. Glover is a great blocker and an average receiver at best. But anything the Citadel can get right now I’m sure they will take.

Q&A with Hakeem Flowers

2010-12-21T14:09:00.000-08:00

One of the most talked about and highly recruited prospects out of the 2011 class is Wade Hampton wide receiver Hakeem Flowers.

Flowers caught 50 balls for over 1,000 yards with 9 scores in his senior season at Wade Hampton. Flowers took the time to do an exclusive interview with PalmettoFootballPlus regarding his recruiting and his career in general.

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PalmettoFootballPlus: For the few people that have not seen your highlight tapes or your recruiting profiles. What is your biggest asset as a player?

Hakeem Flowers: I think my biggest asset is just being able to get the ball when my team needs it and to make some plays.

PFP: What do you think needs the most work?

HF: I like to work on my route running and running better routes. I believe, as a receiver, you can always run better routes.

PFP: If someone were to go to your profile from various recruiting websites they would see something strange for a player inside the state of South Carolina. Neither Clemson nor South Carolina are in your college choices, why is that?

HF: The coaches at Clemson and Carolina kind of figured out that I wanted to go out of state so they recruited me but they never offered me.

PFP: What about going out of state attracts you?

HF: I don’t know, I just think that it’s different. I think its fun to get out of the state of South Carolina and see other places.

PFP: Where do you stand on the recruiting trail right now?

HF: Right now my top five is UCLA, Michigan, Oregon, LSU and Georgia Tech. There are no leaders; it is not in a specific order.

PFP: What coaches from those schools are recruiting you?

HF: From Georgia Tech it’s Coach Todd Spencer. UCLA is actually recruiting me with Head Coach Neuheisal. Oregon is recruiting me with Coach Scott Frost. I’ve talked to a couple of people at Michigan but mainly it’s been Coach Tony Gibson. At LSU I’ve talked to Coach John Chavis.

PFP: What did you see in the schools that made your Top 5?

HF: They’re all great programs with winning traditions. I also like the fact that they are recruiting me hard and really want me to come there.

PFP: Some guys love the recruiting process, others hate it. How has this process been for you?

HF: It’s been pretty good for me. I like the love and the attention that you get from the fans and from the coaches at the schools.

PFP: How did Wade Hampton’s football season go this year?

HF: It went really good we went 9-2. I think I did as much as I could for the football team and I don’t really have any regrets after a season like that. We don’t grade out so I can’t say how well I did but I made a lot of plays.

PFP: What kind of player and person will you be to the school that gets your services?

HF: They will get a dedicated player who wants to go out and fight for a position and a player that also likes to have fun.

PFP: What are the determining factors going down the stretch? When are you going to decide?

HF: I’m going to mainly choose the school that I feel most comfortable with. I’m going to announce my decision on signing day.

Palmetto Plus Positional Recruiting: Ranking the Running Backs

2010-12-21T13:28:00.000-08:00

1. Shon Carson, Lake City 5’9” 185 Committed to South Carolina

My Take: Carson is built to be a running back in the spread offense. He has a lower center of gravity that can help him hide behind his offensive linemen while also trying to find holes. Carson also has breakaway speed as he has been clocked at 4.4 seconds in the 40 yard dash. Carson is dual sport athlete who is also a standout on the Lake City Baseball team; swiping 51 bases with his speed is no surprise. Carson is recruited by South Carolina Coaches Brad Lawing and Jay Graham and pledged his commitment to the Gamecocks on October 29, 2010. Carson should get a redshirt first year on campus which will keep him ready if Lattimore leaves Columbia after his junior year. Carson chose South Carolina over offers from Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Duke, East Carolina, Florida State, North Carolina, Tennessee and UCLA.

2. Brandon Wilds, Blythewood 6’0” 217 Committed to South Carolina

My Take: Wilds is built a lot like current South Carolina standout Marcus Lattimore. But trust me Wilds is nowhere near as polished as his future counterpart. Not taking anything away from Wilds as not too many running backs in the past five years have been. Wilds is fast for someone at his size and with his frame. Wilds has been clock at a 4.52 40 yard dash. Wilds was also recruited by Jay Graham and announced his commitment to South Carolina on August 19, 2010. Wilds chose the Gamecocks over offers from East Carolina, Illinois, Maryland, and Middle Tennessee State.

3. Julius Pendergrass, Chester 5’10” 185 Considering Arkansas and Kentucky

My take: Out of the entire 2011 recruiting class, Pendergrass is the biggest sleeper. He does not boast an offer from either Clemson or South Carolina, who both have their needs at the tailback position pretty squared away, but he does have offers from two of South Carolina’s SEC opponents, Arkansas and Kentucky. Pendergrass runs well behind his frame and is very shifty compares favorably to Clemson’s Andre Ellington.

4. DeAngelo Henderson, Summerville 5’8” 190 No offers yet

My take: If there was a ranking for most talented player who does not have an FBS offer yet, I would nominate Summerville’s DeAngelo Henderson for the top of that category. Henderson says he has received interest from Clemson, South Carolina, and North Carolina State but no offers have come to fruition. He has FCS interest from Charleston Southern, The Citadel and SC State. If a FCS school does indeed land the services of DeAngelo Henderson, this will be a program changer.

Martavis Bryant: Coming Back Stronger

2010-12-21T12:36:00.000-08:00

Bryant in action at TL Hanna High School in 2009

It’s going to take more than a military school to hold Martavis Bryant back from his dreams. The standout wide receiver from Anderson’s T.L. Hanna High School just had to take a longer road to get to his dream. Ranked by Rivals.com as the 10^th best Wide Receiver recruit in the entire United States, Bryant was considered by many as the best recruit from Clemson’s 2010 recruiting class. He chose to sign with Clemson over offers from Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Tennessee and UCLA. But, Bryant fell just a half of a credit short of qualifying at Clemson University. No one was more disappointed about that than Bryant and his mother.

“It was hurtful to me because my Mom was sitting in the living room and the coach came in and told me about it,” Bryant recalled, “I didn’t really like the situation but I had to do what I had to do for my mom.”

Bryant would instead have to spend what would have been his freshman year in college at a prep school. The school that Bryant was referred to by Clemson Offensive Line Coach Brad Scott was Hargrave Military Academy which is located in the town of Chatham, Virginia. Many football players have had to suit up for Hargrave Military including Charles Grant, a NFL Defensive End, and first round NFL draft pick Brandon Albert. Bryant, however, didn’t have much information about Hargrave.

“I didn’t really know anything about the school,” Bryant admitted. “They told me I would have to cut my hair and everything. Once I got there I didn’t like it. I had to get used to a lot of things that I wasn’t used to.”

Among those things Bryant had to get used to was being up early and having to adhere to Hargrave’s schedule rather than his own. Bryant received advice about Hargrave specifically from a leader within Clemson’s program.

“I talked to DeAndre McDaniel who went to this school and he told me a little bit about it,” Bryant says. “He told me not to let the military stuff get to me and I would be alright.”

Even with the advice from McDaniel, Bryant says Hargrave got the best of him sometimes and made him wish to be at Clemson. Even though the year at Hargrave seemed tough and unbearable, Bryant’s loyalty to Clemson never wavered.

“I was going to stay true to Clemson, Coach Scott and Coach Swinney because they stayed true to me all throughout my recruiting.”

Bryant was joined by fellow 2010 Clemson signee Corey Crawford. Bryant cites this friendship with his hall resident as one of the reasons he was able to work through the semester at Hargrave. He also thinks this has made him tougher and given him a reason to work harder.

“I have to make it this time,” Bryant adds. “I can’t do anything like this anymore.”

After the semester at Hargrave Bryant has an optimistic viewpoint of Clemson’s 2011 season. Bryant sees big horizons ahead for the 2011 Clemson Tigers football team and specifically its 2011 recruiting class.

“With the amount of talent we have coming in 2011, we should win an ACC Championship this year.”

Honoring the 2010 High School Football Champions - Class 1A

2010-12-20T10:09:00.000-08:00

Division I - Abbeville Panthers

Abbeville High School has won five state championships in the history of their football program but the year 2010 marked their first in Class A Division I.

Abbeville dominated Bamberg-Erhardt in the state championship game, 42-13. Led by outstanding running back Ashton Heard who had 230 yards rushing with two scores. The Panthers held the ball for 30 minutes in a game that is only 48 minutes long. In total the Panthers ran for 432 yards in their one sided championship victory.

Division II - Scott's Branch Eagles

In a rematch of the 2009 Class A Division II state championship game, the Scott's Branch Eagles changed the result.

Led by Division I recruit Jerrell Adams and Traven Parker the Eagles won a thriller against Williston Elko. Parker ran for 212 yards and one score. Parker threw for a touchdown pass, ran for a touchdown, caught a touchdown pass and also intercepted a pass on defense. The Eagles were able to pull away late and secure the title, 34-32.

Honoring the 2010 High School Football Champions - Class 2A

2010-12-20T10:01:00.000-08:00

(Photo courtesy of the Pageland Progressive)

Central Eagles

The Central Eagles goal at the start of the 2010 high school football season was similar to many schools around the state - be perfect. In 2010 the Eagles did just that. They went 15-0 and won their fourth state title and first since 2003. The others came in 1989 and 1997.

The match up between Central and Dillon was one of the most exciting state championships of 2010. The Eagles found themselves behind on the scoreboard 17-7 with the clock working against them. The Eagles pulled off an 11 play, 78 yard drive in less than two minutes to pull within a field goal. A late interception by De'aja Blakeney that allowed Mardu Smith to score a touchdown with 37 seconds to clinch the title for Pageland's Central Eagles.

Palmetto Plus Positional Recruiting: Ranking the Quarterbacks

2010-12-15T11:08:00.000-08:00

1. Justin Worley, Northwestern 6’4” 193 Committed to Tennessee

My Take: There’s no denying that the Gatorade National Player of the Year can produce numbers in a high octane pass happy offense, but what I think will hinder him at the next level is taking snaps from under center and not from the shotgun. Overall Worley is still the best quarterback in the state of South Carolina, you don’t need two looks at his numbers to prove that. Plus he has all of the measurables you look for when recruiting a quarterback. Height? Yes. Arm? Yes. Vision? Maybe. Worley had all the records but he wanted a ring and he got it this year by defeating Greenwood. Look for him to wait his turn at Tennessee before he takes the reigns in Neyland Stadium, remember they still have rising Sophomore Matt Bray. Surprisingly Worley didn’t receive an offer from Clemson or Carolina, chose Tennessee over Florida State, Florida, LSU, North Carolina, Notre Dame and Stanford.

2. Everett Golson, Myrtle Beach 6’0” 170 Committed to Notre Dame

My Take: Golson pulled a switcharoo from his North Carolina commitment to play football and basketball in South Bend. I think Golson could thrive in any system that gets him in space much like the Myrtle Beach offense. Don’t sleep on his arm however he threw 20 touchdowns to only 2 interceptions. Like Worley, Golson also led his team to a state championship in 2010. Golson received offers from South Carolina and Clemson but never really considered the two. Golson was considered a lock for Chapel Hill until recently. He chose the Golden Domers over offers from South Carolina, Clemson, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, Ohio State, Stanford, Tennessee, Virginia Tech, Texas Tech, East Carolina and Duke.

3. Tony McNeal, Chester 6’1” 190 Committed to Clemson

My Take: McNeal is labeled as a pro-style quarterback by major recruiting services but folks better not sleep on his wheels. McNeal has a very accurate arm and vision to see the field as a pro style signal caller. McNeal was recruited hard by Clemson Wide Receivers coach Jeff Scott and committed to the program on January 1^st, 2010. Clemson was the only program to offer McNeal with interest coming from Duke, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina State and South Carolina.

Honoring the 2010 High School Football Champions - Class 3A

2010-12-15T10:27:00.000-08:00

(Photo Courtesy of Myrtle Beach High School)

Myrtle Beach Seahawks

Since the season began the Myrtle Beach Seahawks have been on a course to leave no doubt. The Seahawks want no doubt in anyone’s mind that they are not only the best Class AAA team in the state but one of the best teams overall. The scheduled setup to where they could prove just that.

The Myrtle Beach Seahawks tried their best to play the role of ‘giant killer’ throughout their non-region schedule. The Seahawks opened up their season playing host to traditional upstate power James F. Byrnes only to come up a touchdown short losing 21-14. The next three opponents on Myrtle Beach’s schedule were all from Region VI-AAAA (West Florence, South Florence and Conway). The Seahawks defeated all of them. Hypothetically Myrtle Beach went 3-0 in their Region VI-AAAA schedule.

The Seahawks made quick work of their region and early playoff foes winning by a combined score of 498-77. The headliner on the team is Notre Dame Commitment quarterback Everette Golson, who played in seven games and threw for 1,770 yards with 25 touchdowns to only 2 interceptions. But Senior Quarterback Mitchell Campbell also threw for 2,366 yards with 30 touchdowns and 7 interceptions in the Seahawks high octane offense. Catching a bulk of the passes from those two outstanding quarterbacks was Senior Wide Receiver Donte Sumpter who had 89 grabs for 1,393 yards and 14 scores. They weren’t a one dimensional ball club, however, Senior Tailback Daiquone Ford used his 5’8”, 165 pound frame to gain 1,373 yards rushing with an amazing 20 touchdowns on the ground.

On defense they were led by Sophomore Linebacker Octavious Thomas who made an eye popping 164 tackles while picking off two passes and even taking one the distance. Thomas also forced five fumbles and had four quarterback sacks. The Seahawks defense was a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks totaling 63 sacks and 23 interceptions, 5 of which were taken back all the way for touchdowns.

The Seahawks would face the nation’s number one player Jadaveon Clowney and the South Pointe Stallions in the Class AAA Championship game. With the exception of their opening game against Byrnes this would be the only real challenge for the Seahawks all year. Myrtle Beach fell behind early in the first half due to the pass rush of Clowney. But Golson would lead the surge in the second half going 12 of 19 for 134 yards and two scores. It was Golson’s 20 yard strike to Wide Receiver Dallas Goodman with 6:48 seconds left on the clock that would give the Seahawks their final lead in their 27-23 championship win. The 2010 crown is Myrtle Beach High School’s sixth state championship of all time and easily one of the most memorable seasons in school history.

Honoring the 2010 High School Football Champions - Class 4A Division II

2010-12-15T06:02:00.000-08:00

(Photo Courtesy of Andy Burriss at the Rock Hill Herald) 

Northwestern Trojans

Going into the 2010 season the storied Northwestern Trojans football program had won state titles, but they had never gone undefeated in doing so. Their last state title was won in 2003 with a 2-0 victory over Gaffney, no we aren't talking baseball that was a football score.

This Northwestern football team was headed into its third straight appearance in the AAAA Division II State Championship -- they lost the previous two. In 2008 the Trojans lost in the Championship to bitter rival South Pointe, 35-14. Likewise in 2009 they lost to lower state foe Berkeley 33-24. But led back by Gatorade National Player of the Year and Tennessee commit Justin Worley the Trojans were on pace to right the previous years' wrongs. In total Worley passed for a mind-boggling 5,315 yards with 64 touchdowns along the way.

Unlike the previous two years the Northwestern Trojans lit up the scoreboards while dominating their competition. Powered by the Worley-guided no huddle offense, Northwestern averaged 41.3 points per game. They proceeded to beat rival, South Pointe, 42-20 in a nationally televised Saturday showcase that pitted Worley against the nation's consensus number one prospect in Jadaveon Clowney. They also defeated region foes Clover, Gaffney and Rock Hill by a combined score of 126-49. It wasn't just the offense that powered the Trojans, however.

Their defense led by highly recruited linemen Roderick Byers and Gerald Dixon was able to get stops when they were needed. The defense only allowed 17 points per game and only 14.8 during the Trojans region stretch.

To get to Columbia the Trojans beat James Island 45-14 and won shootouts over Ashley Ridge and Goose Creek, 49-35 and 41-34 respectively. In Columbia they would encounter annual power Greenwood and work to dismantle them 42-10. Powered by a ball hawking defense and Worley's 263 yard and five touchdown passing effort the Trojans righted the last two seasons wrong. Northwestern Head Coach Jimmy Wallace praised his team and his extraordinary quarterback for the efforts of the 2010 season.

"He's (Worley) been a special player, but all of our kids are special. That's why winning on our third try and going undefeated is tremendous."

Honoring the 2010 High School Football Champions - Class 4A Division I

2010-12-15T05:25:00.000-08:00

(Photo Courtesy of GoUpstate.com)

James F. Byrnes Rebels

You can probably count on one hand the amount of times the Byrnes Rebels have been underdogs in the past decade. The 2010 Class AAAA Division I Championship was one of those times. After suffering through what some would label a disappointing regular season with three losses the Rebels found momentum at all the right times.

The Rebel's 2010 campaign saw them drop their season opener on national television to Hoover (AL) High School of MTV's Two-A-Days fame. Then even more stinging than that 14-0 defeat were the two losses at the hands of Gaffney and Dorman. The Dorman game was also nationally televised.

Byrnes would find their heat at the right time when the start of the playoffs came around. The opening round of the playoffs saw them pitted against the Mauldin Mavericks, a team that the Rebels had to come back and rally to beat in the regular season. Many thought that it would be time that Mauldin turned the corner and finished a game against Byrnes but it was not to be as the Rebels dominated the game and won handily 44-14. The Rebels made quick work of their next two opponents Dutch Fork and Lexington, respectively. They dominated the two, winning by a combined score of 62-21.

All of the roads led to this. The rematch everyone wanted to see. Byrnes vs. Dorman II. Riding a powerful running game led by junior tailback Shakeem Wharton the Rebels powered past the Cavaliers winning in brilliant fashion, 34-14. It was redemption for the Rebels 21-14 loss earlier in the year.

The most fitting quote by any member of the Byrnes Rebel football program was from Wide Receiver Josh Sims.

“Nobody thought we could do it because we lost Marcus and other big time players. We had to do what a lot of Byrnes teams have had to do, and that’s work for it. And we did it. It doesn’t even seem real right now because at the beginning of the season, none of us knew what to expect after losing so many good players.”

Editor's Notes

2010-12-14T12:25:00.000-08:00

I would like to thank you for taking the time to read the inaugural post on PALMETTO FOOTBALL TALK. To clear up any confusion about the objectives and goals of this website, I would like to answer a few questions.

WHAT IS PALMETTO FOOTBALL TALK?

This football blog is not your average football blog, We cover football on how it relates to those in the state of South Carolina. From the high school ranks to the college ranks. From covering games to recruiting.