The top college football prospects in South Carolina, headed into 2017
Any list of the top college football prospects located in South Carolina omits two of the state’s best players, Xavier Thomas and Stephon Wynn, who both transferred to Florida-based IMG Academy for their senior years of high school. Regardless, the Palmetto State again has a talented bunch of players in the next three classes, including a number of locals.
Class of 2018 (alphabetical order)
Eli Adams, South Pointe - senior defensive end and powerful pass-rusher committed to Virginia Tech over the summer. He’s in between a defensive lineman and linebacker at the college level and will need to find his niche.
Josh Belk, Lewisville - 6-foot-3, 280-pound defensive tackle committed to Clemson last spring and plans on enrolling early at the school in January.
Steven Gilmore Jr., South Pointe - SEC and ACC offers for Gilmore Jr., who revealed a top-four of Louisville, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia over the summer.
Demarcus Gregory, Byrnes - Byrnes receiver committed to Ole Miss. At 6-foot-3, 196 pounds, Gregory could grow into a difficult physical matchup for defensive backs.
Khalid Jones, Byrnes - well-built Byrnes linebacker is committed to Northwestern.
Dakereon Joyner, Fort Dorchester - great athlete at QB will play for South Carolina.
Derion Kendrick, South Pointe - another great athlete, Kendrick is headed to Clemson. He’ll probably play receiver but would be just as good at safety. Rated No. 1 recruit in the state with Thomas and Wynn down in Florida.
Hank Manos, Chapin - 6-foot-4, 275-pound center will play at South Carolina.
Jordan McFadden, Dorman - great frame on the 6-foot-5, 280-pound tackle from Dorman. McFadden is committed to Virginia Tech.
Raiqwon O’Neal, Conway - one of the most sought-after uncommitted players in the 2018 class at the moment, 6-foot-5 offensive lineman has close to 30 scholarship offers.
Sam Pinckney, Greenwood - sturdy and physical receiver has 11 offers and definitely stands out on a high school field at 6-foot-3, 205 pounds.
R.J. Roderick, Cane Bay - South Carolina-bound athlete will play in the defensive secondary in college. Six-foot, 207-pounder plays QB for the Cobras.
Dennis Smith, Gaffney - 6-foot-2 receiver committed to Duke.
Bryce Thompson, Dutch Fork - according to 247sports, South Carolina is probably the team to beat for Thompson’s services after he decommited from Virginia Tech. He’s a 6-foot athlete set for a big senior year on a talented Dutch Fork team.
Channing Tindall, Spring Valley - 6-foot-2, 213-pound linebacker has become very popular on the recruiting trail. He has north of 20 offers, including Auburn, Florida, Florida State and a slew of other ACC and SEC schools.
Class of 2019
Malik Barber, Nation Ford (DB)
Pha’Leak Brown, Chester (RB)
Quack Cohen, Greer (LB)
Storm Duck, Boiling Springs (DB)
Fentrell Cypress, Northwestern (CB)
Jamario Holley, Northwestern (WR)
Quen Jefferson, Hillcrest (WR)
Jaylen Mahoney, South Pointe (DB)
Zacch Pickens, T.L. Hanna (DE)
Jacoby Pickney, Dorman (WR)
Class of 2020
Antonio Barber, Rock Hill (WR)
Jordan Burch, Wilson (DE)
Luke Doty, Myrtle Beach (QB)
Tonka Hemingway, Conway (DE)
Alex Huntley, Hammond (DL)
This story was originally published August 12, 2017 at 3:58 PM with the headline "The top college football prospects in South Carolina, headed into 2017."