By Hale McGranahan.
TCI rolls out its first edition of the 10 best prospects from the state of South Carolina in the class of 2016.
A number of factors went into the process, including in-person evaluation and highlight/film study. Along with our 10-man list are the names of the other prospects who received consideration.
1-Tavien Feaster RB (Spartanburg) – Clemson commit
Feaster is the most talented running back the state’s seen since since Marcus Lattimore. While they’re different types of runners, both have displayed elite skill as a receiver. Feaster has plenty of speed and game-breaking ability.
2-Nyles Pinckney DT (Whale Branch) – Undecided
An impressive athlete with good feet, Pinckney has the makings to be a disruptive 3-technique defensive tackle. He’ll need to make some physical gains, and like most high school defensive linemen, Pinckney could improve his pad level.
3-John Simpson OG (Fort Dorchester) – Undecided
For one of the state’s top high school programs, Simpson works at both guard and tackle, but his length will probably keep him inside at the next level. One would have to think that Simpson’s wrestling background helps with his drive and hand placement.
4-Bryan Edwards WR (Conway) – Undecided
Edwards drew early interest from Clemson, but things have since tapered off. About 3-4 years ago, he was probably a take by the Tigers, but they’re recruiting at national level. However, Edwards is still a quality wide receiver prospect. He’s got the size and physical presence to be an effective pass catcher in short and intermediate routes.
5-Brandon Hill LB (Heathwood Hall) – Undecided
Quite possibly the state’s most versatile prospect, Hill might get knocked by some because of the competition he faces in SCISA, but he looks like a man amongst boys at every position he plays: wide receiver, tight end, running back, defensive end and linebacker.
6-Brandon Tillmon ATH (River Bluff) – Undecided
The quarterback at River Bluff, Tillmon projects as a better outside linebacker/safety than quarterback. And he’s in the conversation with Hill as the state’s most versatile prospect. We can’t help but wonder why the heck Tillmon doesn’t have any offers, but he’s not the only prospect in the state that has that distinction.
7-James Valdez CB (Lake Marion) – N.C. State
Valdez has the size and ability to compete for playing time right away at N.C. State. He could also be a pretty good wide receiver at the next level. But his cover skills and physicality will make him a good fit as a cornerback.
8-Avery McCall QB (Dillon) – Undecided
McCall is the best pure quarterback prospect in the state, but he’s not going to get an opportunity to play the position at either Clemson or South Carolina. In the past, that hasn’t stopped other programs. We suspect the same will be said about McCall, unless he decides to pursue a baseball career.
9-Stephen Davis Jr. LB (Dutch Fork) – Auburn
Physically, Davis looks like he’ll grow into an outside linebacker or an in the box safety. But is he physical enough to play that close to the line of scrimmage? That’s debatable.
10-Javon Kinlaw DE (Goose Creek) – Undecided
If Kinlaw wasn’t dead set on playing defensive end, he would probably be higher on this list as an offensive tackle. He’s got good size and a nice frame, but may not be athletic enough to be an effective defensive end.
Also considered
QB Drayton Arnold (Myrtle Beach), LB T.J. Brunson (Richland Northeast), RB Shakur Chisolm (Barnwell), WR Larry Collins (Lower Richland), WR Samuel Denmark (Hanahan), LB Donta Evans (Lake Marion), DE Norman Hand Jr. (Colleton County), DB Nick McCloud (South Pointe), QB/ATH Shai Werts (Newberry), LB Datavious Wilson (Hartsville), OL Drew Wilson (Bamberg)