On Thursday, 247 released its latest edition of the top 247 prospects in the class of 2018. Among the group were eight names from the state of South Carolina.

Three of the eight are listed with five-stars by their name: Xavier Thomas, Josh Belk and Derion Kendrick.

From this perspective, Thomas is still the top overall prospect in the state’s 2018 class, but not by much. The defensive end from Florence-Wilson provides a service that’s highly sought after at every level. And he’s explosive, powerful and can run very well for a guy with his size (6-3, 255). It’s his ability to rush the passer gives him the slight edge over the guy who we think is second-best in this class.

Kendrick, who’s being pursued by Jeff Scott as a wide receiver, could play on either side of the ball at the next level. Kendrick (Rock Hill-South Pointe) told TCI that he would actually prefer to play safety in college. When you’ve got a guy who wants to play on that side of the ball, it’s our stance that you grant that wish. However, Kendrick is explosive with the ball in his hands — he’s got the look of a big-time wide receiver.

Not only do Thomas and Kendrick have the five-star ceiling, they’ve also got the production at the high school level to back it up. Belk has the upside to be in that top tier with those two, but it hasn’t quite transferred to the field yet — yet being the operative word. His upside as a defensive tackle is tremendous, but most of his work at Lewisville has been on the offensive line. Belk is a powerful player who’s still learning the game. Again, with more experience and production, we’ll feel comfortable listing him as a five-star along Thomas and Kendrick.

According to the 247 rankings, Thomas is the fourth-best prospect in the country. Belk is 26 and Kendrick is 27.

Up next on the 247 rankings is Stephon Wynn Jr. The defensive lineman from T.L. Hanna is listed as a four-star and ranked No. 45 in the country. That suits our list just fine. Wynn, who picked up an offer from Clemson last month at Junior Day, is listed by 247 as a strong-side defensive end. Listed at 6-foot-3, 245 pounds, he’s got the frame to grow into a 3-techinque defensive tackle.

Joyner working as a QB at last summer’s Clemson camp.

No. 5 on the 247 list is Byrnes linebacker Khalid Jones (6-1, 225). No. 5 on our list is Dakereon Joyner.

Joyner wants to play quarterback at the next level and that’s where he’s being recruited to play at Clemson. Some would contend that his best upside is as an athlete — that’s where 247 classifies him. Whether that’s a wide receiver or defensive back is to be determined, but he did quarterback Fort Dorchester to a state title in December. It’s our stance that Joyner still has room to grow as a passer.

Behind Joyner at No. 6 on our list is Justin Williams of Colleton County. Williams is pretty comparable to Joyner, though he has played other positions in high school. Where Williams lands at the next level is to be determined, but quarterback probably won’t be the spot. 247 has him at No. 8, behind Jake Venables.

Venables, the 6-foot-1, 205-pound outside linebacker from Daniel sits at seven on our list, too. He runs well, is a pretty good athlete and possesses adequate length to play on the edge at the next level. Those traits give him the nod — for this list — ahead of Jones, who sits at 10.

Also ahead of Jones at No. 8 on our list is Elijah Adams, Kendrick’s teammate from South Pointe. Adams was super productive as a sophomore, finishing with almost 20 sacks. Adams has played defensive end during his first two high school seasons, but he’ll play more linebacker as a junior, because — with his size (6-0, 230) — that’s where he’ll probably land at the next level.

Greer’s Quavian White is No. 9. A transfer from nearby Southside High School, White played mostly running back as a sophomore, but he’s preparing for a move to cornerback, once he gets to the college game.

TCI’s Top 10 2018 prospects from South Carolina

1-Xavier Thomas DE Florence

2-Derion Kendrick ATH Rock Hill

3-Josh Belk DT Richburg

4-Stephon Wynn Jr. DL Anderson

5-Dakereon Joyner QB/ATH North Charleston

6-Justin Williams ATH Walterboro

7-Jake Venables OLB Central

8-Elijah Adams LB Rock Hill

9-Quavian White CB Greer

10-Khalid Jones LB Duncan