W
Will Helms
Guest
As many of you know, I run the Prep Redzone sites for North Carolina and Tennessee where we're focused on scouting more than we are on recruiting. We're in the midst of rankings updates, so I wanted to take the opportunity to put something together on the next few recruiting classes as far as players I like, names to watch, etc.
If you're interested in supporting me over there/getting some great scouting content for either state, shoot me a DM. For now, I'm hoping you find this helpful. I'll differentiate on here between guys South Carolina is involved with and guys that SC may pursue in the future, as well as a bit of scouting info on them. First up, North Carolina's class of 2023.
Rico Walker, Edge, Hickory
Walker is my top overall prospect in North Carolina for the class of 2023 and it's not particularly close. Rivals has him ranked as an athlete (He's dynamic on both sides of the ball, for sure) but he's a defensive end through and through. I actually think he has the potential to be the highest-rated edge rusher out of the Tar Heel state since former Florida star Jonathan Bullard. Although he's slighter in stature, he reminds me a lot of a Jordan Burch in terms of overall athleticism. I mean, check out these highlights.
It's widely believed North Carolina has an early lead, and as with any high-profile edge rusher, I have to think Clemson will be a factor down the road, but the old South Carolina staff offered early and the new staff is very aware of Walker. South Carolina should at least be a factor in this one.
Tad Hudson, QB, Hough
Hudson has a dozen or so early offers from a variety of Power Five schools including South Carolina. He played extensively as a backup on varsity as a freshman and will now take over as a full-time starter this spring on North Carolina's most talented team (In terms of Power Five offers). He's got a good arm, good size and makes good decisions. I have him ranked as my No. 2 QB in the state, but QB Hit List (Always take their rankings with a grain of salt, players/parents, not fans pay their bills) has him as the No. 5 Pro Style in the country. His highlights are great, but it should be noted he plays with 15 future D1 guys on offense.
John Mark Shaw, QB, Broughton
Shaw has been on South Carolina's radar for a while and I think if the Gamecocks make a run at a signal caller from NC in 2023, he'll be the guy. Even though he only holds one early offer from FIU I have him ranked above Hudson as the third overall prospect in the state, and that's not for clout. I truly believe him to be the better quarterback after seeing both throw in camp settings last fall. It needs to be noted that His FIU offer is via former UNC quarterback Bryn Renner, widely considered one of the best young offensive minds and evaluators of talent in the country.
Shaw has an absolute cannon, truly among the best I've ever seen at his age and his pocket movement and accuracy are above average. South Carolina is involved here as is nearby NC State, who I'd peg as the early leader, assuming the Wolfpack offer. Shaw transferred to Brighton and has a talented 2023 WR to throw to as well in 6'3 McCallum Wright.
Highlights
KJ Sampson, DT, New Bern
Sampson's a bit of an under-the-radar prospect, due simply to his location in New Bern, which isn't heavily recruited. He's big, powerful and has improved his quickness, really impressing me in a couple of camp settings. He's bulked up to around 300 pounds and is country strong, as they say. I'm a big fan of his as a player and person. He didn't play that much on varsity last year, but should be a huge contributor this season on 4A New Bern.
The previous staff did offer and show some light interest, as did the previous staff at Tennessee. The team that really seemed to have some momentum on the recruiting was Charlotte thanks to Sampson's great relationship with fellow New Bern alum Montario Hardesty. Hardesty, as you all know is now the running backs coach at South Carolina and will recruit eastern North Carolina fairly heavily. Jimmy Lindsey has reached out as well (through the proper channels, of course).
Highlights
Other 2023s I'm tracking
Chris Lawson Jr., WR, Hough
Christian Hamilton, WR, Hickory Ridge
JT Smith Jr., RB, Hough
My goal is to have four of these, two for NC and two for TN. I'm happy to answer any questions you may have, thanks for subscribing!
If you're interested in supporting me over there/getting some great scouting content for either state, shoot me a DM. For now, I'm hoping you find this helpful. I'll differentiate on here between guys South Carolina is involved with and guys that SC may pursue in the future, as well as a bit of scouting info on them. First up, North Carolina's class of 2023.
Rico Walker, Edge, Hickory
Walker is my top overall prospect in North Carolina for the class of 2023 and it's not particularly close. Rivals has him ranked as an athlete (He's dynamic on both sides of the ball, for sure) but he's a defensive end through and through. I actually think he has the potential to be the highest-rated edge rusher out of the Tar Heel state since former Florida star Jonathan Bullard. Although he's slighter in stature, he reminds me a lot of a Jordan Burch in terms of overall athleticism. I mean, check out these highlights.
It's widely believed North Carolina has an early lead, and as with any high-profile edge rusher, I have to think Clemson will be a factor down the road, but the old South Carolina staff offered early and the new staff is very aware of Walker. South Carolina should at least be a factor in this one.
Tad Hudson, QB, Hough
Hudson has a dozen or so early offers from a variety of Power Five schools including South Carolina. He played extensively as a backup on varsity as a freshman and will now take over as a full-time starter this spring on North Carolina's most talented team (In terms of Power Five offers). He's got a good arm, good size and makes good decisions. I have him ranked as my No. 2 QB in the state, but QB Hit List (Always take their rankings with a grain of salt, players/parents, not fans pay their bills) has him as the No. 5 Pro Style in the country. His highlights are great, but it should be noted he plays with 15 future D1 guys on offense.
John Mark Shaw, QB, Broughton
Shaw has been on South Carolina's radar for a while and I think if the Gamecocks make a run at a signal caller from NC in 2023, he'll be the guy. Even though he only holds one early offer from FIU I have him ranked above Hudson as the third overall prospect in the state, and that's not for clout. I truly believe him to be the better quarterback after seeing both throw in camp settings last fall. It needs to be noted that His FIU offer is via former UNC quarterback Bryn Renner, widely considered one of the best young offensive minds and evaluators of talent in the country.
Shaw has an absolute cannon, truly among the best I've ever seen at his age and his pocket movement and accuracy are above average. South Carolina is involved here as is nearby NC State, who I'd peg as the early leader, assuming the Wolfpack offer. Shaw transferred to Brighton and has a talented 2023 WR to throw to as well in 6'3 McCallum Wright.
Highlights
KJ Sampson, DT, New Bern
Sampson's a bit of an under-the-radar prospect, due simply to his location in New Bern, which isn't heavily recruited. He's big, powerful and has improved his quickness, really impressing me in a couple of camp settings. He's bulked up to around 300 pounds and is country strong, as they say. I'm a big fan of his as a player and person. He didn't play that much on varsity last year, but should be a huge contributor this season on 4A New Bern.
The previous staff did offer and show some light interest, as did the previous staff at Tennessee. The team that really seemed to have some momentum on the recruiting was Charlotte thanks to Sampson's great relationship with fellow New Bern alum Montario Hardesty. Hardesty, as you all know is now the running backs coach at South Carolina and will recruit eastern North Carolina fairly heavily. Jimmy Lindsey has reached out as well (through the proper channels, of course).
Highlights
Other 2023s I'm tracking
Chris Lawson Jr., WR, Hough
Christian Hamilton, WR, Hickory Ridge
JT Smith Jr., RB, Hough
My goal is to have four of these, two for NC and two for TN. I'm happy to answer any questions you may have, thanks for subscribing!
