Gray Collegiate’s Michael Boulware Jr. hopes to carry on family name
Boulware heads state's linebacker class
Sumter – There is no doubt he has the pedigree. His namesake father played four seasons in the National Football League while his uncle was a 4-time All-Pro selection in his 9-yeear career and was part of one of the greatest defenses the history of the league in the Super Bowl-winning 2000 Baltimore Ravens.
He has the physical attributes – 6-foot-2-inches and 205 pounds – playing middle linebacker for Gray Collegiate Academy. What he doesn’t have right now is the looks from college scouts He hopes they are to come with a great senior season.
He is Michael Boulware Jr., whose dad and uncle Peter Boulware were both standout collegiate players at Florida State.
“I feel like I’ve gotten a lot better compared to last season,” said Boulware, who is the top ranked linebacker in state for the 2026 recruiting class, according to High School Sports Report and the No. I3 overall prospect. “I know I’ve still got a long way to go, but I take it one step at a time and hopefully get one percent better every day.”
Following in the footsteps of his father and uncle hasn’t fazed Boulware. Instead, he embraces it.
“It’s not a burden, it’s really a blessing to me,” Boulware said. “He (Michael Sr.) set a high standard He’s my expectation of what needs to be d9ne It should be done very high, so that way I’m not downplaying myself. If he says I’m doing right, then I’m doing right.”
Boulware obviously has interest in Florida State along with hometown school South Carolina. However, no offers have come his way from anyone as of yet. He isn’t concerning himself with that; instead his concern will be over making himself a better player.
“If the Lord doesn’t want me to do something then he won’t let it happen,” Boulware said. “I’m a master of controlling the controllables. If there is something I can do to get better, I will get that done. Outside of that, I can’t control those things, I don’t worry about it. If there is something I can do, I will do it.”
Orangeburg-Wilkinson’s Jordan Avinger is the No. 2 linebacker and is ranked 35th overall. The 6-2, 225-pouner is committed to Arkansas, which is his only Power 4 Conference offer.
Avinger is in his first season at AAA Orangeburg-Wilkinson after playing at Class A Bethune-Bowman, another Orangeburg County school. He believes he is ready for the step up in classification.
“I’ve been putting in a lot of work in the offseason, putting in extra work in the weight room,” Avinger said. “I’m giving my all in the weight room and on the field.”
Avinger has a slew of other Football Bowl Subdivision offers, including East Carolina, Appalachian State, Florida International, South Florida, Liberty and James Madison.
Avinger believes he brings a lot to the table in all aspects of being a football player.
“What makes me a good linebacker, it’s my knowledge,” he said. “I’m smart, I’m a great vocal leader, I know everyone’s assignmenht on the field. I know everyone else’s assignment so it makes it easier.”
Gaffney’s Zyon Ratchford is just behind Avinger in the overall rankings at No. 37. The 6-4, 200-pounder is committed to East Carolina.
First-year Gaffney head coach Donnie Littlejohn said Ratchford has really improved himself over the summer.
“Zyon worked really hard on his quickness and his agility over the summer,” Littlejohn said. “It was an emphasis. His length, including wingspan, makes it hard for offensive players to get away from him. He has done a great job of learning the ins and outs of the defense. He has become a coach on the field.”
“I’ve been working to get faster, stronger,” Ratchford said. “I’m getting better at seeing the game, processing the game better. I’ve gotten really used to it.”
Ratchford also has FBS offers from Coastal Carolina, South Florida, Appalachian State and Charlotte.
He led the Indians in tackles and tackles for loss last season with 68 and 18, respectively. He also had four quarterback sacks.
Ratchford’s junior teammate, Kendarius Bailey, is No. 9 in the 2027 class.
“Kendarius plays extremely big on Friday nights,” Littlejohn said of the 6-0, 215-pounder. “He is a huge part of the defense and can change the game at any moment. He has a great motor and does not shy away from contact. He actually loves it.”
South Florence’s Terry Gordon is ranked 43rd while Romello Patterson of city rival West Florence is ranked 44th. Gordon had 87 tackles and 13 tackles for loss as a key figure in the defense that helped the Bruins to their second AAAA state championship in three years. He has no FBS offers at this time.
Patterson has committed to Coastal Carolina and also has FBS offers from Western Kentucky and Alabama-Birmingham.
Right behind him at No. 46 is Reid McCollum, a 6-4, 215-pound middle linebacker from Hilton Head Christian Academy. McCollum, who also serves as the Eagles’ quarterback, is committed to the U.S. Naval Academy.
“Reid is aggressive, quick; he’s perect or the U.S. Navy,” said HHCA head coach Ron Peduzzi. “Damn the torpedoes! Attack mode all the time.”
Dillon has a pair of strong linebackers back in Daniel Capehart and Keriyon Brown. Capehart, ranked 50th, measures 6-0 and 200-pounds while No. 58 Brown is 5-11, 210.
“Both are explosive and both have a unique ability to diagnose plays that help them defensively,” said Dillon head coach Kelvin Roller. “They are both physical players that love contact. They are both two of the best in the state by far.”
Gray Patterson, a 6-3, 210-pounder from Fort Mill, is committed to Charlotte. He is ranked 62nd. Brysen Ginn of South Pointe is No. 63. He had 87 tackles last season for the Stallions, who played in the AAAA upper state title game. He holds FBS offers from Charlotte and Marshall.
“A 3-year starter for South Pointe High School, Brysen is known as the hardest-working player on the team and a true leader on and off the field,” said South Pointe head coach Bobby Collins. “As a team captain, he sets the standard for effort and dedication. “We’re excited to see what he accomplishes this season.”
Other ranked linebackers are Summerville’s JT Williams at No. 70, and Lucas Tankersley of Travelers Rest at No. 100.
