Linebackers in ’27 & ’28 Class Not As Deep As In Other Years, Hammond’s Jackson Ross Leads The Group & Headed To SC
Hammond senior Jackson Ross. (6-4, 215)
By Thomas Grant Jr.
Contributing Writer
Columbia - The juniors and senior linebackers currently make up nine players in both the High School Sports Report’s Classes of 2027 and 2028 football prospects list that can be viewed at hssr.com.
This group consists of impact players on the field who are seemingly at the right places at the right time. The following is a brief look at their resumes that are being revised with every Friday night game they engage in.
CLASS OF 2027
Jackson Ross - HAMMOND SCHOOL (6-4, 215 lbs.) South Carolina
Ranked 10th overall in the HSSR Class of 2027, Ross had 87 tackles, 15 for loss, 17 quarterback back hurries, eight pass breakups and eight sacks last season in leading the Skyhawks to an 8th straight SCISA Class 4A title.
Ross is a verbal commitment to SC. He has been a tackling machine in his high school career. As a junior he had 87 tackles, 15 TFL, 8 sacks, 8 pass break-ups, 13 QB hurries, and one pick. As a sophomore he had 134 tackles, 14 TFL, 12.5 sacks, two picks and one forced fumble.
“He plays extremely hard and possesses a skill set that most do not have in terms of speed, physicality, knack for the ball, at his size of 6'2, 220,” said head coach Jon Wheeler. “He can kick field goals and punt the ball as well and is a decent wide receiver/tight end threat for us at times on offense with his natural ball skills.”
Jackson Conner INDIAN LAND (6-0, 215 lbs.) Committed to Marshall
Ranked 38th overall by HSSR, Conner had 150 tackles, six tackles for loss, four sacks and three fumbles for the Warriors.
Kendaris Bailey - GAFFNEY (6-0, 215 lbs.) North Carolina Central
In three seasons with the Indians, Bailey has amassed 171 Tackles, 45 Tackles for a Loss, seven sacks, four forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, 10 pass breakups, an interception and touchdown on defense.
He’s ranked 44th overall in the HSSR Class of 2027.
“Kendaris Bailey is one of those talents who comes through a high school about once every five years,” head coach Donnie Littlejohn said. “He loves the game of football and pours his heart into everything he does. He is a four-year starter for us, and our defense runs through him.
“We knew Kendaris was going to be special when we watched him play in middle school. Last year, we leaned on him heavily, including making a change in the playoffs to give our offense more of an explosive weapon, and he was one of the major reasons we made it to the third round. Our season ended with a close loss to (2-time Class 5A Division II champion Northwestern.
“The impact Kendaris has on this team is outstanding. Regardless of which side of the ball he is playing, he can take over a game. If he wants to shut down an offense, he has the ability to do it. If he decides he does not want to be stopped by a defense, he can do that, too. We are excited to watch him play this year and see what the future holds for him.”
Malcolm Gordon - BLUFFTON (6-1, 205 lbs.) Furman
As a junior, Gordon had a team-high 130 Tackles, 15 for loss, an interception and fumble recovery. He’s ranked 114th by HSSR.
“He is an absolute stud,” head coach Hayden Gregory said. “One of the best high school linebackers I have ever seen.”
Semaj Wilson - ATLANTIC COLLEGIATE (6-2, 200 lbs.)
Ranked 125th overall by HSSR, Wilson had 77 tackles on defense and rushed for 571 yards and 12 touchdowns last season.
CLASS OF 2028
Heyward Belser - HEATHWOOD HALL (6-3, 220 lbs.)
Ranked 13th overall for the HSSR Class of 2028, he tallied 136 tackles, four sacks and an interception as a sophomore. He added two rushing TD’s on offense. This Fall Belser tells the HSSR he will take in college games at South Carolina, Clemson, Davidson, and The Citadel. He attended the Spring game at SC.
Belser bench presses 275 with a 415-leg squat and he runs a 4.7 forty.
Belser’s top five colleges right now are SC, Clemson, The Citadel, Davidson, and Charleston Southern.
“My goal for my junior season is to help my team win a state championship and to continue to work hard and develop the skills I need to become a better all-around football player,” said Belser on his football form filled out at the HSSR media day in July.
Phillip Savage - POWDERSVILLE (6-3, 210 lbs.)
As a sophomore, Savage had 75 tackles, three sacks and three pass breakups at outside linebacker. He has offers from six schools (Samford, Austin Peay, Appalachian State, Miami-Ohio, East Tennessee State and Cincinnati) and is ranked 20th overall in the HSSR Class of 2028.
“He is extremely athletic and does everything necessary to put his team in the best possible position to be successful,” head coach Robert Mustar said.
Lavan Perry - CAMDEN (6-1, 215 lbs.)
A 2-way starter, Perry led the Bulldogs in tackles (140) last season. In the season-opening win over Dillon, he had 10 tackles and an interception. He’s already received offers from Liberty and Georgia Southern.
He’s ranked 23rd overall in the HSSR Class of 2028.
“He’s physically talented with great size and speed, but his wrestling background really shows on the football field as he rarely misses tackles,” head coach Brian Rimph said. “When he locks in on a ball carrier they are going to the ground. He collected a couple offers this summer (and is being recruited by many others. He will be a leader for us on defense this year.”
DeMarcus King - SUMMERVILLE (6-2, 226 lbs.)
As a sophomore, King amassed 94 tackles, 26 tackles for loss, 28 pressures, 13 sacks and an interception return TD. He’s ranked 33rd in the HSSR Class of 2028.
“Demarcus is arguably the best all-around football player on our team,” head coach Ian Rafferty said. “He has been a varsity starter since midway through his freshman season and has consistently elevated his game each year. A physical, relentless competitor, Demarcus plays with outstanding effort on every snap and sets the tone for our defense.
“He combines natural ability with an exceptional work ethic, mental toughness, and a relentless drive to become the best defensive player on the field. Demarcus currently holds an offer from Liberty University, and we fully expect his recruitment to accelerate with additional Division I offers following his junior season.”
