South Carolina Preps Top Prospects on the O-Line

South Carolina Preps Top Prospects on the O-Line

By Worthy Evans

Contributing Writer

Columbia – Offenses can’t work without the protection and blocking of the Big Uglies up front. South Carolina has a large stock of guards, tackles, and centers in development among high schools at all classifications. Below are just some of the state’s top offensive linemen who made the High School Sports Report’s Top 100 Seniors List and who work at holding the lines so all the pretty plays can develop.

Fifth on the list is the top offensive lineman, Irmo veteran and University of South Carolina commit Nate Carson (6-5, 285 pounds). The left tackle has improved each year he’s played, and has been a chief member of a unit that enabled the offense to be productive in both the passing and running games for the last three years.

The Yellow Jackets reached the AAAAA Division 2 state final for the last two years, with both games ending in losses to champion Northwestern. This year, in spite of a 24-14 season-opening loss to Rock Hill Aug. 21, Irmo looks to end the season with a win.

“It’s good that we made it the last two years, but the expectation is to win,” Carson said. “The expectation is to dominate and that’s what we’re gonna do. That’s the thing with this group. It’s a lot of motivation. Nobody wants to lose three years in a row. We definitely need a ring before we end it all.”

Next on the list at No.11 is Lucy Beckham OL and Georgia commit Ty Johnson (6-5, 300). An enormous tackle with an 81.75-inch wingspan, Johnson said he’s always looked toward Georgia ever since he can remember.  

“I grew up a Georgia fan, those roots were always in me, he said. “I used to go to Georgia football camps growing up and I think it’s going to be a little different relationship as I’ll be playing for them next year.”

Line play appeals to Johnson because he knows it’s critical for a team’s success.

“I think offensive line is sometimes an overlooked position but I think it’s knowing that you’re the backbone of the team,” he said. “It’s pretty awesome and it’s pretty fun putting people in the dirt.”

Another South Carolina commit, Ridge View’s James Ross (6-5, 290) is 18^th on the list. Ross said he was impressed with the Gamecocks coaching staff enough to say yes for 2027.

“I liked (offensive line) coach Clem (Randy Clements) and Coach (Jason) Smith. I like their relationship with each other, I like how they talked to their players and how they respond to them,” Ross said. “It’s a good family between the players and coaches. They want to see me playing Center, but they also want me to be able to play the other positions.”

Ridge View, 8-4 last year after a second-round appearance in the AAAAA Division 1 playoffs, was supposed to open the season against AAAA state champion South Pointe Aug. 21. The game was originally moved up a day because of possible thunderstorms on gameday, but was ultimately cancelled. Instead the Blazers opened the season playing host to defending AAAAA Division 1 champion Dutch Fork.

“We lost a lot of seniors last year and we had to bring some guys up, but we’re looking really good,” Ross said. “Our chemistry is there and we’re looking forward to a great season.”

At No. 20 is James Island OL and Liberty University commit Israel “Shank” Harris (6-3, 270). The tackle is well known for his brute strength, and his feet and handwork that brings his strength to bear on opponents. Harris appreciates the idea of blocking for Liberty’s run game, among other factors.

“They run the ball a lot. I like Coach Bill (Durkin), the offensive coach. Coach (Jamey) Chadwell is an awesome head coach, Harris said. The campus is beautiful.”

Harris’s work in the trenches vaulted the Trojans to a 12-2 record last year that ended in a loss to Summerville for the AAAAA lower state championship. This year James Island opened the season with a 41-21 win over 2025 AAAA state champion Oceanside Collegiate Academy Aug. 21.

Gaffney OL and University of Alabama-Birmingham commit Calvin “C.J”. Brooks (6-5, 320) is 43^rd. A varsity player for four years and a starter for the last three seasons, Brooks and the Indians opened the season with a 24-20 victory over Spartanburg Aug. 21.

“Gaffney is like a city built on football, so I work my butt off every day,” Brooks said about his training up for his final season as an Indian. “I do two workouts a day, I make sure I provide what I need to help us be a state championship football team.”

Brooks chose the Dragons over Charlotte. He had 18 total offers, including from Appalachian State, East Carolina and Army.

“I feel like I fit their scheme greatly and I like the coaching staff and how they love everybody,” he said.

Gray Collegiate’s Jack Armstrong (6-2, 265), a Citadel commit is 51^st. Armstrong, who plays on the offensive line as well, had 37 tackles, eight for loss, two sacks and three hurries as the War Eagles went 11-3 and reached the AAAA lower state championship game.

With Gray moved up to the AAAAA classification, the competition gets tougher, but so have the War Eagles.

“The summer was a lot of working, a lot of practicing, doing some camps, keep working over and over again,” the three-year starter said. “We’re used to playing teams like this. We’ve played Dutch Fork for the past two years, We’re used to playing big teams so I don’t think it’ll be much different from past seasons.”

Coming in at 53^rd is Daniel OL and Army commit Brooks Abernathy (6-2, 265). Abernathy helped lead the Lions to a 37-4 record and a 2023 state championship. With Daniel beating Wren 42-28 Aug. 21 to start the season, Abernathy has his senior year under way.

“I just want to thank all of my coaches who have helped prepare me to be in this position: my offensive line coach Thomas Austin, offensive coordinator T.J. Galloway, my head coach Chris Stone and my strength coach Tommy Hoke,” he said. “They’ve all played a huge role in my development, and I wouldn’t be where I am without them.”

Abernathy committed to play for the Black Knights of the Hudson for more than just football.

“The discipline, the structure, and brotherhood really stood out to me, and I wanted to be in an environment that’s going to push me every day, not just as a player but as a man,” he said. “It felt like the best place for me to grow, be challenged, and represent something more than just myself.” 

At 64^th is J.L. Mann OL Christian Sullivan (6-1,300). Sullivan and teammate Luke Penland  111^th) anchor the young Patriots’ offensive line as second-year coach Bryce Smiley works to rebuild the team coming off an injury-riddled 1-10 record last year. Sullivan received offers from North Greenville, Newberry, Lenoir-Rhyne, UNC-Pembroke,  

Darlington OL Jaiden Williams-Green (6-0, 320) is 82^nd on the list. Green, who suffered an ACL injury in July and will not play this year, remains positive on his future.

“I’ve had surgery and my recovery has being going very well,” he said. “No offers right now but I’ve been talking with UNC-Pembroke, Methodist (University), Newberry and USC.”

Green said that while he’s sidelined, he stands with the team, which opened the season with a 19-14 win over Lamar Aug. 20.

“This year we’ve got a go-get-it mindset,” he said. “These boys have been under Coach Johnson for four years and we know the program, we know what to expect, we know everything. That’s what’s going to carry us, is how badly do you really want it. We pray to God to make this one of our best seasons Darlington has ever seen. We’ve got to put in some work too.”

Summerville OL and Navy commit Nolan Giet (6-3, 270) is 88th. In a decision over service academies, Giet chose the Midshipmen over Army. He also had offers from Charleston Southern, Mercer, and North Greenville. He’s alternated between center and tackle for the Green Wave, who kicked off the season with a 28-7 victory over Sumter Aug. 21.

At No. 91 is Central LT Brandon Streater (6-1, 265). Streater has grown steadily in his role on the line, playing for three years on the varsity squad.

“Brandon is a great young man that I have really enjoyed coaching,” Central head coach Jonathan Eason said. “When I first met him a couple of years ago, he was a tall skinny kid. Since that time, he has busted his butt in the weight room to add muscle. He has probably gained 30 pounds of muscle over the last couple of years. Brandon is also a very good student at Central. He is a great representative of our school.”

At 102 on the list is Carvers Bay C/DT and Citadel commit Triston Diggs (6-2, 275). As a 2-way lineman, he helped lead the bears to 12-1 record last year. As an interior lineman, he had 21 tackles, 10 for loss, six sacks, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries. As an offensive lineman at center, he has shown his capability to stay solid in the middle, whether in run blocking or in pass protection.

“We’re coming off a great season last year and the expectations are as high as ever, so we have to work 10 times harder to meet those expectations,” he said, adding that his commitment to the SC military college makes it pertinent that he step up his game for his final high school year. “It just means I have to hold myself to a higher standard and elevate my level of play.”

At 97^th is Camden C Worth Thomasson (6-0,315). Thomasson has snapped offensive plays into action for two years as a starter as the Bulldogs have reaped success and a state championship appearance in 2023. With his direction up front, it’s a likelihood that more success will come.

“Thomasson is very consistent which is one of the best qualities of any player at any position. He dominates the line of scrimmage,” Camden head coach Brian Rimpf said. “He already has 26 varsity starts and has played in big, meaningful games at some of the toughest stadiums in the state. He is never phased by the magnitude of the game.”

Sullivan’s teammate, J.L. Mann OL Luke Penland (6-2, 265) is 111^th. Penland has been a starting tackle and a starting defensive lineman. Penland and Sullivan look to help revive the Patriots as they try to bounce back from an injury-laden 2025.

“I kind of see everyone putting in work. We’re trying to figure out the team, trying to figure out where everyone’s playing, but we can see all the effort that people are putting in,” Penland said. “It’s great getting people getting used to the mindset.”

Laurence Manning OL/NG Tristan White (6-3, 290) is 123rd. As a defender White had 33.5 tackles, eight for loss, six sacks, a fumble recovery, four pass breakups and a blocked kick. As an offensive lineman, White graded out at 92 percent and led the team in knockdowns and pancakes.

Philip Simmons DE/G Roman Hood (6-0, 205) is 130th. In spite of missing playing time because of an injury, Hood had 72 tackles, 28 for loss, 4.5 sacks, and an interception. Whether as an offensive guard or lining up as a defensive tackle, he has shown to be a tough challenge for anyone lining up against him.

Hampton County DT/T Charles “C.J.” Williams (6-0, 245) is 133rd. He had 26 tackles, four for loss, a sack, and four quarterback hurries last year. He is also the Hurricanes’ starting left tackle.

“He is an awesome kid,” head coach Rob Hanna said. “Been a varsity player for 4 years and has grown into being a leader of the OL. He shows up every day with an attitude to work hard and get better each and every day.”

An honorable mention goes to Blythewood OL Reed Paolucci (6-3, 295), an Army commit looking to close out his senior year with a winning Bengals season. He’s been on the varsity since his third game as a freshman in 2023. He said that this year’s team is committed to doing a lot better than Blythewood’s 4-8 effort last year.

“I love the fact that we’ve gotten closer to God through our junior year,” he said. “Our guys are all in with that, so that’s No.1. No.2 is we’ve had a lot of participation and working out and conditioning and everything, which is awesome and I love that. They’re more committed than they were last year and I can’t wait to see what happens.”

He chose the Army over Duke, Wake Forest, East Carolina, and Charlotte, and eight other offers, adding that it was an easy decision for him.

“I love the Army,” he said. “I always want to see what my future brings, not just in four years of college but what happens after that. I feel like Army, West Point does exactly what I want. Also my brother is there too.”

Another honorable mention is 2-time all-region Hartsville G Fred Turner (6-1, 265). Turner, who has loads of experience in run blocking and pass protection from Hartsville’s offense. Turner attended the Carolina Coaches Combine at Fort Mill High School in May and recently visited Newberry.

Juniors

Dutch Fork OL Brody Lorenzo (6-3, 330) is No.8 on the list of top juniors and has gotten a lot of interest lately. Lorenzo currently has 10 offers, including offers from South Carolina State, Cincinnati, North Carolina, Appalachian State, Liberty, Coastal Carolina, East Carolina, and Charlotte.

Those schools and many others will look forward to seeing film on a lot of athletes on the Silver Foxes roster, especially among the offensive front five.

“This team is different, but this team is different every year,” Lorenzo said. “We’ve got a lot of chemistry and this is the strongest group of guys on the offensive line that we’ve ever had. It’s been a great offseason. We’ve been training every day and getting better.”

Powdersville OL Jackson Miller (6-6, 270) is 19^th. Miller is one of three returning starters on the line for the Patriots, who opened the season with a 28-12 victory over Seneca Aug. 21.
Woodruff interior OL Ian Jones (6-4, 260) is 23^rd. Jones has an early offer from Appalachian State, and likely there will be many other offers to come.

Another Dutch Fork junior, Jeremiah McGowan (6-4, 290) is 30^th on the list and joins his teammate among the top stars of the Class of 2028. A transfer from A.C. Flora, McGowan already has offers from Southern Methodist University, Arizona, Arkansas, Boston College, and several other schools.

Oceanside Collegiate OL/DL Will Hunt (6-3, 275) is 30^th. He saw limited play last year on defense but is a stalwart offensive lineman.

Newberry T/DT Elijah Sanders (6-1, 276) is 36^th. Sanders sees time on both sides of the football and has offers from UNC Pembroke and South Carolina State, and is getting interest from USC, Clemson, and Coastal Carolina.

“We have a lot of people in development and filling the spots (the seniors left),” Sanders said about the Bulldogs, who went 12-1 last year. “I want to make as big an impact as I can. We should have another great season.”

Laurence Manning OL/DT Blandyn Miller (6-1, 275) is 39^th. A transfer from Atlantic Collegiate Academy, he also plays baseball.

Northwood Academy OL Brayden Andy (6-2, 265) is 41^st. Last year Andy helped the offensive line protect Kevin Johnson, who passed for 2,499 yards and 24 touchdowns, and Kaven Ford rush for 1,148 yards and 22 TDs. The Chargers finished 2025 defeating Heathwood Hall for the SCISA AAAA state championship.

Goose Creek T/DE Jadon Pringle Jackson (6-0, 245) is 44^th. An up-and-comer with the Gators as both a right tackle and a defensive end, he will look to helping turn the program around from its 0-10 record last year.