By BJ Bennett
SouthernPigskin.com

Follow us at Twitter.com/SouthernPigskin.  Become a fan at the SouthernPigskin.com Facebook Page

SouthernPigskin.com Columnist Justin Davis breaks down a strong year of prospects in South Carolina.

By Justin Davis
SouthernPigskin.com Contributor

SouthernPigskin.com Columnist Justin Davis breaks down a strong year of prospects in South Carolina.  Follow us on Twitter at Twitter.com/SouthernPigskin. Become a fan of us on Facebook at the SouthernPigskin.com Facebook Page

In recent memory the state of South Carolina has produced many elite football recruits who go on to become productive contributors at the next level. Daquan Bowers, Ricky Sapp just a couple of names that come to mind. Last year a school in Duncan, SC garnered mass media attention by producing five star running back Marcus Lattimore along with defensive studs Corey Miller and Brandon Willis. The state laid claim four Under Armour All Americans and placed nine prospects in the Rivals 250 last year.

This year is also shaping up to be a good one for the Palmetto State. Eight prospects are on the ESPNU 150 Watch List and another four are biding their time until the right moment to break out. The versatility of the athletes on this list is enough to make any coach or fanbase giddy with excitement.

1. Jadeveon Clowney 6’5 240 4.55 40 – DE- Rock Hill, SC

Schools: UNC, South Carolina and Alabama

Started out as a running back has outstanding speed off the edge and threatens NC’s LeMay for top prospect in the country. You should see the video of him chasing down a ball carrier from behind clear across the field!

2. Everett Golson 5’11 170 – ATH- Myrtle Beach

School: UNC verbal

This two sport star in addition to doubling at dual threat QB and WR is also a highly ranked point guard in basketball. ‘Nuff said.

3. Philip Dukes 6’3 290 – DT- Manning, SC

Schools: Clemson, Alabama and South Carolina

This near 300 pound wrecking machine is ranked number five in the nation at his respective position. If he gets into the right system and improves his technique, we will see him on Sundays.

4. Hakeem Flowers 6’2 170 – WR- Greenville, SC

Schools: Miami, LSU, Florida State, Tennessee and Notre Dame

With 20 offers on the table from schools in the Pac 10, SEC, Big East and ACC this 4.45 burner looks to headline a talented WR core in the state. Will need to add some bulk at the next level.

5. Lateek Townsend 6’2 195 4.6 40 – OLB- Bennettsville, SC

Schools: Clemson, South Carolina, UGA, Alabama and Miami

Very few OLB’s at his size pack as powerful a punch as Townsend. He is a wanted man all across the country. Bo Pelini and Nebraska are hot on his heels, but could be a long shot to land him.

6. Charone Peake 6’3 190 4.4 40 – WR- Roebuck, SC

Schools: Clemson, UGA, UNC, South Carolina and Florida

Peake brings a blend of elite size, speed and soft hands to table. Wherever he lands he’s liable to make an immediate impact.

7. Shamier Jeffrey 6’2 195 4.6.40 – WR- Saint Matthews, SC

Schools: South Carolina, Kentucky, Auburn, Tennessee and Georgia Tech.

Younger brother of current Gamecock receiver Alshon Jeffrey. This Jeffrey is just as talented. Never left the field last year and racked up 1,850 passing yards and 19 TD’s as a QB, plus 31 catches for 605 as a WR. He also ran for 350 yards and six TD’s on the ground and added 40 tackles and 4 INT’s as a safety. He is looking nationally.

8. Patrick Martin 5’11 200 4.65 40 – S- Greenville, SC

Schools: LSU, Tennessee, Notre Dame, Mississippi State and Louisville

One of the best DB’s in the nation, little is stopping Martin from a breakout season this coming year.

Watchlist

Justin Worley 6’4 195 4.8 40 – QB- Rock Hill, SC

Worley is a dual threat, gun slinging banger who brings excitement to his school. Not sure where he’s feeling as far as schools, but has over 20 offers.

Shon Carson 5’8 185 – RB- Scranton, SC

Blazingly fast scatback (4.37 time) Carson lacks the size to be an every down back, but is a great fit as a 3rd down back or lined up in the slot. Depending on how RB situations shape up among Clemson, West Virginia, South Carolina and Alabama will determine his future.

Brandon Shell 6’7 300- OT- Charleston, SC

Massive OL prospect Shell is a wanted man all over the country. At 6’7 300 plus pounds, it’s hard not to gawk at the big fella. Shell delivers a powerful initial punch and the ability to block downfield and pick up a scraping linebacker.

Gerald Dixon 6’4 245 4.7 40 -DE – Rock Hill, SC

Dixon is starting opposite of Clowney. If that’s not enough, consider Dixon is just as fast as Clowney, but also has the versatility to play any position on the defensive line.

…..

Justin Davis aka JersyMikeJr is an aspiring sports talk jock and avid Alabama football fan. Located in Charlotte, North Carolina, Justin is 5’4 and 170 pounds of Bama talking thunder. In addition to Alabama and football in general,  he also enjoys boxing, college basketball, NBA and baseball. NASCAR is growing on Justin a little being the fact he’s from the South. JersyMikeJr is fast pace, provocative, on the inside and brings the knowledge.

Stories written by SouthernPigskin.com columnists are done independently.  Views do not always coincide with those of the remainder of the staff or the ownership of SouthernPigskin.com.

follow Justin Davis on Twitter: @ jersymikejr
http://thejersymikejrshow.wordpress.com/wp-admin/
http://bleacherreport.com/users/285380-justin-davis