Vote: Who has been the best freshman football player in South Carolina so far in 2023?
We are at the conclusion of the 2023 high school football regular season here in South Carolina and there’s no shortage of underclassmen performing at a high level heading into the postseason.
It’s no surprise that freshmen are showing out in Palmetto State as that’s been the case in the past many times over. This list of underclassmen features some of the top sophomore football players we’ve seen or have been on the rise in South Carolina. Take a look at our list and vote for who you feel has been the top performing freshmen high school football player in South Carolina.
Voting closes on November 30th, 11:59pm
Here are the nominations:
Henry Rivers, QB, Berkeley: The Stags' starting quarterback has come onto the scene as a star, completing 133-of-236 passes for 1,806 yards and 20 touchdowns. Not too shabby for a freshman.
Tre Howard, QB, Ridge View: Howard is one of a few freshmen that have really stood out on the varsity scene this fall. The quarterback has completed 57-of-94 passes for 848 yards and eight touchdowns.
Noah Caffell, ATH, Spartanburg Christian Academy: Whether he's throwing or running it, Caffell has been a weapon for SCA. The dual-threat quarterback has thrown for 380 yards and six touchdowns through the air. On the ground, Caffell has rushed for 1,131 yards and eight touchdowns. Also has made 55 tackles on defense.
Tre Segarra, RB, James M. Byrnes: Segarra has been one of the state's top freshman backs this season, carrying the ball 113 times for 801 yards and scoring seven touchdowns.
Grayson Salego, RB, Pinewood Prep: The running back has put up some solid numbers as a freshman, rushing for 633 yards on 93 attempts and scoring seven touchdowns.
Tiyon Fanning, RB, White Knoll: Fanning has been one of the Palmetto State's top freshmen running backs all season long. The tailback has rushed for 625 yards on 126 attempts, scoring nine touchdowns.
Colt Layton, DB, Calhoun Academy: Coming in run support for the Cavaliers, Layton has been masterful coming from free safety. Layton has totaled 64 tackles this season.
Lamar Singleton, LB, Baptist Hill: The linebacker has been impressive for Baptist Hill so far this season, with Singleton tallying 62 total tackles through eight games.
Matthew Ponkow, DE, Bishop England: Ponkow has proven to be one of the best freshman edge rushers in the state, notching 57 tackles, 12 for a loss and five sacks.
Owen Bex, LB, Trinity Collegiate: Bex has played well at his outside linebacker position and has caught many runners in the backfield. The linebacker has notched 47 tackles, 14 have gone for a loss and three sacks.
-- Andy Villamarzo | villamarzo@scorebooklive.com | @sblivefl
