The 2024 Standard 10: The full list

Author's note: The Standard 10 is our yearly preseason list of the top 10 high school football players to watch in the Aiken Standard coverage area. This isn't a list of who we think are the best players - we'll let the recruiting sites take that heat. Instead, these are the players we feel are ones with the most intriguing storylines. That could be because they're established stars, returning from injury, stepping into the spotlight following the graduation of a senior, at a new school or a variety of other reasons.

No. 10 - Jay Sewell, Strom Thurmond WR

What he's done

Sewell burned opposing defenses last year that wanted to commit extra defenders (fruitlessly) trying to slow down the Rebels' Division I receiver tandem of Braylon Staley (Tennessee) and Demarius Tolen (North Carolina Central). Those teams quickly learned that they were facing a soon-to-be No. 1 receiver in that No. 3 spot. Sewell hauled in 46 receptions for 525 yards and six touchdowns a year ago, showcasing the ability to go up and high-point a pass above defensive backs just as easily as he could run past them for a big gain.

Why he's here

Sewell makes the list because he's no longer one of the guys at Strom Thurmond - he's the guy. Those additional defensive backs tasked with helping out on Staley and Tolen will now be keeping Sewell in their sights. So, too, will junior quarterback Bri'Shaun Lee, who's taking over the starting spot from Quan Edmond and knows he has a go-to guy out there on the perimeter. The Rebels' offense will have plenty of threats to run the football, but it's no secret that they love to air it out. That makes Sewell a must-watch player on every offensive snap.

What to expect

Expect Sewell to expand on what he showed last year, which was a continuation of some of the big-play potential he showed before that. Expect opposing defenses who take him lightly because he's not Staley or Tolen to look foolish, and expect him to follow in their footsteps toward major college recognition. Expect him to keep making those highlight-reel snags and turn quick-hitters into big yardage, and expect Lee's development at quarterback to become even more smooth. Expect Sewell to stake his claim as one of the best receivers in the state.

No. 9 - Garris Chambers, Silver Bluff OL

What he's done

Chambers has excelled at doing the dirty work for the Bulldogs up front, earning All-Region 3-AA honors last year on the interior of a powerful Silver Bluff offensive line. The Bulldogs were at their best last year when they made a late transition to a full-house, power-run offense, and it was thanks in large part to guys like Chambers up front to help move the pile for the powerful backs behind him. He plays with an edge and finishes his blocks, and those downfield blocks helped propel the Bulldogs to some big gains.

Why he's here

Chambers makes this list because he's an excellent lineman who now carries a little bit of extra weight on his shoulders. The Bulldogs don't have much experience up front beyond him, so they're counting on their vocal leader to help get those younger players acclimated quickly ahead of Region 4-AAA play and a potential playoff run. Silver Bluff has plenty of perimeter speed and a three-headed rushing attack, and any success the skill guys may achieve starts up front - and with Chambers at center.

What to expect

Expect Chambers to flex his leadership abilities in addition to his form, technique and mean streak that make him such an effective blocker. Expect backs like Malik Mozone, Drelyn Brown and Aden Coates to follow his lead to both big gains and gritty first-down conversions, and expect the underclassmen on the line to follow his example and become maulers the Bulldogs will lean on even more in the future. Expect him to be a guy first-year head coach Matt Hayes leans on through the season, and expect that season to end with some All-State recognition.

No. 8 - Andon Hawkins, Midland Valley LB

What he's done

All Hawkins has done is post "there's no way that's accurate" tackle totals over the last two seasons - but all it takes is one look to believe every bit of it. If a tackle has been made by a Midland Valley defender, Hawkins has either been right in the middle of it or still within the frame. Last year he was credited with 187 total tackles (18 for loss), 13 quarterback pressures, an interception, a forced fumble and four pass break-ups while earning Class AAAA All-State honorable mention honors as the Mustangs posted their best record in school history.

Why he's here

Hawkins would be on this list no matter what after the last two years that he's had, but now he's taking on an expanded role as the leader not only of the linebackers but also of the defense as a whole. There's no disputing the fact that defensive miscues hurt the Mustangs at the worst time last year, and now every snap on that side of the ball rests on his shoulders as that unit's quarterback. His teammates will look to him throughout the season, especially the young starters taking over key roles.

What to expect

Expect more video game numbers as he shows off his intelligence and vision to diagnose plays, his speed to get where he needs to be and his toughness and tackling ability once he meets the ball carrier. Expect him to aid in the development of high-flying junior Bryston Newton and converted running back Martin "Bam" Ford to lead a group interim head coach Brent Dorn considers one of the strengths of the team. Expect him to be a key piece as the Mustangs look to defend their Region 4-AAAA title, and expect him to again earn statewide recognition.

No. 7 - Corey Tillman, North Augusta QB

What he's done

Tillman stepped into the starting quarterback role last year and played as if he had been holding it for the previous two or three seasons. He played with a calmness even during the Jackets' gauntlet of a non-region schedule, then looked even more settled-in once Region 4-AAAA play began. He completed 104 of 160 passes for 1,257 yards and 14 touchdowns, and as a runner he accumulated 778 yards and six more scores on 89 carries to earn Class AAAA All-State honorable mention recognition.

Why he's here

Tillman is on the list because he's back for another year and with several of the same weapons as before, like running back Michael Doe and receivers Connor Brown and LJ Tillman. That's the nucleus North Augusta is counting on behind a young offensive line, and having an experienced, poised quarterback like Tillman can help keep things together as those linemen grow into the next great group of Jackets up front. He had full control of the offense last year, and he should only be better with another offseason under his belt.

What to expect

Expect Tillman to continue that growth and put together another great season, which is something that has come to be expected from North Augusta quarterbacks. Expect him to remain patient in the passing game and make big-time throws to Brown, Tillman and Isaiah Smith while also setting some of the other younger skill position players up for future success. Expect he and Doe to form one of the most feared backfields in the state, and expect Tillman to take advantage of opportunities when defenses get caught on their heels waiting for the pass or for Doe to come crashing through.

No. 6 - Preston McNair, Midland Valley RB

What he's done

McNair made his presence known in the Mustangs' starting lineup last season as a more-than-capable No. 2 to Traevon Dunbar, who became only the second player in South Carolina High School League history to surpass 3,000 yards in a season. That would sound to an outsider like there wouldn't be many more yards out there to be gained, yet McNair ran for 1,170 and 16 touchdowns on 172 carries. Midland Valley's offense leaned on its offensive line and running backs to both take big leads and grind out victories, and McNair was right there in the middle of it.

Why he's here

McNair makes this list because it's his show now. Dunbar is already making strides as a freshman at West Virginia, meaning now it's time for McNair to show off his skills as the No. 1 back. Quarterback Preston Butler returns with him in the backfield, and the offensive line also has some returners so that it's not a complete rebuild for the Midland Valley offense. He exposed defenses that loaded up to stop Dunbar, and even when he was given the extra attention he found ways to break through. He'll have the chance to do that again this year.

What to expect

Expect McNair to prove he's capable to be a No. 1 back. Expect him to pace the Midland Valley offense, and expect his teammates to profit from his leadership strengths. Expect him to pair with Butler to form a dangerous backfield, and expect him to work with his linemen and H-backs like Baylen Berendsen and Cameron Gleaton to keep the Midland Valley offense chugging along. Expect him to remind defenses why he was able to surpass 1,000 yards as a No. 2 option, and expect him to be the player everyone in Region 4-AAAA thinks of when it's Midland Valley week.

No. 5 - Deondre Baskett, North Augusta DL/LB

What he's done

Baskett absolutely terrorized opposing quarterbacks and running backs last season, recording 66 total tackles (17 for loss) with 21 quarterback pressures, eight sacks, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and a touchdown on his way to Region 4-AAAA Defensive Player of the Year honors and Class AAAA honorable mention All-State recognition. He had a big hand in the Jackets stifling some high-powered offenses last season, and he more than held his own when matched up against the opposition's best linemen. He was a first-team All-Aiken Standard selection last year as one of the best from a loaded group within the area that also included Strom Thurmond rising senior Josh Merriweather.

Why he's here

Baskett makes this list because his efforts are going to be magnified even more in the new-look Region 4-AAAA that now includes Gray Collegiate, Gilbert and Brookland-Cayce. He enters this season carrying the title of the region's best defensive player, and if he can produce seven region games worth of last year's production the Jackets will have a great chance to re-claim the league crown. Everyone in the region is going to have to be ready to go earlier in the schedule than usual, and it's not uncommon in the first few weeks for the defense to have an advantage over the offense. Well, Baskett had the advantage all of last season.

What to expect

Expect him to ruin photo opportunities for opposing quarterbacks - go back and look at last year, when photos of stars like South Aiken's Terrence Smith and Strom Thurmond's Quan Edmond also featured No. 24 in black and gold breathing down their necks. Expect him to make life miserable for the top running backs in the area, and expect him to require additional blockers up front that will spring the Jackets' linebackers into the backfield. Expect him to add more college offers, and expect UNC Pembroke to remind him they were first in hopes of keeping him once bigger schools come calling. And expect the newcomers to the region to quickly and fully understand why he's the Defensive Player of the Year.

No. 4 - Michael Doe, North Augusta RB

What he's done

Doe burst onto the varsity scene last year as a sophomore, teaming with Corey Tillman (No. 7 on this list) to form a backfield that played well beyond its years. Doe ran the ball 193 times for 1,102 yards and 14 touchdowns, and he also slipped out of the backfield to catch 11 passes for 142 yards and four more scores. Early in the season he showed glimpses that he could become the next great North Augusta running back, and by the time the regular season ended he proved he was already there.

Why he's here

Doe makes this list because this year is his opportunity for a grand encore. That's what those past great North Augusta backs have done after their breakout seasons, and now it's time for him to do the same. A Class AAAA honorable mention All-State honoree last season and with another season remaining after this one, Doe now has the chance to make his move toward becoming one of North Augusta's all-time greats. That may sound like a lot of pressure to heap onto a rising junior, but Doe proved out of the gate last year that he's more than well-equipped to handle whatever's placed on his shoulders.

What to expect

Expect Doe to stake his claim as one of the best running backs in the state, in addition to North Augusta's rich history. Expect him to factor heavily into another brutal non-region slate to help get the Jackets rolling, and then expect him to take it to another level once they enter region play. It's a long seven-game stretch, and in crunch time the Jackets will lean on their horses - that means Doe, who will benefit greatly from the passing game prowess of Tillman and receivers like Connor Brown and LJ Tillman, and vice versa. Load up to stop him and get picked apart, or play for the pass and get run over. And expect him to, when the defense finally feels they have it figured out, to sneak out of the backfield to make a game-breaking catch or two.

No. 3 - Cameron Austin, Barnwell QB

What he's done

Austin spent last season showing he's one of the state's most dangerous dual-threat quarterbacks, passing for 1,765 yards and 11 touchdowns while also rushing for 911 yards and 21 scores on 175 carries. He rushed for at least 100 yards in a game four times, and he was named first-team All-State in Class AA - an honor he repeated on the baseball diamond this spring. He got the job done in crunch time over and over for a Barnwell team that made a trip to the third round of the state playoffs and has greater goals this year.

Why he's here

Barnwell head coach Brian Smith admitted he may be a little biased, but he's rolling with Austin as the best quarterback in the area time after time. Bias or not, Austin is on a very short list of signal callers within the CSRA, and clearly he's also got the statewide recognition to go with it. A University of South Carolina baseball commit, Austin may have Monte Lee and Paul Mainieri calling him to make sure he's still with them as more and more Division I football coaches pay visits to Barnwell to watch him spin it. The Warhorses have their eyes on a title as one of the best teams in the Lower State, and Austin is their unquestioned leader.

What to expect

Expect Austin to make Mainieri and Lee even more nervous as he puts together a massive season for the Warhorses, who bring back practically the entire offense from last year. He has maybe the best offensive line and receiver group in Class AA, and whenever he tucks it and runs the Warhorses also have a dangerous rushing attack. Expect him to be remembered as one of the best all-around athletes to ever come through Barnwell, and expect him to lead the Warhorses on a deep playoff run that could have them rescheduling their Thanksgiving Day festivities.

No. 2 - Jaquel Holman, Blackville-Hilda RB/LB

What he's done

Well, he did everything for the Fighting Hawks last season. He ran the ball 151 times for 1,610 yards and 26 touchdowns, led the defense with 76 total tackles (nine for loss) with five quarterback hurries, a sack, an interception and three forced fumbles, and he even stepped in line with the cheerleaders for a cheer after being given a breather during the fourth quarter of a 247-yard, four-touchdown performance against Ridge Spring-Monetta. That last part probably wasn't factored into him being named Region 4-A Player of the Year and Class A All-State, but it also couldn't have hurt his chances.

Why he's here

Holman is here, and this may as well be 1B if we didn't have a formula to follow, because he's more than just the best football player in Class A - he's one of the best in the state, regardless of classification. His times while winning the 100- and 200-meter dashes at the state championship would've also been great times in the larger classifications, and those guys weren't listed at 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds. He's already committed to the University of South Carolina but has since received other offers, most recently from North Carolina State, and more will surely follow as he leads the Hawks on their quest for the Class A title.

What to expect

Expect him to somehow exceed all expectations and bring coaches from all over the country down to Blackville. Expect him to surprise the larger schools on the non-region schedule who hadn't yet seen film before agreeing to play the Hawks, and expect Region 3-A to collectively groan "Not again" as each team takes the field against them. Expect him to continue to be a leader by example to his teammates, and expect a senior-heavy Blackville-Hilda team to rally around him as they look to add to their school's rich tradition. Just don't expect him to get a big head about it - after each touchdown he scores he'll be over with his teammates, celebrating with them rather than drawing attention to himself.

No. 1 - Jevon Edwards, South Aiken RB

What he's done

He's the best running back to ever receive a handoff at South Aiken. This section could stop right there, but here are some numbers: He's already the T-Breds' all-time rushing leader with 4,215 yards, and he's one touchdown behind Chris Roberts on the all-time list with 50. And he has a full season to go. Edwards wasted zero time getting comfortable under the bright lights, rushing for 1,071 yards and 11 touchdowns as a freshman to help the T-Breds win a region title. He and Terrence Smith combined to form the best backfield in the state, and last year he posted his third consecutive 1,000-plus yard season with 1,442 yards and 16 touchdowns on 208 carries.

Why he's here

Edwards is here for the obvious reasons - he's one of the best to come through this area, and he somehow has made high school football look as easy as it did while he was running all over defenses for Kennedy Middle. He's averaged 7.6 yards per carry for his high school career, and he's gone over 100 yards in 23 of 29 games played. He's also a perfect 6-for-6 passing, because why wouldn't he be? And now it's his turn to run the show, with Smith at the University of Connecticut, behind a veteran offensive line. South Aiken is going to rely heavily on its senior star, who has been itching to get onto the field since being held out of spring ball to rest a tweaked hamstring.

What to expect

This one's easy - expect him to surpass Roberts for the T-Breds' all-time rushing touchdowns list, and it may not take him more than a half to get it done (don't worry, Silver Bluff doesn't need any more motivation for the season opener). Expect him to force the South Carolina High School League to update their Palmetto's Finest record book, as they will need to add him to some of the single-season and career record lists. Expect him to put the program rushing record out of reach, and expect head coach Chris Hamilton to have one of the most bittersweet Senior Nights of his career. Expect Edwards to go out with a bang, and long after everyone's done celebrating him and headed home you can expect him to be the one staying late to clean up. Expect him to try to deflect the praise to his teammates all he wants, but he deserves every bit of it.