If you’re following high school football, especially in South Carolina, it’s time to take note of some exceptional defensive backs from the Anderson and Pickens regions. These players, key figures in high school football defensive backs in South Carolina, are rapidly earning their places on watchlists – and not just ours, but notably those of opposing quarterbacks as well.
Teams from South Carolina are commencing practice this week, gearing up for the preseason jamborees and the kick-off of the 2023 season on August 18th, popularly referred to as Week 0. The full state-wide schedule will commence on August 2.
Let’s dive in and highlight some of the best safeties and cornerbacks in these counties:
Vashun Burton
T.L. Hanna | Senior
- An All-Region 1-AAAAA performer, Burton (6-foot-1, 180 pounds) plays as a running back on offense and safety on defense, averaging more than five tackles per game.
Tremaine Davis Jr.
Daniel | Junior
- Davis showcased a flair for big plays last season, helping the Lions dominate Region I-AAA with an impressive 12-1 record. He recorded two interceptions, instigated a fumble, and made two recoveries.
Wils Epps
T.L. Hanna | Senior
- Epps (6-0, 170) holds an All-Region 1-AAAAA title and averages more than seven tackles per game. His superior leaping ability also marks him as one of the state’s top long jumpers and hurdlers.
Jaylan Henry
Easley | Senior
- Henry, a 6-1 cornerback, is known for his 31 tackles, five of which came behind the line of scrimmage. He is a reliable defensive playmaker on the edge.
Omari Jackson
Belton-Honea Path | Senior
- Jackson had two interceptions last season, along with 71 tackles and two sacks. He can also step in as a linebacker when the Bears need more strength in the middle.
Joshaun Knuckles
Powdersville | Junior
- Knuckles (5-10, 175), an all-state cornerback, led the defense for Powdersville, guiding them to a 13-2 record, including an unbeaten 5-0 in Region 2-AAA.
Darius Lattimer
Crescent | Junior
- Lattimer, an All-Region 1-AAA strong safety, intercepted three passes last season. In addition, he’s a running back who scored 11 touchdowns over the past two years.
JL Maddox
Pendleton | Senior
- Maddox (5-10, 180) is known for his coverage skills and impact hits. Last season, he made 49 tackles, with 32 solo stops, solidifying his position as one of Pendleton’s defense leaders.
Zeke Marshall
Westside | Junior
- Marshall, a 6-6 safety and basketball player, is a potential threat to quarterbacks. He ranks as the No. 2 defensive back in the state’s 2025 class, according to PrepRedZone.
Tyler Morgan
Wren | Junior
- Morgan is South Carolina’s sixth-ranked defensive back in the 2025 class, as per PrepRedZone. Last season, he made three interceptions.
Landon Santana
Easley | Senior
- Santana (6-0, 175) tallied 74 tackles, including 39 solo, last season at strong safety. He also shines at making plays behind the line of scrimmage, with 3.5 tackles for loss.
Isaac Turner
Daniel | Senior
- Turner (6-1, 170) served as both a safety and a cornerback for the Lions last season, recording 46 tackles and three interceptions, alongside 8 tackles for loss.
Final Words
With the 2023 high school football season looming, a group of talented defensive backs from Anderson and Pickens counties in South Carolina are preparing to make their mark. Their exceptional skills and remarkable statistics underline their readiness for the upcoming season, making them players to watch.
These students, ranging from juniors to seniors, represent a range of schools across the counties, exemplifying the breadth and depth of the area’s football talent.
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