Top Offensive Players Set to Shine in South Carolina Football

High school football players competing during a game

News Summary

As the high school football season approaches in South Carolina, anticipation builds with the announcement of the Top 25 offensive players. Key talents like Amadre Wooden, Jamel Howse, and Khristian Jackson headline a group of promising athletes ready to make their mark. The list includes standout performances from last season, showcasing players who are poised to elevate their teams’ success. Additionally, the S.C. Prep Football Media has released a preseason poll, ranking Dutch Fork as the top team, adding to the excitement surrounding the upcoming games.

Columbia, South Carolina – The 2025 high school football season in South Carolina will kick off with Week Zero games on August 22, 2025, bringing excitement and anticipation for players, coaches, and fans across the region. A newly compiled list showcasing the Top 25 offensive players reveals promising talents who are expected to make significant contributions to their teams this season.

Leading the list is Amadre Wooden, running back from Batesburg-Leesville, who achieved remarkable success last season with 2,138 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns, securing his place as the area’s second-leading rusher and receiving a Class 2A All-State selection. Following closely is Jamel Howse, a tight end from Newberry, who has committed to the University of South Carolina and recorded 34 receptions for 412 yards last year. Another standout player is Khristian Jackson from Ridge View, a wide receiver who caught 49 passes for 737 yards and 10 touchdowns, although an injury hindered him during the summer.

The list is not short of other remarkable talents. Tylin Drakeford of Camden accounted for 1,380 all-purpose yards and 15 touchdowns, while Kendall Byrd of AC Flora made a significant impact with 83 catches for 1,104 yards and 10 touchdowns, earning a Class 4A All-State selection. Roper Wentzky, AC Flora’s senior quarterback, is noteworthy for his exceptional stats, completing 62.9% of his passes with 2,684 yards, 28 touchdowns, and only 9 interceptions in the previous season.

Other emerging stars include Tre Howard from Ridge View, boasting 2,476 passing yards and 22 touchdowns last season, Trevor Williamson from Gray Collegiate with 1,125 all-purpose yards, and Hayden Myers from River Bluff, who is expected to be a primary ball-carrier this season after finishing last year with 1,451 rushing yards.

These standout players are complemented by key offensive line talents, such as Nate Carson (Irmo) and Brody Lorenzo (Dutch Fork), both of whom have Division I college offers. Caden Muskus from Chapin is celebrated as a four-year starter and Class 5A All-State selection, while Reed Paolucci from Blythewood is recognized as the top lineman for his team.

As teams prepare for the upcoming season, the S.C. Prep Football Media released a preseason poll on August 11, 2025, establishing Dutch Fork as the top-ranked team. Dutch Fork managed to secure 16 first-place votes, highlighting their strength leading into the season. They are followed closely by Summerville, Gaffney, Northwestern, and Irmo, who round out the top five in the preseason rankings. In addition to these leaders, other teams like White Knoll, Hillcrest, River Bluff, and West Florence received mentions, showcasing the competitive atmosphere across South Carolina high school football.

The anticipation surrounding the 2025 high school football season is further heightened by the presence of these impressive offensive players, many of whom return with valuable experience and skills poised to enhance their teams’ prospects for success this year. As the kickoff date approaches, fans, families, and community members eagerly await the action on the field, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting season ahead.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Newberry College Celebrates Four Student-Athletes as Cobalt Golf All-America Scholars
Columbia Area High School Football Preseason Schedule Announced
Newberry College Football Coach Receives Contract Extension
South Carolina Gamecocks Prepare for New Football Season
Tragic Shooting Claims Life of Promising Young Football Player
Newberry College Celebrates Academic and Athletic Success
Tragic Shooting Claims Life of Newberry College Football Player
Newberry College Coach Todd Knight Signs Contract Extension
Newberry College Honors Student-Athlete Achievements Amid Tragedy
Newberry College Celebrates Academic Achievements and Mourns Loss

Additional Resources

STAFF HERE NEWBERRY
Author: STAFF HERE NEWBERRY

The NEWBERRY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewberry.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Newberry, Newberry County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Newberry Opera House performances, Newberry Arts Fest, and the Newberry County Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Newberry County Chamber of Commerce and the Newberry Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and agriculture that power the local economy such as Amick Farms and Newberry Mills. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.

ADD MORE INFORMATION OR CONTRIBUTE TO OUR ARTICLE CLICK HERE!
Advertising Opportunity:

Stay Connected

More Updates

Winter morning in Newberry with fog and sunlight

Chilly Weather and Fog Expected in Newberry

Newberry, December 3, 2025 Weather Wrap-Up for Newberry, SC: December 3, 2025 Good morning, Newberry! If you’re stepping outside today, you might want to grab that

Would You Like To Add Your Business?

Sign Up Now and get your local business listed!