Columbia, South Carolina, August 13, 2025
News Summary
As the high school football season approaches in South Carolina, top defensive talents are highlighted, including Julian Walker and Jaiden Bryant. These players have shown exceptional performance, with Walkers impressive stats including 50 tackles, and Bryant’s top-100 national ranking. Teams like South Florence continue to dominate, emphasizing teamwork and development for the season ahead. Fans should keep an eye on this promising lineup as anticipation builds for the upcoming games.
Columbia, South Carolina – The anticipation builds as the 2025 high school football season approaches in South Carolina, with The State sports staff unveiling a list of the Top 25 defensive players to watch. This year’s lineup features remarkable talents who have demonstrated exceptional prowess on the field during previous seasons.
Leading the list is Julian Walker, a defensive end from Dutch Fork. The four-star prospect for the Class of 2026 is ranked third in South Carolina and has committed to Michigan. In the 2024 season, Walker recorded an impressive 50 tackles, with 19 of those resulting in losses, 11 sacks, and five quarterback pressures.
Another standout is Jaiden Bryant, a defensive end from Irmo, who is recognized as a four-star prospect for the Class of 2027. Bryant is a top-100 national recruit, having completed the past season with 86 tackles — 18 for loss — alongside 15.5 sacks, seven pass break-ups, and three caused fumbles.
Jordyn Best, a senior defensive back from Ridge View committed to NC State, adds depth to the defensive roster with 22 tackles and two interceptions last season. Similarly, Azal Banag from AC Flora has made headlines as a senior committed to Harvard, finishing his 2024 season with 101 tackles, four for loss, and two interceptions.
Other notable defensive players include Dontrell Wilson from Camden with 70.5 tackles and six sacks last season, Jaden Wuerth from Dutch Fork, who transferred from Aquinas High School in Georgia and had 286 tackles (74 for loss) and 27 sacks in his first two seasons, and Jackson Ross from Hammond, who also has Power 4 offers from Duke and Vanderbilt.
As the season progresses, the spotlight will also shine on junior prospects like Tyrone Jennings, who transferred from White Knoll, and Darius Dixon from Keenan, each with significant career statistics. The roster boasts depth in the defensive unit with players such as Caleb Pinkney and Corey Murphy leading their respective teams in interceptions.
The 2025 Class includes several other juniors and seniors worth watching, with players like Drake Porter from Ben Lippen achieving 141 tackles last season, and Hugh Manning, a junior from Hammond, showcasing his skills with 114 tackles and 23 for loss. Additional names such as JP Sweatt, Sergino Samuels, and Wynn Meetze solidify the talent pool across various high schools in South Carolina.
As the upcoming season nears, the AAAA football rankings have South Florence sitting at the top, having won the title in 2022 and returning to the title game in 2023. Consistent success has led to a strong returning lineup, including five offensive starters and six defensive starters, all crucial for maintaining their championship standard.
Head coach Drew Marlowe emphasized the importance of player development and teamwork, essential elements for South Florence’s aspirations this season.
Key Defensive Players Overview
| Player Name | Position | School | Class | Tackles (Last Season) | Sacks | Interceptions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Julian Walker | DE | Dutch Fork | 2026 | 50 | 11 | 0 |
| Jaiden Bryant | DE | Irmo | 2027 | 86 | 15.5 | 0 |
| Jordyn Best | DB | Ridge View | Senior | 22 | 0 | 2 |
| Azal Banag | DB | AC Flora | Senior | 101 | 0 | 2 |
| Michael Boulware | LB | Gray Collegiate | Senior | 133 | 5 | 0 |
FAQ
Who are the top defensive players to watch in South Carolina’s 2025 high school football season?
The top defensive players include Julian Walker, Jaiden Bryant, Jordyn Best, and Azal Banag, among others.
Which teams are favored in the upcoming season?
South Florence is currently ranked No. 1 in the AAAA football standings, aiming to maintain their championship standard.
What are the statistics for Julian Walker in the last season?
Julian Walker had 50 tackles, 11 sacks, and 19 tackles for loss in the previous season.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Donovan Murph Joins South Carolina Football Team
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Irmo Little League All-Stars Reach LLWS After Dramatic Comeback
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Additional Resources
- High School Sports Report: South Florence Atop Preseason Poll
- Wikipedia: 2025 High School Football Season
- Sports Illustrated: Preseason Player of the Year Vote
- Google Search: 2025 High School Football Recruiting
- On3: South Carolina High School Football Top 25 Rankings
- Encyclopedia Britannica: High School Football
- ABC11: Noah Clark Commits to South Carolina
- Google News: South Carolina High School Football
- 247Sports: In Photos: South Carolina Football Freshmen
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