Grading the Midlands’ signing day class

Midlands Class of 2016 Report Card:

OVERALL: A great signing class for Midlands football, with 60 players inking an LOI to continue their education and careers at the next level. More than half of those were to Division I programs.

POSITION OF STRENGTH: Offensive Linemen. Twelve big uglies from the offensive side of the ball signed with college programs. Second to the big guys were the defensive backs, where we had eight players sign.

POSITION WITH LITTLE ATTENTION: Linebackers. Only four linebackers inked the dotted line this year from the Midlands. There were a couple of “athlete” or combo “RB/LBs” that signed, but only four who were true linebackers.

RECRUITING AWARD FOR SOUTH CAROLINA: Which school recruited the best in the Midlands area? While The Citadel, Presbyterian and Charleston Southern all hit the Midlands fairly well, I think Charleston Southern probably did better on the whole for their group, landing Shrine Bowl safety Nick Graves and all-state running back Slade Carroll from Lexington, athlete Josh Bell of Fairfield Central, as well as linebacker Jonathan Earle of Airport.

BIGGEST FISH LANDED: While T.J. Brunson to South Carolina was a good catch, I believe East Carolina got the best steal when they landed Blythewood TE/WR Eric Weber.

BIGGEST SLEEPER IN CLASS: Quarterback Logan Bailey of Chapin is easily the biggest sleeper in the class. I think The Citadel got the best athlete in the Midlands on this pick up, and a guy who can impact their offense, should they remain in the option scheme with the new head coach and staff.

This story was originally published February 7, 2016 at 7:15 PM with the headline "Grading the Midlands’ signing day class."