Baxter’s Blitz: Five up-and-coming high school players to watch for

A LOOK AT five players who are on the rise:

KEYSHAWN JAMES, linebacker, Brookland-Cayce: James is a big (6-foot-3, 240 pounds) run stopper in the middle of the Bearcat defense, but is fleet-footed for a big man. He also plays tight end and he might develop into a solid prospect at that position.

TREY MITCHELL, linebacker, Lexington: Another strong linebacker, he’s tough against the run, physical, and is athletic enough to execute in pass defense. Definite all-star material and at least an FCS level prospect.

MARK REW, quarterback, Ben Lippen: Rew suffered through injury last season at Cardinal Newman, but if he can stay healthy, he could be one of SCISA’s top performers. He’s got a strong, accurate arm and can add to the running game.

CAM BURNETTE, wide receiver, Summerville: Burnette has a chance at being one of the best receivers in the 2017 recruiting cycle. He has good hands, sinks his hips well, and gets out of his cuts well.

ALEX JAMES, running back/defensive back, Florence Christian: He might be the most exciting skills player in SCISA. He’s dangerous as a running back/receiver on offense, and in the special teams game, but he is also one of the top coverage corners regardless of classification.

This story was originally published April 15, 2015 at 11:51 PM with the headline "Baxter’s Blitz: Five up-and-coming high school players to watch for."