Clemson commit highlights: Kendrick named among ‘best’ prospects

US Army All-American game director calls Kendrick one of the best he's seen this season.

Brandon Rink · Assoc. Editor / Staff Writer · Saturday, September 16 2017

Derion Kendrick - Wide Receiver
TigerNet: (5.00)

Height: 6-1 Weight: 184 Hometown: Rock Hill, SC (South Pointe HS) Class: 2018

ESPN:

#62 Overall, #6 ATH, #1 SC

Rivals:

#30 Overall, #6 WR, #1 SC

24/7:

#30 Overall, #6 ATH, #3 SC

Clemson commit Derion Kendrick put up another strong effort in leading South Pointe to a big inter-state win over Buford (Ga.), 33-27.

Kendrick, a receiver prospect who plays quarterback for the Stallions, topped 100 rushing yards by the first quarter and totaled 211 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. The four-star athlete added two passing touchdowns to help take an impressive road win.

South Pointe coach Strait Herron told the Rock Hill Herald that the win over Buford – ranked No. 2 in Georgia’s 5A classification – was one of the best in program history.

“DK (Kendrick) was absolutely awesome,” Herron said. “Their coach just came to me after the game and said, ‘I’ve only seen one other guy that resembles him and there’s nobody else.’ That’s a great compliment to him.”

US Army All-American Bowl national recruiter Erik Richard was on hand Friday and said Kendrick was “the best high school player I’ve seen this year in person so far.”

I'll say it @_rayshawnnn_ is the best high school football player I've seen this year in person so far pic.twitter.com/qEj82KvDGG
— Erik Richards?? (@ErikRichardsUSA) September 16, 2017

Kendrick is listed as a receiver on the current 2018 US Army All-American Bowl East roster with fellow Clemson commits Trevor Lawrence, Justin Mascoll, Xavier Thomas, Kyler McMichael, Josh Belk and teammate B.T. Potter, who connected on four extra points and a 36-yard field goal in Friday’s win.

Kendrick has accounted for nine passing touchdowns and five rushing scores through four games this season.

Kyler McMichael – 4-star Greater Atlanta Christian CB

McMichael went off in a blowout win over St. Pius X Catholic, totaling eight carries for 148 yards with two touchdowns. McMichael took his first score 54 yards and upped his average to nine yards per carry through four games with four touchdowns.

The Death Valley faithful will love @kylermc22, we know the @GACFootball fans do! #futuretiger Check him out LIVE: https://t.co/7pX6ONRNIY pic.twitter.com/aEAqj6pENL
— NFHS Network (@NFHSNetwork) September 16, 2017

.@kylermc22 going back for seconds!! Extends the @GACFootball lead. Watch LIVE: https://t.co/7pX6ONRNIY pic.twitter.com/ezb4E8GCTJ
— NFHS Network (@NFHSNetwork) September 16, 2017

Josh Belk – 3-star Lewisville (SC) DT

Belk’s Lewisville Lions posted six first-half sacks in holding visiting Eau Claire to negative-16 yards in the first half of a 40-16 win. Both of Eau Claire’s leading rushers were in negative yardage for the game.

Belk built on a monster effort last week versus Whitmire, where he totaled 10 tackles (3 for loss) with a forced fumble to earn region player of the week honors.

Quick hits: Tough nights for defensive commits Darnell Jefferies, whose Newton (Ga.) team dropped its first game this season 57-0 to Lowndes (Ga.), and Jake Venables, whose Daniel (SC) team dropped to 1-4 in a step-up in region play at 5A Westside, 38-17.

Did not play: IMG’s Xavier Thomas and Mike Jones Jr. (game cancelled), South Gwinnett’s Justin Mascoll (bye), Cartersville’s Trevor Lawrence (bye), Seneca’s Braden Galloway (out 4-6 weeks with foot injury).