Ten newcomers who might impact Pee Dee teams

The quicker a player can develop, the sooner they can find playing time.
Many young players around the Pee Dee are finding that to be true and could have a big impact in their first year of varsity football.
Here are 10 Pee Dee newcomers to keep an eye on this season (in alphabetical order):

Jeremy Covington Sr., OL/DT, Marion
Tired of watching football at home, Covington finally decided to get back on the gridiron for the first time since middle school. He has been a quick study and is expected to start both ways.
“He has really learned quickly and has done a good job,” Marion coach Brian Carfley said. “Initially, it was hard and he still struggles sometimes going from offense to defense. He will get it. His technique is really good. He is really fast and really strong.”
Covington said he enjoys being back on the field and regrets he didn’t play sooner.
“It’s a lot more fun than I thought,” he said.

B.J. Goodman Jr., TE/LB/K, Timmonsville and Moses Harrell, Fr., LB, Timmonsville
The Whirlwinds have a pair of first-year players looking to make their marks for first-year coach Jimmy Woods.
Goodman played on the JV squad as an eighth grader but has been away from the game for various reasons. He is expected to play both ways and handle the team’s kicking duties.
“He’s been a perfect example for us and a good surprise so far,” Woods said.
Harrell is penciled in as a starter at linebacker and should help a Timmonsville defense, which gave up 38 points a game last year.

Christian Jett, Fr., LB, Darlington
The Falcons played their share of underclassmen last year and Jett might be another one to see action this season.
Jett is expected to contribute on special teams and see time at linebacker.
“He is big strong and quick and plays really hard,” Darlington coach Justin Danner said.

Vincent Johnson, So., RB/DB, South Florence
With plenty of youth on the Bruins roster this year, Johnson is clearly the one who has impressed first-year coach Lynn Fleming the most. He will start at cornerback and is expected to see plenty of carries on offense.
“He brings a lot of fire and emotion and does things you can’t necessarily coach,” Fleming said of Johnson. “He got instincts for the football and makes things happen.”

Broddick Jones, Jr., S/WR, West Florence
It’s not a matter of if Jones will play, it’s a matter of how many positions West coach Trey Woodberry will have him play.
Jones will start at safety but also might see action at running back and at quarterback in certain packages.
“He just has a tremendous amount of athletic ability,” Woodberry said. “He’s a hard worker and a good kid and we’ve seen a lot of good things out of him so far.”

Brandon K. King, Fr., DB, Wilson
With the majority of Wilson’s Class 3A state title team back, it’s going to be tough for a first-year player to see playing time at Wilson.
But King, younger brother of former Tiger Greg White, is one who will. He’s scheduled to start at defensive back and will also return kicks.
“He brings a lot to the table,” Wilson coach Darryl Page said. “He has tremendous agility and is a great athlete. He’s going to help us.”

Jody Lyles, So., QB, Hartsville
The Red Foxes quarterback of the future will be the quarterback of the present. Lyles, whose brother Jordan was a Shrine Bowl receiver and first-round pick of the Houston Astros, surprised the Hartsville coaches during the preseason and won the starting job.
Lyles takes over for Wil Newsome, who threw for 1,686 yards and 26 TDs last year.
“I just try to play hard, do my best and support the team in any way I can,” Lyles said.
Hartsville coach Jeff Calabrese compares Lyles to Wesley Snow, who was the quarterback when he was at West Florence. Snow had a solid high school career and is playing at Campbell University.
“We see a lot of upside and bright spots with Jody,” Calabrese said. “We know he’s going to have some bumps along the way. But there’s no doubt he can perform on a high level.”

Marcos Pearson, So., RB/DB, Manning
Pearson hopes to duplicate his success last year on the JV level.
The sophomore will start at defensive back and is likely heir to Jason Witherspoon at tailback next season.
“He’s a speed guy, runs a 4.5 or 4.6,” Manning coach Robbie Briggs said. “He has a tremendous work ethic and is a physical specimen.”

Tremaine Quick, Sr., WR, Marlboro County
The Bulldogs need a complement to Kinsman Thomas at receiver and might have one in Quick. The 6-foot-5, 180-pounder has displayed good hands and his leaping ability from playing basketball should come in handy.
“He’s quick, usually gets a good start on his routes and I think he’s going to give us another good option to throw to,” Marlboro County coach Dean Boyd said.