Vote: Who is South Carolina’s top returning defensive football player in the Class of 2027?

There are plenty of great football players from the Class of 2027 returning for their sophomore seasons in South Carolina next fall. Who is the best?

We seek your help in determining this and ask you to vote in our poll: Who is the top returning offensive football player in South Carolina from the Class of 2027? Here are 10 players for your consideration.

Start voting, Voting will conclude on March 14 at 11:59 p.m.

SOUTH CAROLINA HIGH SCHOOL TOP RETURNING DEFENSIVE PLAYER FROM THE CLASS OF 2027

Taejeh Watson-Martin, cornerback, Belton-Honea Path

Watson-Martin hauled in six interceptions for the Bears. The 5-foot-160-pounder also had 10 pass defenses, a fumble recovery and 57 tackles.

T.J. Smith, secondary, White Knoll

Smith showed his playmaking ability by getting 4 interceptions with 126 yards in returns. He also had 4 pass defenses and 25 tackles while appearing in 9 games.

Matthew Ponkow, end, Bishop England

The 6-foot, 180-pounder was in on 88 tackles, including 17 for loss, and 8 sacks. Ponkow also recovered a fumble and caused four others.

Maleek Dukes, linebacker, Kingstree

Dukes had 7 sacks for 53 yards in loss. In addition, he recorded 33 tackles, including 15 for loss, as well as 5 quarterback hurries.

Crawford Poole, linebacker/edge, Cheraw

Poole had 49 tackles, including 11 for loss. The 5-foot-11, 180-pound three-sport athlete also had 3 sacks and blocked 3 field goal attempts.

Josh Bigger, linebacker, Hilton Head Island

Bigger had 45 tackles, including 4 for loss, and a pair of sacks.

Klyn Gordon, secondary, Baptist Hill

Gordon had 4 interceptions with 67 yards of returns. The 6-foot, 162-pounder made 64 tackles, which was the fourth best on his team.

Angel Gomez, linebacker, Wade Hampton

The 5-foot-10, 202-pound middle linebacker had 60 tackles, a sack, three hurries and a forced fumble for the Generals.

Kendaris Bailey, linebacker, Gaffney

Bailey had 28 tackles, including 6.5 for loss, half a sack and a fumble recovery for the Indians.

Kaiden Aiken, safety, Blackville-Hilda

The 5-foot-7, 155-pounder had 3 interceptions and 41 tackles for the Fighting Hawks. Aiken also recovered two fumbles and caused another.