The 81st annual Shrine Bowl was held at Wofford College this year. Its the main all-star game for high school football players from North Carolina and South Carolina. I have been attending the game since i was 15 years old and this year I attended as a member of the media. North Carolina defeated South Carolina 55-24. Here are 10 things I observed from the 2017 Shrine Bowl:

1.Derion Kendrick is going to be the best skill position player to come from the state of South Carolina in a very, very long time. He led South Pointe high school to three consecutive titles as a quarterback, but projects as a wide receiver in college. He was the most targeted player on the South Carolina roster today and he turned in a big day with a great touchdown catch and run in the 3rd quarter. Kendrick also played some quarterback in the first half. He reminds me of an Antonio Brown style reciever; he even walks around with the swagger and chip on his shoulder like the guy. He is currently committed to Clemson University and he will get immediate playing time his Freshman year.

2. Ricky Person from Heritage high school was the best running back of the day. He is going to be a problem for many years to come in the ACC. Person won offensive MVP and had three total touchdowns. He broke a couple of big runs and just gashed the South Carolina defense all day. He is currently committed to play for the Wolfpack of NC State and he is going to give the pack a style of running back they haven’t had in a very long time.

3. Dax Hollifield a linebacker from Shelby, NC had a big day at linebacker. He was all over the field today. He was making play after play and continuing to play even after the whistle. He was giving effort on every play no matter what the outcome was. 100 hustle and the type of guy you always want on your football team. He won defensive MVP of the Shrine Bowl. Dax is currently down to Virginia Tech and North Carolina for college choices right now. With the tools he has, he should have no problem making noise his Freshman season.

4. K.J. Henry from Clemmons, North Carolina had a relatively quiet day. He projects as a defensive end in college, but played mostly linebacker in the Shrine Bowl. You can really tell how much of an athlete his just watching him play on the field. When he finally molds into his position he is going to be a force to be reckoned with. He is going to be a tremendous pass rusher at whatever position he picks to play. He is committing this Wednesday at 4 Pm on ESPNU. Most analysts have him pegged to commit to Clemson and that’s where I think he will end up.

5. Dakereon Joyner from Fort Dorchester high school had an awful day at quarterback in the first half. He was injured at the end of the first half and did not play in the second half. He is a freakish athlete, I’m just not sure he is going to be able to play the quarterback position at the next level. Watching Kelly Bryant back in 2014, I also thought he wasn’t going to project as a quarterback, but he has had a wonderful year at Clemson. Joyner is currently committed to South Carolina and no matter what position he plays, he is going to be one hell of a football player. Oh yeah and he also can squat 500 pounds as a quarterback.

6. Bryce Thompson from Dutch Fork high school who committed to South Carolina on Wednesday had an outstanding day at wide receiver tallying over 100 yards and a touchdown. He also played some defensive back in the second half.  His stock is going to shoot up after his impressive Shrine Bowl performance. South Carolina projects to use him on the defensive side of the ball, but after his impressive showing at the Shrine Bowl I think he will be used as an offensive weapon at South Carolina.

7. Jakes Venables, the son of Clemson defensive Coordinator Brent Venables, started at linebacker for the South Carolina team today. He made some plays on defense and like Dax Hollified was all over  the field and playing after the whistle finishing plays. He is a really long and athletic LB and he really doesn’t get enough credit for his athleticism, he hawked down Persons in the second half to save a touchdown. No surprise as to where Venables is headed, it’s Clemson to play for his dad. You will never be able to discount his intensity just like his father.

8. Jordyn Adams is originally from Blythewood, SC, but his father took a job on the North Carolina Tar Heels football staff so he transferred to Green Hope high school. Adams is going to be a wonderful receiver in college as he is committed to play for his father at UNC. He didn’t exactly have a huge day at the Shrine Bowl, but he is so silky smooth on his routes and has great hands. He passes the eye test and I expect him to be a major contributor for the Tar Heels in 2018.

9.  Holton Ahlers from Greenville, NC played quarterback most of the day for the tar heels and he impressed. He looked really fluid and he just kept the offense moving all day, he is a big body and can run the football just as good as he can throw it. Ahlers is committed to play for East Carolina next year and in time he will be a really good football player. He led the North Carolina team to a big win against South Carolina today.

10. Quavian White from Greer high school had himself a heck of a day. He was the only viable option at defensive back for the South Carolina team. He had one play where he jumped up and turned around at the last second to stop a completion deep down field where he looked like a freak athlete.  White is committed to Georgia State, but after his performance in the Shrine Bowl he should see offers start rolling in.