Myrtle Beach has four more 2008 prospects

2008 is going to be a good year for Myrtle Beach, S.C. with the emergence of standout linebacker Bruce Taylor. Head coach Scott Earley claims there are at least four other players to keep an eye on as well.

"I think I've got five players that have a great chance of playing Division I football," he said. "A lot of schools are checking out the athletes here after seeing Bruce."

Leading the list is 6-foot-3, 185-pound kicker Spencer Benton.

"He has interest from Notre Dame and Georgia Tech, but is likely going to Clemson," he said. "He has very strong ties there as his family went there and coach Bowden knows him personally and calls him Spence. I think no matter who offers he'll go to Clemson and probably earn a scholarship.

"The thing about him is that he is also a great athlete. He runs a 4.5-second 40-yard dash and may get recruited as an athlete this year if he shows that other side."

The 6-foot-1, 170-pound quarterback Andrew Ellis is getting his share of looks too.

"He's getting most of his interest from Duke, North Carolina and the Ivy League," he said. "Ellis is a pure drop back passer that is the smartest kid I've ever seen. He reads coverages very well, but just needs to cut down on mistakes. He also comes from a good gene pool as his older brother is NFL player Alex Van Pelt."

One of Ellis's targets on the field is undersized 5-foot-7, 160-pound receiver Eddie Jones.

"He is very fast and quick as lightning. He makes plays all over the field," he said. "I thought at one time that he wouldn't have a chance at Division I ball because he's so small, but he's getting a lot of attention from Duke, North Carolina, Clemson, South Carolina and Florida State.

"Eddie may be a JUCO kid though because he is a little bit behind academically. The only problem with him is that he isn't going to grow much more. He does have a lot of confidence though and is a very good punt and kick returner."

Finally, one other player getting looks is 6-foot-2, 205-pound linebacker Evan Rose.

"Evan is able to do some great things on the defensive side of the ball," he said. "His greatest attribute is that he isn't scared to hit you. He reminds me a lot of those Penn State type of guys and is getting looks from a lot of schools including North Carolina, Clemson, South Carolina and more."