Playmaking SC athlete holds offers

Myrtle Beach (S.C.) High School prospect Jamere Valentine is one of the top athletes in the state of South Carolina. He has been putting up monster numbers for his team and is a big reason why, at 10-1, Myrtle Beach has one of the state's most explosive offenses.

"The season's going good," Valentine said. "We're in the second round of the playoffs so that's always good. I think we're averaging fifty-something points per game. We're just trying to stay level-headed and get through the playoffs."

Valentine is a versatile athlete that has the ability to play running back, wide receiver or defensive back at the next level. At 6-foot-2, 195 pounds, Valentine has good size, but his playmaking ability may project him best on the offensive side of the ball.

"I have over 1,100 yards receiving and about 400 yards rushing," he said. "I have 17 receiving touchdowns and 10 rushing touchdowns."

With 27 combined touchdowns, it's no wonder that Valentine has been receiving significant interest from several colleges. Along with several FCS offers, Valentine's offer list includes FBS programs such as Middle Tennessee State and Western Michigan, not to mention perennial FCS power Appalachian State. There are also a few big-name programs that have expressed interest.

"Boston College talked to my coach," he said. "I haven't gotten back in touch with them but what they're saying is that the coaches loved my film. Michigan and Purdue have been wanting some film. They like me as a defensive back. Boston College likes me at wide receiver. Middle Tennessee, App. State, Clemson and Tennessee like me as a receiver."

Valentine is willing to play anywhere on the field, but if he had his choice, offense is where he prefers.

"I would play wide receiver or running back," he said. "Just to stay on the offensive side of the ball. If push comes to shove, I wouldn't mind playing defense."

In December, Valentine will be able to prove himself against some of the best players in South Carolina and North Carolina when he competes in the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas. It will be an opportunity to further showcase himself to college coaches as well as an opportunity to compete against the top players in the region.

"I'm looking forward to playing against the best players in South Carolina and then turning around and playing the best players in North Carolina. It's a week of fun and getting to hang with people you normally don't see. It's great competition all week."