Stags' Ellington among 7 area players selected

Bruce Ellington is the quarterback of the Berkeley Stags, and he has a big hand in the their success. He has 1,500 yards in total offense for the Stags, who enter tonight's game against Goose Creek with an 8-1 record.

The 5-10, 180-pound senior has been selected to play in the 73rd annual Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas, and he will return to his natural position as a wide receiver.

"That's his best position," Berkeley coach Jerry Brown said. "He's a better wide receiver and running back than he is a quarterback. He'll play wide receiver in college or in the pros. He's got all the skills."

Ellington's got all the skills, and they're not limited to the gridiron. He's one of the best point guards in the country, and he plans to play basketball only when he signs a scholarship to attend the University of South Carolina. Brown isn't sure if Ellington will stay true to his word and play only basketball.

"I just couldn't tell you right now," Brown said. "That's something that has to play out."

Ellington was one of seven players from the Lowcountry selected to play in the Dec. 19 all-star game at Gibbs Stadium on the campus of Wofford College. The game features the top 44 seniors from South Carolina versus the top 44 seniors from North Carolina.

Joining Ellington on the South Carolina roster are Stratford defensive back/wide receiver Brant Sally, Beaufort linebacker Justin Parker, Timberland quarterback Cody Craig, James Island offensive lineman Chad Hamilton, Goose Creek linebacker Malcolm Howard and Summerville offensive lineman Devin Taylor.

Brown said Ellington has all the skills needed to flourish at wide receiver. He has good hands, runs crisp routes and is not afraid of contact.

"And he has that speed," Brown said. "He's got good strength and can make a block. He can go short. He can go deep. He can go inside or outside. He'll go out and make a great impression the week of Shrine Bowl practice. He'll get everybody's attention. He's been very underrated as a football player. Nobody outside the Lowcountry knows about his football skills."

Sally, Stratford's splendid two-way star, should grab the attention of college coaches and recruiters during Shrine Bowl week.

He's third on his team with 68 tackles and has seven interceptions, returning one for a touchdown. He's also turning into one of the best receivers in the Lowcountry. He's caught 16 passes for 338 yards and three TDs.

Craig, Timberland's quarterback, has already committed to play football and baseball at Coastal Carolina. He's a good passer and excellent runner, but his best quality might be his leadership ability. He's 22-1 as the Wolves' starting quarterback the past two years.

SOUTH CAROLINA

Matthew Ashley, ol, Belton-Honea Path; Andrew Bailey, dl, Dorman; James Barnes, dl, Keenan; Antuawn Blue, wr, Dillon; Bashaud Breeland, lb, Allendale-Fairfax; Martavis Bryant, wr, T.L. Hanna; Aaron Cann, ol, Bamberg-Ehrhardt; Ronald Canty, ol, Chester; Davious Chestnut, lb, Carvers Bay; James Costello, ol, Gaffney.

Cody Craig, qb, Timberland; Delarius Edwards, dl, Chesterfield; Bruce Ellington, wr, Berkeley; Max Elliott, rb, Clover; Johnovan Fulton, db, Manning; Keagen Funderburk, te, Pageland Central; Brandon Golson, lb, Calhoun County; Mustafa Greene, rb, Irmo; Chad Hamilton, ol, James Island; Charles Hazel, wr, North Augusta.

Justin Henderson DL Bamberg-Ehrhardt; DeAndre Hopkins, wr, Daniel; Malcolm Howard, lb, Goose Creek; Taylor Hudson, ol, Mauldin; Conelius Jones, wr, Spartanburg; Amos Latta, lb, Clover; Marcus Lattimore, rb, Byrnes; William Lucas, te, Hartsville; Airean McCree, lb, Chester; Xavier McFadden, db, Rock Hill.

Corey Miller, dl, Byrnes; Justin Parker, lb, Beaufort; Ruben Perez, k, Laurens; Kelcy Quarles, dl, Greenwood; Sheldon Robinson, db, Lake City; Brant Sally, db, Stratford; Logan Stewart, ol, Boiling Springs; Jatavius Stewart, db, Rock Hill; Devin Taylor, ol, Summerville; Thomas Teal, dl, Marlboro County.

Dylan Thompson, qb, Boiling Springs; Khiry Watts, db, Myrtle Beach; Brandon Williams, lb, Northwestern; Cephas Wilson, ol, Richland Northeast.

Head coach: Lewis Lineberger, Johnsonville. Assistants: Art Craig, Timberland; Denver Cromer, North Myrtle Beach; Mike Hawkins, Laurens; Rick Knight, Midland Valley; Nate Thompson, Carver's Bay; Jet Turner, Clover.