The South Carolina high school football scene has always been rich in talent, grit, and game-day magic, and as the 2025 SCHSL season quickly approaches, the eyes of scouts, coaches, and fans are turning to a position often overlooked until the game is on the line: kicker. These athletes are the unsung specialists, the ones whose job may not dominate highlight reels but can win championships in a blink. With the season now less than a month away, the top kickers in South Carolina have already begun shaping narratives that could define not only their teams’ seasons but their futures beyond high school. From clutch performers with ice in their veins to booming-legged prospects with collegiate potential, this year’s group of kickers offers a compelling mix of reliability and explosiveness.
Among the elite, one name continues to reverberate around South Carolina football circles—Chase Adkins of Dutch Fork High School. Adkins isn’t just a specialist; he’s a weapon. Last season, he connected on 11-of-12 field goal attempts and drilled more than 90% of his extra points. But what sets him apart is his range and consistency under pressure. Dutch Fork has always been a perennial power, and Adkins’ presence gives them a layer of security that many teams envy. He has already attended multiple elite kicking camps and earned accolades at Kohl’s Kicking and Chris Sailer Kicking events. His 60-yard practice kicks with clean rotation aren’t just social media fodder; they’re markers of a future Division I kicker who can flip field position and pile up points.
Another standout who continues to draw attention is Daniel Moreno of T.L. Hanna. While Moreno isn’t as widely publicized as some others on this list, those close to the game know he is one of the most efficient and cerebral kickers in the state. What makes Moreno stand out isn’t just leg strength, though his range is considerable; it’s his technique and football IQ. He knows how to handle pressure, works tirelessly on his plant foot mechanics, and has even spent offseasons with private kicking instructors to hone his accuracy. For a team like T.L. Hanna, which prides itself on physical football and often finds itself in low-scoring battles, having a kicker who can routinely hit from 45 yards out changes the dynamic completely.
Then there’s the dual-threat talent of Xavier “X” Palmer from Fort Dorchester. Palmer isn’t just a kicker; he’s also a punter and occasionally lines up at wide receiver. While some coaches might worry about spreading a player thin, Palmer thrives on the challenge. His leg strength is nearly unparalleled in the state, with several booming 65-plus-yard kickoffs last season that neutralized opposing return games. He averaged more than 40 yards per punt with exceptional hang time, and his ability to directionally kick allows Fort Dorchester to pin teams deep. When it comes to versatility, few can match Palmer. His role on special teams will be critical as Fort Dorchester makes a push for a title, and college coaches are taking notice of his multi-phase value.
From the Midlands region, another name ascending rapidly is Carter McNeill of Irmo High School. McNeill was a revelation last season. Initially not even the starting kicker, he took over midseason due to an injury and never looked back. He ended the year making 8-of-10 field goals, including a last-second game-winner against a region rival that cemented Irmo’s playoff berth. Over the offseason, McNeill focused on strength and conditioning and now boasts one of the most compact and explosive kicking motions in the SCHSL. What makes McNeill a rising star is his calm demeanor and work ethic. He’s a film junkie who studies the angles, timing, and wind conditions with the kind of focus normally reserved for quarterbacks. Irmo is expected to contend again this fall, and McNeill’s development gives them a serious special teams advantage.
Not to be overlooked is the powerful right leg of Jose Alvarado from Westside High School. Alvarado brings raw strength to the table. He is one of the rare kickers who excels more on kickoffs and long field goals than on short, routine ones. While his accuracy inside 30 yards could use refinement, his ability to knock through 50-yarders in live game action is unmatched in the region. There’s no hesitation when Alvarado takes the field; he’s confident, sometimes to a fault, but that mindset makes him lethal in high-pressure moments. Westside’s coaching staff has invested heavily in special teams this offseason, even hiring a former collegiate kicker as a consultant, largely because they know that maximizing Alvarado’s talent could be the difference in tight matchups. His upside is sky-high if he can polish the technical aspects of his game.
Down in the Lowcountry, Beaufort High School boasts one of the more intriguing kicking prospects in DeShawn Grant. A soccer convert who only picked up football two years ago, Grant has rapidly developed into a field goal machine. He’s remarkably accurate from inside 40 yards and has been working on extending his range to 50+. His soccer background gives him a smooth and fluid approach, and he’s recently been drawing attention from FCS-level recruiters. What sets Grant apart is his poise and competitiveness. He doesn’t have the years of experience others on this list might, but he makes up for it with athleticism and a steep upward trajectory. Beaufort’s spread offense allows him plenty of PAT and field goal opportunities, and with another strong season, Grant could be a late-blooming recruit that surprises on signing day.
Further north, Spartanburg’s Jackson Wallace is quickly climbing the ranks. Wallace might be the most accurate kicker in the Upstate. He made 14-of-15 field goal attempts last season and showed excellent mental fortitude in playoff situations. He rarely gets rattled and approaches each kick with robotic precision. What impresses coaches the most is his short memory. A miss doesn’t spiral into a slump. He studies each miss with his coach and instantly moves forward. His ability to keep games within reach or close them out late gives Spartanburg an enormous boost in tight contests. Wallace is also a 4.2 GPA student and is being recruited by Ivy League programs for both his academic and athletic potential.
In the Midlands, Lexington High’s Will Tucker continues to cement his status as one of the most disciplined kickers in the state. He isn’t flashy, but he’s consistent in a way that makes special teams coaches sleep well at night. Last year, he was perfect on PATs and made 10-of-11 field goals, many in inclement weather. His kicking form is textbook, and he spends hours watching video of kickers like Justin Tucker and Harrison Butker to understand how professionals approach their craft. This offseason, he spent time at IMG Academy for a kicking clinic, where he turned heads with his consistency and elevation on shorter kicks. Lexington’s offense may be more balanced this season, but in a defensive slugfest, Tucker could once again become the hero.
A name that continues to rise is K.J. Powell from Ridge View High. Powell is a natural athlete who has quickly adapted to the mechanics of kicking. Though he’s relatively new to the role, his ability to hit 45-yard field goals with little effort is impressive. Powell has made significant strides in accuracy and footwork this offseason, and Ridge View coaches are excited about his potential. They’re even exploring opportunities to get him more involved on special teams as a punter, given his leg strength. If his trajectory continues, Powell could become one of the premier all-around specialists in South Carolina within the next two years.
Finally, keep an eye on C.J. Templeton from Byrnes High School. Byrnes is known for producing elite talent across all positions, and Templeton is no exception. He’s only a junior but already has two years of varsity experience. He made multiple 40+ yard field goals as a sophomore and regularly handles kickoff duties with deep, accurate placement. What makes Templeton exciting is his confidence. He doesn’t shy away from big moments and embraces the chance to be the difference-maker. With another year of physical development and technical refinement, he could become the kind of kicker who not only influences games but alters how opponents prepare for Byrnes week in and week out.
As the 2025 SCHSL season approaches, the importance of special teams looms large. A single made or missed field goal can change the outcome of a season, and in a state as competitive as South Carolina, every point counts. These top kickers are more than just specialists—they’re integral pieces of their team’s championship aspirations. Whether it’s nailing a walk-off game-winner, flipping the field with a deep kickoff, or pinning an opponent inside the ten, these athletes are primed to play a critical role in the drama to come. As the countdown to opening night continues, one thing is certain: the kickers of South Carolina are ready to make their mark, one booming boot at a time.
