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The debate over the greatest South Carolina high school football player is reignited as USA TODAY Sports highlights top talents in the state's history. This discussion coincides with the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States.
High school football is at the forefront of South Carolina's sporting scene, and once you look at the state's rich history of talent, it's easy to see why.
Who is the all-time best South Carolina high school football player, the one who defined the Palmetto State?
As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, that's the question USA TODAY Sports is looking to answer in celebration of the greatest American sports figures of all time, including high school athletes who shaped communities and defined their states.
With that in mind, here are our selections for the football players who defined South Carolina. The 10 players (listed in alphabetical order) were all standouts at the high school level before playing at the next level.
More: Who is all-time greatest North Carolina high school football player?
Did we miss someone? There's a spot for you to write in your own candidate who wasn't included on our list of 10.
Bentley was named Gatorade Player of the Year not once, but twice during his playing career from 2010 to 2013. He set the single-season passing touchdown record in 2013 with 71 and also the single-game record for touchdown passes with nine. For his career, he threw for 13,322 yards and 178 touchdowns, including a senior year that featured 71 touchdowns and 5,032 yards.

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