Local Football Stars

Get To Know Our Local Football stars

As They Enter Their College Careers

VIP had the privilege of interviewing several hometown football stars. Read along to see what drives their passion. You can also catch them on field this fall playing their hearts out!

Malik Terry

Newberry College

When and why did you start playing football? I started playing football at age 7. I was on a recreational football team called the Giants. I played Madden games on the PlayStation, that got me interested in football. What were your stats at South Florence High School (SFHS)? My senior year was great at South Florence. I had 165 Carries, 1,116 yards, 11TDS, while splitting carries. What is your favorite football memory at SFHS? My favorite memory at South Florence was our homecoming game against Hartsville. Why Newberry College? I chose to continue my academic and football career at Newberry because it has a great business program and a winning atmosphere. What’s your favorite food spot in Newberry so far? So far, Tokyo Grill. What position do you play? Running back and slot receiver.

Do you have a favorite professional team? My favorite NFL team is the New Orleans Saints and my favorite players are Alvin Kamara and Deebo Samuel.

Did you play any other sports at SFHS? I ran track.

Ethan Hunt Charleston Southern University

When did you start playing football? My football career began with the Lamar Recreation Department playing flag football when I was six years old. Stats at Lamar High School? Over the course of my senior season, I achieved 14 solo tackles, 11 first hits, 30 assists, 10 QB press, 2.5 sacks, 7 tackles for loss, 2 forced fumbles, 2 recovered fumbles, and 1 blocked field goal. When did you know you had the potential to play for Charleston Southern University (CSU)? I decided right before junior year while I was working with Cory Helms, a trainer from Columbia, South Carolina, that played for the Carolina Gamecocks. He also played for the Cincinnati Bengals and the New Orleans Saints; he specializes in training offensive linemen. I also had a great amount of guidance from Levon Kirkland who is a Lamar High School Alumni, Clemson All-American, and a second round draft pick to the Steelers in 1992.

What is your favorite memory from Lamar High? My favorite memory is when the coach allowed me to select the final play that delivered the regional championship win for the Lamar Silver Foxes during my senior season. Why did you choose to continue your career at CSU? I feel that CSU has the best opportunities for me to succeed both educationally and athletically. I have dreamed since I was very young of playing division 1 football and CSU was the perfect fit to fulfill that dream. Football is a long-standing family tradition, starting with my grandfather (Pa); my uncle played for CSU in college also. What position do you play? I’m playing offensive tackle at CSU now but played defensive end and kicker in high school.

Tre' McLeod

Furman University

How was your senior year at Trinity Collegiate School? My senior year was great! We had a great year going to the state championship game. I rushed for 1,466 yards, with 19 rushing touchdowns, 258 receiving yards, 3 touchdowns, 6 interceptions, and 82 tackles. What is your favorite football memory at TCS? My tenth grade year when we won the state championship! There’s no feeling like that!! Why Furman? It was an all round great place – the academics are great there, the coach’s are the best and really care about you, and the football is also great. Where’s your favorite place to eat near Furman? Definitely this chicken place called Rocky’s Hot Chicken Shack! What position do you play? Strong Safety. Do you have a favorite professional team? My favorite team professional team is the Cowboys and my favorite player is Jalen Ramsey. Did you play any other sports at TCS? I also played basketball and even played baseball during my ninth and tenth grade years.

Zach Martin

Newberry College

Shamontae Burgess

South Carolina State University

When and why did you start playing football? I started playing football when I was 5 years old. When I picked up a football as a kid I fell in love. The first team I played on was the Steelers.

How was your senior year at Lake City (LCHS)? My senior year at LCHS was great we played 6 games. As a senior, I started at both the running back and wide out. I rushed 43 times for 488 yards and five rushing touchdowns and pulled in 22 receptions for 207 yards. What is your favorite football memory at LCHS? When I caught a one handed touchdown against Loris High School. I’ll never forget that game. Why South Carolina State College? Because I know SC State is the place for me. On my first visit, this place automatically felt like home and also the coaching staff and players are a big family. What is your major at SC State? Sports Management What position do you play? Wide receiver Do you have a favorite professional team? My favorite team is the Seattle Seahawks and my favorite player is Tyreek Hill. He’s my favorite because our game is very similar. Did you play any other sports at LCHS? I played basketball and baseball. How was your senior year at Pee Dee Academy (PDA)? My senior year went very well. We finished the season with nine wins and two loses. I started all eleven games and finished the season with 29 pancake blocks and only allowed one sack. Why do you like to play football? It’s a unique experience but I also really enjoy moving people from one place to another. When did you know you had the potential to play for Newberry College? Since I first met the coaches in ninth grade at a prospect camp, I’ve always believed that I could play at Newberry. I just knew it would take a lot of hard work. What is your favorite football memory at PDA? Winning the region championship my freshman year. Since it hadn’t happened in a long time and the whole school and team was excited, it made it really special! Why Newberry College? Since my freshman year of high school, it has had a spot in my heart. I’ve always enjoyed going to camps in the summer time and getting to talk with the coaches all through high school. When I got the opportunity to make it official, I knew it was the right fit for me. What’s your favorite food spot in Newberry so far? I’ve always been a big Sonic guy so finding out there was a Sonic in Newberry was great! I’ll probably find myself there a good bit. What position do you play? Offensive Line. Do you have a favorite professional team? I am a big fan of the Carolina Panthers but my favorite player would have to be Taylor Lewan from the Tennessee Titans.