John Clayton
Dorian Lindsay, a Wofford College commit, gets a chance to check out the turf he will play college games.
John Clayton
Troy Pride has had college scouts eye him more closely during Shrine Bowl practices.
John Clayton
Nothing could be finer for Greer Head Football Coach Will Young than coaching some of the best linement n the state for the South Carolina Shrine Bowl team.
"It's been a great week," Pride said. "I'm just really trying to have fun."
Pride, who was named Region II-3A Player of the Year earlier this week, and Greer teammate Dorian Lindsey, who were key components in back-to-back unbeaten regular seasons for the Yellow Jackets, both said they are enjoying preparations for the Saturday’s Shrine Bowl, 1 p.m. at Wofford College's Gibbs Stadium.
For Lindsey, a Wofford commit, the game will be the first of what is expected to be many on Wofford's campus.
"It's been fun; it's been very competitive," said Lindsey. "You get to see some true talent and see what it's like to go up against the best. It's just a great experience to see where you're at."
But the week traditionally takes on a serious tone as well with an annual visit to the Shriners Hospital for Children in Greenville. The annual all-star game has raised more than $75 million for the hospital, which treats children with physical disabilities free.
"You get to see those kids and put smiles on their faces," Lindsey said. "It's the best experience I've had a in a long time."
Pride said the visit to the hospital and getting to know teammates from South Carolina as well as Saturday's foes from North Carolina have been the most memorable parts of the week for him.
"Getting a chance to know the athletes, for one, and then getting a chance to visit the children at the Shriners Hospital," Pride said. "That's bigger than all this. The bowl is nice and playing with these kids is nice, but when you get a chance to go impact others' lives and they can't do anything for you, that's the greatest gift of all. You get to see those kids, sign autographs for them and see them smile, it's just awesome."
Greer head coach Will Young is on the South Carolina staff as the offensive line coach. He played in the Shrine Bowl in 1991 before going on to play at Clemson.
"I definitely enjoy being here as a coach," Young said. "These coaches we've got are top notch … With the weather we've had, it's the best vacation you could ask for … I don't play golf but I do football, so it's been great."
In addition to being a fundraiser, the Shrine Bowl is also a showcase for college scouts, most of whom already know of Pride's whereabouts.
Since reopening his recruitment in November, Pride said things have been a bit busier, including a visit from new South Carolina head coach WIll Muschamp this past week.
"I'm taking it all in," Pride said. "I can do the same things with the recruiting going on that I always do."
Pride de-committed from Virginia Tech after the retirement of long-time Hokies head coach Frank Beamer. Virginia Tech, Notre Dame, Tennessee and North Carolina are among a plethora schools interested in Pride.
South Carolina has won the past three Shrine Bowl games and Lindsey said he would like the Sandlappers to make it four in a row over the Tarheels.
"We want to get the 'dub,'" Lindsey said, shortening the 'W' for win. "I think we've got better schemes and better athletes, so we want to come out and get the 'dub.'"