Pair of Thoroughbreds to get defensive in college

Friends, family and coaches look on as South Aiken’s Tarik Scafe, center left, and Josh Brown, center right, sign letters of intent. Scafe signed with Benedict, and Brown with Clemson. Staff photo by by Jeremy Timmerman.

Two prominent members of South Aiken's defense signed to continue their football careers at the college level on Wednesday, as Josh Brown formally signed his letter of intent to play at Clemson and Tarik Scafe signed to play at Benedict.

Thoroughbreds head coach Jeremy West said that, while the entire senior class has been special to him, especially on the defensive side of the ball, Brown and Scafe have put themselves at the forefront.

"They've been solid. Clemson and Benedict are getting two great players that are going to work hard for them," West said. "These two have been the anchors of the defense for two years."

Brown, who had 88 tackles this season, said that "family tradition" and the support he got from his friends was the reason he chose Clemson over Marshall, North Carolina State, Kentucky and Georgia Tech.

"It was in my heart," he said. "I felt that Clemson love from them, too."

Brown plans to major in sociology and said he knows he'll play defensive tackle for the Tigers, but doesn't know what his potential for playing time will be.

"I just plan on working hard for it," Brown said.

West said that, whenever he plays, the Tigers will reap the benefits from giving Brown a chance to pursue opposing ball carriers using the "speed and flexibility" he's already shown.

"He's just scratching his potential right now," West said. "He's got a high ceiling."

Brown added that, while he hasn't met new Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables, he's confident with the direction the Tigers are headed under the former Oklahoma defensive coach.

"I think his scheme, his future at Clemson is going to be bright," Brown said.

Scafe, who said he plans on double-majoring in criminal justice and physical training at Benedict, said he also saw interest from Orangeburg Tech, South Carolina State and Chowan University (Tenn.). He said that Georgia Tech showed "a little bit" of interest, but the surroundings and leadership at Benedict were appealing to him.

"I really like the campus and the coaching staff," Scafe said. "They want to win."

Scafe also added that the Benedict coaches had given him word that he has a chance to play right away, at either linebacker or as a standing pass rusher. The T-Bred senior racked up 85 tackles this year and said that he learned to "work hard and never give up on my dreams" while at South Aiken. West said that Scafe's relentless playing style is his biggest asset.

"His motor does not stop," West said.

While West added that both of his star defenders were pleasant off the field, things change when they get between the sidelines.

"Both of these kids, they're the nicest guys in the world, but once they put their helmets on, they're a different person," he said.