Marques Skinner, a 6‑foot‑3, 255‑pound tight end from Riverside, already holds offers from Louisville and Wake Forest and is listed at No. 12 in the 2026 Dandy Dozen rankings for the Upstate region of South Carolina.
Coach Matthew Rochester has mapped out a multifaceted usage, planning to deploy Skinner as a blocker, receiver, halfback and occasional pass‑rusher on defense, capitalizing on his size and athleticism.
The pursuit of a fourth recruiting star motivates Skinner, as a higher rating can sharpen his college prospects and attract additional scholarship opportunities.
Versatility as a Game‑Changer
Skinner’s physical presence near the goal line has drawn praise from junior quarterback Cooper Adams, who notes the player’s ability to dominate in the red zone and serve as a reliable short‑yardage option.
The legacy of his older brother, Mikkel Skinner, a redshirt freshman tight end at Kentucky who scored 33 touchdowns during his final two high school seasons, adds a familial narrative that fuels Marques’ ambition.
The 2026 Dandy Dozen list, which highlights the top prospects from the Greenville, Spartanburg and Anderson corridor, places Skinner among the region’s elite, underscoring the competitive landscape he navigates.