Presbyterian Lands Three Bruins Who Helped Build a New Era in OW Football

From Left To Right Derrick Thomas RB, Jaylen Dash Athlete, Chris Glover Linebacker

Three standout student-athletes from Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School are continuing their football careers at the next level — and in doing so, they’re helping to raise the standard for an entire program.

All-Region linebacker Chris Glover, All-Region defensive back and wide receiver Jayleen Dash, and All-Region running back Derrick Thomas have officially committed to Presbyterian College, a major achievement not just for these young men, but for the Bruins football program under the leadership of Coach Chris Carter.

“These three represent everything we want this program to be,” said Carter. “Tough. Focused. Coachable. And most of all — driven beyond football.”

A bruising, explosive back, Derrick Thomas was a consistent playmaker for the Bruins across multiple seasons. He finishes his varsity career with 1,695 rushing yards on 171 carries — averaging an incredible 9.9 yards per carry — and 15 total touchdowns. During his senior campaign alone, Thomas rushed for 560 yards, added 180 receiving yards, and totaled 794 all-purpose yards, averaging 74.0 yards per game.

Quiet off the field but dangerous on it, Thomas turned in a 71-yard long run, caught 3 touchdowns, and became the offense’s silent killer — always ready to flip momentum with one touch.

“Derrick’s growth has been amazing to watch,” said Carter. “He went from a raw athlete to a complete back. He’s going to shine at Presbyterian.”

If there was a soul to the Bruins’ physical identity, it was Chris Glover. The senior linebacker was the team’s leading tackler in 2025, recording 93 total tackles, 13 tackles for loss,3 INT, and 2 sacks. But Glover was far more than a hitter — he also contributed on offense, rushing for 206 yards and scoring 4 touchdowns, while even throwing a pass and picking off one on defense.

Across his career, Glover compiled 497 rushing yards, 606 all-purpose yards, and 6 touchdowns, averaging 12.1 yards per carry.

“Chris is what you dream of as a coach,” said Carter. “He’s fearless, smart, dependable, and a true example for younger players. He made us tougher.”

When you needed a play, Jayleen Dash was the one to call. A smooth route runner with elite footwork, Dash caught 17 passes for 349 yards and 3 touchdowns as a senior — averaging a ridiculous 20.5 yards per catch. He also added 138 rushing yards on just 8 carries, 100 kick return yards, and 5 interceptions on defense, racking up 592 all-purpose yards and earning All-Region honors as a DB/WR hybrid.

These three seniors — Thomas, Glover, and Dash — didn’t just help power Orangeburg-Wilkinson to a 10–2 record in 2025. They helped redefine the standard for what it means to be a Bruin. rom practice reps to GPA goals, weight room to study hall, their legacy is already clear: they’ve made the road wider for those coming behind them. And as they now head to Presbyterian College, the town of Orangeburg watches with pride — knowing that success wasn’t handed to them. It was earned.