Dutch Fork football star Stone Furrey, son of South Carolina Gamecocks receivers coach Mike Furrey, has turned heads this season with a breakout performance that has put him on the Gamecocks’ radar as a top college prospect.
Furrey, in his first year at Dutch Fork after transferring from Chapin, has quickly established himself as the Silver Foxes’ leading receiver and deep-threat. Despite a knee injury that caused him to miss the playoff opener against Boiling Springs and limited him in the second-round game against Byrnes, he has racked up 38 catches for 688 yards and five touchdowns heading into the Class 5A Division I state championship against Summerville.
His success is built on hard work and chemistry with Dutch Fork quarterback Jaxon Knotts, which the two developed during extra summer practice sessions. Furrey credits his relentless work ethic to his father, who enjoyed a five-year NFL career highlighted by leading the NFC in receptions in 1998 with the Detroit Lions, before retiring in 2010 due to concussion-related issues.
“I didn’t have much to say during Monday’s senior talk since I just got here, but I was glad to share my story and how much it means to play for coach Tom Knotts,” Furrey said. “We’re playing for a state championship Saturday, and it’s my first time. I can’t wait to go out there and hopefully get a ring.”
The father-son bond extends beyond the field, with Mike Furrey guiding Stone through offseason workouts focused on mental toughness and skill development. Those sessions, which started in the early mornings and now continue in the evenings, have been a key factor in Stone’s growth as a player.
Stone’s performance has caught the attention of several programs, including Gardner-Webb, Murray State, East Tennessee State, Marshall, and Liberty, but the Gamecocks are reportedly making him a top target for the future. While South Carolina has not yet extended an offer, Stone says playing for his father at USC would be a dream come true.
“He’s my biggest role model,” Stone said. “I love seeing how he leads and builds relationships with his players. They’re like family, and being around football as much as I have has been a real blessing.”
With the state championship looming, Furrey looks poised to finish his high school career on a high note while setting the stage for a potential future in Gamecock red and garnet.
