If you want proof that context matters in NFL Draft evaluation, look no further than Christen Miller’s career arc at Georgia. He arrived in Athens as a four-star recruit and spent his first two years buried behind first-round picks Jordan Davis, Devonte Wyatt, and Jalen Carter — three players who all heard their names called on Day 1.
Georgia
The 18 Best Things To Do In Jekyll Island, Georgia
As you start juggling ideas for your next family vacation, romantic getaway, or girls’ trip, the charming Georgia Coast should be at the top of your list. Specifically, the mid-coastal area, that’s considered part of the Lowcountry. You’ve likely heard lots about St. Simons Island, but across the way is an equally wonderful and uniquely majestic island that definitely belongs on your radar: Jekyll Island.
A 7-mile barrier island, Jekyll Island is actually a designated state park. Follow the tidal marshlands all the way to the island gate, where you’ll pay the $10 park entrance fee. As you explore, you’ll soon realize this destination has both beauty and substance. Bike trails are surrounded by shining examples of the island’s pristine wilderness, and historical structures shaded by moss-draped oaks harken to the island’s past as an exclusive 19th century retreat for America’s elites. You’ll never be too far from iconic beaches like Driftwood Beach, but unlike those weathered trees, the island’s activities never run dry.
Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or something in between, this versatile destination is well-suited for every type of getaway. Here are the 18 best things to do on Jekyll Island.
Explore The Outdoors & Wildlife
Bike Through The Island
Two wheels will get you far on this 7-mile stretch. Maritime forests, beaches, historic sites, and abundant wildlife are all within easy reach thanks to more than 20 miles of paved bike paths on the Jekyll Island Trail System. Rent a beach cruiser and choose from five different loops, each offering its own version of scenic bliss.
Visit The Georgia Sea Turtle Center
Courtesy of Georgia Sea Turtle Center
Jekyll Island welcomes all, including the adorable sea turtles that migrate to the beaches from May to August each year. That’s why the Georgia Sea Turtle Center—the only sea turtle education and rehabilitation facility in the state—was established in 2007. Sign up for one of their many summer programs, including sunrise and evening turtle walks, or take a behind the scenes tour of the facility. Budding photographers can even join a wildlife photography workshop.
jekyllisland.com; 214 Stable Road, Jekyll Island, Georgia; 912-635-4444
Spot Wildlife At Horton Pond
PhotosByTim / Getty Images
Tucked away on the eastern side of North Beach View Drive, this wildlife refuge is home to a thriving community of critters, from fish and birds to turtles and alligators. Enjoy expansive views of the entire pond from the wheelchair-accessible viewing platforms, or walk the 0.7 mile Tupelo Trail, which passes through many of the island’s maritime plant habitats.
jekyllisland.com; 970-964 N Loop Trail, Jekyll Island, GA 31527
Get Your Feet Wet At The Water Park
Back-to-back beach days are certainly fun, but if you’re looking for a change of scenery, Summer Waves Water Park caters to thrill seekers, lazy river loungers, and everyone in between. Open seasonally from May to September, the park features exhilarating water slides like the Frantic Atlantic, Pirate’s Passage, and Nature’s Revenge—all ranked by level of thrill. The kid-friendly Splash Zone is equipped with water guns and a giant dunking bucket, while Shark Tooth Cove is perfect for little ones.
Play A Round Of Golf
Courtesy of Jekyll Island Club Resort
Georgia’s largest public golf resort is located on—you guessed it—Jekyll Island. At Jekyll Island Golf Club, guests have their pick from three 18-hole golf courses: Pine Lakes, Indian Mound and Oleander. While you’re at it, take a swing at the historic Great Dunes, the 9-hole golf course constructed in 1926.
jekyllisland.com/activities/golf; 322 Captain Wylly Rd, Jekyll Island, GA 31527; 912-635-2368
Hit The Beach
Driftwood Beach
Decades of coastal storms and erosion have left behind what is now Jekyll Island’s most popular and uniquely beautiful beach. Resting on the northern end of the island, this little wonder of the world is home to sun-bleached, weathered trees—the ancient remains of a once-thriving maritime forest. Here, visitors trade sunbathing for tree climbing as giant gnarled branches and twisted roots form a natural jungle gym in the sand. And just when you think this place couldn’t get any more otherworldly, Three Oaks Farm offers guided horseback rides at the ocean’s edge during sunset.
Great Dunes Beach Park
While Driftwood Beach is sought after for its gnarly terrain, this 20-acre beachfront park attracts visitors with the opposite appeal: well-manicured, wide-open spaces. With public restrooms, picnic pavilions, grassy play areas, and wheelchair-friendly beach access, this park is well-suited for the whole family (and yes, that includes pups!).
jekyllisland.com; Beachview Dr. N & Shell Road, Jekyll Island, GA 31527
St. Andrews Beach Park
Taking the path less traveled promises quieter moments and equally beautiful views on Jekyll Island. Located on the south side of the island, the uncrowded St. Andrews Beach Park prompts you to enjoy a relaxing picnic, scour the sand for seashells, and spot birds and dolphins from the two-story wildlife viewing platform. Make sure to take a stroll along the Wanderer Memory Trail, which tells the story of one of America’s last known slave ships.
jekyllisland.com; 100 St Andrews Dr, Jekyll Island, GA 31527
Glory Beach
Courtesy of Explore Georgia
When portions of the 1989 Civil War drama Glory were filmed here, this island gem got its name. Glory Beach is accessible via a long elevated boardwalk thanks to the film’s producers, who built the structure to provide an easy path across the sand dunes and freshwater pools. As you stroll along the boardwalk, enjoy unobstructed views of nearby Cumberland Island and the sounds of nearby nesting birds, which thrive in large numbers here (so your dogs will have to miss out on this one).
jekyllisland.com; 700 S. Beachview Dr, Jekyll Island, GA 31527
Learn Island History
Tour The Historic District By Trolley
When people say Jekyll Island has a rich history, they mean it quite literally. Long before this island became a relaxed getaway for families, it served as the home to Jekyll Island Club, an ultra-exclusive winter retreat for the nation’s wealthiest people. (Do the last names Pulitzer, Vanderbilt, and Rockefeller ring a bell?) Today, 34 beautifully-preserved historic structures still stand on the former Club grounds, including the Moss Cottage, Faith Chapel, and the old infirmary. A 60-minute Landmark Trolley Tour is one of the best ways to see all 240 acres of the historic district. Tickets also include entry to the Faith Chapel and Mosaic Gallery, an interactive museum highlighting both art and history.
Learn Important Stories At Wanderer Memory Trail
Courtesy of Jekyll Island
Hugging the banks of the Jekyll River, the Wanderer Memory Trail marks the site where one of the last known slave ships in America, the Wanderer, illegally came to shore. The self-guided, interactive trail unfolds the story of Umwalla, a young boy who was brought on the ship 160 years ago. Visitors can follow Umwalla’s journey–-from capture to freedom—and hear stories told by descendants of survivors through soundboxes. At the end of the trail, you’ll find a basket where you can write your own legacy and weave it into the display.
jekyllisland.com; St. Andrews Beach Park, Jekyll Island, GA 31527
Take Your Picture At The Horton House
This eerily beautiful two-story structure is one of the oldest tabby buildings in Georgia, and it definitely looks the part. All that’s left of this 1743 home, once owned by Major William Horton, are the walls and openings that once held doors and windows. Standing in all its weathered glory, the building is now a popular backdrop in the photos of happy tourists.
jekyllisland.com; N. Riverview Dr, Jekyll Island, GA 31527
Go Shopping
Shop For Souvenirs At Beach Village
Just steps away from the beach, this Main Street shopping center houses a collection of colorful boutiques, specialty shops, and restaurants. Pick up some Jekyll Island swag at one of the many souvenir stores, or visit Jekyll Market, a gourmet grocery store offering a butcher counter, fresh produce, and four on-site restaurants. Don’t forget to visit The Salt Table for Georgia-based salts, seasonings, coffee, wine, and more.
Feast On Local Cuisine
Start Your Day At Sunrise Grille
If you have a hankering for casual American seaside fare, grab a table at Sunrise Grille. Guests speak highly of their steaks—served with eggs at breakfast and paired with fried shrimp at lunch and dinner. Dive into a hearty breakfast menu from 7 to 10 a.m., or head there at 11 a.m. for classic Southern favorites and a wide variety of seafood.
sunrisegrillejekyll.com; 21 Main St, Jekyll Island, GA 31527; 912-319-2376
Feast On Regional Seafood At Zachary’s Riverhouse
Courtesy of Zachry’s Riverhouse
Waterfront restaurants reign supreme on the island. On the riverside, Zachary’s RiverHouse is a go-to spot for Lowcountry seafood. Owned by DJ Zachary, the son of the original owners who opened the restaurant’s doors in 1987, this family-run eatery prides itself on attentive service and authentic dishes. Enjoy Georgia shrimp cooked every which way, and make sure to order a side of their popular cheesy grits.
zachrys-riverhouse-no-reservations.res-menu.com; 1 Harbor Rd Jekyll Island, GA 31527; 912-319-2174
Enjoy Baja Mexican Dining At Tortuga Jacks
Courtesy of Tortuga Jacks
The only oceanfront Tiki-style restaurant on the Georgia coast, Tortuga Jacks serves generous portions of Baja Mexican food alongside incredible views. Choose between street tacos, sizzling fajitas, classic surf and turf, and much more. As the sun sets, sip on margaritas at the authentic Tiki Hut Bar, and sway to live hometown music every Tuesday and Thursday through Sunday during the summer months.
tortugajacks.com; 201 Beachview Dr N, Jekyll Island, GA 31527; 912-342-2600
Have Dinner At The Wharf
Rob Tilley / Getty Images
Sitting on the historic Jekyll Pier, this airy restaurant is surrounded by marshy waters, muddy oyster beds, and scenic views of the river. Enjoy a full menu of Lowcountry seafood, sandwiches, burgers, and crafted cocktails, and head to the deck for live music every Thursday through Saturday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 3 p.m.
jekyllclub.com; 371 Riverview Dr, Jekyll Island, GA 31527; 912-635-3612
Rest Your Head
Stay At The Iconic Jekyll Island Club Resort
This island might be a designated state park, but it never lost touch with its luxurious side. Standing majestically on the grounds of the former Club, the Jekyll Island Club Resort is a family-friendly retreat made up of five historic buildings, including the original clubhouse. Enjoy seven dining outlets (like the Victorian-style Grand Dining Room), lounge poolside at the Jekyll Island Club or Ocean Club, and even play a round of croquet on the front lawn. Bike rentals, shuttle service, and direct access to the historic district are just a few of the perks that await guests.
jekyllclub.com; 371 Riverview Dr, Jekyll Island, GA 31527; 912-319-4349
Read the original article on Southern Living
Wildfires burning across the south-eastern US intensified on Wednesday across parts of south-east Georgia, where 50 homes were destroyed, and across north-east Florida, forcing evacuations and school closures in some communities.
The Georgia forestry commission issued its first mandatory burn ban in the state’s history, effective across 91 counties in the lower half of the state, due to worsening drought conditions and rising wildfire activity.
“My office and I are working closely with the Georgia Forestry Commission to respond to the increasing threat of wildfires in South Georgia,” Governor Brian Kemp wrote on X. ”If you are in a directly affected area, please adhere to guidance from your local officials to keep you and your family safe.”
Smoke from the fires drifted to Atlanta and Savannah, Georgia, as well as Jacksonville, Florida, while air quality in parts of south Georgia declined to the unhealthy category.
Smoky conditions were expected to linger in the Atlanta area throughout the day, according to the Atlanta-Fulton county emergency management agency, as the worst blazes burned more than 200 miles from the city.
Some of the biggest blazes are reported to be along Georgia’s coast and around Jacksonville, Florida. They have been exacerbated by a long drought, low humidity and strong winds in the area.
Georgia’s two biggest wildfires together have burned more than 31 sq miles, and at least four other smaller fires have been reported.
Drought in the contiguous US has reached record levels for this time of year. More than 61% of the lower 48 states are in moderate to exceptional drought – including 97% of the south-east and two-thirds of the west – according to the US Drought Monitor. It’s the highest level of drought for this time of year since the drought monitor began in 2000.
Florida, the area where the worst fires are burning, is in exceptional or extreme drought, according to the monitor. Firefighters are battling 131 wildfires that had burned 34 sq miles, mostly in the state’s northern half.
Firefighting equipment was being staged across the state so resources are closer to the fires, the Florida commissioner of agriculture, Wilton Simpson, said.
“Florida has got one of the worst fire seasons in maybe the last 30 or 40 years or it’s turning out to be that way,” Simpson said. “We’ve been in drought for 18 months now all across the state.”
The fast-moving Brantley county fire in south-east Georgia is threatening more homes on Wednesday after destroying 47 a day earlier, according to the county manager, Joey Cason, who said the fire grew roughly six times in size over a half day. Nearly two dozen fire agencies called in to help fight the blaze, Cason said at a news conference. At least 800 evacuations have taken place in the county and five shelters have opened, as the fire threatens 300 more homes, the Federal Emergency Management Agency said.
The Brantley county sheriff, Len Davis, warned residents to be ready to evacuate, noting that the winds could shift rapidly and unexpectedly.
Another large fire that started in Clinch county had also forced evacuations, which were underway in multiple communities, the Georgia forestry association said.
“This is a serious and evolving situation,” said Tim Lowrimore, president & CEO of the association.
(WSAV) — The man accused of shooting and killing three people in Dekalb County April 13 was found dead in his jail cell, officials confirmed Monday night.
Olaolukitan Adon-Abel was found unresponsive in his jail cell at 6:48 p.m., a Dekalb County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson said. Life-saving measures were performed, according to officials.
He was pronounced dead at 7:17 p.m.
Adon-Abel was charged with malice murder, aggravated assault and firearms counts in connection to the shooting deaths of Prianna Weathers, Tony Mathews and Lauren Bullis.
In 2025, Adon-Abel plead guilty in Chatham County Recorder’s Court to multiple misdemeanor counts of sexual battery for groping women in Chatham County under the name Adon Olaolukitan.
According to court documents, he was banned from Savannah for four years and ordered to undergo a psychosexual evaluation.
The official cause will be determined by the DeKalb County Medical Examiner’s Office, and a standard internal review has been launched, according to officials.
At this time, the sheriff’s office said there are no indications of foul play. No additional details were released.
The defensive tackle assembly line at Georgia is nothing short of extraordinary, and Miller patiently waited his turn. By 2024, his turn had arrived, and what NFL scouts saw was a prototypically built interior defender who carries his 321-pound frame with impressive athleticism and natural leverage.
Miller’s greatest asset is his run defense. He is a solid anchor — quick to press his hands into blockers, disciplined about maintaining gap integrity, and stout enough to hold the point of attack against double teams that would cave lesser prospects — but he’s not dominant.
His lateral mobility is a genuine differentiator for a man his size; he can scrape down the line to close on outside runs or loop inside on stunts without losing his footing or pad level.
That combination of power and movement is why Georgia trusted him on the field for passing downs, and it’s why scouts project him as an immediate contributor against the run at the NFL level.
The legitimate questions surrounding Miller center on his pass-rush production and his still-developing anticipation skills. Over his entire collegiate career, he accumulated only four sacks — never cracking two in a single season.
Still, Miller’s athleticism stands out immediately — he carries his size well and shows the lateral quickness you don’t always find at his frame. His hands have some pop, and he’s flashed the ability to jolt interior linemen off their spot. But he’s a prospect defined more by his floor than his ceiling.
No single trait rises above average, which means his pass-rush production will hinge on technique and motor rather than any physical advantage. He also needs to improve as a finisher — getting close isn’t enough at the next level.
The traits for pass-rush development are present: he has good first-step quickness, flashes as a one-gap penetrator, and showed enough in stunt packages to keep offensive linemen honest. But he has yet to build a consistent, go-to counter move when his initial rush is neutralized. Against better competition, his reaction time to the snap can be late, and he can drift out of his gap assignment when he tries to freelance for a big play.
What Miller offers any franchise is a high floor with a realistic upside trajectory. He comes from one of college football’s most technically demanding defensive line programs, coached by coaches who regularly develop NFL talent.
He plays with a motor that never stops. He competed in SEC trenches for two-plus seasons and was named to the All-SEC First Team as a senior. The experience and winning culture he brings — two state championships in high school, a national championship at Georgia — will matter to coaches who value locker-room character.
The ceiling here isn’t flashy, but it’s tangible: a reliable, two-down starting defensive tackle who keeps blocks clean and lets linebackers run free. In a league that increasingly prizes versatile, multi-technique interior linemen, Miller’s ability to play the nose or the B-gap makes him a schematic asset for even-front and two-gap systems. Don’t sleep on him because his sack totals are modest — evaluating him solely by that metric would miss the forest for the trees.
Miller’s fit in Green Bay is an interesting one. The Packers are switching to a 3-4 base defense under new defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon, and they lack a proven run-stuffing nose tackle while being long overdue for a meaningful investment on the defensive interior — which is exactly the profile Miller fits.
The team brought him in for a pre-draft visit, signaling genuine interest, and his skill set maps cleanly onto what Green Bay needs. His calling card — an elite run defense grade that ranked second among all FBS defensive tackles — translates directly to what Gannon will ask of his interior linemen, and his versatility to play nose in an odd front or kick out to three-technique in sub packages only adds to the appeal.
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