Georgia

Georgia Tech Football: Top Prospects Expected To Be In Attendance For Yellow Jackets Game vs Miami

Published

1 year ago

November 8, 2024

Georgia Tech Football: Top Prospects Expected To Be In Attendance For Yellow Jackets Game vs Miami

Georgia Tech could have one of the best atmospheres in college football on Saturday. Coach Key has been telling all of the students to come and Big Boi is set to perform at 10:00 am before the Yellow Jackets face the Hurricanes. Several big-name recruits are expected to be in attendance to see the Yellow Jackets take on No. 4 Miami.

Georgia Tech Commits

Spruce Creek DL Derry “Chuck Norris Jr– Norris has been a force on defense this season for the Hawks. He leads the team with 78 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, and 7.5 sacks. There are a lot of D1 college programs that want his services. According to 247sports Composite, Norris is rated as a three-star prospect, the No. 64 defensive lineman, the No.73 player in Florida, and the No. 584 player nationally. Georgia Tech is trying to hang on to this commitment with multiple programs trying to flip him.

Lancaster OL Kevin Peay– Peay is rated as a three-star prospect and the No. 130 interior offensive lineman and No. 29 player from South Carolina. Peay helps solidify an older strong offensive line class that includes five-star Josh Petty and four-star Justin Hasenhuetl. The Lancaster product has been locked in with the Yellow Jackets since June 9th. He has taken some visits to other programs but will come back to the Flats for the game against Miami.

In-state recruits

2025

Buford WR Jordan Allen- Allen has been unstoppable this season in Georgia High School football’s highest classification 6A. He recently had 174 receiving yards and three touchdowns in a region championship win against rival Mill Creek. Allen is going to be a name to continue to watch as we come down the stretch for signing day. He is currently committed to Louisville but is not far from the Flats. He received an offer from the Yellow Jackets on October 14th. It will be interesting to see how much Georgia Tech pushes for him. Allen certainly fits their offense and his speed would fit in seamlessly with the offense.

McIntosh EDGE Evan Ward- Ward finished with the second-most tackles on the team with 83 this season. He also finished with a team-high 11 sacks this season. The USF commits also had two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and six quarterback hurries. He was one of the most disruptive players this season and caused havoc in opposing backfields.

2026

Carrollton WR Ryan Mosley– Mosley is a four-star prospect who has continued to improve each season and is now up to 27 offers. He picked up an offer from Georgia Tech back in March. The junior standout has 597 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. His best game this season came against Gainesville when he went off for 117 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Mosley has been giving defenses fits with his yards after catch and ability to stretch the field in 2024.

West Forsyth QB Max Walraven-Walraven is probably one of the most underrated prospects on this list, but call him Mr. Consistent. That is what he has been for West Forsyth this season throwing for 1,813 yards and 18 touchdowns. His best game of the season came against Forsyth Central where he completed 70% of his passes throwing for 250 yards and three touchdowns. I got a chance to see him in the season opener against Prince Avenue Christian and was impressed with his ability to never flinch in the midst of adversity and continue to lead his team. They came up short, but Walraven was big time the entire night. He’s led the Wolverines back to the postseason and they will face Brookwood in the first round of the playoffs.

Newnan LB Rodney Colton- The South Carolina commit will be in attendance to check out the action. Colton has been a leader in the resurgence of the Newnan program that has clinched a No. 2 seed in the 5A playoffs. Colton has 43 tackles, four sacks, and an interception this season. Colton is one of the best linebackers in the country and has pretty much every Power 4 offer a prospect could want.

Cambridge WR Hudson Cocchiara- It feels like this kid is about to explode in the recruiting world. Cocchiara put together a strong junior season finishing with 48 catches (led the team), 868 receiving yards, and eight touchdowns this season for the Bears. He was a consistent threat in the passing game this season. He is a YAC (yards after catch) monster that will make any offense better whether it’s on the high school or college level. He is also a deep threat that can take the top off the defense. He had his best game of the season against Westminster. Cocchiara had six catches for 151 yards and three touchdowns which were all season-highs. This is a name you could see picking up more offers in the winter and spring.

Cambridge WR Craig Dandridge- Dandridge is the thunder to Cocchiara’s lightning. They are a dynamic duo that complements each other well. It is really hard to slow both of them down. Dandridge has 40 catches for 977 yards and 10 touchdowns this season. He averaged 108 yards per game and was a consistent threat all season for Cambridge. His best game this season came against Centennial. Dandridge has a kickoff return for a touchdown, seven catches for 221 yards and three touchdowns. He was simply unstoppable. Dandridge is one of those underrated prospects looking for an opportunity that can make a big splash on the next level.

Lovejoy LB Chad Fairchild- Fairchild has been a consistent visitor on the Flats throughout the spring and summer. Fairchild is ranked as a four-star prospect on Rivals and is known for his ability to fit the gaps, come downhill and lay the big hit on running backs. A part of his game that has improved is his ability to cover in the open space. He also has great instincts and can read a play before it happens and not let it get started. Fairchild has been a key cog on the defensive side of the ball for the Wildcats this season.

Milton LB Gage Lawrence- Gage Lawrence plays for the undefeated Milton Eagles and plays behind some of the best linebackers in the state Hayden Tumminia and AJ Benton. He has still made his impact felt this season. Lawrence has 27 tackles, seven QB hurries, and four tackles for loss. He has taken advantage of his opportunities when they’ve been there and has come up with big plays for Milton.

Carrollton LB CJ Gamble- Gamble is starting to make quite a name for himself not only on the football field but also in the recruiting ranks. He is known for his big hits and excellent football IQ. He’s been a consistent player for the Trojans this season and has been making plays all season. Gamble recently picked up an offer from USF taking his total to eight. This is a name that you could see create more buzz for himself in the playoffs and going into the offseason.

South Paulding OL Jayce Sanker- This will be the third time this year the offensive lineman has been on campus taking visits back in the early spring, summer, and now fall. Sanker is continuing to build the relationship with offensive line coach Geep Wade. Sanker does have an offer from UNC Charlotte and is on the Jackets’ radar as he has been a constant presence on the flats.

2027

Stephenson EDGE KJ Green- Green is one of the best players in the class of 2027, already being rated high by 247Sports. According to 247Sports Composite, Green is rated as a five-star prospect, the No. 6 EDGE, the No. 6 Player in Georgia, and the No. 27 player nationally. He finished the regular season with 28 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and seven sacks. Green is elite at setting the edge in the run game and also rushing the passer with his bevvy of moves. Green currently has 11 offers and picked up an offer from the Yellow Jackets back in September. He is a game wrecker and will be a name to continue to monitor throughout his career.

Prince Avenue Christian OL Gabe Prince- Prince is a key offensive lineman for Prince Avenue Christian and has grown a lot since being a freshman from 6’1 240 pounds to 6’3.5 and 270 pounds. He has already blocked against some good defensive linemen including Georgia Tech commit Carrington Coombs and DJ Jacobs. Prince is a staple on the offensive line for the Wolverines and has continued to improve this season.

Prince Avenue Christian ATH Andrew Beard- In a region-clinching win over Hebron Christian, Beard rushed for 173 yards and a touchdown. He also had two catches for 51 yards and a receiving touchdown. Beard has been electric all season and finished with 1,451 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns before heading into the playoffs. Simply put, Beard is one of the best and most versatile running backs in the country and was a heavily featured piece on the Prince Avenue Christian offense. He can also play some safety too. Just call him a ball player.

Calhoun QB Trace Hawkins-It cannot be understated what the true freshman has done this season for the Yellow Jackets. He has led them back to playoffs as a region champion after they missed the playoffs for the first time since 1999 last year. He’s had several standout performances including a big win earlier in the season over Northeast Whitfield where he threw for 265 passing yards and five touchdowns. Hawkins is a name that could become big in the state of Georgia especially if he leads Calhoun on a deep playoff run as a true freshman. He has all the tools and intangibles to do so.

Collins Hill QB Makyree Cross- Cross stepped in this year as a first-year starter for the Collins Hill Eagles and showed some great strides as a quarterback for the Eagles. He finished the regular season with 1,272 yards passing and 11 touchdowns. I got a chance to see him up close this season in a key region win against Mill Creek. My impression is he took what the defense gave him and made big plays when they were called upon and helped Collins Hill knock-off Mill Creek. Cross has shown he can be the signal caller for the Eagles for the next few years and can make them a dangerous team.

Buford DB Ethan Hauser- Hauser is a standout defensive back who has the interest of a lot of college programs. He has been on the Flats quite often and continues to build a relationship with the Yellow Jackets. He has been a key special teams ace this season for the Buford Wolves and will play a larger role for the team next season. He is a very instinctual defensive back who plays the ball well and is also good at making plays in the running game. Hauser will be a name to watch over the next few years.

2028

Grayson EDGE Ismael Schiefer- You really have to be involved in the Grayson to know this name because he is flying under the radar in terms of media coverage. Now, Schiefer already has nine offers as a true freshman with a couple of notable ones from USC, Auburn, South Carolina, Texas A&M, and more.

Peach County OL Hunter Hill- Hunter Hill is only a freshman but is already a problem. He stands at 6’3 and 310 pounds and when you scroll through his X account you can see him demolishing defenders in the interior. He is young but already has a good grasp of the game and has made his impact felt this season. Hill is a name that could be among the top offensive linemen in the country in the next few years. Also, his team, Peach County, is coming off one of their second region championship in the past three years and looks like it will be a state champion contender for years to come.

Additional Links

Georgia Tech Football: Yellow Jackets Reveal Uniform Combination For Saturday vs Miami

ACC Football: Predictions For Every Week 11 Game

Georgia Tech Basketball: Big Takeaways From Yellow Jackets Season Opening Win Against West Georgia

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Georgia

Georgia politicians react along party lines to Minneapolis ICE officer shooting, killing US citizen

Published

4 hours ago

January 8, 2026

Press Room

Georgia politicians react along party lines to Minneapolis ICE officer shooting, killing US citizen

Local groups plan to protest around downtown Atlanta Thursday evening after a Minneapolis woman was shot and killed by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent this week. Reactions from Georgia politicians on the killing have been divided.

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Georgia

Stacey Abrams rules out 2026 bid for Georgia governor

Published

16 hours ago

January 8, 2026

Press Room

Stacey Abrams rules out 2026 bid for Georgia governor

Politics

Two-time Democratic nominee says she’ll focus on fight against ‘authoritarianism’ instead.

Former gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams speaks at the Georgia State University Convocation Center in Atlanta on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, for a Kamala Harris campaign rally. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

Stacey Abrams won’t be on the Georgia ballot in 2026.

The two-time Democratic nominee for governor definitively ruled out another run for Georgia’s top job this year, saying Thursday she’ll instead continue her work fighting what she sees as the nation’s lurch toward authoritarianism under President Donald Trump.

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Georgia Gubernatorial Democratic candidate Stacey Abrams and Republican candidate Brian Kemp greet each other before a live taping of the 2018 Gubernatorial debate for the Atlanta Press Club at the Georgia Public Broadcasting studio in Atlanta, Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2018. (Alyssa Pointer/AJC)

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A broader battle

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Rev. Martha Simmons wears an “election protection” badge during election day on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020, as a part of the New Georgia Project’s Faith Initiative. (Christina Matacotta for the AJC)

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Democratic candidates for governor include (top row, left to right): Keisha Lance Bottoms, Geoff Duncan, Jason Esteves. Bottom row: Derrick Jackson, Ruwa Romman and Michael Thurmond. (AJC file photos)

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Greg Bluestein is the Atlanta Journal Constitution’s chief political reporter. He is also an author, TV analyst and co-host of the Politically Georgia podcast.

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Georgia

Georgia Republicans move to scrap state income tax by 2032 despite concerns

Published

1 day ago

January 7, 2026

Press Room

Georgia Republicans move to scrap state income tax by 2032 despite concerns

ATLANTA — Eliminating state income taxes sounds great to many voters, but Republicans backing the push in multiple states still face questions about whether such big tax cuts can be made without raising other taxes or sharply cutting state funding for education, health care and other services.

Georgia on Wednesday became the latest state to launch a bid to abolish its personal income tax, with Republican leaders in the Senate backing a proposal to zero it out by 2032. This year, Georgia’s personal income tax is projected to collect about $16.5 billion, or 44% of the state’s general revenue.

The push is driven by politics. Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, the Republican who leads the state Senate, has made eliminating income taxes a centerpiece of his 2026 campaign for governor. State Sen. Blake Tillery, a Vidalia Republican who led a committee to abolish the tax, is among candidates to succeed Jones as lieutenant governor.

“This is the first vote that we are going to get to take to address affordability,” Tillery said.

But it’s unclear if the proposal will pass. Georgia House Republicans may want to continue nibbling away at the tax in smaller bites, preferring a “measured” approach. Republican House Speaker Jon Burns of Newington said Wednesday that his big 2026 goal is to eliminate property taxes for homeowners, but said he’s willing to consider the Senate plan.

Republican Gov. Brian Kemp, serving his last year, has been cool to total elimination of the income tax. He declined to comment Wednesday on the Senate plan, but spokesperson Carter Chapman said Kemp wants “to continue lowering taxes and putting more money in Georgians’ pockets as he has throughout his term.”

The state’s Democratic minority opposes the move, saying it would mostly benefit high earners and the state needs money to provide services.

Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns (R-Newington) holds a pre-session press conference to discuss his priorities for the 2026 legislative session, at the State Capitol in Atlanta, Ga, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026. Credit: AP/Matthew Pearson

Multiple GOP-led states seek tax cuts

Iowa, Kentucky, Mississippi and Missouri have all set goals to abolish the personal income tax, joining eight other states that don’t tax personal income. Eight other states besides Georgia are cutting personal income tax rates this year, according to the Tax Foundation, a Washington, D.C., group generally skeptical of higher taxes.

“We’ve seen a lot of states cut their income tax rates in the last four or five years, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic and coming out of it,” said Aravind Boddupalli, senior researcher at the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center in Washington, D.C.

Supporters say cuts help a state compete for new residents and businesses, pointing to growth in Texas and Florida, two states without personal income taxes.

“Your income tax is a tax on productivity,” said Manish Bhatt, who studies state taxes for the Tax Foundation. “If you are taxing productivity, you are potentially losing out on economic gains.”

Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns (R-Newington) holds a pre-session press... — Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns (R-Newington) holds a pre-session press conference to discuss his priorities for the 2026 legislative session, at the State Capitol in Atlanta, Ga, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026. Credit: AP/Matthew Pearson

Front-loading cuts for lower earners

Georgia has already been cutting income taxes, taking what was once a top income tax rate of 6% and lowering it to a 5.19% flat rate. Republicans broadly support a further cut for individual and corporate taxpayers to 4.99% this year, worth an estimated $800 million in foregone tax revenue.

The Senate plan would then freeze the corporate rate and focus on individual tax cuts. It proposes in 2027 to exempt the first $50,000 of income for a single person or $100,000 for a married couple, up from $12,000 and $24,000 now.

Faced with Democratic criticism about affordability, the big increase in exempt income is central to Republicans’ own arguments about how they can make money stretch farther. About 70% of Georgians reported less than $100,000 of taxable income in 2024, according to state figures.

“It is a plan that gives benefits first to hardworking families,” Tillery said.

The initial rate cut, plus the exemption proposal, would lower Georgia revenue by $3.8 billion in its 2027 budget year. Tillery says the state could pay by using surplus tax revenue and shifting back to paying for capital expenditures through borrowing instead of cash. But those moves probably wouldn’t cover the foregone revenue even in the first year, much less $13 billion more in cuts to get to zero.

Tillery said revenue should be bolstered by trimming business income and sales tax breaks, saying legislators should reduce “corporate welfare.” But lawmakers and Kemp have balked at curtailing those measures in recent years.

Some tax cuts backfired

Tax cuts haven’t always been a political bonanza. In Kansas, after Republicans under Gov. Sam Brownback cut income taxes steeply more than a decade ago, voters revolted at budget cuts and lawmakers imposed multiple tax increases to cover persistent budget shortfalls, including restoring some income tax cuts. Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly won her first term in 2018 by framing the race as a referendum on Brownback’s policies.

“State income taxes are only bad if you fundamentally don’t believe that the services, the public investments that state governments provide, are worth anything,” said Matt Gardner, a senior fellow with the left-leaning Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy .

In Missouri, Republican Gov. Mike Kehoe and GOP legislative leaders have made phasing out the state’s income tax a top priority for the session starting Wednesday. They’re looking to expand sales taxes to services which currently are untaxed to help offset lost revenue.

“We want to do this in a smart, efficient way that’s not going to have the state go off some sort of fiscal cliff,” Missouri House Majority Leader Alex Riley told The Associated Press on Tuesday.

But expanding sales taxes could fall more heavily on poorer taxpayers. The liberal-leaning Georgia Budget and Policy Institute estimated that if Georgia doesn’t expand its sales tax, the combined state and local sales tax rate would have to rise sharply from the current 7.42% to recover revenue losses.

All that leads to questions about income-tax elimination plans, even from Republicans. Burns, the Georgia House speaker, said he’s “open” to any plan that benefits Georgians.

“But we’ve got to have the details, and it has to work,” Burns said. “We need to make sure we can continue to do vital services — health care, public safety, education, all the things we talked about.”

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