Georgia

Half of Georgia Counties—Mostly Rural—Have Poor Health Outcomes – Flagpole

Published

1 year ago

August 28, 2024

Half of Georgia Counties—Mostly Rural—Have Poor Health Outcomes – Flagpole

One of my objectives with Trouble in God’s Country has been to put Georgia’s performance across a range of socio-economic measures into a national context. As regular readers may recall, I’ve reported that Georgia has hugely disproportionate shares of its geography and population mired at the bottom of the national ladder for various measures.

In 2020, for example, Georgia had more people living in counties that were in the bottom national quartile for per capita income than any other state in the nation. Likewise, I found in analyzing educational attainment data that the 147 counties outside my 12-county Metro Atlanta region would constitute the second-worst educated state in the nation, behind Mississippi and just a little better than West Virginia. The Atlanta region would constitute the second-best educated state in the country, behind Colorado and ahead of Massachusetts.

Doing the same thing with health data has always been a little trickier, but a couple of months ago the nonprofit organization County Health Rankings & Roadmaps (CHRR) came to the rescue.

As a little background, CHRR has, for more than a decade now, been collecting and reporting key population health metrics on the vast majority of counties in the nation (there are always some counties you can’t get data for). The program is run by the University of Wisconsin’s Population Health Institute and funded, at least in part, by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

As part of its annual report, it has historically included in-state rankings; with this year’s report, it includes data that makes it possible to rank all counties nationally. Which is just what I needed.

So, the question I’d been waiting to get an answer to was simply: Would the same thing hold true with health? The answer, sadly, is… absolutely.

CHRR gauges county-level health outcomes by stirring together local data for the following measures: premature death rates, the percentage of live births reported with low birthweight, the percentage of adults reporting fair or poor health, and the average number of physically and mentally unhealthy days reported in the past 30 days.

Eighty-three of Georgia’s 159 counties are in the bottom national quartile for health outcomes, based on the CHRR rankings—more than any other state. This includes all but 20 of the counties south of the Gnat Line.

According to the Census Bureau’s latest population estimates, those 83 counties are home to 2.43 million Georgians. I’m still stitching together the national population analysis, but I’ll go out on a limb and say I’ll be more than a little surprised if we don’t also lead the nation in the number of people living in bottom-quartile counties.

The counties at the top and bottom of the Georgia list won’t come as a surprise to anybody. The top five Georgia counties for health outcomes, per the CHRR report, are (in order): Forsyth County, Oconee County, Cherokee County, Cobb County and Columbia County. The bottom five are: Early County at 155th; Crisp at 156th; Randolph County at 157th; Hancock County at 158th and Miller County at 159th.

One other factoid I can include here is that the Georgia-North Carolina contrast I’ve found with other measures holds true with health outcomes as well. Generally regarded as perhaps Georgia’s closest peer state, North Carolina has somehow managed to do a much better job than Georgia of limiting the number of its citizens who fall into the nation’s bottom tier for economic performance and educational attainment.

The same is true with CHRR’s health outcomes. Only 19 of North Carolina’s 100 counties and 6.7% of its population fell into the bottom national quartile for health outcomes in the latest study. In contrast, 22% of Georgia’s population live in the 83 counties that landed in the bottom quartile for health outcomes.

With both per capita income and educational attainment, I’ve been able to demonstrate that the gap between Georgia and North Carolina developed over time. With both those measures, there was a time when the two states had very comparable data profiles. But over time, North Carolina has done a better job of pulling its citizens out of the bottom national quartile for economic performance and educational attainment. I’ll be surprised if the same pattern doesn’t hold true with health outcomes.

Charles Hayslett is the author of the long-running troubleingodscountry.com blog. He is also the Scholar in Residence at the Center for Middle Georgia Studies at Middle Georgia State University. The views expressed in his columns are his own and are not necessarily those of the Center or the University.

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Georgia

Sources: Georgia State landing new defensive coordinator from ACC champs

Published

3 hours ago

January 4, 2026

Press Room

Sources: Georgia State landing new defensive coordinator from ACC champs

Dell McGee’s defensive staff overhaul as he enters Year 3 atop the Georgia State program is getting its most significant piece of the puzzle, FootballScoop has learned.

McGee is hiring Cam Clark, a senior analyst on Duke coach Manny Diaz’s 2025 Atlantic Coast Conference Champions staff, to run the Georgia State defense, sources tell FootballScoop.

It’s a notable hire for McGee, who is seeking to turn around Georgia State after going just 4-20 in his first two seasons at the helm.

While Clark arrives at Georgia State after assisting the Duke Blue Devils offense, his background is in defensive coaching.

He served two years as defensive coordinator at Football Championship Subdivision program Western Illinois, and he also ran the defense at Lamar University. Additionally, Clark was defensive coordinator at Georgia prep powerhouse Thomas County Central High School.

A former star player at Harding University, Clark obtained his master’s degree from Auburn University, where he served as a graduate assistant.

He has additional Football Bowls Subdivision experience from coaching under both Hugh Freeze and Gus Malzahn while serving on their respective staffs at Arkansas State.

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Georgia

Wilkinson scores 31 points as high-scoring No. 23 Georgia tops Auburn 104-100 in OT

Published

15 hours ago

January 3, 2026

Press Room

Wilkinson scores 31 points as high-scoring No. 23 Georgia tops Auburn 104-100 in OT

ATHENS, Ga. (AP) Jeremiah Wilkinson scored 31 points, including two 3-pointers in overtime, and No. 23 Georgia kept up its high-scoring pace as the Bulldogs held off Auburn 104-100 on Saturday in the Southeastern Conference opener for each team.

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Georgia

Best in Georgia: 2025 AJC Varsity high school football all-state teams

Published

6 days ago

December 29, 2025

Press Room

AJC Varsity

This year, athletes were honored outside the first team as the AJC Varsity Next 25 for Classes 2A through 6A and Next 20 for the two Class A divisions.

Creekside quarterback Cayden Benson was named the GHSA Class 4A offensive player of the year. (Daniel Varnado for the AJC)

From AJC Super 11 selections to breakout players to watch, here are the 2025 Georgia high school football all-state teams, divided by GHSA classification.

This year, we recognize the athletes who were honored outside the first team as the AJC Varsity Next 25 for Classes 2A through 6A and Next 20 for the two Class A divisions.

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AJC Varsity all-classification player of the year

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Buford running back Tyriq Green carries the ball for yards during the first half against Milton at Phillips Beard Stadium, Thursday, August, 14, 2025, in Buford, Ga. Buford won 20-13. Buford’s Tyriq Green is an AJC Super 11 and a Georgia commitment. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Class 6A

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Offense

QB – Aiden Watson, Harrison, 5-11, 175, So.
RB – Cam Wood, Carrollton, 5-8, 190, Sr.
RB – Marquis Fennell, Valdosta, 5-10, 185, Jr.
WR – Aaron Gregory, Douglas County, 6-3, 190, Sr.
WR – Ryan Mosley, Carrollton, 6-2, 210, Sr.
TE – Max Patterson, North Gwinnett, 6-6, 240, Jr.
OL – Brandon Anderson, North Cobb, 6-4, 312, Sr.
OL – Graham Houston, Buford, 6-5, 305, Sr.
OL – Zach Lewis, North Gwinnett, 6-4, 280, Sr.
OL – Tyreek Jemison, Paulding County, 6-5, 325, Sr.
OL – Zykie Helton, Carrollton, 6-2, 290, Sr.
ATH – Peyton Zachary, Carrollton, 5-7, 165, Sr.
PK – Carter Genchi, Hillgrove, 5-9, 160, Sr.

Defense

DL – Bryce Perry-Wright, Buford, 6-2, 250, Sr.
DL – Katrell Webb, Collins Hill, 6-3, 240, Sr.
DL – Deuce Geralds, Collins Hill, 6-2, 280, Sr.
DL – Jordan Carter, Douglas County, 6-4, 265, Sr.
LB – Tyler Atkinson, Grayson, 6-2, 210, Sr.
LB – Jake Godfree, North Gwinnett, 6-0, 215, Jr.
LB – Braxton Rembert, Mill Creek, 6-6, 210, Sr.
LB – Richard Dyce, Douglas County, 6-0, 220, Sr.
DB – Joshua Burks, Norcross, 5-11, 185, Sr.
DB – Chauncey Davis, North Gwinnett, 6-1, 190, Sr.
DB – Dorian Barney, Carrollton, 6-0, 170, Sr.
DB – Jamar Owens, Douglas County, 6-0, 175, Sr.
P – Jake Snyder, Denmark, 6-1, 175, Sr.
2W – Tyriq Green, Buford, 6-0, 200, Sr.

AJC Varsity 25 Next

DB/ATH – Casey Barner, McEachern, 6-0, 190, So.
DL – Darryl Rivers, McEachern, 6-5, 270, Sr.
DL – Dre Quinn, Buford, 6-4, 228, Sr.
LB – Olrick Johnson III, Harrison, 6-0, 210, Jr.
LB – Noah LaVallee, Walton, 6-2, 220, Sr.
LB – Blaize Battaglia, Milton, 6-1, 215, Jr.
LB – Deion Miller, Buford, 6-0, 220, Sr.
LB – CJ Gamble, Carrollton, 6-1, 225, Sr.
LB – Brayden Wesley Ruis, Colquitt County, 6-0, 210, Sr.
LB – Eli Harris, Grayson, 6-1, 200, Jr.
LB – Zamarian Williams, Valdosta, 5-10, 180, Sr.
OL – Jordan Agbanoma, Grayson, 6-3, 295, Jr.
OL – Ben Corhei, Lowndes, 6-5, 295, Sr.
PK/P – Elijah Frey, Norcross, 6-2, 195, Sr.
QB – Jordan Do, Archer, 5-11, 190, Sr.
QB – RayShaun Parks, Peachtree Ridge, 6-0, 205, Sr.
QB – Tyrieke Wade, Valdosta, 6-1, 185, Sr.
RB – Noriega Thompson, Walton, 5-9, 180, Sr.
RB – Brayden Tyson, Brookwood, 6-2, 235, Jr.
RB – Jae Lamar, Colquitt County, 6-0, 205, Sr.
RB – Mason Woods, Lowndes, 5-9, 175, Jr.
RB – Zach Belyeu, North Cobb, 5-11, 215, So.
RB/LB – Andrew Davis, West Forsyth, 5-9, 180, Sr.
WR – DJ Huggins, Harrison, 6-0, 175, Jr.
WR – DJ Miller, Newton, 5-11, 175, Sr.

Class 5A

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Offense

QB – Trey Smith, Roswell, 6-0, 205, Sr.
QB – Jaylen Johnson, Thomas County Central, 6-2, 220, Sr.
RB – Will Rajecki, Sequoyah, 5-11, 195, Sr.
RB – Christian “Deuce” Lawrence, Thomas County Central, 5-9, 185, Sr.
WR – Wills Campbell, Roswell, 6-1, 200, Sr.
WR – Jeremy Winston, Rome, 6-3, 170, Sr.
TE – Xavier Tiller, Hughes, 6-5, 215, Sr.
OL – Kelsey Adams, Hughes, 6-6, 300, Jr.
OL – Jared Doughty, Banneker, 6-6, 300, Sr.
OL – Krew Moledor, Gainesville, 6-4, 275, Sr.
OL – Alex Brewer, Sequoyah, 6-4, 315, Sr.
OL – Artem Korchagin, Thomas County Central, 6-4, 315, Sr.
PK – Quint Johnson, Newnan, 5-10, 180, Sr.

Defense

DL – Jamarion Matthews, Gainesville, 6-3, 255, Sr.
DL – Elijah Patmon, Northside-Warner Robins, 6-4, 295, Jr.
DL – Cam Brooks, Thomas County Central, 6-2, 225, Sr.
DL – Kadin Fossung, Gainesville, 6-3, 220, Sr.
LB – Tristan Lester, Milton, 5-11, 195, Sr.
LB – Brody Duffy, Roswell, 5-10, 185, Sr.
LB – Chad Fairchild, Lovejoy, 6-1, 235, Sr.
LB – Xavier Griffin, Gainesville, 6-4, 215, Sr.
DB – Blake Stewart, Woodward Academy, 6-0, 175, Sr.
DB – Jorden Edmonds, Sprayberry, 6-3, 180, Sr.
DB – Kealan Jones, Sprayberry, 6-1, 190, Sr.
DB – Jordan Smith, Houston County, 6-3, 200, Sr.
P – Afton Rowles, Woodward Academy, 6-1, 160, Jr.
2W – Darnell Collins, Rome, 6-3, 190, Sr.

AJC Varsity 25 Next

DB – Israel Prince-Oyakhire, Shiloh, 6-2, 190, Jr.
DB – Aamaury Fountain, Northside-Warner Robins, 6-3, 186, Jr.
DL – Ayden Cain, Gainesville, 6-1, 275, Sr.
DL – Omar Holland, Villa Rica, 6-1, 205, Sr.
DL/OL – Christian Speakman, Morrow, 6-4, 330, Sr.
LB – Rodney Colton Jr., Newnan, 6-2, 225, Sr.
LB – Brysen Davies, Northgate, 6-0, 210, Sr.
LB – Deacon Wiley, Jackson County, 5-11, 195, Sr.
LB/TE – Westen Ard, Houston County, 6-2, 225, Sr.
OL – Shavezz Dixon, Lee County, 6-4, 305, Jr.
OL – Landon Ghea, Milton, 6-5, 260, Fr.
QB – Grant Moore, Brunswick, 6-1, 200, Sr.
QB – Kharim Hughley, Gainesville, 5-11, 190, Jr.
QB – Aidan McPherson, Rome, 5-10, 180, Jr.
RB – Qwantavius Wiggins, Hughes, 5-10, 195, Sr.
RB – Daylan Maxwell, Jackson County, 5-7, 175, Jr.
RB – MJ Dowdy, Winder-Barrow, 5-11, 205, Sr.
RB – Nigel Newkirk, Gainesville, 5-11, 200, Jr.
TE – Grant Haviland, Milton, 6-5, 235, Jr.
TE – Heze Kent, Brunswick, 6-7, 285, Sr.
TE – Carter Blackwell, Lee County, 6-4, 210, Jr.
WR – Dylan Green, Kennesaw Mountain, 6-3, 175, Sr.
WR – MJ Mathis, Houston County, 6-2, 195, Sr.
WR – Jaden Upshaw, Lee County, 6-2, 202, Jr.
WR – Jabari Watkins, Thomas County Central, 6-2, 180, Jr.

Class 4A

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Offense

QB – Cayden Benson, Creekside, 5-11, 172, Sr.
RB – Quinterrius “Moonie” Gipson, Kell, 5-10, 200, Jr.
RB – Jonaz Walton, Central-Carrollton, 5-10, 205, Sr.
WR – Jordan Christie, Southwest DeKalb, 5-11, 190, Jr.
WR – Craig Dandridge, Cambridge, 6-1, 180, Sr.
WR – Brady Marchese, Cartersville, 6-1, 183, Sr.
OL – Jaylon Moore, Creekside, 6-4, 290, Jr.
OL – Chase Lewandowski, Kell, 6-2, 305, Sr.
OL – Jared Smith, Stockbridge, 6-5, 335, Sr.
OL – Bear McWhorter, Cass, 6-4, 300, Sr.
OL – Langston Hogg, Cartersville, 6-2, 275, Sr.
ATH – Chris “Bubba” Frazier, Benedictine, 5-11, 180, Sr.
PK – Leo Attard, Cambridge, 6-0, 180, Sr.

Defense

DL – Bryce Robinson, Locust Grove, 6-3, 270, Sr.
DL – Kameron Cody, Benedictine, 6-2, 285, Sr.
DL – LaDamion Guyton, Benedictine, 6-3, 225, Sr.
DL – Xavier Joseph, Eastside, 6-2, 240, Sr.
LB – Decari Farley, Creekside, 6-0, 185, Sr.
LB – Tavarre Terrell, Creekside, 5-11, 240, Jr.
LB – Owen Hare, Marist, 5-10, 170, Jr.
LB – David “DJ” Jacobs, Blessed Trinity, 6-5, 235, Jr.
DB – Jontavius Wyman, Jonesboro, 6-0, 180, Sr.
DB – Cortez Redding, Jonesboro, 6-0, 180, Sr.
DB – Kamarui Dorsey, Hampton, 6-3, 200, Jr.
DB – Micah Williams, Benedictine, 6-0, 200, Sr.
P – Jackson Andrews, Walnut Grove, 6-0, 180, Sr.
2W – Brayden Rouse, Kell, 6-3, 215, Sr.

AJC Varsity 25 Next

ATH – Xavier “Deuce” Butler, Lithonia, 5-10, 185, Sr.
DL – Malik Glass, Mays, 6-1, 290, Sr.
DL – Cassius Burch, Creekside, 6-0, 255, Jr.
DL – Dawson Jacobs, Blessed Trinity, 6-3, 260, So.
LB – Major Levell, Creekside, 5-10, 195, Jr.
LB – Braylon Jackson, Lithonia, 6-0, 215, Sr.
LB – Khamari Brooks, North Oconee, 6-4, 240, Sr.
LB – Luke Burnett, North Oconee, 5-11, 205, Sr.
LB – David Parson, Union Grove, 6-2, 225, Jr.
OL/DL – Brady Barry, Marist, 6-4, 256, Sr.
PK – Aditya Kaul, Westminster, 5-11, 185, Sr.
PK – Tyler Baradel, Marist, 6-0, 167, Jr.
QB – Braylon Carter, Southwest DeKalb, 6-3, 200, Sr.
QB – Brodie McWhorter, Cass, 6-3, 205, Sr.
QB – Caine Woods, Dalton, 6-2, 180, So.
QB – Harrison Faulkner, North Oconee, 6-1, 190, Sr.
QB – Nate Russell, Cartersville, 6-3, 200, Sr.
QB – Stephen Cannon, Benedictine, 6-2, 195, Sr.
QB – JR Harris, Central-Carrollton, 5-10, 175, Jr.
QB – Joshua Scott, Stockbridge, 6-0, 175, Jr.
RB – Gary Walker, Creekside, 6-0, 200, Jr.
RB – Kalil Charles, Cass, 5-11, 185, So.
WR – X’Zavier Cannon, Warner Robins, 5-10, 165, So.
WR – Jamario Rice, Ware County, 6-0, 185, Sr.
WR/DB – Dawson Batemon, Marist, 6-2, 193, Sr.

Class 3A

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Offense

QB – Caleb Hill, Sandy Creek, 6-1, 195, Jr.
RB – Amari Latimer, Sandy Creek, 6-0, 215, Sr.
RB – Ty Cummings, West Laurens, 5-7, 180, Sr.
WR – Cole Cable, North Hall, 6-0, 165, Jr.
WR – Justin Beasley, Calhoun, 5-10, 150, Sr.
TE – Mason Hall, Oconee County, 6-4, 215, Jr.
OL – Bear Fretwell, Southeast Bulloch, 6-7, 310, Sr.
OL – Grady Howell, West Laurens, 6-5, 290, Sr.
OL – Liam Thompson, Harlem, 6-3, 290, Sr.
OL – Mason McGill, North Hall, 6-4, 270, Sr.
OL – Mason Townsend, Monroe Area, 6-2, 285, Sr.
ATH – Tamari Curry, Westside-Augusta, 5-9, 165, Sr.
PK – Cooper Metcalf, LaGrange, 6-0, 175, So.

Defense

DL – John Amofah Jr., Douglass, 6-1, 270, Jr.
DL – Kwame “K.J.” Green, Stephenson, 6-5, 225, Jr.
DL – JT Austin, Sandy Creek, 6-2, 210, Jr.
DL – Sager Quinn, Calhoun, 6-3, 290, Sr.
LB – Alec Upshaw, Calhoun, 6-3, 235, Sr.
LB – Malachi Character, Upson-Lee, 6-1, 205, Sr.
LB – Augshawn Izzard, Jenkins, 6-2, 220, Sr.
LB – Darren Pinkard, Jefferson, 6-2, 220, Sr.
DB – KJ Deriso, Whitewater, 6-1, 175, Sr.
DB – Markel “Chino” Aguirre, Luella, 6-0, 200, Sr.
DB – Chance Payne, Jefferson, 6-0, 175, Sr.
DB – Rod Smith Jr., Sandy Creek, 5-10, 175, Sr.
P – Jake Collett, Heritage-Ringgold, 6-0, 175, Sr.
2W – Bryian Duncan, Cairo, 5-9, 160, Jr.

AJC Varsity 25 Next

DB – Zy’Corius Huzzie, LaGrange, 6-1, 173, Jr.
DB – Chase Usher, Sandy Creek, 5-10, 175, Sr.
DB – Ta’Shawn Poole, Howard, 6-2, 185, Jr.
DL – Evan Harvey, Sandy Creek, 6-3, 245, Sr.
DL – Dacian Davis, Monroe Area, 6-1, 265, Sr.
LB – Jeremiah Culpepper, Troup, 6-2, 205, Jr.
LB/RB – Marty Thomas, Richmond Academy, 6-1, 205, Sr.
LB/RB – Jaylen Teall, Cairo, 5-9, 170, Jr.
LB/RB – Shannon Adkins, West Laurens, 6-2, 225, Sr.
LB/RB – Parker Carlton, North Hall, 5-11, 190, Sr.
OL – Carson Shattuck, LaGrange, 6-0, 295, Sr.
OL – Solomon Mathis, Hephzibah, 6-5, 305, Sr.
OL – Cam’Ron Thompson, Jenkins, 6-3, 315, Sr.
QB – Jamarcus Harrison, East Hall, 6-3, 192, Sr.
QB – Alex Schlieman, North Hall, 6-1, 205, Jr.
QB – Garrison Edwards, Troup, 5-10, 185, Sr.
QB – Dylan Barber, LaGrange, 6-0, 185, Sr.
QB – Gavin Nuckolls, Northwest Whitfield, 6-0, 170, Sr.
QB – Justin Murphy, North Clayton, 6-1, 195, Jr.
RB – Jayden Johnson, Stephenson, 5-10, 185, Jr.
RB – Nolan Matthews, Lumpkin County, 6-0, 190, Sr.
RB – Ashton Barton, Peach County, 5-7, 145, Jr.
WR/DB – Dylan Haley, Cherokee Bluff, 6-2, 185, Jr.
WR/DB – Dominique Johnson, Jenkins, 5-10, 170, Sr.
WR/DB – Mason Stephens, Mary Persons, 5-10, 160, So.

Class 2A

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Offense

QB – Davis Strickland, Morgan County, 6-3, 210, Sr.
RB – Jaiden Knight, Appling County, 6-0, 185, Jr.
RB – Christian Monfort, Morgan County, 5-11, 205, Sr.
RB – Jae’Veon Williams, Pierce County, 5-10, 185, Jr.
WR – Jaris Sinkfield, Thomson, 5-9, 145, Sr.
WR – Gavin Green, Rockmart, 5-9, 165, So.
OL – Jaiden Tyler, Carver-Atlanta, 6-3, 280, Sr.
OL – Chris Booker, Hapeville Charter, 6-4, 285, Sr.
OL – Jaiden Thompson, Rockmart, 6-4, 290, Jr.
OL – Parker Pritchett, Carver-Columbus, 6-5, 310, Sr.
OL – Terrance Warren III, Carver-Columbus, 6-5, 330, Jr.
ATH – Hudson Hulett, North Murray, 5-10, 180, Sr.
PK – Luke Waters, Stephens County, 6-2, 185, Sr.

Defense

DL – Michael Johnson Jr., Carver-Atlanta, 6-1, 230, Sr.
DL – Tyrone Fitten, Callaway, 6-2, 290, Sr.
DL – NicQuayvion Simmons, Carver-Columbus, 6-3, 305, Sr.
DL – Tristian Givens, Carver-Columbus, 6-4, 215, Sr.
LB – Rashad Williamson, Hapeville Charter, 6-1, 190, Sr.
LB – Xavious Anderson, Callaway, 6-1, 215, Sr.
LB – Jaeden Taylor, Carver-Columbus, 6-1, 205, So.
LB – Nate Davis, Rockmart, 5-11, 205, Sr.
DB – Zion Crawford, Hapeville Charter, 6-1, 185, Sr.
DB – Kennedi Bailey, Thomson, 6-3, 175, Sr.
DB – Antavius Watts, Carver-Columbus, 6-0, 185, Sr.
DB – Aaron Kearse, Sumter County, 6-1, 205, Sr.
P – Brooks Moore, Cook, 6-0, 205, Sr.
2W – Terrious Favors, Carver-Atlanta, 5-10, 175, Sr.

AJC Varsity 25 Next

ATH – Zay’Veion Brinson, Thomson, 5-11, 190, Jr.
DB – Ronquavious Morris, Burke County, 6-0, 165, So.
DB/WR – Rashaad Silver, Columbia, 6-2, 180, Jr.
DB/WR – Travion Callaway, KIPP Atlanta Collegiate, 5-9, 150, Jr.
DB/WR – Ramarcus Simpson II, Hart County, 6-3, 185, Sr.
DL – Carlin Ervin, Crisp County, 6-1, 257, Sr.
DL – Marcus Taylor, Laney, 6-1, 245, Sr.
DL – Wihtlley Cadeau, Washington, 6-5, 295, Sr.
DL – Joshua Coleman, Sumter County, 6-2, 300, Sr.
LB – Jabari Dawson, Cook, 5-9, 180, Jr.
LB – Elliott Harbin, Franklin County, 6-0, 180, So.
LB – Brody Jenkins, Morgan County, 6-0, 200, Sr.
LB – Kendall Thomas, Sumter County, 5-10, 195, Sr.
OL – Chris Hector, Columbia, 6-5, 305, Jr.
QB – Sean Vandiver, Burke County, 5-11, 165, Sr.
QB – Thomas Winston IV, Miller Grove, 6-0, 170, Sr.
QB – Tucker Parson, Rockmart, 6-3, 170, Fr.
QB – Chaz Pate, Sonoraville, 6-0, 190, Sr.
QB – Elijah Fudge, Spencer, 6-0, 170, Jr.
RB – Zachary Watts, Carver-Columbus, 5-11, 175, Fr.
RB – Trevon Rogers, Tattnall County, 5-10, 180, Sr.
RB/LB – Haddon Fries, Ringgold, 5-6, 175, Sr.
WR – Deshaun Fedd, Crisp County, 6-1, 175, Sr.
WR – Ty Tillery, Morgan County, 6-4, 200, Sr.
WR/DB – Jared Mitchell, Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe, 6-4, 185, Sr.

Class A Division I

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Offense

QB – Ethan Tisdale, Heard County, 6-1, 185, Jr.
QB – Lyndon Worthy, Worth County, 6-3, 180, Jr.
RB – Justin Powell, Toombs County, 6-0, 210, Sr.
RB – Kaden Chester, Worth County, 5-8, 150, Sr.
WR – Nigel Pittman, Thomasville, 6-0, 190, Sr.
WR – Santiago Bizzell, Bacon County, 6-1, 175, Sr.
TE – Jayden Farley, Worth County, 6-0, 195, Sr.
OL – David Ford, Fitzgerald, 6-3, 270, Jr.
OL – Jacob Kilgore, Haralson County, 6-2, 230, Sr.
OL – Jordyn Campbell, Jasper County, 6-0, 285, Sr.
OL – Luke Reece, Chattooga, 6-2, 285, Sr.
OL – Keondre Roberts, McNair, 6-2, 320, Sr.
PK – Carter Allen, Bremen, 6-3, 185, Jr.

Defense

DL – Jamarcus Johnson, Toombs County, 6-5, 305, So.
DL – Max Lasseter, Heard County, 6-0, 215, Sr.
DL – Jalen Dardy, Dublin, 6-2, 220, Jr.
DL – Rinaldo Callaway III, Southwest, 6-5, 205, Sr.
LB – Chance Sims, Worth County, 6-2, 205, Sr.
LB – Hayden Roy, Toombs County, 6-1, 205, Sr.
LB – Tailen Sampson, Northeast, 5-11, 190, Sr.
LB – Kaden Carter, Lamar County, 6-2, 210, Sr.
DB – Anthony Hill Jr., Thomasville, 5-11, 185, Jr.
DB – Alex Scott, Toombs County, 5-10, 175, Jr.
DB – Madoc Garcia, Pepperell, 5-10, 180, Sr.
DB – Jauriel Bray, Dodge County, 6-1, 170, Jr.
P – Makari Williams, Thomasville, 5-9, 160, Jr.
2W – Reid Giles, Rabun County, 5-10, 185, Sr.

AJC Varsity 20 Next

ATH – Mark Durden, Jeff Davis, 5-10, 160, So.
ATH – Victor Copeland, Fitzgerald, 5-10, 150, Sr.
DB/RB – Jamarcus Knight, Dublin, 5-8, 170, Jr.
DL – Antonio Heath, Heard County, 5-8, 205, Sr.
DL – Bryson Johnson, Lamar County, 5-11, 205, Jr.
DL – Kadin Fife, Chattooga, 6-4, 295, Jr.
LB – Latrell Sellers, Jeff Davis, 6-2, 215, Sr.
LB – Lincoln Blackmon, Elbert County, 5-10, 210, Sr.
LB – Tyson King, Fitzgerald, 6-1, 220, Sr.
LB/WR – Sam Ross, Pepperell, 5-10, 185, Sr.
OL – Brock Barrett, Oglethorpe County, 6-3, 315, Sr.
OL/DL – Christian Tarver, Swainsboro, 6-2, 225, Jr.
QB – Brody Fleming, Bleckley County, 5-10, 175, Jr.
QB – Cam Hill, Thomasville, 6-2, 205, Sr.
QB – Jordan Wiggins, Northeast, 6-2, 160, Fr.
QB – Paxton Ray, Haralson County, 6-0, 160, Sr.
RB – Chance Ross, Jasper County, 6-1, 220, Jr.
RB/DB – Peyton Groce, Gordon Lee, 5-10, 180, Sr.
RB/LB – Layne Vaughn, Gordon Lee, 5-11, 205, Sr.
WR – Elliot Hamilton, Social Circle, 5-9, 170, Sr.

Class A Division II

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Offense

QB – Joshua Hopkins, Bowdon, 5-10, 175, Sr.
RB – Alvin Ricks, Wheeler County, 5-10, 215, Sr.
RB – Kelby Glaze, Lincoln County, 5-11, 190, Sr.
WR – Kaiden Prothro, Bowdon, 6-6, 218, Sr.
WR – Traeviss Stevenson, Brooks County, 6-1, 180, Sr.
OL – Christon Zanders, Telfair County, 6-2, 310, Sr.
OL – Haywood Baynor, Marion County, 6-1, 295, Sr.
OL – John Harden, Bowdon, 6-4, 305, Jr.
OL – Tony Ball, Screven County, 6-2, 250, Sr.
OL – Ry’Quavius Cratic, Early County, 6-1, 315, Sr.
ATH – Mekhi Wade, Lincoln County, 5-8, 175, Sr.
ATH – CJ McAdoo, Wilcox County, 5-10, 165, Sr.
PK – Fortson Partridge, Lincoln County, 5-11, 185, Sr.

Defense

DL – Demarrion Washington, Brooks County, 6-1, 250, Sr.
DL – Johnathan Solomon, Hawkinsville, 6-1, 195, Jr.
DL – Charles Nance, Dooly County, 6-2, 275, Jr.
DL – Justin Culver, Wheeler County, 5-11, 200, Sr.
LB – Nibraylin Welch, Greenville, 6-0, 250, Sr.
LB – Christian Elam, Lincoln County, 6-0, 212, Sr.
LB – Myles Davis, Wilcox County, 5-11, 165, Sr.
LB – Ab Marsh, Emanuel County Institute, 5-9, 165, Jr.
DB – Fred Causey, Clinch County, 5-10, 170, Sr.
DB – Chase Johnson, Emanuel County Institute, 5-10, 150, Jr.
DB – Jaedyn Terry, Manchester, 6-3, 175, Sr.
DB – Tayshawn Norris, Johnson County, 6-0, 160, Sr.
P – Zac Koehler, GMC Prep, 5-10, 170, Sr.
2W – Devonis Lee, Early County, 5-11, 185, Sr.

AJC Varsity 20 Next

ATH – Mike Ricks, Metter, 5-9, 180, Sr.
DB/WR – Berkley Perkins, Bowdon, 5-10, 180, Sr.
DL/LB – Trace Hill, Taylor County, 5-9, 200, Jr.
DL/OL – Charvis Givens, Treutlen, 6-3, 250, Sr.
DL/TE – Jamarious Luke, Jenkins County, 6-0, 225, Sr.
LB – Lucki Bailey, Bowdon, 5-9, 175, Jr.
LB – Codofee Revell, Manchester, 5-7, 165, Fr.
LB – Kyiis Mingo, Clinch County, 5-11, 200, Jr.
LB – Ziion Wesley, Johnson County, 5-8, 165, Sr.
LB/WR – Za’kari Henderson, Seminole County, 6-0, 215, Sr.
QB – Evan Grist, Early County, 5-9, 160, Sr.
QB – Traviian Miller, Clinch County, 6-2, 185, So.
QB/DB – Quenterrion Sanford, Wilkinson County, 6-2, 175, Jr.
RB – AB Hilton, Screven County, 5-11, 195, Jr.
RB – Jakeyveon “Noah” Parker, Macon County, 5-9, 198, Jr.
RB/DB – Jeremiah Scott, Johnson County, 5-7, 160, So.
RB/LB – Darrian Roberts, Atkinson County, 5-10, 190, Sr.
RB/LB – Cedarius Johnson, Warren County, 5-9, 170, Sr.
RB/OLB – Jamarion Shephard, Miller County, 6-2, 225, Jr.
WR/DB – Brandon Woolard, Charlton County, 5-9, 175, Sr.

Class 3A-A Private

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Offense

QB – Skylar Hamilton, Landmark Christian, 6-2, 190, Sr.
RB – Devon Caldwell, Hebron Christian, 5-9, 185, Sr.
RB – Mason Hollingsworth, Whitefield Academy, 6-0, 185, Sr.
WR – Keyon Standifer, Athens Academy, 5-9, 170, Jr.
WR – Jack Rhodes, Aquinas, 6-3, 180, Sr.
TE – Brice Williamson, Prince Avenue Christian, 6-3, 240, Sr.
OL – Eli Rickell, Wesleyan, 6-5, 270, Sr.
OL – Fletcher Turk, Hebron Christian, 6-6, 295, Sr.
OL – Buck Talley, Athens Academy, 6-4, 250, Sr.
OL – Jordan Dillon, Savannah Christian, 6-4, 315, Jr.
OL – Lawson Bentley, Calvary Day, 6-3, 285, Jr.
ATH – Jarvis Mathurin, Hebron Christian, 5-7, 155, Sr.
PK – Graham Anand, Greater Atlanta Christian, 5-11, 170, Jr.

Defense

DL – Alex Diffley, Lovett, 6-2, 193, Sr.
DL – Jay Varner, Calvary Day, 6-2, 305, Sr.
DL – William Dukes, Whitefield Academy, 6-2, 215, Sr.
DL – Fred Moses Jr., Hebron Christian, 6-2, 280, So.
LB – CJ Ohuabunwa, Greater Atlanta Christian, 6-2, 210, Jr.
LB – Brady Robinson, Landmark Christian, 6-0, 190, Sr.
LB – Hayes Beaver, Savannah Country Day, 6-2, 210, Sr.
LB – Albert Wilham, Hebron Christian, 5-9, 195, Jr.
DB – Brayden Bailey, Holy Innocents’, 5-9, 155, So.
DB – Max Steve, Hebron Christian, 5-9, 175, Sr.
DB – Denzell Watkins, Greater Atlanta Christian, 5-10, 170, Sr.
DB – Emerson Lewis, Calvary Day, 5-11, 190, Jr.
P – Eli Hewatt, Mount Paran Christian, 5-11, 165, So.
2W – Jonathan Granby, Fellowship Christian, 6-0, 180, Sr.

AJC Varsity 25 Next

DB/WR – Simon Cofrancesco, Fellowship Christian, 6-1, 190, Sr.
DB/WR – Preston Funk, Trinity Christian, 6-1, 175, Sr.
DL – Greg Brezina, Trinity Christian, 5-9, 180, Sr.
DL – Myles Jackson, Holy Innocents’, 6-4, 240, Sr.
LB – Will Forte, Lovett, 6-0, 210, Sr.
LB – Cooper Middleton, Christian Heritage, 6-0, 190, Jr.
LB – John Gross, Savannah Christian, 5-11, 175, Sr.
LB – Kenneth Baker III, Calvary Day, 5-11, 210, Jr.
LB – Colin Durning, Prince Avenue Christian, 5-11, 205, Jr.
OL/DL – Elijah Morrison, Hebron Christian, 6-4, 305, Jr.
QB – Michael Miller, Greater Atlanta Christian, 6-0, 170, So.
QB – James Mobley, Calvary Day, 5-9, 175, Jr.
QB – Blaise Thomas, Savannah Christian, 5-9, 180, Sr.
QB – Chap Chapman, Athens Academy, 6-1, 200, Sr.
QB – Charlie Baxter, Christian Heritage, 6-0, 175, Fr.
RB – CJ Givers, Fellowship Christian, 5-11, 195, Sr.
RB – Bakari Hamilton, Trinity Christian, 5-9, 185, Sr.
RB – PayTon Prince, Athens Academy, 6-2, 210, Sr.
RB – Andrew Beard, Prince Avenue Christian, 5-10, 192, Jr.
RB/DB – Taylor Markakis, King’s Ridge Christian, 6-0, 175, Jr.
RB/DL – Maddox Gartland, Wesleyan, 6-0, 190, Sr.
WR – Taurean Rawlins, Mount Vernon, 6-0, 170, Jr.
WR – Peyton Echols, Trinity Christian, 6-0, 175, Sr.
WR/RB – Christian Kates, Aquinas, 5-8, 170, Sr.
WR/DB – CJ Dockery, Prince Avenue Christian, 6-2, 210, Sr.

Todd Holcomb covers high school sports across the state. He rejoined The Atlanta Journal-Constitution in 2025 and has worked with the AJC in varying capacities since 1985. He is a co-founder and editor of Georgia High School Football Daily.

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