Georgia

The Bitter Standoff Over Georgia's Next President

Published

1 year ago

December 13, 2024

The Bitter Standoff Over Georgia's Next President

TBILISI — Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili recently posted a photo of New Year’s decorations at the presidential residence in Tbilisi. “They put a train in front of the Orbeliani Palace,” she wrote on Facebook. “Let’s see who will be leaving.”

On December 14, an electoral college dominated by the ruling Georgian Dream party is expected to choose Mikheil Kavelashvili, a 53-year-old former footballer and right-wing populist, as Georgia’s next president. The inauguration is set to take place on December 29.

But with Georgia rocked by ongoing anti-government protests, the 72-year-old Zurabishvili, whose term ends this year, has said she isn’t going anywhere.

“There will be no inauguration and my mandate continues,” the incumbent said on November 30.

The Diplomat Vs. The Footballer

The backgrounds and political outlooks of the two politicians couldn’t be more different.

Zurabishvili was born in France to a family of Georgian exiles who fled the Red Army invasion in 1921. She served for decades as a French diplomat before becoming the Georgian foreign minister in 2004. As her political star rose, she appealed more to urban and progressive segments of Georgian society, a consistent advocate of the country’s integration with the European Union.

Not for the first time, she has sided with protesters who for over two weeks have taken to the streets across the country to protest the government putting Georgia’s EU accession on hold. The authorities have responded with a violent crackdown, targeting protesters, opposition activists, and journalists.

While initially endorsed by Georgian Dream for her successful presidential run in 2018, Zurabishvili has been a thorn in the ruling party’s side. Although officially a nonpartisan president limited to a ceremonial role, Zurabishvili has criticized Georgian Dream for its increasingly authoritarian stance.

Whereas Zurabishvili has frequently portrayed herself as a champion of democracy, Kavelashvili has portrayed himself as a champion of the people. Presenting himself as a Georgian everyman, Kavelashvili is a celebrated footballer who had a successful career abroad playing in Switzerland, England, and Russia.

Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili (right) attends an anti-government demonstration in downtown Tbilisi on November 28.

After entering parliament in 2016, Kavelashvili went on to found the People’s Power party, a more radical, anti-Western offshoot of Georgian Dream. Appealing to the country’s conservative rural heartlands, he frequently contrasts “traditional Georgian values” with what he sees as the degeneracy of Western liberalism and has taken a hard line on immigration and national sovereignty.

Kavelashvili has the backing of Georgian Dream and the party’s uber-powerful founder, billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili. “He is the best embodiment of a Georgian man. A wonderful husband and father of four children,” Ivanishvili said when he presented the presidential candidate on November 27.

Disputed Elections

At the heart of the standoff is the dispute over the country’s recent parliamentary elections. In an October 26 vote, Georgian Dream declared a resounding victory, winning 54 percent, while the four collaborating opposition forces received 38 percent.

International observers and the opposition cried foul, saying the result was flawed, with widespread irregularities and ballot fraud. Zurabishvili has said the elections were “stolen” with the help of Russia and sees the parliament — and thus the electoral college — as illegitimate.

Zurabishvili is the last Georgian president to be voted directly by the people. In 2017, Georgia adopted a new system of indirect presidential elections as part of constitutional changes ostensibly aimed at strengthening parliamentary democracy, reducing political polarization, and aligning with European norms where presidents are usually restricted to ceremonial roles.

Critics of the reform, however, say it’s a power grab by Georgian Dream, designed to weaken political competition and erode potential checks on parliamentary and governmental authority.

Mounting Tensions

Since taking office in 2012, Georgian Dream has faced growing criticism for its creeping authoritarianism, including accusations of election tampering, judicial interference, and media repression. Over the last year, Georgia has been criticized by the United States and the European Union for its controversial anti-LGBT and “foreign agent” laws, which were both enthusiastically endorsed by Kavelashvili.

As thousands of Georgians continue to protest in the capital, facing brutal police tactics, there have been unsubstantiated rumors floating around that Zurabishvili was going to barricade herself inside the presidential palace. Many protesters fear police are going to start clearing Rustaveli Avenue, where the demonstrations are centered, ahead of the election.

The vote is expected to begin at 9 a.m. local time on December 14, with the results announced that day. While there are members of the opposition in the electoral college, they are refusing to take part. And since there is only one candidate, there is no possibility of a second round.

This isn’t the first time Georgia has faced such a situation. After being elected as the country’s first president in May 1991, Zviad Gamsakhurdia was ousted in a coup. In exile, he refused to cede power or acknowledge the new government led by Eduard Shevardnadze, the Glasnost-era Soviet foreign minister.

In 1993, Gamsakhurdia returned to Georgia, leading an unsuccessful armed resistance but died later that year under mysterious circumstances.

The result of the December 14 presidential vote will almost certainly not be recognized by Georgia’s opposition or civil society activists. While Kavelashvili and the ruling party remain popular among some Georgians — especially those untouched by the demonstrations — Zurabishvili has the support of the protesters, whose violent treatment by riot police has shocked many in Georgia.

“I am protected by the people who are out on the streets,” she told the BBC on December 1. “I think that the ruling party is very isolated today and it will become even more isolated.”

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Georgia

Sources: Georgia State landing new defensive coordinator from ACC champs

Published

5 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

17 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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