Georgia

Versatile rising junior Jalon Walker eyes ‘expanded’ role for Georgia football in 2024

Published

2 years ago

January 24, 2024

Press Room

Versatile rising junior Jalon Walker eyes ‘expanded’ role for Georgia football in 2024

Jalon Walker closed out his sophomore Georgia football season with a flourish.

He rang up two sacks and five quarterback pressures in the SEC championship game against Alabama and then tied his career-high with four tackles against Florida State in the Orange Bowl rout.

What’s next for a player listed as an inside linebacker who showed he’s a playmaker on the edge during a season in which he led the Bulldogs with 5 sacks?

More: ‘The guys trust him:’ What assistant Travaris Robinson will bring to Georgia football

More: Georgia football program tracker: Player movement, staff changes and other news

“I feel like my role will be the same, but I feel like it will expand as well,” Walker said before the Orange Bowl. “Going into next year, we have a lot of ideas going what we will do expanding my game, expanding the worth of my game as well. Just seeing that aspect, it’s exciting for me getting ready for next season.”

Walker averaged 17 snaps per game this season, but tied for his second most of the season with 27 against Florida State.

“I think he’s just a unique individual and we’re going to find ways to use him more moving forward,” defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann said.

Walker lined up 62 percent of the time this season as an edge rusher on the line, with 35 percent at inside linebacker and 3 percent in the slot and led the team in quarterback hurries with 19, according to Pro Football Focus.

He played equally on the edge and at inside backer against Florida State.

Lining up inside, he helped force Florida State quarterback Brock Glenn to the middle where he was tackled on one play. In one series he lined up on the edge on first down and at inside linebacker on third down.

Schumann was told that the 6-foot-2, 245-pound Walker considers himself an HLB—hybrid linebacker.

“He likes that term,” Schumann said.

Georgia has trained inside linebackers to man the middle on early downs and then moved them out to the edge in rush packages.

“Maybe they weren’t always the first guy in the depth chart because somebody else was ahead of them in that role,” Schumann said. “But what he’s done is he’s taken on some roles in packages that maybe hasn’t shown itself as much in the game where he goes out on the edge as well. That’s really challenging because when you have to be able to defend run and pass at both positions and all the different blocks that can show up for you and the scenarios in coverage variables there, that requires a lot of effort and focus both on the field and off the field.”

Walker was the nation’s No. 4 ranked linebacker in the 2022 class by the 247Sports Composite out of Salisbury, N.C.

“He decided to take on the challenge and play more off the ball in college because he knew it’d be more beneficial to him in the long run because, the more you can do, the more value you add to your career,” Schumann said. “He’s helped us a ton on third down. He’s going to help us more on first and second down moving forward. I’m excited about where he’s going.”

Walker has had to learn about seeing things properly as an off-ball linebacker in keying the run and then navigating blocks, Schumann said.

He finished with 20 tackles this season after making nine tackles as a freshman.

“Jalon goes about his business the right way,” Schumann said. “He works really hard. He’s a unique individual because he’s able to play both inside and out. He helped us a lot on third down this year. We also had packages where he played off the ball on first and second down. He’s just grown leaps and bounds.”

Georgia returns an experienced starter at inside linebacker in senior Smael Mondon and already counted on rising sophomores CJ Allen and Raylen Wilson plenty in their first college seasons. The Bulldogs signed five-star Justin Williams and four-stars Chris Cole and Kristopher Jones at the position.

Georgia looks like it will use defensive end Mykel Williams more as an edge rusher in 2024 and Samuel M’Pemba and Damon Wilson will have a chance to earn more playing time at the position with Chaz Chambliss.

Walker brings an intriguing skill-set.

“He’s explosive, twitchy, can bend, has really good pass rush ability,” coach Kirby Smart said after the Florida win when Walker had a sack and forced fumble. “But he also has the luxury of playing inside backer where he can stack off the ball and do things to help our defense be multiple. But you’re not going to find a higher quality kid in any organization than Jalon. He is unbelievable in what he stands for and what he represents and how he works.”

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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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