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High School Football: Georgia spring football blog

Jeremy Johnsonby:Jeremy Johnson•05/15/25•

JeremyO_Johnson

Georgia/Tyler Atkinson
Photo by Jeremy Johnson.

In Georgia, the month of May brings football back into the air. Just a taste, but enough of a glimpse for me to gas up the Batmobile, turn on Midnight Star’s hits and hit the road to see some of the Peach State’s best players and programs.

This story will chronicle my journey. Usually, this time of year, I shoot for 50 stops along the way. Sometimes it ends up being more, sometimes less.

Who knows this time around? One thing I can say, you will hear about players you’ve heard of and you’ll hear about players you haven’t heard of in this blog. Some of the biggest names in college football, I came in contact with during this stretch of the calendar, before they were household names.

The first stops along the way begin today. Happy spring!

Gainesville

My first stop was a familiar one. It’s usually one I make every and often. The Red Elephants are as talented as they come.

They are one of the best-run programs in the Peach State. They waste little time during practice and Riley Niblett has buy-in from their star quarterback all the way to their incoming middle schoolers.

There were a few standout athletes who grabbed my attention. The first was one I’ve seen a lot of. Five-star linebacker Xavier Griffin. He plays all over the defense. His speed is his ultimate trump card.

Griffin is going to be asked to be the leader of the middle of the defense more in 2025. He’s got the speed to knife and make the splash plays as a blitzer and pass rusher. His next step in his development is going to be playing through the traffic.

I came away blown away with 2027 quarterback Kharim Hughley. It wasn’t necessarily his competitions that grabbed my attention.

Hughley has command of everything that Niblett envisions. He is controlled in the huddle and drill-to-drill. It’s clear that he has taken the quarterback position in the context of what that means. He’s the leader of that football team.

Hughley has a powerful arm that he has control of. He’s also mobile and doesn’t mind escaping and hurting you with his legs or quickly flicking the ball down the football field.

He has a really good feel for situations.

Defensive line

I was really impressed with the growth of Duke defensive line commit Ayden Cain as well. Cain is in his first season with Gainesville. He was at Dutchtown before.

Cain flashed as a penetrator on Thursday morning. He’s not a tall defensive lineman, but he uses his leverage and quickness to just mess up cutbacks and knife under down blocks. He’ll be a consistent force next to Alabama commit Jamarion Matthews.

Speaking of Matthews, he is going to help the Red Elphants in a few ways. He’s a long-armed defensive lineman who can put his arm in the passing lanes, he’s also a strong, powerful player at the point of attack.

A few new names that will be P5 names to know.

Duluth

One major player in particular drew me to Duluth in my second stop of the day on Thursday. Four-star cornerback Peyton Dyer was that player.

He is as advertised in pads. Dyer is almost a jumbo athlete, even as a secondary player. He has played mostly cornerback, but Duluth’s coaching staff is moving him around the defense. Dyer is the prototypical best athlete on the field, so he needs to be involved as much as he can be defensively to impact the football game.

Dyers is a monster presence in the secondary. A few new names popped up as well.

Another defensive back Landon Edmondson, popped on the screen during practice. He’s got the length and some versatility. His hit during Oklahoma drills from earlier this week has been making its rounds.

The other young name to know at Duluth is offensive lineman Jarvar Noissette. He was not able to practice due to an injury, but will return next week. Noissette is a young mauler. He’s got explosive hands and people shock back and sometimes fall off his initial punch. Noissette is bendy and can plays with low pads. Already been a starter in 6A for his entire freshman season. Noissette has double-digit offers already.

Parkview had a young player like this a few years ago, his name was Cortez Smith and he now plays for the University of Georgia.

Road Radio Recap

Here are the five best things I heard on the radio on the road on Thursday.

  1. Every Little Step – Bobby Brown
  2. Ascension – Maxwell
  3. Love’s Train – Con Funk Shun
  4. Night Rider – Midnight Star
  5. Candy – Cameo

Grayson

Grayson’s practice is like a neatly crafted poem form of football. It’s violent chaos to the uninitiated. Inside that locker room, everyone knows exactly what’s supposed to be happening and the time effectiveness is the priority.

Head coach Santavious Bryant is one of the stars of high school football. He spent a year under Niblett at Gainesville and he carries a lot of those teachings with him to Grayson.

That showed in the way the Rams practice. After watching Gainesville practice it was very similar. They coach their players hard but the culture is one of nurturing. Grayson and Gainesville are both prime contenders in their classifications.

The big attraction from a prospect standpoint was five-star linebacker Tyler Atkinson who has drawn college coaches a lot already this spring.

Atkinson looks like a five-star. No need to go much further than that, but I’m going to. Atkinson has gained about 10 pounds since the end of last season. An already physical football has gotten even more physical and he’s kept his speed and ability to cover.

Four-star linebacker Anthony Davis was also impressive. He’s added some size and continues to be a physical and dominant player in his own right.

T.K. Cunningham has grown into a menace pass rusher. He’s long, athletic and has the size to play multiple positions along the front.

A new player that jumped on the radar. Cameron McGee towered over everyone. The 6-foot-5, 350-pound former basketball player has put things together this offseason. He’s picked up some steam on the recruiting trail but this is a national talent whose recruitment is about to go national.

There are very human beings on Earth that can hold two blockers and allow linebackers to run around and make plays. McGee’s basketball athleticism shows up in his soft feet and there is a good amount of twitch from the big man.

Mark the name down. McGee could jump onto boards nationally soon and become a key piece of a class.

Road Radio Recap

The five best things I heard on the radio

  1. Human Nature – Michael Jackson
  2. All I have – Jennifer Lopez and LL Cool J
  3. Cooped Up/Return of the Mack – Post Malone and Mark Morrison
  4. Samauri – Lupe Fiasco (Courtesy of my lovely wife)
  5. Bigfoot – Lupe Fiasco (Another wife favorite)

Clarke Central

Made a local stop on Monday afternoon to check in on Clarke Central. Georgia 2025 quarterback signee Hezekiah Millender was a star for the Gladiators in 2024.

Clarke Central will look to find a few new playmakers in 2025. A name that is back that has seen his recruitment take off is defensive lineman Anthony Lonon Jr.

Lonon is a Georgia legacy. His father was a tight end for the Bulldogs. The younger Lonon has blossomed physically in the last two years. He’s around 6-foot-2, 260 pounds and has played everywhere on the defensive line.

Lonon is explosive and can penetrate with the best of them. His best football may still be ahead of him.

Kell High School

Tuesday morning found me at Kell High School in Marietta. The Longhorns feature multiple blue-chip players. The immediate standout is Brayden Rouse.

The four-star linebacker lines up in multiple spots on defense. He also plays a few roles as a wide receiver. Rouse is a big and athletic playmaker. 2027 four-star running back Moonie Gipson is also a name that has been established for some time. He’s a smooth patient runner. Gipson loves football, the Kell coaching staff had to hide his helmet in order to get him to take a few reps off.

2026 defensive back Tony Forney is a versatile player who stood out as well. He’s not a large defensive back, but he’s physical and has a good feel for what he’s seeing in front of him.

2027 wide receiver Brock Burrus has become a national prospect. He stands out at 6-foot-5. Burrus can run and stretch the defense vertically.

Two new names to keep an eye on are Nathan Agyemang and Kamoni Adams. Both have added a bunch of Power Five offers this spring.

Agyemang is a tight end. He has some speed to get outside. He also dangerous in the middle of the football field. Adams has stepped into an outside cornerback role. He played as a rotational player last year. He’s got length and speed and closes on the ball really well.

Hapeville Charter

This was not a practice visit, but I was able to lay eyes on four-star offensive lineman Chris Booker. Booker looks like a future NFL player.

He’s got long arms, twitch, and moves like a linebacker. Booker has a freakish athletic profile that projects well into the future as a tackle or a guard long term.

Greater Atlanta Christian

This was also a quick stop. It was a chance to spend some time with four-star edge Dre Quinn. The four-star edge has grown even taller and added some length to his frame.

He looks like a prototypical bend-the-edge guy who will have the length to keep offensive tackles at bay.

North Oconee

The 4A state champions will be a force again in 2025. They have a lot of strong pieces returning that have been in their program for years.

Their standouts are four-star Khamari Brooks, quarterback Harrison Faulkner and Dallas Dickerson.

I had the chance to watch Brooks closely. He was hard to miss.

Brooks has the size to play as a traditional outside linebacker. He moves well enough to survive in coverage as well. Brooks is a tough individual, not a lot of nonsense. He’s grown into one of the leaders of North Oconee’s team.

I will circle back here to see Dickerson in a football setting; he has been on the track and was working in preparation for the state track meet later this week.

Road Radio Recap

The five best things I heard on the radio.

  1. Versatile – Kodak Black
  2. For the love of you – Isley Brothers
  3. In the closet – Michael Jackson
  4. Remember the time – Michael Jackson
  5. Caught up in the rapture – Anita Baker

Buford

I made the short ride over to Buford for the Wolves’ practice on Monday afternoon. The first thing I took note of pulling into the school was the massive structure that has emerged from the wooded area across the street.

Buford has constructed a massive new stadium that will be in play for the 2025 season. It looks like it has all the bells and whistles of a major facility. That will be an interesting addition to the high school football landscape this season.

Walking onto the field, I noticed a few of Buford’s established and older players out with some nicks and bruises. Buford is still filled with plenty of talent.

Four-star Bryce Perry-Wright premier defensive players in the Peach State. Perry-Wright was on the field and he’s continued to be very technically sound and explosive.

The new name that popped up was linebacker/safety hybrid Ethan Hauser. The 6-foot-2, 190-pound athlete looked good out in space and he has the ability to cover slots, wide receivers, tight ends and running backs. Hauser is also a plus in coming down in the run game.

Buford’s quarterback Dayton Raiola has taken strides as well. He looks in charge of the offense is able to put the football in good places on the field. He’s a different type of player than his brother, Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola but he’s grown into an efficient championship-level signal caller.

Valdosta

Valdosta was one of the first teams up in the Minority Coaches Association 2025 Spring Jamboree Showcase. There were a few players that immediately jumped out.

The first was a new name. Corey Howard, a transfer from Tift County during the 2024 season. Howard has seen his recruitment take off. At 6-foot-6, 260 pounds, he looks the part. He has some growing to do as a player, but he’s raw size, length and movement are a nice place to start.

Valdosta also features an Arkansas cornerback commit, Jalon Copeland. He’s got the size and has played a lot of good football for the South Georgia powerhouse. Copeland has added more playing strength and is a stout player covering down the football field and in the run game.

Camron Brown was also impressive, playing a few spots in Valdosta’s secondary. 2027 running back Deron Foster is not a large running back, but he’s a modern-day change-of-pace player. He can run wheel routes, is exceptional in the screen game, and can also do work in the traditional running back roles as well. Valdosta asks a lot of him, and he gives a lot.

Wide receiver Prince Jean is also a player who has a lot of production and will be at the center of Valdosta’s passing game. He has size and speed as well.

Marquis Fennell wears a lot of hats in the Valdosta offense as well. He’s going to be a national recruit in the near future. Fennell is strongly built, has speed,d and runs through contact once he gets the football. Has a lot of Deebo Samuel in his game.

Carver Atlanta

Carver’s main attraction is Boise State commit Terrious Favors. He does everything in the Carver offense and defense. He played quarterback on Wednsday but will be back at his wide receiver position in the fall.

Favors’ speed is obvious. He’s a tough guy as well.

A new name was Arlando Crayton. He looks the part as an outside linebacker or a tight end He’s picked up a solid group of D1 offers this spring. More could be coming.

The young name to watch here is 2028 defensive back Matthew Ngon. He’s got the length and size to play a few positions in a secondary. He’s a name that could be a big one soon.

New Manchester

This is one of the up-and-coming programs in the state. There’s size and ability all over the field. Colin Bussey was one of the most impressive looking athletes off the hoof taking part in the event on Wednsday.

He’s got a massive frame, long arms and has scheme versatility. He’s also stout. Bussey was double-teamed a lot and still held his spot creating opportunities for those behind him.

Donald Akhibi is a high upside player for New Manchester. He’s still learning the sport but at 6-foot-7, 305-pounds there’s a lot to work with.

The name that could be the hottest name you’ll see in the coming months could be Jakobe DeJesus. He’s got 10.4 speed at 6-foot-2, 190 pounds. He broke out with a big opportunity early in New Manchester’s first game but dropped the pass.

Don’t let that deter you. There is huge upside here as well. This is one of those special athletes that in time will be a major player for someone.

Carver Columbus

Four-star edge Tristian Givens was dominant from the moment Carver stepped onto the field until they got on the bus.

He’s an electric pass rusher. He’s fun to watch, the game matters to this young man. Givens went on a stretch of about six plays where made plays in the backfield and ran down a play from the back and chase a running back to the track.

It was eye-popping and a bit jarring to watch.

He has a few teammates that popped as well. Markevious Yancie is a player that just makes plays. Who knows how he runs or tests? He hit a ball carrier really hard coming down in run support and every college coach on the sideline went ‘wait, who is that’?

Yancie is picking up steam. This one of those guys late in the cycle you’ll find and have a player for the next four years. Yancie is a potential star or strong safety. He’s a got some of that stuff you like for the alley runners in your defense. Yancie was seen chirping at Douglas County’s side line after a play.

Two young names that will be national names are 2027 OL Terrance Warren III and 2028 DL Kingston Brown. Both are young players, but have upperclassmen size and athleticism already.

Douglas County

This a team primed to make a state title run in 2025. They’re senior-led. Aaron Gregory and Devin Carter live up to their SEC commitment pledges and four-stars. The addition of four-star quarterback Michael Johnson opens up a lot of dangers with the offense. Johnson had a big night throwing the ball but he also adds the element of being a dangerous player as a runner.

The Tigers have a large offensive line that is full of versatility. Memphis commit Eddie Alford is one of the most polished. 2027 offensive tackle Joshua Sam-Epelle will eventually rejoin this team after an ACL injury in 2024.

The most underrated and dangerous player on the Douglas County offense is their slot, Rah’Keith Kelly. The new name to keep an eye on is Kennedy Green, he’ll be a safety. He’s got next-level speed and size already as a rising junior.

Oh and four-star edge Jordan Carter will continue to be a consistent threat as a pass rusher and run stopper. The Texas A&M commit did not play on Wednsday.

Road Radio Recap

The five best things I heard on the radio

  1. All Falls Down – Kanye West
  2. Wouldn’t get far – The Game, Kanye West
  3. Out of the ordinary – Jacquees
  4. My slime – Chris Brown
  5. Burning Blue – Mariah The Scientist

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