Cherokee Warriors: Five prospects to know
This past fall, Cherokee High School had its best season since 2007 and advanced to the second round of the state playoffs for only the sixth time in the program’s 64-year history. There is cause for even more optimism this…
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Continue ReadingThis past fall, Cherokee High School had its best season since 2007 and advanced to the second round of the state playoffs for only the sixth time in the program’s 64-year history. There is cause for even more optimism this year in Canton as a number of talented underclassmen are now established leaders for the Warriors.
The defense led the way for Cherokee last season and will likely be stout again this year, but it’s the firepower on offense that has many scouts and recruiters keeping tabs on the Warriors. Cherokee is poised for a big year and has a few players who could be well-known names by the end of 2020.
Cherokee will have a primetime spotlight to start the season when they take on Carver High School in the opening game of the Corky Kell Classic. The game will be the first scheduled high school football game in the state for the 2020 season and is tentatively scheduled for September 2 at West Forsyth High School.
A.J. Swann A.J. Swann 6'3" | 200 lbs | QB Cherokee | 2022 State GA – Prostyle QB – Class of 2022
As a sophomore, Swann earned first-team All-Region and All-County honors while helping lead Cherokee to an upset of No. 1 seed Westlake in the first round of the state playoffs. His end-of-the-year stats were 188-for-307 (61%) for 2,400 yards with a long of 95 yards. He added two rushing scores (and one receiving touchdown) and I’d classify him as pocket passer even though he’s listed as a dual-threat on 247Sports. His 20 passing touchdowns to seven interceptions were impressive in the highest classification in Georgia and should continue to develop into a legitimate Division 1 quarterback prospect. His arm strength is well-above average and the ball leaves his hand with the ease you like to see when evaluating passers. His only college offer currently is Troy but I’d expect many more to follow as he continues to make the rounds on the camp circuit. He’s listed as 6’1″ and 194 pounds on 247Sports but I’d say he’s closer to 6’3″ and well over 200 pounds. With an array of weapons around him, look for this junior to shine during the 2020 season.
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– Position rankings & moreAlso, if you’re a coach with an under the radar prospect feel free to contact me with details. Plenty of kids out there who work hard and deserve attention. pic.twitter.com/h5X0uzssGp
— Patrick O'Shea (@Patrick_J_OShea) July 22, 2020
Keith Adams Jr. Keith Adams Jr. 5'10" | 195 lbs | RB Cherokee | 2022 State GA . – RB – Class of 2022
Adams was a workhorse during his sophomore season, racking up 225 carries for county-best 1,128 rushing yards (5.0 average) and 10 touchdowns. He added 13 receptions for 114 yards and one touchdown receiving while earning first-team All-Region and All-County honors. His grandfather and father both enjoyed long careers in the NFL and the potential to be an every-down back seems to be there. A patient runner who allows his blockers time to reach their assignments, Adams’ ability to catch the ball out the backfield should continue to develop this fall. Equally impressive is his ability and willingness to pick-up and punish defenders in blitz pickups. This skill often keeps talented runners off the field in college and Adams seems well ahead of the curve in this area. Listed at 5’10″ and 195 pounds, I’d Adams to continue an upward trend in both production and college attention.
Adarrius Harshaw Adarrius Harshaw 5'9" | 155 lbs | WR Cherokee | 2022 State GA – WR/Ret. – Class of 2022
Quite possibly the fastest player in Cherokee County, Harshaw joined his teammates last season in picking up first-team All-Region and All-County honors as a sophomore. He totaled 45 receptions for 626 yards (13.9 average) and seven touchdowns while adding nine carries for 69 yards and one touchdown. With 19 kickoff returns, he totaled 387 yards (20.4 average) with a long of 74. There is room growth (listed at 5’9″ and 145 pounds) but what Harshaw lacks in size he makes up for in pure speed. Harshaw was thrust into a playmaking position last fall and the experience should help him as he enters his second full season as a varsity starter. With Swann behind center and Adams in the backfield, Harshaw could enjoy an even bigger year during his junior campaign.
Adarrius Harshaw coming into your living room.
Swann hits Harshaw for a 60 yard TD, Harshaw’s second score of the game.
54 seconds left in second @WarriorsCHS 21@etowahfootball 7 pic.twitter.com/T92GwUhfsN
— Patrick O'Shea (@Patrick_J_OShea) October 5, 2019
Nason Simmons – OL – Class of 2021
Simmons should be the anchor at left tackle for the Warriors this fall. At 6’5″ and 295 pounds Simmons is only beginning to scratch the surface of his potential on the football field. Simmons holds the most offers among Warrior players (seven) with South Florida being the biggest thus far. Simmons should find plenty of opportunities to improve his stock this fall if he can help open running lanes for Adams and protect the blindside of Swann.
Braesen Parker – LB – Class of 2021
Cherokee boasted one of the best scoring defenses in the state last season and Parker was at the center of it all. Although a bit undersized (listed at 5’11” and 195 pounds), Parker was near dominant in his ability to get to the ball. He racked up a county-high 168 tackles, seven tackles for loss, six sacks, 17 quarterback pressures, one fumble recovery, four forced fumbles, and four pass breakups. Currently without a college offer, Parker certainly has the ability to play at the next level. Expect him to lead the Cherokee defense this fall and once again rack up an absurd amount of tackles.