River Ridge Knights: Talented as underclassmen, these three prospects should shine this fall

River Ridge boasted the best offensive freshman in Cherokee County last season and the player who racked up the most total yards in the county. A sophomore defensive lineman made a name for himself as well and the Knights were only a few plays away from adding multiple wins on the back half of last year’s schedule. A move from the former Region 6-6A to the newly created Region 7 could bode well for River Ridge. Gone from the schedule are last year’s state title contenders (Harrison and Allatoona) and there should be optimism surrounding the development of a few key playmakers. I expect big years from these three along with increased attention from college recruiters. <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Jackson Head - TE/WR/ATH - Class of 2023</strong></span> [caption id="attachment_36970" align="alignnone" width="300"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-36970" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/07/JacksonHead-300x197.png" alt="" width="300" height="197" /> Jackson Head, TE/ATH, 2023[/caption] As a freshman in 2019, Head was close to being the best receiving option for River Ridge. He finished the year with 23 reception for 246 (10.6 average) but most of that production came in the first half of the season. A <a href="https://twitter.com/Patrick_J_OShea/status/1187167921598062592" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">highlight film one-handed catch</a> made the rounds in recruiting circles last fall and at 6’2’’ and over 200 pounds this natural athlete should continue to blossom this fall. A talented basketball player as well, Head has begun to make the rounds at elite prospect camps. I’d expect his growth and skill to continue to trend upward and his production to follow suit. With other talents at the tight end position on the River Ridge roster, expect Head to be split out wide much more often this season. Head will likely serve as a starting linebacker as well. Development at the quarterback position could be the key to finding ways to get the ball in the hands of this super sophomore. <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Brian Bradley - DE - Class of 2022</strong></span> [caption id="attachment_36971" align="alignnone" width="300"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-36971" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/07/Brian-Bradley-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /> Brian Bradley, DE, 2022[/caption] One of the most productive defensive linemen in Cherokee County last year, Bradley flew under my radar until late in the season. On film, however, <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13002311/Brian-Bradley" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">he stands out</a>. As a sophomore Bradley regularly blew up the oppositions run game and finished the year with 38 tackles (19 solo and 19 assisted) and three sacks. He earned second-team All-County and All-Region honors and I’d expect him to be one of the better front seven defensive playmakers in Cherokee County this season. He certainly has room to add weight (last measured at 6’3” and 214 pounds) but has already displayed the instincts you like to see from a defensive lineman. Takes on blocks well and is explosive when he arrives to the ball carrier. A well-above-average student, Bradley may begin receiving offers from high-end academic institutions. <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Amehre Morrison - RB - Class of 2022</strong></span> [caption id="attachment_37054" align="alignnone" width="275"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-37054" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/07/MorrisonHeadshot-275x300.jpg" alt="" width="275" height="300" /> Morrison led Cherokee County in total yards (1,328) as a sophomore in 2019.[/caption] An under-the-radar prospect if I’ve ever seen one. <blockquote>I probably should have listed Morrison first in this list. Although he may be one of the smallest backs in 6A he may also be one of the most explosive. Morrison led Cherokee County in all-purpose yards (1,328) last season despite every opponent centering their gameplan around him.</blockquote> He finished with 199 carries for 952 yards (4.8 average) and nine touchdowns (long of 80 yards) and 29 receptions for 376 yards (12.9 average). He earned first-team All-County honors and second-team All-Region. Last listed at 5’7” and 160 pounds, I’d expect him to begin his junior season with added weight. Despite his size, Morrison is surprisingly tough to bring down, as it regularly takes more than one defender to stop the speedy back. Great balance after contact, very good hands out of the backfield and an explosive burst once in the open field, there's a lot to like with Morrison. https://twitter.com/Patrick_J_OShea/status/1162509204214734854