Athens Academy showcases talent in scrimmage

Class A Private powerhouse Athens Academy played a game Friday night. They played against each other. The Spartans held an intrasquad scrimmage to get some live action since scrimmages around the state have been canceled as a byproduct of the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are a few players that stood out in the Spartans short scrimmage. <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-41834" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/08/IMG_6326.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="33655" first="Deion" last="Colzie"], 6’4” 195 pounds, Wide Receiver, (Class of 2021)</strong> On the first play of the scrimmage, the Spartans’ quarterback dropped back and just heaved the football in the direction of the 6 feet 4-inch-tall wide receiver. The pass was intercepted by a safety (whom will be mentioned later). The outcome of the play doesn’t define the skill Colzie possesses. The intent of the offensive call speaks volumes. The predetermined decision is because the Spartans’ coaching staff fully understands that their top target can match anyone physically. Colzie has the size, strength of an elite wide receiver prospect. He’s got a little nasty that doesn’t always come with the position. Colzie blocks for the Spartans. He also plays defense. A few snaps later, Colzie sent a loud crap through the Georgia evening when he came up to help defend a rushing attempt by the other team of Spartans. The Spartans got creative with putting the ball in Colzie’s hands on Friday. He did what he needed to do with it. He weaved effortlessly through traffic and not only with speed. Colzie broke out a few stiff arms and lowered his shoulders. Colzie’s progress through the season will be an interesting one to watch. <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-41835" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/08/IMG_6310-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="33847" first="Palmer" last="Bush"], 6’1” 190 pounds, Quarterback, (Class of 2021)</strong> It’s hard to evaluate quarterbacks in scrimmages in which they can’t get hit. Bush showed what makes him the winning starter he’s been for the last two seasons for the Spartans. There wasn’t any over excitement in how Bush hopped in and out of the huddle. With his top wide receiver playing for the other team, Bush found ways to spread the ball around with quick, knowledgeable decisions. He looked in control as he has for the past few years as a starter. Bush played a few defensive snaps and make a stick on a running back that dislodged Bush’s helmet. Bush carries a lot of toughness into team’s huddle. He will definitely be one to watch as the Spartans open the passing game up with their two leading rushers from the last two seasons now playing college football at the University of Tennessee (Len’Neth Whitehead) and the University of Georgia (Kurt Knisely). <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-41836" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/08/IMG_6348-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="33738" first="Hugh" last="Laughlin"], 6’6” 290 pounds, Offensive Tackle/Defensive Tackle, (Class of 2021)</strong> Laughlin has been playing offensive tackle for about five months. He looked at home on Friday. Laughlin has always been a physical presence. His physically imposing frame grabs your eyes and then his effort and violent playing style reels you end. Laughlin made multiple plays in the backfield early in the scrimmage. Laughlin rocked a back in the back field dislodging the ball, before leaping over a teammate to finish the tackle. Laughlin is already committed to the University of Virginia. He expects to play on the defensive line initially. Laughlin has potential to play either side of the football. This season will be a year of development along the offensive line. Laughlin could be a dominant right tackle by the end of the season, making himself one of the most complete prospects in Class A Private. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="33905" first="Johnerio" last="Holt"], 6’3” 275 pounds, Offensive guard/Defensive tackle/Linebacker, (Class of 2022)</strong> Holt started both ways and looked dominant last season for the Spartans. He looked the same on Friday. Holt has made a bit of a transition. He will line up at linebacker for the Spartans in 2020. At 275 pounds, Holt is still athletic enough to make the move seamlessly. Holt is usually athletic and smooth for such a big young man. That makes his potential limitless heading into the 2020 season. If Holt figures out how to play the position, his freakish athletic gifts makes him one of the more interesting linebacker prospects in the class. Holt will need to learn how to make the calls, shed blocks and cover. When all is said and done, he will be a very versatile player for the Spartans that can play linebacker, rush the passer, stuff the run from the down position or as a stand-up lineman as well as play as one of the Spartans’ best offensive linemen. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="33763" first="John" last="Ferguson"], 6’5” 280 pounds, Offensive tackle, (Class of 2021)</strong> Ferguson is probably the Spartans’ most complete offensive lineman at this point. Ferguson has prototypical tackle size, good feet and he’s got a motor that doesn’t sputter. Ferguson is a smart football player. He’s a smart student-athlete. Its why Ivy League schools have been hot on his trail for the last year. Ferguson is gifted enough to play on any level. Ferguson’s technique and athleticism will get him on some program’s field very early on in college. <strong>Brennan Shepstone, 6’3” 280 pounds, Center, (Class of 2021)</strong> Shepstone hasn’t started at the varsity level yet. He’s entering the 2020 football season as the biggest unknown along the Spartans’ offensive line. He’s exploded physically since last season ended. He’s the fourth the of the Spartans’ offensive linemen to tipped the scale at 270 pounds or more. Shepstone has an opportunity to earn himself college interest with a solid season as the starting center amongst the largest line in Class A Private. Shepstone looked solid on Friday. He seemed like a senior. He knows what he’s doing and what high school football is about. If he can put some good tape that matches his physical attributes, he will be a fast riser on recruiting boards. <strong>Tre Hawkins, 5’11” 185 pounds, Running back/Safety, (Class of 2023)</strong> Hawkins won’t see the field for the Spartans’ varsity in 2020. He is a transfer player. His impact was felt in Friday’s scrimmage. He was the safety on the aforementioned interception on the state’s top-ranked wide receiver. Hawkins flashed ball hawking ability and a fearlessness as he leaped and won a 50-50 jump ball with a much better and more experienced player. Hawkins also looked good with the ball in his hands on the offensive side of the ball as a running back. The full unveiling of what Hawkins can do may have to wait until next season, but he will be a hot prospect once he hits the field with apparent athletic ability and play-making potential. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;