In the final exposure camp before the high school season begins, athletes from around the country came to Atlanta to compete with each other in front of scouts, coaches and fans.
The quarterback group ran through a series of drills before competing in one-on-one drills with receivers and defensive backs to end the day.
Prospects from New York to Florida competed with each other in the Georgia heat and by the end of the day, there were a few names who stood out to both the scouts and coaches. Here’s a look at the top quarterback prospects from Georgia who were in attendance.
A.J. SwannA.J.Swann
6'3" | 200 lbs | QB
Cherokee | 2022 StateGA
(6’2” and 195 lbs.), Class of 2022
Cherokee HS (Canton, GA)
[player_tooltip player_id="33908" first="A.J." last="Swann"], 2022
Swann is the No. 7 quarterback in the state of Georgia on Prepredzone’s 2022 rankings but I’d personally argue he should be closer to the top of our list.
Each position group developed a few leaders by the end of the day and among the camp’s quarterbacks, it was Swann who looked the part. Swann regularly led the drills and demonstrated the techniques being taught by the coaches and was running the one-on-ones with the best receivers in the camp.
Mechanically sound with excellent arm strength, Swann is one of the most underrated quarterback prospects in the state of Georgia. Holds an offer from Troy and interest from Iowa State and Virginia Tech. The ball releases with ease from his hand and he should continue to draw interest from higher-level FBS teams.
James McCauley (6’2” and 190 lbs.), Class of 2022
Archbishop Stepinac HS (White Planes, NY)
Photo: PrepRedzone
College coaches get to know this kid @james_mccauley8 I was very impressed with this young man today! All I can say is he is a Dude! A hidden gem in the northeast.. White Plains N.Y👀
After Swann, I’d say McCauley was the most impressive quarterback at the event.
McCauley has a scaleable frame and looks polished as a passer for a rising junior. Had a quick release and showed excellent touch on every passing route. McCauley saw praise from the coaches at the camp as well and was clearly one of the best looking quarterbacks on the day.
Holds offers from Rutgers and Morgan State. I’d expect more to come soon.
Christian Burks (6’1” and 178 lbs.), Class of 2022
Langston Hughes HS (Fairburn, GA)
Photo: PrepRedzone
Burks was impressive during both the individual and one-on-one sessions with the receivers. After starting only four games during his sophomore season in 2019, Burks' dropback fundamentals and throwing mechanics seem right on track for a rising junior.
He showed excellent touch on sideline fade routes and drove the ball across the field well on crossing patterns. A talented athlete, Burks could be primed for a breakout season in 2020.
Gerald Kilgore (6’ and 193 lbs.), Class of 2022
Putnam County HS (Eatonton, GA)
Photo: April Morris Smith, PrepRedzone
The top left-handed passer I saw at the event. The ball comes out of his hand very smoothly with what looks like minimal effort. An excellent baseball prospect as well, Kilgore has above-average arm strength and drives the ball well downfield. Showed nice touch on short and intermediate routes. Could be a name to watch moving forward.
Zander Smith (6’2” and 200 lbs.), Class of 2025
Bradenton Christian (Bradenton, FL)
Zander Smith, 2025
The youngest players at the camp on Saturday may have been the most impressive.
Smith stood out from the opening few drills as he was one of the more built young men in attendance. The potential seems off the charts for this young man who’s older brother already plays football for the University of Miami. Beyond his measurables, Smith was one of the better passers on the day. He took the coaching well and improved on his mechanics as the day went along.
Smith will begin his eighth-grade season this fall as the starting quarterback for Bradenton Christian’s varsity football team. Certainly, a name to remember.
A.J.
Swann
6'3" | 200 lbs | QB
Cherokee | 2022
State
GA
(6’2” and 195 lbs.), Class of 2022
Cherokee HS (Canton, GA)
