Class of 2022: Stock Risers

For many reasons, the 2020 season was unlike any we’ve ever seen. Through persistence and hard work, the GHSA and its member schools were able to complete a full season despite the challenges brought upon by COVID-19. Many schools enjoyed breakout seasons and several players throughout the state also made names for themselves. The <a href="https://prepredzone.com/georgia/rankings/2022-rankings/">updated 2022 rankings</a> are now complete and we will continue to provide detailed reports on players in the weeks to come. While the majority of the upper echelon has remained the same (with a few alterations) as we move down the list several players saw a tremendous rise in their rankings. Here’s a look at the players who improved their stock most in 2020. [player_tooltip player_id="95146" first="Jaron" last="Willis"] - ATH/LB - Lee County <blockquote>One of the best players in the state at any position.</blockquote> At this time last year, Willis was unranked on a number of recruiting services. He began to receive Power 5 offers in the spring of 2020 and broke into the rankings shortly thereafter. After seeing him in person this past fall, I feel he’s still underrated by most scouts. A tremendous athlete, Willis plays a hybrid linebacker/safety position for Lee County. Willis possesses a unique ability to play aggressively against the run and the pass from the outside linebacker or drop-down safety position and punishes the ball carrier once he arrives. He seems very comfortable in space while defending the pass and takes aggressive, correct angles when heading downhill against the run. He did not appear in our initial rankings and saw the biggest increase of any player, rising to the No. 10-ranked player in the state. Projects as an impact player at the next level. https://twitter.com/Patrick_J_OShea/status/1337574277256781824   [player_tooltip player_id="33893" first="Sam" last="Horn"] - QB - Collins Hill It helps to have the No. 1-ranked player in the state ([player_tooltip player_id="33861" first="Travis" last="Hunter"]) as your primary target but Horn’s tape proves he’d be a success in any offense. The 6’4”, 190-pound signal-caller helped lead Collins Hill to its best season in program history and was dynamic in the process. He finished his junior season 361-for-562 passing (65%) for 3,910 yards with 41 touchdowns to 14 interceptions. Playing in a spread offense, Horn displayed his ability to use multiple weapons and evenly distribute the ball. Four different players finished with at least 40 receptions from Horn and the touch on his deep throws looks better than many current college quarterbacks. With excellent size, Horn projects as a starter at the next level with the potential to play beyond college. Surprisingly mobile at times and shows above-average accuracy at all three levels. Also plays baseball and has drawn college attention in that sport as well. Horn was the No. 36-ranked player in our initial rankings and now sits at No. 7 in the state. [player_tooltip player_id="33945" first="Oscar" last="Delp"] - TE - West Forsyth In the state of Georgia, tight end may be the deepest of any position and Delp makes a good case as the most talented prospect. While several in this group have measurables, Delp is arguably the best playmaker of the bunch. The 6’5”, 220-pound athlete was the No. 88 ranked player in our initial rankings and now sits nearly within the top 10 at No. 12. He finished his junior season as his team’s leading receiver with 43 receptions for 730 yards and nine touchdowns. Shows excellent ability to get off the line and create space downfield. Excellent hands and shows blocking awareness when attached to the line, moving seamlessly to the next-level defender. Delp is equipped with true breakaway speed and can alter a game on any possession. Should be considered among the best players in the state at any position. [player_tooltip player_id="95151" first="Darris" last="Smith"] - OLB/DE - Appling County A recent UGA commit, Smith saw his recruitment explode in 2020. Smith could follow in the long line of rangy edge rushers for the Bulldogs. Measuring at 6’6” and 225 pounds, Smith has all the tools to wreak havoc off the edge at the next level. Possesses excellent top-end speed once disengaged from his defender and uses his length well to secure the ball carrier. Smith was unranked in our initial rankings and has risen nearly into the top 20, currently sitting at No. 25. [player_tooltip player_id="95150" first="Jadarian" last="Rhym"] - CB - Valdosta Received first Power 5 offers in the spring of 2020 and saw recruitment explode this past year. With several talented defensive backs in his class, Rhym may have an argument as the best. A recent LSU commit, Rhym has the ideal size (6’1”, 170) to play on the outside. Shows a willingness and an above-average ability to defend the run and pressure the passer when called upon. In pass coverage, uses his hands well and is arguably the best man-to-man cornerback in the state. Rhym was unranked in our initial class rankings and has risen to No. 15 overall and our No. 1-rated cornerback. [player_tooltip player_id="33927" first="Qae’Shon" last="Sapp"] - OL - Lee County On a talented offensive line, Sapp stood out this past season. Played right tackle this past season and helped lead his team to the state finals. Sapp was a large piece for an offense that totaled more than 4,000 total yards and nearly 3,000 rushing yards. Sapp is very comfortable in run-blocking situations and could move to guard at the next level. Strong at the point of attack and surprisingly agile, I’d expect him to continue to improve as he grows older. Sapp made a substantial jump in our rankings, moving from No. 70 to No. 19. He is our third-best offensive line prospect in the state for the Class of 2022. [player_tooltip player_id="33908" first="A.J." last="Swann"] - QB - Cherokee Swann enjoyed a breakout junior campaign in 2020 and should be considered one of the more underrated quarterback prospects in the country. Standing 6’3” and 200 pounds, Swann possesses every tool needed at the next level. Can make every throw and improved his mobility tremendously this past season. Keeps his eyes downfield while avoiding the pass rush and showed excellent ability to progress through reads when the first option was covered. Played one of his best games of the season in the region championship game against Milton, whose defense featured several Division 1 prospects including the No. 1-ranked player in the class of 2023 ([player_tooltip player_id="71313" first="Lebbeus" last="Overton"]). https://twitter.com/Patrick_J_OShea/status/1329976672964272136 Finished the season 158-for-262 passing (60%) for 2,505 yards with 23 touchdowns and six interceptions. Swann came in at No. 51 in our initial 2022 rankings as has risen to No. 33 overall and the fifth-ranked quarterback. I’d expect his recruitment to continue to trend upward. [player_tooltip player_id="33896" first="Jake" last="Pope"] - ATH/DB - Buford Quickly rising up the rankings, Pope is everything you want in a safety. Pope possesses a natural feel for the game and adds tangible skills such as soft hands and top-end speed. He flows well in pursuit and reads the ball well in the air in pass coverage. Pope is a playmaker on the offensive side of the ball as well which only bolsters his case as a top-end athlete. Measuring 6’2” and 198 pounds, Pope is more than ready to step in and compete for playing time at the FBS level. His tenacity and pure instincts jump off the screen on film review and he should be considered among the best safety prospects in the state. His recruitment has gained traction in recent weeks with offers from UGA and Auburn to go along with standing offers from Alabama, Notre Dame and Southern Cal among others. Pope has risen to the No. 38-ranked overall prospect in the state.