Rankings Update (May): 2022 Newcomers

As many of you may have noticed, there are a few new names on the most recent update. While some of the names may be familiar to you, others may not be. The recent addition of each of the players on our “May Update” comes due to the further evaluation of certain prospects, as well as their comparison to currently ranked prospects. Regardless, they are worth taking a look at, as the sky’s the limit with their talent, and it will be exciting to see what they can do this upcoming season. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="133988" first="Jacob" last="Hammonds"]-</strong> <em>LB (Griffin)</em> Perhaps the reason in which Hammonds made this list is due to the fact that he has a very high ceiling. For college recruiters, what will most likely be very attractive to them is the fact that he has a great frame for his age. When playing ball, he plays a very reactionary style of football, and this allows him to make plays, whether it is in the backfield, or in pursuit. Either way, Hammonds shows consistency in being able to do so, and also proves that he has an understanding of the game at hand. Due to this natural ability to play defense, we think Hammonds is one of the more talented LB’s in the state, and can certainly continue to be a big time player for his team next season. <strong>CJ Brooks- </strong><em>OL (Warner Robins)</em> Coming in at the 137th spot, is OL, CJ Brooks. Even though he is a bit shorter for an OL, as he stands at 6’1, the way he carries his weight and is able to play solid football on the offensive line made him worthy of making our list. Perhaps, the reason for the late ranking is due to his height, and the fact that he can get caught leaning sometimes. Regardless, off of the ball, he plays with a good stance, rolls his hips well, and he also uses his hands effectively. He also has okay feet, and does a decent job in pass protection. With this, he also shows that he can bend well, and be a consistent run blocker for his offense. All in all, Brooks is a solid player, and his best football is certainly ahead of him during his senior year. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="33997" first="Champ" last="Baker"]- </strong><em>LB (Parkview)</em> Baker, who is coming from a good program, has a ton of upside to his game, and was worthy of making our list this time around. This comes due to the fact that he is a bit further along than a ton of the DB’s in the state of GA. Because of this, we have added him to the 144th spot of our list His movement skills, which can be a bit inconsistent at times, do show flashes of being able to put him in the right position to make plays on the ball, or to even threaten a turnover. Baker also shows that he can turn and run well in coverage with some of the better receivers on the opposing team, and he also uses his hands well in man coverage. At times, he can give up too much space, but that is normal for someone of his size, and age. <strong>Willis Sheppard-</strong> <em>RB (Salem)</em> Even though Sheppard stands at about 5’9, his weight being at 205 helps him to pack a punch when carrying the football. When evaluating him, it became apparent that he was worth making the list due to the way that he runs behind his pads, and finishes plays. Due to his overall balance, and downhill running style, it can be a bit difficult for defenders to bring him down at times. What also makes Sheppard a lethal weapon for his team’s offense is the fact that he can catch the ball out of the backfield and cause match up problems for the defense. He is not overly fast, but his strength, and ability to bounce his runs outside and change direction can certainly bring life to an offense. Because of this, we have added him to the 129th spot on our list.