2021 Team Preview: Denmark Danes

After a slow start to the 2020 season last fall, the Denmark Danes finished the season strong and are one of the top up-and-coming programs in the entire state. Located in Forsyth County, the Danes play in 7A Region 6 with the rest of the Forsyth County schools outside of brand-new East Forsyth. The Danes will be in year two with coach Mike Palmieri who came from legendary Mallard Creek in North Carolina. They lost only one region game last year and it was to the region champion West Forsyth Wolverines. Denmark also played Collins Hill incredibly tough in the playoffs, allowing only 17 points to the high-powered Eagles offense. As good as Denmark was last season, they have a chance to be even better this fall. Their 2023 class is extremely talented, and while the team is still very young overall, they do have some veterans coming back to give the team some experience. &nbsp; <strong>DeAnthony Crayton - LB/RB - 2023</strong> Arguably the most dynamic player on the team, Crayton is an impressive two-way player who will likely make a BIG impact on both sides of the ball. A superstar running back in middle school, Crayton will lead Denmark’s defense at linebacker and will be one of the top returning defenders in the region. The 2023 prospect will also help the Danes on offense as a running back and could be one of the region’s most efficient there as well. The 6-foot-1 215-pounder holds offers from Florida State, Maryland, Georgia Tech, Arkansas, among others. &nbsp; <strong>Shamurad Umarov - Offensive Tackle - 2023</strong> The big 6-foot-6 295-pounder has put on a ton of weight this off-season and has quickly become one of the hottest prospects in the state. The rising junior took quite a few visits last month and has since earned offers from Florida, North Carolina and Virginia Tech, Virginia and USF. He has a great frame, plenty of length, and still looks lean enough to continue adding solid weight and muscle. He plays with a solid base and shows impressive footwork for someone his size. He’s still learning, but he’s getting better and better with each practice. He’s got a lot of potential and could quickly rise in the 2023 rankings over the next few months. He has a chance to add to his offer list sooner than later as well. &nbsp; <strong>Treston Jordan - Defensive Back - 2022</strong> IF there’s one DB in Forsyth County who blew up in 2020, it’s Jordan. An athletic safety with great ball skills, the current Georgia Southern commitment is coming off an impressive junior season where he made 43 tackles, 3 TFLs, 4 INTs, and 5 pass deflections. He has a high football IQ and the Danes were able to do a lot on defense this year because of his ability to help others with the scheme. He always made sure the defense was lined up correctly and was consistently in the right spot to make plays all season. He shows great ball skills and the ability to cover bigger receivers. He can jump, has good instincts, and could be on his way to a breakout senior season. &nbsp; <strong>Amon Williams - Running Back - 2023</strong> Maybe the most underrated back in the region, Williams is an impact player who will give the Danes a strong running back duo this fall. The 5-foot-9 175-pounder is coming off an impressive sophomore season where he rushed for 433 yards and 6 touchdowns. He’s get plenty of opportunities to run the ball this upcoming season and could push for All-Region honors there with a big junior season. He’s got great vision, he’s explosive, and he’s a dangerous weapon out of the backfield. He’s a threat to make a big play any time he touches the ball, and he should be touching it a lot this fall as a junior. &nbsp; <strong>Other players to know...</strong> 2023 WR Lake Thoman 2022 OL [player_tooltip player_id="33895" first="Dayne" last="Shor"] 2022 DB Kenon Dicks &nbsp; <strong>2020 schedule:</strong> 9/5/20: Greater Atlanta Christian (L, 20-0) 9/17/20: Shiloh (L, 7-0) 9/25/20: Lanier (L, 38-27) 10/2/20: North Forsyth (W, 20-10) 10/16/20: Forsyth Central (W, 21-0) 10/23/20: Lambert (W,52-14) 11/6/20: South Forsyth (W, 36-22) 11/13/20: Gainesville (W, 24-21) 11/20/20: West Forsyth (L, 20-10) 11/27/20: Discovery (W, 61-0) 12/4/20: Collins Hill (L, 17-6) &nbsp; <strong>2021 Games to know....</strong> 8/20 vs Cedartown: The Danes will have a tough test to open the season as 4A powerhouse Cedartown comes to town to try and pound the Danes with their powerful rushing attack. The Bulldogs of Cedartown have major four-star athlete CJ Washington on board who will play both linebacker and running back against the Danes. If Denmark can control Washington and their rushing attack, they might be more talented and deep enough to secure the victory. This will be one of the biggest games across the state in the opening weekend of the season. &nbsp; 11/5 vs West Forsyth: This game determined the winner of the region last year, and that could very well happen again this fall. Both are two of the more talented teams in the region and have become heated rivals over the last few years. The players on each team know each other well and there will be plenty of D1 talent on the field that night. The Wolverines are coming off their best season in school history and are looking to repeat this fall. This game will end the regular season, so the Danes might have another shot at the Wolverines for the region crown. &nbsp; &nbsp;