Game Preview: Cedar Grove vs GAC

This weekend’s matchup between Cedar Grove and Greater Atlanta Christian would’ve looked like a state-championship game not to long ago, but neither team is off to the start they wanted heading into the 2021 season. Both teams are full of talent, so there’s still plenty of time left for both programs to get back on track. Here are some of the top players to keep an eye on in this talented 3A matchup in Atlanta... &nbsp; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="95147" first="Christen" last="Miller"] - DL - Cedar Grove</strong> One of the top defensive line prospects in the South, the big 6-foot-3 290-pound interior lineman is big, strong, and quick off the ball for his size. He plays with heart, passion, and has a true love for the game. He has a good motor, showing the ability to track down ball-carriers from behind. He plays with good pad level and can overpower smaller offensive lineman. He’s excellent against the run and can get after the passer from the inside as well. Miller is coming off an official visit to Ohio State earlier this month and sources tell Prep Redzone that the Georgia Bulldogs and Ohio State Buckeyes are the two teams standing out to Miller at the most this time. &nbsp; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="33868" first="Addison" last="Nichols"] - OT - GAC</strong> One of the top-ranked OL prospects in Georgia, Nichols is a massive offensive tackle at 6-foot-5 305-pounds and moves really well for his size. Not only is he a solid football prospect, but he’s an incredible student and one of the smartest players in the state. The Tennessee commitment is physical in both the run game and in pass protection. Nichols plays with a balanced base and shows great footwork for someone his size. He’s been an experienced starter for years now and is getting better and better by the day. As good as he is, he’ll certainly have his hands full against one of the most talented defenses in Georgia. &nbsp; <strong>CJ Madden - LB - Cedar Grove</strong> After not playing last year, Madden became one of the state’s top linebacker prospects due to his length, athleticism, versatility, and overall potential. Even without a ton of film, Madden has been able to earn offers from Georgia, Colorado, Oregon, Ole Miss, and Georgia Tech. The 6-foot-3 240-pound EDGE defender will make his decision this upcoming weekend and many feel the in-state Bulldogs are the team to beat. Madden worked out for the Georgia staff in mid-June and earned an offer from the staff on the spot. Madden is lined up in a number of positions for Cedar Grove but he’s expected to line up as an outside linebacker a the next level. His length and speed off the edge makes him a promising pass rusher. Look for him to have a great battle with GAC left tackle and Tennessee commit, [player_tooltip player_id="33868" first="Addison" last="Nichols"]. &nbsp; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="165696" first="Will" last="Hardy"] - ATH - GAC</strong> One of the top two-way players in the state, Hardy is an excellent athlete and a true playmaker for the Spartans in every aspect of the game. Hardy has great size at 6-foot-2 190-pounds and has been a tackling machine so far at safety, making 49 stops in three games, averaging out to 16.3 a game. He’s fast, instinctive, and technically sound in both run support and in coverage in the back end. He covers a lot of ground with the ball in the air and knows how to run down and strike the ball carrier as well. He’ll be all over the field trying to corral Cedar Grove athlete [player_tooltip player_id="95166" first="Rashod" last="Dubinion"], an Arkansas commitment. On offense, Hardy has caught 9 passes for 133 yards and two touchdowns. On special teams, Hardy has blocked two field goal attempts. He’ll be one of the top athletes in this game and will certainly find a way to make some plays in all three phases of the game. &nbsp; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="34049" first="Kayin" last="Lee"] - DB - Cedar Grove</strong> One of the best 2023 cornerbacks in the state, <a class="pn-player-link" href="https://prepredzone.com/player/kayin-lee/"><span class="name-pointer">[player_tooltip player_id="34049" first="Kayin" last="Lee"]</span></a> is a highly-impressive prospect who took home Defensive Back MVP honors at the Atlanta Under Armour Camp earlier this year, showcasing his natural cover skills and in 1-on-1s. He always known how to cover, but now that Lee has gained weight this offseason, he can be physical against bigger receivers and have an edge on that end as well. He’s so tough to create separation on and knows how to make a play on the ball when needed. He’s a fluid runner, he’s technically sound, and 6-foot-0 170-pounder knows how to turn his hips and stay with a speedy defender. He’s a true playmaker and someone who can work on an island on the outside.