7A Region 8 Mid-Season Report: Players To Know
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It’s no secret that 7A Region 8 is one of the most talented regions cross the state. It’s in the highest classification and home to some of the largest schools in the state. It’s home to the 7A favorite Collins…
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Continue ReadingIt’s no secret that 7A Region 8 is one of the most talented regions cross the state. It’s in the highest classification and home to some of the largest schools in the state. It’s home to the 7A favorite Collins Hill, home to the top prospect in the nation. It’s also the region where Mill Creek plays, one of the hottest programs in the state. North Gwinnett was once a 7A powerhouse and they’re trying to get back to the glory days from a short time ago.
Which players in the region do you need to know about? Which programs could push for a championship? Prep Redzone takes a look…
Collins Hill:
The state-runner up from last year looks to be unstoppable so far in 2021, off to 6-0 record with each game being a blowout. They’re explosive on offense, talented and deep defensively, and are the favorite to win 7A the way they’re okaying this second.
Travis Hunter Travis Hunter 6'1" | 165 lbs | ATH Collins Hill | 2022 State GA – Athlete
If you mention Collins Hill, you have to mention Travis Hunter Travis Hunter 6'1" | 165 lbs | ATH Collins Hill | 2022 State GA . The top prospect in the nation, Hunter is an elite athlete who could start day 1 for Florida State at both wide receiver or defensive back. He has a long frame at 6-foot-1 75-pounds with elite ball skills and athleticism. He has incredible body control, great speed, and reliable hands. He can run with anyone he goes up against and has natural instincts that make your jaw drop. He’s been unstoppable so far as a senior, catching 43 passes so far for 673 yards and 5 touchdowns. He’s also rushed for a touchdown and thrown for a touchdown so far this season. Defensively, Hunter has made 16 tackles and intercepted two passes on defense.
Sam Horn Sam Horn 6'4" | 190 lbs | QB Collins Hill | 2022 State GA – Quarterback
He’s one of the top quarterbacks across the country for the 2022 class and he’s proving why so far as a senior. The big 6-foot-4 190-pounder can sling it all over the field and throws with some zip. He’s a threat to launch it deep and he’s accurate when he does it. A two-sport star, Horn’s right arm is special as he uses it on the mound as a pitcher as well. The future Missouri Tiger is 113/155 for 1,346 yards and has thrown for 12 touchdowns so far this season. He’s a leader, he’s experienced, and has more than enough arm talent to lead the Eagles all the way this year. He’s got the size, arm talent, and leadership to not only win a state-title this year, but have success at the next level as well.
Asani Redwood – Defensive End
One of out “breakout stars” from before the season, Redwood is a young senior who just learned the game a few years ago. He has great size off the edge at 6-foot-3 230-pounds with a lot of athleticism. He’s still new to the game, but he’s learning more and more very day and getting better each practice. He didn’t play a ton as a junior as he was just so fresh to the game, but he’s having an outstanding year as a senior. Redwood has recorded 10 sacks so far this season and hurried the QB another 24 times. He’s become an elite defender in the region and could see some late offers come his way if he continues to have this type of success for the rest of the season.
Mill Creek
The Mill Creek Hawks are all sailing in the right direction right now. They are extremely balanced in all phases of the game and have one of the top players in the state on the roster. They’re currently 5-0 with big wins over West Forsyth, Parkview, Norcross and Grayson.
Caleb Downs Caleb Downs 5'11" | 180 lbs | DB Mill Creek | 2023 State GA – Athlete
He may just be a junior, but it’s easy to see that Caleb Downs Caleb Downs 5'11" | 180 lbs | DB Mill Creek | 2023 State GA is one of the best safety prospects not only in Georgia, but in the entire South. He long, rangy safety has tremendous ball skills. He’s proved it all year as he’s led Mill Creek to a 5-0 record to start the season, making plays on offense, defense, and special teams. He’s put together well at 6-foot-0 185-pounds and has great instincts for the position. He can run down defenders with ease, but when the ball is in the air, Downs is going to go get it. He already looks like an SEC defender from a physical standpoint and has the film to back up why he holds so many major offers. The Mill Creek star has made 30 total tackles this year, intercepted two passes, caused a fumble, and has scored three touchdowns on offense.
Hayden Clark – Quarterback
There haven’t been many in Gwinnett County more productive and efficient than Clark. Leading Mill Creek to a 5-0 record, Clark has played well from the first game and has now thrown for 858 yards and 7 touchdowns. He’s been accurate with the ball and has had to go up against some extremely talented defenses. He’s been smart, efficient, and will occasionally sling the ball downfield for a big game. Mill Creek’s offense has scored at least 35 points in four of the team’s first five games so far.
North Gwinnett:
Kayden McDonald Kayden McDonald 6'0" | 290 lbs | DL North Gwinnett | 2023 State GA – Defensive Line
One of the top 2023 defensive line prospects in all of Georgia, MCDonald is a thick, powerful 6-foot-3 325-pounds with lots of sudden quickness for his size. He eats up blockers for the linebackers to roam free but he can also bring inside pressure with ease. He plays with leverage and it’s easy to see his strength and raw power when he’s running through opposing offensive linemen in the trenches. MCDonald has 4 sacks and 8 more QB hurries so far this year to go along with 47 tackles and 29 TFLs.
Grant Godfrey – Linebacker
Another talented North Gwinnett defender, the UGA legacy is a speedy linebacker who can fly across the field. The 6-foot-3 200-pounder is 2nd on the team in tackles with 37 and has three sacks to go with it. He’s quick for his size, rangy, and a sure tackler. He’s also instinctive and become one of the leaders of the team as a junior. He holds offers from Kentucky, Boston College, Georgia Tech, Ole Miss and Louisville.