2025’s to Watch For This Spring
Jake Lemming
In this article:
The recruiting process is starting earlier & earlier nowadays, and freshmen are becoming a hot commodity. This group is filled with varsity contributors who stepped up big in their first season of high school ball. Look for them to have a huge off-season and see their recruitment take a step forward. Here's who to watch for!
OL: Cortez Smith
Cortez
Smith
6'4" | 275 lbs | OL
Parkview | 2025
State
GA
, 6'3", 270, Parkview
A physical center prospect with some pop behind his punch. Smith plays with a low pad level and understands the importance of getting leverage on defenders. He hits on a rise and keeps his feet moving on initial contact. #77 moves well on tape and can make a big impact as a gap scheme off-tackle puller.
LB:
Tristan Puckett
Tristan
Puckett
6'2" | 185 lbs | WR
Athens Academy | 2025
GA
, 6', 185, Athens Academy
Mr. Puckett is a strong cover linebacker who can play both zone and man coverage. He shows great closing speed and effective ball skills. He's physical at the point of attack and looks to deliver serious contact on opposing ball carriers. Tristan plays well in space and shows no issues with body control when forced to tackle in the open field.
DL: Dre Fuller, 6'2", 205, Grayson
A high-effort defensive end that uses his hands as a weapon. Fuller shows a quick first step, the ability to get slippery through small gaps, and overall excellent technique. Despite only being two hundred and five pounds, he displayed a strong anchor in the run game and was able to sit back & hold his ground. Look for him to hit the weight room hard this off-season and put on some good weight. I fully expect a big sophomore campaign.
LB:
Landen Heath
Landen
Heath
6'2" | 215 lbs | LB
Cartersville | 2025
State
GA
, 6'1", 190, Cartersville
Heath played a ton on special teams for Cartersville and was extremely effective. He shows good burst, acceleration, and top-end speed. He comes to balance to make tackles in space and uses the gator roll tackle when out leveraged. He's another kid who I think will benefit in a big way getting into the weight room this off-season and adding size & strength.
DL:
Sekou Peters
Sekou
Peters
6'3" | 245 lbs | DL
Westlake | 2025
State
GA
, 6'3", 220, Westlake
A twitchy pass rusher equipped with a great get-off. Peters shows terrific bend when coming off the edge and an overall high motor. He'll chase plays down after the ball is handed off and has an efficient push-pull move. He's tight on twists and stunts & often times will be left scot-free.
DB: Russell Richmond, 6,', 165, Central Gwinnett
A cover corner who trusts his eyes and reads the quarterback like a book. On tape #21 shows fine balance and an aggressive mindset as a tackler. Russell has good size for a corner and uses his long arms to leap up and bat a pass away. He's a natural working out of a backpedal and can easily transition to a lateral run.
OL: Cortez Smith
Cortez
Smith
6'4" | 275 lbs | OL
Parkview | 2025
State
GA
, 6'3", 270, Parkview
A physical center prospect with some pop behind his punch. Smith plays with a low pad level and understands the importance of getting leverage on defenders. He hits on a rise and keeps his feet moving on initial contact. #77 moves well on tape and can make a big impact as a gap scheme off-tackle puller.
LB:
Tristan Puckett
Tristan
Puckett
6'2" | 185 lbs | WR
Athens Academy | 2025
GA
, 6', 185, Athens Academy
Mr. Puckett is a strong cover linebacker who can play both zone and man coverage. He shows great closing speed and effective ball skills. He's physical at the point of attack and looks to deliver serious contact on opposing ball carriers. Tristan plays well in space and shows no issues with body control when forced to tackle in the open field.
DL: Dre Fuller, 6'2", 205, Grayson
A high-effort defensive end that uses his hands as a weapon. Fuller shows a quick first step, the ability to get slippery through small gaps, and overall excellent technique. Despite only being two hundred and five pounds, he displayed a strong anchor in the run game and was able to sit back & hold his ground. Look for him to hit the weight room hard this off-season and put on some good weight. I fully expect a big sophomore campaign.
LB:
Landen Heath
Landen
Heath
6'2" | 215 lbs | LB
Cartersville | 2025
State
GA
, 6'1", 190, Cartersville
Heath played a ton on special teams for Cartersville and was extremely effective. He shows good burst, acceleration, and top-end speed. He comes to balance to make tackles in space and uses the gator roll tackle when out leveraged. He's another kid who I think will benefit in a big way getting into the weight room this off-season and adding size & strength.
DL:
Sekou Peters
Sekou
Peters
6'3" | 245 lbs | DL
Westlake | 2025
State
GA
, 6'3", 220, Westlake
A twitchy pass rusher equipped with a great get-off. Peters shows terrific bend when coming off the edge and an overall high motor. He'll chase plays down after the ball is handed off and has an efficient push-pull move. He's tight on twists and stunts & often times will be left scot-free.
DB: Russell Richmond, 6,', 165, Central Gwinnett
A cover corner who trusts his eyes and reads the quarterback like a book. On tape #21 shows fine balance and an aggressive mindset as a tackler. Russell has good size for a corner and uses his long arms to leap up and bat a pass away. He's a natural working out of a backpedal and can easily transition to a lateral run.
