Buford: Next Level Status

As we continue our "Next Level Status" series, we wanted to take some time to recognize one of the most talented, and reputable teams in the entire state- Buford High School. This program continues to deliver high level talent year after year, and it should be no shocked that their senior class has seen plenty of players have the chance to play at the Power 5 level. Below, feel free to take a few minutes to recognize their potential. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="33896" first="Jake" last="Pope"]:</strong> WR- <em>Alabama</em> Throughout his high school career, [player_tooltip player_id="33896" first="Jake" last="Pope"] has been an absolute stud on the offensive side of the ball. Not only has he made big plays, catches, and touchdowns after the catch, but he has proven to have the ability to run clean routes, and catch from various angles. With this said, he happens to be one of the more underrated, but best high school prospects in the nation, and it should come as no surprise that Alabama found a way to snag his commitment. In a program that has pumped out various classes of great WR prospects, Pope will step into a program that knows how to cultivate, and develop NFL level talent. The sky is the limit. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="95444" first="Isaiah" last="Bond"]:</strong> WR- <em>Alabama</em> Not only is Pope committed to the Crimson Tide, but one of his more talented teammates, Isaiah Pope is also committed to them as well. Not only is Bond one of the fastest, and shiftiest plays in the country, but he has some of the most upside you could imagine. He may be a bit small in height, but his frame can sustain the blows at the next level, especially because he is just as effective before the catch, as he is after the catch. Because of this, it should not be a surprise that he has been offered by multiple teams in the past fews years. Despite these team’s efforts, only Alabama has found a way to succeed, and because of this, Bond will be used effectively, and he will likely see an SEC, and National Championship before he graduates, and has a shot at the next level. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="95443" first="Victor" last="Venn"]:</strong> RB- <em>Colorado</em> Not only did Venn have a great senior year, but he managed to rack up some offers along the way. All throughout 2021, including the offseason, Venn received offers from various programs, but Colorado continued to show some of the most interest. This seems to fit Venn well, as he would have an opportunity to become an integral part of the ground game at this program, and will see a good bit of playing time early in his college career. Just as he did in high school, his diverse running style will help an offense to be able to find consistency, and balance. This ultimately helps the QB, and causes defenses to be on their toes. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="95467" first="Ryland" last="Gandy"]:</strong> CB- <em>Pitt</em> Gandy’s decision to attend Pitt is a great one in our opinion, especially because we believe it fits his style of play at the CB position. While he may not be the biggest prospect on the field, his movement skills, and ability to get in and out of his breaks, and pedals cleanly is one of the things we believe will help him the most moving forward. Gandy also plays with a level of physicality that we believe will translate to the ACC, especially in a time in which their program can continue to put itself in place to compete even more than it has before. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="95469" first="Malik" last="Spencer"]:</strong> S- <em>Michigan State</em> Spencer’s commitment to Michigan State happens to be one of our favorite commitments from Buford High School out of this entire class. This is due to the fact that his skillset to play the whole field, and move fluidly in and out of his breaks, while also being able to deliver a great hit upon contact can be seen to be something that the Spartans will need on defense. Spencer was a great player for Buford, and received plenty of offers along the way due to his consistent play. We have no doubt that under the coaching of Mark Dantonio’s staff, he will certainly excel. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="224867" first="Ashton" last="Daniels"]</strong>: QB- <em>Stanford</em> Daniels, who managed to step up for Buford this year, has played himself into a commitment to Stanford. While Stanford may have been one of the bigger offers he held, we also feel it could be a decent fit for his skillset, but we ultimately believe that he would be a backup when it is all said and done. His talent would certainly be cultivated there, but we feel he would be a better fit at a smaller program in which he could gain a starting opportunity more quickly. Regardless, the opportunity to pursue a first class education at a program like Stanford is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and we believe this is a great choice nevertheless.