2024 Prospects to Get Excited About

Across the entire state of Georgia, there are plenty of players, and schools that compete at some of the highest levels of high school football that the country has to offer. Whether this is within the private school divisions, or 7A football, the state is a deep pool of talent all around. Specifically, as they continue to get older, the 2024 class has started to make noise for themselves, and plenty of players have taken steps forward in their progression, and in the manner in which we can project them going into next season. Because of this, we have taken some time to dive into the tape of some of the 2024 prospects who are a little less known in the state compared to others, but who are well worth the watch, and time from fans statewide. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="220736" first="Jaqualin" last="Birdsong"] (DE)-</strong> Troup County When evaluating Birdsong, one thing jumps off of the tape- his explosiveness off of the line. Not only does he get off of the ball quickly, and with a solid burst, but he also plays with a solid bend, and does a good job of using his size, length, and frame to his ability. In doing so, he is able to separate from linemen on contact, and he uses his hands and long arms to create leverage, putting him in place to pressure the passer more effectively. In addition to this, Birdsong also wraps up well on contact, and takes great angles on ball carriers, making him a very interesting to track going into next year. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="220733" first="KingJoseph" last="Edwards"] (DE)-</strong> Buford Edwards is not only a big bodied player, but he is also a very interesting DE to track going into the 2022 season due to his ability to make plays inside, and outside of the box depending on the location of the ball carrier. While his feet may be a bit heavy at times, he allows it to put him in position to gain leverage, and good placement over opposing offensive linemen. From a technical standpoint, Edwards also rolls his hips well, is quick to the point of contact, and holds the ability to turn the corner with a good bend. Next season, we want to see Edwards take a step forward in his ability to play a controlled version of explosive football. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="220734" first="Eddrick" last="Houston"] (DE)-</strong> Buford Similarly to Edwards and Birdsong, Eddrick not only plays with a good bend, but he is very efficient off of the football when running after ball carriers. This allows him to play well in pursuit, and it puts him in position to wrap up well on tackles in the backfield. Even better, Houston plays with good speed, and solid feet, making him a deadly weapon for his defense within the front 7. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="165718" first="Joseph" last="Stone"] (ATH)-</strong> Grayson [player_tooltip player_id="165718" first="Joseph" last="Stone"] is not only one of the more underrated 2024 prospects as a whole, but he is also the most dynamic player on this list. To start, he holds the ability to play WR, RB, and QB due to his pure, and explosive athletic ability. With the football in his hands, not only is he the most dynamic player on the field, but his twitch, vision, burst, and speed is what allows him to shake tackles, run through others, and turn multiple touches into points for his team. Stone is consistent with gaining positive yards, and running through contact, making us expect him to become a huge part of his team’s offense next year when given the chance. By the time the 2022 season comes around, we expect him to continue to develop all around, and become an even better player than he already is. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="220735" first="Caleb" last="Holmes"] (OL)-</strong> Creekside Holmes will likely be one of the key pieces to his team’s offensive line next year, as ball carriers will not only be able to follow his lead due to his ability to pull, and move downfield, but the QB will also be able to view the field with valuable time due to Holmes ability to play consistently in pass protection. Off the ball, Holmes is also very natural when it comes to rolling his hips, shooting his hands, and bending without negative lean. His strong body, and ability to stick true to his blocks also puts him in place to finish them when it is time to do so.