FRESH LOOK: 2022 Norcross Blue Devils

One of the top programs in all of 7A, the Norcross Blue Devils are one of the better athletic programs in Gwinnett County, having a championship-caliber football and basketball team just about every year. They have plenty of D1 talent on hand for the upcoming season and are expected to be better than they were in 2021. Led by reliable pass catchers, an up and coming QB, and a strong defense, the Blue Devils could make another state title run in 2022. Here are a few Blue Devils to know about this year... &nbsp; <strong><a class="pn-player-link" href="https://prepredzone.com/player/lawson-luckie/"><span class="name-pointer">[player_tooltip player_id="34057" first="Lawson" last="Luckie"]</span></a> – Norcross</strong> Already known as one of the top tight end prospects in the South for the 2023 class, the 6-foot-3 225-pounder made his verbal commitment this week to the University of Georgia. He’s a true do-everything tight end who can make a big impact not only in the passing game, but blocking in the run game as well.  He’s detail oriented, strong, physical and athletic. Last fall, Luckie caught 33 passes for 358 yards and three touchdowns. With a new offensive coordinator in town who wants to open up the passing game, look for Luckie to take on a bigger role in the passing game next fall. The future Georgia Bulldog could be bound for a monster senior season with rising junior AJ Arrington now leading the offense at QB. &nbsp; <strong>AJ Watkins - QB</strong> One of the possible breakout QBs in the 2024 class, Arrington is a dynamic dual-threat QB who really came on strong at the end of the season, taking over the job towards the end of the year. He’s an excellent runner who can make defenders with ease, especially for someone his age, and his arm continues to develop and get stronger. He’ll help open up the offense through the air next fall and will have plenty of weapons on the outside to help him out. He’s an effective runner, promising passer, and could be a breakout QB prospect in Gwinnett County this year. Watkins threw for 675 yards and 10 TDs last fall while rushing for over 500 yards and six more touchdowns. &nbsp; <strong>Jonathan Mathis - DB</strong> Arguably the top defender on the team, Mathis is a tough, hard hitting defensive back with great instincts at safety. He’s built well at 6-foot-0 180-pounds and closes quickly on the ball carrier against the run. He’s a sure tackler who had an extremely productive junior season, making 116 total stops and 18 TFLs. He knows how to deliver a hit and does a great job of getting around blocks and making a play. He’s a solid, reliable defender who will help lead the defense this fall. If he has a big spring, he could see some serious D1 interest come his way. &nbsp; <strong>Nakai Poole – WR</strong> A breakout receiver in Gwinnett County last season, Poole is a big-play wideout who really excels after the catch. He plays against tough defensive backs every week and Poole proved to be one of the best pass-catchers in the region, catching 40 passes for 703 yards and 11 touchdowns. He has a true nose for the end-zone and made a lot of defensive backs look silly down the field this year. He can stop on a dime, changes directions well, and can be deadly after the catch. He’s a long strider, a smooth runner, and can get behind the defense before they know it. He was a big-play waiting today and his stock is rising by the day. His biggest game of the season came against Lowndes where he proved to be a deep-threat down the field. He’s earning new offers weekly and is currently one of the hottest receiver prospects in the state.