FRESH LOOK: 2022 North Gwinnett Bulldogs

It was a down year generally speaking in 2021 for the North Gwinnett Bulldogs, a consistent 7A powerhouse that went just 6-6 last fall. This upcoming season should go much better, as the Bulldogs have a strong 2023 class leading the way with plenty of D1-caliber talent on the roster. The 2017 State Champions also have an impressive sophomore class who will help lead the team through one of the toughest schedules across the state. Here’s what you need to know about the 2021 North Gwinnett Bulldogs: &nbsp; <strong><a class="pn-player-link" href="https://prepredzone.com/player/kayden-mcdonald/"><span class="name-pointer">[player_tooltip player_id="34064" first="Kayden" last="McDonald"]</span></a> – DL </strong> The best overall player on the team, and one of the top defensive line prospects in the state, McDonald is a a thick, powerful 6-foot-3 330-pound interior lineman with impressive quickness for his size. You don’t normally see interior defensive linemen towards the top of the sack leaders in the state, but that’s how good McDonald was this past season, playing against some of the best competition in the state. The dominant defensive tackle had a record seven sacks against South Forsyth in the playoffs, showing he can be an absolute game-changer there. He’s quick off the ball and moves like a cat for his size. 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 had 20 sacks, 2nd most in the 2023 class, and 15 more QB hurries to go along with an incredible 62 TFLs. Look for him to dominate once again this upcoming fall. &nbsp; <strong><a class="pn-player-link" href="https://prepredzone.com/player/grant-godfrey/"><span class="name-pointer">[player_tooltip player_id="220720" first="Grant" last="Godfrey"]</span></a> – LB </strong> A long, athletic two-sport star for the Bulldogs, Godfrey is a stout linebacker with offers from some of the top programs across the country. One the top 2023 linebackers in Georgia, Godfrey has great bloodlines as his father used to play for the Georgia Bulldogs back in the 90s. Now it’s Grant’s turn to make a name for himself, and that’s exactly what he did after a big junior season this fall. The 6-foot-3 200-pounder has made 68 total tackles this year and 10 TFLs. He’s also made six sacks this year and one INT. He shows impressive athleticism, overall instincts, and he knows how to wrap up properly. He holds offers from Kentucky, Boston College, Georgia Tech, Kansas State, among others. &nbsp; <strong>Tyler Walton – North Gwinnett</strong> One of the more underrated defenders across the state, the North Gwinnett standout is finally starting to see some offers come his way. A big-time playmaker off the edge at 6-foot-4 230-pounds, he was a QBs worst nightmare last season as a junior, totaling 48 tackles, 8 sacks, 17 TFLs, 3 Forced fumbles, 4 recovered, and 5 PBUs. There’s plenty of D1 talent on their roster and Walton is one of them. He went up against some of the best competition in Georgia and showed quickness off the ball, strong hands, and great pursuit of the QB. He’s long, athletic, and can absolutely play at the D1 level. He’s earned recent offers from Boston College, West Virginia, and Coastal Carolina. &nbsp; Ethan Washington - QB Arguably the best overall athlete on the team, Washington is a dual-threat QB who is still developing as a passer. He has a big arm and his overall arm strength is easy to see, but he has to be more consistent and accurate as a senior this fall. He moves really well and can make plays with his feet, he has decent size at 6-foot-3 190-pounds. He has the potential to have a big senior season and will be one of