7A Football: Each Region 5 Team’s Top Returning Player
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When giving a general overview of Region 5 within Georgia’s high school football, one can easily find that while the teams may not be the flashiest in the state, they tend to have some of the more underrated talent that…
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Continue ReadingWhen giving a general overview of Region 5 within Georgia’s high school football, one can easily find that while the teams may not be the flashiest in the state, they tend to have some of the more underrated talent that you may find. For example, we have not only listed the top returners for each of these teams, but it can also be seen that some of them have found a way to make a name for themselves, even despite some of the underwhelming inter-region competition they may face compared to that of other regions within 7A football. Regardless, each of these players have found ways to stand out, and they will undoubtedly be a big piece in whatever their team is able to accomplish next season.
Cherokee- Peyton Butler (WR)
While taking the time to evaluate Butler, one may see that he has plenty of developmental ability. He is a decent, but not great, route runner, who has solid speed that allows him to stack defenders, and run good routes along the seams. Butler also does a good job of tracking the ball with his eyes, and catching it with clean hands. While his feet can be a bit slow at times, he still finds well to separate, but we would like to see more burst, and acceleration out of his breaks. Even then, due to his frame, and length, he is able to outmuscle, and out-leverage opposing defenders. Moving forward, we would like to see Butler work on his fast-twitch muscle fibers, as we would like to witness more twitch in his intermediate, and short routes. If he is able to improve his speed in these areas, he will continue to take his game to the next level, as he has already proven to be able to do.
Kennesaw Mountain- Cayden Lee Cayden Lee 5'11" | 150 lbs | WR Hillgrove | 2023 State GA (WR)
Next season will not only be Lee’s senior year, but it will be his last audition for the plenty of college programs that are trying to recruit him for his high level of talent. When cutting on his tape, it is no shocker that he is listed as a 4 star, and has received plenty of offers all across the country. Not only is he very fast, but he has the burst, and explosive ability to play at the next level. This allows him to run crisp routes, and to put defenders in a blender at all times His twitch is very hard to stop, and the way he is good at catching the ball from various angles is great for his age. Look for Lee to continue to develop in his frame, and speed, which will only make him more lethal for his team’s offense next season.
North Cobb- Malachi Singleton Malachi Singleton 6'2" | 210 lbs | QB North Cobb | 2023 State GA (QB)
As one could expect, Singleton is certainly going to be the top returning player for North Cobb next year, as he will not only return as an experienced QB under center, but he will have one last chance to make a run in the regular season, and playoffs. As a whole, Singleton is a very talented prospect, hence why he has achieved a 3 star rating, with plenty of power 5 offers. Last season not only did he pass for over 2,100 yards, but he also threw for 21 TD’s, while also rushing for some as well. This should come as not surprise due to his overall ability to process the game at hand, while also being able to release the ball efficiently, and in a timely manner. Singleton also plays with a strong arm, which we expect to continue to grow, along with his accuracy, and decision making. Regardless, North Cobb’s playoff chances will likely ride on his arm, and his legs when the 2022 season rolls around.
Walton- Jeremy Hecklinski Jeremy Hecklinski 6'0" | 180 lbs | QB Walton | 2024 State GA (QB)
Over the past year, we have been very impressed with Hecklinski’s ability to play the QB position at a very high level. Not only has he shown out as a 2024 prospect, but he also passed for over 1,400 yards, and 13 TD’s. In addition to this, Hecklinski also passed for over 110 yards a game, while only throwing only 2 interceptions all season long. Hecklinski is not only a very athletic player, with solid feet, and a good feel for the game, but he has a very high ceiling that is very reminiscent of Josh Allen. When throwing the football, he displays great arm strength, as well as good ball placement, a quick release, and an ability to see the field and understand the flow of the game. Going into next year, expect for him to take a huge jump in his progression, and to help lead his team to post season opportunities, while also dominating regional competition.
Wheeler- Ty Holiday (DL)
Holiday, who already measures in at 6’0, 275, proves to be a valuable asset to his team’s defense, which has been key to any success Wheeler has had in the region. While he may be a little less known than some of the other players on this list, we love the way he is able to use his size, length, and explosive ability to his advantage, whether he plays outside, or inside of the defensive line. Off of the ball, he is explosive, and displays plenty of power with the way he transitions with his steps, and explodes forward. Most impressively, he plays very instinctively, and uses his speed, and hands to his ability. Moving forward, look for Holiday to continue to develop, and remain a star for his defense.