7A Football: Each Region 6 Team’s Top Returning Player

One of the more underrated regions in the state of Georgia when it comes to 7A football happens to be that of Region 6. The reasons for this are due to the fact that they happen to have gems are all positions, even if it is only a few times within a span of 2-5 years. Regardless, the mix of talent always makes for interesting region play, as well as development expectations. Going into next season, look for these team’s top returners to play a big part in how the region plays out. Denmark- [player_tooltip player_id="94017" first="Dee" last="Crayton"] (LB) Watching 4 stack linebacker, [player_tooltip player_id="94017" first="Dee" last="Crayton"] play is a privilege as he plays the game of football very instinctively, and with an attitude. Because of this, he has no problem being physical, and coming up to make tackles in the box, or in pursuit. Crayton also does a good job of rolling his hips on contact, and allowing his drop step to put him in a position of power when making plays. Crayton naturally allows his 6’2, 215 frame to be used to his advantage, as his length creates leverage for him when engaging with opposing players. Because his playmaking ability, and amount of tackles contributed so well last year, we expect to see high production from him next year as well. Forsyth Central- [player_tooltip player_id="137491" first="Justin" last="Taylor"] (RB) Even though Forsyth Central may not be the best program in the state, they still produce a decent level of talent. This includes players such as [player_tooltip player_id="137491" first="Justin" last="Taylor"], who will be a key part of any success that his team will have next year. His ability to run the ball effectively, and punish the defense on the ground will be very important next season, and will be a way in which he can help lead his team. Not only does he run with good balance, but he plays a bruising brand of football at the RB position. If he can continue to do so next year, look for Taylor to help his team get some check marks in the W category. Lambert- Brandon Jones (WR) Next season, we fully expect Jones to be one of the leaders for Lambert on the offensive side of the ball, as he has already found ways to contribute in the past. For example, last season, he accumulated around 15 catches, and over 337 yards. While he may not be the most polished route runner, he is very fast out of his initial stick move, which has proven to help him gain separation from defenders. Jones also plays with very strong hands, which helps at the point of the catch, and in contested situations. We would like to see Jones improve out of his breaks, but feel that he has plenty of growth that can be expected this season. Milton- DJ Oates (ATH) When taking time to look at Oates tape, it is quite obvious that he is one of the biggest assets that a team could have. Not only is he an effective safety who is unafraid of contact, but he is also a great WR, with the growth potential to be a TE. Oates may be a bit bulky and stiff at times, but we are impressed with his overall speed and instinct to play the game of football. Moving forward, it will be fun to see how his team uses him, as we feel he will be an effective TE due to his ability to block, shake defenders, and use his size to his advantage. As the 2022 season approaches, expect him to improve with his movement skills, and the way he catches the ball with his hands, rather than his body. South Forsyth- [player_tooltip player_id="97693" first="Ty" last="Watkins"] (QB) When the 2022 season begins, [player_tooltip player_id="97693" first="Ty" last="Watkins"] will be showing out for the last time for South Forsyth fans, as he will be entering into his senior year. The 6’3, 220 pound QB has plenty of promise in the air, and on the ground, making him difficult to keep up with. Outside of being a dynamic runner who rushed for 6 TD’s, he is also a great passer, who threw for 18 TD’s last year. While Watkins has average arm strength, we love his ability to make good decisions, and distribute the ball to the appropriate receiver. Watkins plays with a bit of a slower, and longer release, but we like his ball placement, and ability to see the field. If he can continue to grow in the way he processes reads, we have no doubt that he will be hard for defenses to stop in 2022. West Forsyth- [player_tooltip player_id="221089" first="Peyton" last="Streko"] (RB) As you could expect, Streko is not only listed as West Forsyth’s top returner next year due to his playmaking ability, but the fact that he is able to do so at the RB position, causing for matchup problems for the opposing team. Even though Streko is a tad shorter, he plays well to his weight, as he carries his weight well, and is able to create leverage, and play at a good pad level when playing against opposing defenders. While Steko is not an overly flashy runner, he does play with decent speed, and burst, which is paired well with his powerful running style. With the ball in his hands, Streko runs at a good pad level, and with very strong legs, allowing him to plow through contact. What makes this even better is that he does this with great balance, helping him to gain the hard yards. Next season, as he will continue to play with this same ability, look for Streko to lead his team in plenty of ways, and be one of the reasons his team wins games.