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

Georgia high school football fans are very familiar with region 7 of 7A football due to the fact that it contains some of the top teams in the state. This includes that of North Gwinnett, and Norcross. While the region can be a bit top heavy, we also believe that you can occasionally find some underrated talent in the additional teams in the region as well, which only makes for more fun, and competitive play during the regular season. Below, we have listed each region 7 team's top returner, as they will likely be a big part of any success their team has next year. <strong>Berkmar-</strong> Gabriel Ansah (WR) While Ansah has plenty room for growth and development, we still believe he is a top tier player, and the best returning player for Berkmar. Not only is he a playmaker after the catch, but he also does a great job of catching the ball with clean hands. Not only is he a long framed receiver, but he is able to translate this to his style of play, as it helps him to gain separation from defenders, and it even helps him position himself well to box out defenders in contested catch situations. Ansah has a good catch radius, and we like the fluidity he displays in his steps, but we would like to see him work on his speed out of his breaks, as well as his overall route running, and footwork. If he can do this, he will take his game to the next level. Regardless, we believe that 2022 will be a big year for him. <strong>Duluth-</strong> Anthony Miller (TE) When first watching Miller, one thing jumps off of the film- his size. Millers strength, length, and size, clearly set him apart and allow him to dominate his competition. This includes high pointing the football, winning contested catch situations, and using his length as leverage to get open. Even though he can be a tad stiff at times, he also proves to have a great deal of speed, and burst, which allows him to pull away from defenders with the ball in his hands, and make good plays after the catch. Paired with this is his strong legs, and his willingness to finish plays. If Miller can continue to work on these attributes, as well as his fluidity in his movement skills, we have no doubt that he will help lead his team in many ways next season. <strong>Meadowcreek-</strong> Kraig Killings (WR) Even though Meadowcreek’s roster can be viewed to be a bit thin compared to other teams in the region, we still believe they have enough talent to win more games than they did last year. In order to do so, they will need the talent of their top returner, Kraig Killings, who happens to be their starting QB. While he may not be the most dynamic player, or accurate QB, he is talented enough to help his team win games. Last season, Killings passed for over 750 yards, while also passing for 8 TD's, with an average of over 100 yards a game. If he can continue to develop as a down the field passer, as well as the way he releases the football and makes reads, we have no doubt he will help his team to be able to compete a bit better next season. <strong>Norcross-</strong> [player_tooltip player_id="34057" first="Lawson" last="Luckie"] (TE) Luckie will most definitely be one of the keys to any success that Norcross has next season, as his elite ability to play the TE position will help the offense to put up a high volume of points, even against some of the top defenses the state has to offer. Luckie is not only a big framed player, but he is also skilled enough to have committed to the University of Georgia. Over his career, he has racked up over 800 yards, including over 350 yards last season, with 3 TD’s. While he is a skilled route runner, with great hands, and body control, we also like his ability to block effectively in the running game. It is because of this ability that we feel he is Norcross’ best returning player next year, and will help them win games. <strong>North Gwinnett-</strong> [player_tooltip player_id="34064" first="Kayden" last="McDonald"] (DE) When watching the 4 star play football, it is no surprise that he has racked up the amount of power 5 offers that he has, including that of the University of Georgia. His 6’3, 320 frame is often very dominant, and it can be seen in the high volume of tackles he made last year alone, including that of his 62 tackles for a loss. McDonald is a very explosive player, and his burst off the ball allows him to use his frame, stance, and power to his advantage. This puts him in position to out leverage opposing players, and further collapse the pocket, thus pressuring the QB. With this, McDonald also plays with quick feet, and hands, which allows for solid pass rush moves, and quick reaction time to ball carriers running down the middle. <strong>Peachtree Ridge-</strong> Ladavius Dye (LB) Even though Peachtree Ridge has not had the level of success in recent years that they would have wished for, they have had a few players who have stood out, and given them a chance to win games. A big part of any success their team has had is due to linebacker, Ladavius Dye. When lined up on the defensive side of the ball, Dye plays with good speed, natural reactionary skills, and an instinct to play defensive football. Dye takes great tackle angles, and plays with good burst, and pop. His aggressive playing style translates well when making tackles, and his use of hands also help him to make good plays.