FRESH LOOK: 2022 Buford Wolves

The Buford Wolves are one of the biggest powerhouse programs across the state of Georgia. They are the definition of a "power program" and have one expectation ever year. Win a state championship. They have won two state championships in a row, but they have a big challenge in 2022 as they step up to play with the big boys in 7A. The Wolves will be ready though as they are loaded with plenty of young talent and have an experienced QB coming back. Here are a few Buford Wolves to know about for the 2022 season... &nbsp; <strong>2023 RB [player_tooltip player_id="34011" first="Justice" last="Haynes"]</strong> The Wolves were already loaded coming into the 2022 season, and now they’ve landed a transfer from the top-ranked running back in the state. Elite running back [player_tooltip player_id="34011" first="Justice" last="Haynes"], who rushed for over 2,300 yards last season for Blessed Trinity, will now suit up for the powerful Buford Wolves this fall. He’ll have plenty of help around him so he won’t be asked to carry the load nearly as much in his final high school season. He has speed, power, burst, vision, and everything else you look for in a game-changing back. He might make Buford the favorite to win 7A now, and he should be fun to watch as he’ll be running behind a strong Buford offensive line. &nbsp; <strong>2024 ATH [player_tooltip player_id="137438" first="KJ" last="Bolden"]</strong> One of the best two-way players across the country, Bolden is an elite 2024 prospect with easy 5-star talent. He’s a track star who dominates at both receiver and defensive back on the gridiron. The 6-foot-2 180-pounder has plenty of size, athleticism, and ball skills to go along with his elite speed. He’s a smooth route runner, can create separation on his own, and has a 2nd gear when he has the ball in space. Defensively, he closes well when the ball is in the air and does a great job of breaking passes up. His size, quickness, and length make it hard for receivers to make plays when he’s in the area. He plays at a different level, and it’s led to offers from just about every major program in the country. Whether he’s a receiver or defensive back at the next level, Bolden is sure to make an early impact. For now, his goal is to help the Wolves repeat as state champions in 2022. &nbsp; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="220734" first="Eddrick" last="Houston"] - EDGE/TE</strong> A dynamic jumbo-athlete at 6-foot-3 220-pounds who can play on the edge and catch passes as a tight end, Houston stands out physically and has shown to be a natural edge defender who can stuff the run or get after the quarterback. He has elite quickness off the ball and can disrupt a play in the backfield at any point off the edge. He’s a powerful defender who plays with leverage, and when he makes a play, it’s easy to see. He’s long, athletic, and shows explosiveness for his size and age. There’s a lot to like about his game, and if you watch his film from last year, it’s hard to image he did all that damage as just a sophomore. He looks the part, has terrific tape, and he’ll be ranked very high in the 2024 Georgia Rankings. He has 5-star potential, and he’s bound for a monster junior season for the Wolves. &nbsp; <span class="pn-player-link"><span class="name-pointer">[player_tooltip player_id="220733" first="KingJoseph" last="Edwards"]</span></span> <strong>– EDGE</strong> One of the top 2024 athletes in Georgia, and one of the hottest prospects across the state, Edwards was lightning quick in 1-on-1 drills during the Under Armour Camp earlier this year and will bring plenty of pressure off the edge this season for the Wolves. He’s another rising junior, but make no mistake, he’ll be one of the top defenders and pass rushers in Gwinnett County this fall. He shows quick hands, can bend below opposing linemen, and has a knack for getting past his opponent. The 6-foot-5 240-pounder has a solid frame for someone his age and he’ll only get bigger and add muscle muscle over the next few years. He’s been one of the fastest-rising prospects in Georgia so far this year, and his stock is at an all-time high heading into spring practice. &nbsp; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="320358" first="Paul" last="Mubenga"] - OT</strong> The Wolves are always loaded on the offensive line, and Mubenga is the next big tackle to come out of Buford. The 6-foot-4 280-pounder is lean, mean, and opened up a lot of holes for the Buford backs last season. As a prospect, the rising senior has a great frame with the ability to add more muscle and weight over time. He’s strong at the point of attack and plays with leverage, driving opposing defenders backwards. He’s easy to notice on the field, and he’ll hope to anchor another strong Buford offensive line later this fall. Mubenga already holds offers from Arkansas, Boston College, among others. &nbsp; <strong><a class="player-name js-profile-link" href="https://www.hudl.com/athlete/11234912">[player_tooltip player_id="326299" first="Dylan" last="Wittke"] - QB</a></strong> A strong-armed quarterback with plenty of experience under his belt, Wittke is a dual-threat quarterback with the clutch gene. When a play is needed to be make, Wittke can make it. He shows good footwork in the pocket, can escape pressure, but most importantly, he throws a catchable ball. He’s an absolute gamer out there and has the leadership qualities that coaches love. He’s smart, can read defenses, and knows where to go with the ball. He’s an impressive quarterback, and he’ll look to help lead the Wolves to another championship as a senior. &nbsp;