4 Underrated Prospects That Impressed in Round 1
In this article:
We are through the first round of the playoffs. The typical stars have continued to shine, and the underrated prospects continue to fly under the radar, even on the biggest stage. Here, we highlight some of those underrated prospects that…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingWe are through the first round of the playoffs. The typical stars have continued to shine, and the underrated prospects continue to fly under the radar, even on the biggest stage. Here, we highlight some of those underrated prospects that had a productive first round of the playoffs.
Gavin Hall Gavin Hall 5'10" | 190 lbs | QB Gainesville | 2024 State GA – 2024 – QB – Hebron Christian
Hall was a prospect that we pinpointed before the season as someone you need to watch. On the year, he has eclipsed over 4000 total yards of offense and 47 TDs. Hall sits at nearly 1700 passing yards and 17 TDs, but it’s his work with his legs that really separates him from the rest. Hall is one of the state rushing leaders sitting over 2300 yards and 30 TDs, all from the QB position. Last week against Pickens in the first round, Hall did it all for his squad, rushing for 235 yards and 5 TD and adding another 171 yards and 2 TDs through the air. Hall is still growing as a passer, but he shows good mechanics, arm talent, and has grown since last season. His explosiveness and playmaking ability with the ball in his hands stands alone in the 2024 class. Hall is extremely twitchy and can make people miss, but he also isn’t afraid to lower his shoulder and fight for extra yards. No offers yet for Hall, but there is D1 interest, and I expect that to yield offers here soon. Hall is being recruited both as a QB and as an ATH.
KJ Smith – 2024 – QB – Roswell
Smith is one of my personal favorites in the 2024 class, and I was able to watch him in person. I came away even more impressed with him than I was before. Smith completed just 8 passes for 190 yards and 3 TDs in a 55-8 victory over Lanier. Smith was also a threat on the ground, rushing for 68 yards and adding another TD. Smith is a surgical passer that can layer the ball exceptionally well and fit it into tight windows. He shows plenty of trust in his receivers, often throwing the ball to a spot and letting them make a play. Roswell has a really fun offense with a lot of RPOs and quick designs for Smith, where he shows a very quick and fundamentally sound release. I knew Smith was a very accurate passer with great passing mechanics, but I was very impressed with his pocket prescience. He navigates the pocket very well, showing the ability to climb the pocket when under duress as opposed to completely bailing. Whether it’s with his arm or with his legs, he keeps plays alive and gives his team a chance every play. Roswell is a very dangerous team with Smith at the helm, and I think they have a chance to make some noise in the coming weeks.
Naim Cheeks – 2023 – RB – Gainesville
Cheeks has been one of the biggest impact players on a Gainesville team that is expected to make a run at the state title. Cheeks has had several impactful performances this year as he has rushed for over 1300 yards and 16 TDs on the year, but none more impactful than his first-round performance against Sprayberry. Cheeks carried the ball 17 times for 230 yards and 2 TDs, good enough for 13.5 yards per carry. Cheeks is a smaller scat-back that runs exceptionally hard and isn’t afraid to put his head down and get a few more yards. He shows some good wiggle in space and gets north and south in a hurry once he finds open field. Cheeks has several FCS offers and has solidified himself as a legit D1 prospect with his work this season, and the job is yet to be finished.
Jovanni McGee – 2025 – WR – Langston Hughes
On a team full of potential NFL talent, it was Jovanni McGee, a rising 2025 wideout that stole the show in round 1 for the Langston Hughes offense. McGee had the best game of his young career in a 49-6 rout of River Ridge, reeling in 7 passes for 106 yards and a touchdown. McGee had some solid production earlier in the year, but his outing last Friday was his true breakout performance. At around 5’9 155, McGee is a smaller receiver, but he is incredibly impressive in space and is a threat in the downfield passing game. He is very twitchy and smooth as a runner, making him extremely hard to stay with. When the ball is in the air, he is able to make plays while off-balanced and in uncomfortable positions, demonstrating a natural feel for the game. McGee recently picked up his first D1 offer from Mid Tennessee State, and I expect him to grow into yet another highly touted Langston Hughes product.