2023 Hidden Gems List, Part III
With the season winding down, it’s time to take a look at some of the 2023 hidden gems in Georgia that you need to have on your radar. With early signing day under a month away, it’s time to expose…
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Continue ReadingWith the season winding down, it’s time to take a look at some of the 2023 hidden gems in Georgia that you need to have on your radar. With early signing day under a month away, it’s time to expose some of the best-kept secrets in Georgia. The transfer portal is open, but these prospects would be welcomed additions to any roster.
Khalif Waters – RB – Osborne
Waters was one of the more productive and underrated RBs in the state during the 2022 season, finishing with over 1500 total yards and 17 TDs. Waters is a scrappy runner that shows plenty of promise as a receiver out of the backfield. He has great vision and fights for extra yards between the tackles and in the open field, showing great balance with the ability to stay upright. In the open field, he is a fluid runner with good lateral movement, creating enough space to outrun defenders to the endzone. With his scrappiness and receiving ability out of the backfield, Waters is plenty versatile to get a shot at the next level and is another senior that flew beneath the radar despite being one of the most productive players in the state.
Noah Legault – ATH – Rabun County
Extremely talented athlete that plays all over the field. Legault spends his time mostly at WR and S, where he shows off some high instincts and awareness. The Rabun County standout is a smart player, always at the right place at the right time, and impacts each play by being in the right spot and doing his job exceptionally well. On the year, Legault finished with 700 yards receiving and 6 TDs. On the defensive side of the ball, he finished with 6 INTs. At receiver, he is very fluid and can change direction with ease, making him a slippery playmaker with the ball in his hands and tough for anyone to catch. He also presents a wide catch radius for his receiver standing at 6’2 185 with good hands and great focus. At safety, he has good ball skills and is extremely active in the secondary. He is able to come downfield and play in the box as well, showing the willingness to take on contact. Legault has several small school offers and is going to be a steal for one lucky school.
Deliyon Freeman – ATH – East Coweta
Freeman is an extremely gifted two-way player that plays with a blend of aggressiveness and finesse. On defense, Freeman plays outside at corner. He is excellent in press coverage, showing the ability to mirror the receiver at the line of scrimmage and the ability to turn his hips and run with anyone. When the ball meets receiver, Freeman is extremely pesty and will do anything to knock the ball to the turf. In general, Freeman is trying to get the ball back to his offense on every play, and he certainly did that a lot during his senior season. A few times, you can see him force some fumbles, and even strip the ball away from a returner on a kickoff. His athleticism and mentality translate to the offensive side of the ball as well, he is not afraid of contact and shows the ability to catch the ball in tight coverage. Freeman checks a lot of physical boxes and plays a very violent brand of football. He has several small school offers, but I believe he is D1 worthy.
Josiah Abrams – DB – Kennesaw Mountain
Abrams is one of the more underrated players on a talented Kennesaw Mountain team, but is one of the more high-upside players on the team. At 6’2 180 with speed, he has a very intriguing build that deserves a look. In press coverage, he can run with anyone and maintains great body control while in stride. He also does a great job of shifting his weight and coming downhill to strike, where he delivers surprisingly hard hits on ball carriers. With his frame and speed, once he hits the collegiate ranks and begins to develop physically, he could be a very stout press corner. In a few years, it wouldn’t shock me if some schools regret passing him up.
Trey Hargrove – LB – Ware County
Hargrove broke onto the scene with a massive performance in a state championship victory over Warner Robins. After watching his film from the entire season, he produced at the same level all season long. Hargrove lined up all over the field and played like a heat seeking missile, flying to the ball and delivering massive hits that can separate ball from ball carrier. Hargrove has a stout, low to the ground build and gains leverage on blockers with his sheer strength. Can line up attached to the line and can roam in space, but I believe his best fit is as a true MLB with his ability to plug gaps and run sideline to sideline. Hargrove has been producing eye opening plays down at Ware County for a while, and now, the entire state is starting to take notice.
Aiden Benton – DL – Lovejoy
Athletic big man that can play anywhere on the line of scrimmage, but I project him at the 5-tech with his ability to set the edge and rush the passer. On the year, Benton was one of the most productive pass rushers in the state, finishing with 12.5 sacks on the year. Benton wins with his first step, instantly getting the edge and showing good bend as he heads towards the QB. He is a relentless pass rusher with long arms. Once he gets his hands on the ball carrier, it’s over for the offense. With his size, he can set the edge well, but will get even better at doing so as he bulks up. Benton reminds me a little of Clemson’s Caden Story when he was in HS. Benton would be a welcomed late addition to any recruiting class out there. He has size, speed, and plays with a lot of hustle.