Mid-Season Look: Notable DeKalb County (GA) Ironmen

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DeKalb County is home to some of the top prep football players, and programs, in the state of Georgia. For proof of that, look no further than Cedar Grove High School, which has won four of the last eight Georgia High School state championships. While these athletes below still have at least a year until they take the field on the high school level, there is undeniable talent already shining through this year as middle school prospects. Here's a look at some players having strong seasons on both sides of the ball</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1467338"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66eb1267004b8"} --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Part of a Cedar Grove team that has outscored its opponents 118-12 in the first three games of the season.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Has been a bully on the interior defensive line all season long, highlighted by a big time performance in a week two victory over McNair where he recorded five tackles for loss and forced a fumble.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Named a team captain this year, Mincey has done a nice job at Right Guard on offense and has helped teammates such as [player_tooltip player_id='1453821' first='Zack' last='Bell'] and Antravious Howard Jr. go off thus far.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1468483"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66ed8b24f1e10"} --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>It hasn't been the smoothest of rides through the first half of the season for the Chamblee Bulldogs, but at 2-2 they're still alive and kicking.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Has contributed at both Wide Receiver and Defensive End/Edge this season, with his effort on the defensive side of the ball shining a bit brighter.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>He started the season very hot recording a Safety in back-to-back games to kick off the season. In their 8-0 victory over Salem in the season-opener, Crabtree recorded a pair of sacks.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1467576"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66ed65682e3e2"} --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>A member of the only team in DeKalb County to not allow a single point this season, Johnson and Champion Chargers have outscored opponents 108-0 in three games.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Like most of the top linemen in the county at this level, Johnson has gotten it done on both sides of the ball. His feet are nice for a pulling Guard on offense and on the defensive side, he's bull in a china shop.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Through three games, Johnson has tallied a team-high six sacks from his Defensive Tackle position. He has also forced three fumbles thus far.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1466356"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66ed65682e49e"} --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Part of a Cedar Grove defense that has only allowed 12 points in three game, highlighted by a 46-0 blanking of Stone Mountain in week three. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Came out of the gates ready to drop the hammer, recording a game-high seven tackles in the season-opening victory over Stephenson.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>In the heart of SEC country, [player_tooltip player_id='1466356' first='Kaysean' last='Moses'] plays with the speed that the Southeastern Conference is known for. Absolutely flies to the ball, understands angles and wraps up. Only question is: In the future, is he a Linebacker or Strong Safety?</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1467646"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66ed65682e50f"} --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>A member of the only team in DeKalb County to not allow a single point this season, Lewis and Champion Chargers have outscored opponents 108-0 in three games.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>He's a factor in all three phases of the game. He's a player you have to account for as a Defensive End, Offensive Guard/Tackle and even earned Special Teams Player of The Week in Champion's win over Sequoyah</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>He may be the most athletic big man in DeKalb County for the class of 2029. He's a big, fast, aggressive kid with a bright furure. On film, he looks faster than most skill guys and bigger than most linemen.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1468500"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66ed8b24f1f0b"} --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>It hasn't been the smoothest of rides through the first half of the season for the Chamblee Bulldogs, but at 2-2 they're still alive and kicking.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Roberts as been the rock on the defensive side of the ball, consistently showing up and making life a little more difficult for the opposition .</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>In their recent game, a gutsy come-from-behind victory over Freedom, Roberts had a very busy day with several big plays behind the line of scrimmage and QB pressures.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1467356"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66ed65682e550"} --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Part of a Cedar Grove team that has outscored its opponents 118-12 in the first three games of the season.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>On the of more versatile Offensive Linemen I have come across in Georgia, as he has spent time at both Guard and Tackle this season.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Regardless if playing on the Offensive Line or the Defensive Line, it's clear that he understands leverage and pad level. Also does a great job of bringing his hips up and through the point of contact.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1467608"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66ed65682e5c4"} --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>A member of the only team in DeKalb County to not allow a single point this season, Johnson and Champion Chargers have outscored opponents 108-0 in three games.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Last season as a seventh-grader he earned All-Region honors as an Offensive Lineman. While he's playing on the O-Line this year as well, it's his defensive play that I'm liking.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Smith is a speedy rusher coming off the edge as a Defensive End that loves to anticipate and jump the snap. In week one's victory over Henderson, Smith earned co-Defensive MVP honors with five tackles and two sacks.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1467421"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66ed65682e601"} --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>The are more Cedar Grove Saints than any other team in this write-up, but when you outscore opponents 118-12 in the first three games, it justifies it.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Dayseasn, like his town brother Kaysean, plays with great instincts and speed. Also a Wide Receiver, he does it on both sides of the ball, which is why he's listed as an Athlete.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Watching him come down hill from his Safety position is a thing of beauty. Takes great angles and it should be on teaching tape everywhere. Also has a nose for the ball and has been/will continue to be a pick-sick threat</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><span style="text-decoration: underline">Additional Standouts</span></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1467376' first='J'ion' last='Brown-Martin']</em></strong> | Redan - Hard to miss the big man wearing jersey no.95 on the field. I don't have specifics on his size, but he's a very tall kid with an adequate amount of mass to go along with it. The ceiling is high for Brown-Martin who is very raw when it comes to technique. He has all the physical traits to become something serious on the next level(s).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1467464' first='Josiah' last='Ashmon']</em></strong> | Cedar Grove - The are more Cedar Grove Saints than any other team in this write-up, but when you outscore opponents 118-12 in the first three games, it justifies it. Ashmon is built much like many of the coveted Cornerbacks on the next levels: taller (lists himself at 5-foot-11) and longer. Can completely blanket and overwhelming opposing WRs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Benjamin Jackson</em></strong> | Redan - Jackson was listed in the <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/09/mid-season-look-dekalb-county-ga-offensive-stat-sheet-stuffers/">Offensive Stat Sheet Stuffers article</a> but is also doing his thing on defense as a Linebacker. In Redan's most recent game, a 40-0 blanking of McNair, to go along with this three offensive TDs, Jackson scored a fourth TD on a pick-six in addition to his season-high 12 tackles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Dejuan Grier</em> </strong>| Freedom - Frustrating is the word that comes to mind while looking at Freedom's season thus far, sitting 1-3. However, their three losses have come by a combined a 10 points. Every game has been a dog fight and Grier has been one of the best in the kennel. He's been tough on the interior defensive line, with a ton of stops.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Anthony Barclay</em></strong> | Redan - Currently sitting with an unblemished 4-0 record, including two shutouts, Redan has proven to be battle tasted this season. One of several bright spots for the Raiders, Barclay has made recording sacks and tackles for loss a regular occurrence. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Anthon'e Harrell</em></strong> &amp; <strong><em>La'corion Burton</em></strong> | Freedom - The two have been interchangeable on both sides of the ball. They have both had their moments running the ball on offense, as well as coming up with timely tackles on the defensive side of the ball. In week one, their lone win on the season, they recorded six stops a piece and held Tucker's offense to under 50 yards total.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Tyler Clark</em></strong> | Redan - Yet another member of a Redan Raiders team that has only surrendered 14 points all season. Clark is a very active Outside Linebacker that has gotten his hands on a number of passes at the mid-point of this season. He's coming off his best game of the year, which saw him pick off a pair of passes en route to a 40-0 victory over McNair.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The entire <strong>Chapel Hill</strong> defense has been excellent all season long. Sitting 4-0 at the halfway point of the season, the Panthers have posted three shutouts and allowed just one touchdown, outscoring their opponents by a total score of 122-8. While the offense has been unstoppable, the defensive side of the ball is more then doing their share. In the opening game of the season, they downed McNair 40-0 and didn't allow them to get a single first down and in week two, they forced Stephenson to turn the ball over three times. The panthers have scored a number of defensive touchdowns and are also handling business on Special Teams. Standout <strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1431588' first='Makai' last='King']</em></strong> personified this in week four's shutout over Stone Mountain, recovering a fumble on a kick-off and bringing an interception back to the house.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The <strong>Lithonia Bulldogs</strong> are also still undefeated as of this write up and there has been a ton of balance and parody on both sides of the ball up through the halfway point of this season. In their opening game of the season, <em>seven</em> different Bulldogs scored touchdowns. <strong><em>Willie Jones Jr.</em></strong>, <strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1454060' first='Timothy' last='Behling'] </em></strong>and <strong><em>Chaheed Banks</em></strong> have been great offensively. The defense has been very tough giving up only 18 points thus far. Among the standouts, <strong><em>Darrien Priest</em></strong> has gotten his hands on the ball several times and <strong><em>Lamar McIniss </em></strong>has made his presence known with multiple sacks and QB pressures.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The <strong>Columbia Eagles</strong> have looked really good at times, but also pretty down at times. Fresh off back-to-back losses, the Eagles sit at 2-2 with the second half of the season left to play. Offensively <strong><em>Demarco Cody</em></strong> has been an exciting player to watch on the offensive side of the ball, as the dual-threat QB has both thrown and ran for a number of touchdowns. However, he also has a pair of interceptions on the season. Wide Receiver/Defensive Back <strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1462538' first='Trishton' last='Grier']</em></strong> has also proven his worth, as he was on the receiving end of a game-winning touchdown against Miller Grove in week one and has made a few nice defensive plays in the secondary. Running Back <strong><em>Vincent Gilbert</em></strong> has also flashed at times with some powerful runs to cross the goal line, in addition some strong defensive play. As has Outside Linebacker, <strong><em>Antavious Youngblood</em></strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->