NWGA Report: New Names Emerge Thru Week 3

One of the things I like best about following high school football is witnessing the emergence of new names each year. As much time we spend on watching film and hitting the recruiting events in the off season there is always a handful of players that have flown under our radars. Below are 8 names that have had a positive impact on the field for their teams thru Week 3 that were not on my radar entering the season.    People mentioned Bouknight to me last season but I never got around to watching his film. He started the 2024 season with 5 total TDs v (6A) North Paulding and I had to go out and see him live Week 2. He lived up to the hype.   Outstanding athlete that can make things happen with the ball in his hands. Has the best escape ability of any QB I have seen the last few years. He changes direction on a dime and is always a threat to tuck and run. Keeps his eyes up field and has the arm to beat you deep if you bring the house to stop him.   He has had a Breakout start for the 2-0 Raiders and has them knocking on the Top 10 in Class 5A. He has accounted 8 TDs and close to 600 yards in his two starts. He had 2 60+ yard TD runs last Friday v Paulding Co in a 34-3 win.   Has the speed and quickness to play multiple skill positions at the next level.     No one in my opinion has made a bigger impact through the first month of the season for their team than Runion.   The Senior DB has (6) Interceptions, with one returned for a TD several FF and a fumble return for a TD v rival Heritage in Week 3.   Was named 1st Team All Region last season after averaging over 8 TT per game for the Tigers. Absolute ball hawk in the secondary with the athleticism to make plays. He was the PRZ Player of the Game Week 1 after intercepting 3 passes v Dade Co, one while lying on his back.     The 5'10 191 Soph RB is one of the new names I am most excited about. The young back has a solid build with good vision at the LOS and explodes through the holes. He has the physical ability to take contact and get positive yards.   The RB2 filled in this week as a starter vs rival Heritage. He rushed 23 times for 193 yards and scored a TD in the win. Thru the 1st 3 games he has 41 carries for 318 yard, almost 8 ypc, and scored twice.   Very intriguing prospect over the next 2.5 season.     I saw this guy live in the preseason scrimmage at Adairsville and knew after a few plays that he was going to be a big contributor for the 2x Defending State Champs.   Multisport athlete (basketball, track) that shows a lot of quickness and toughness at the LOS. Good solid base with a strong upper body. Has good vision not only from the RB spot but also on defense where he plays LB.   Opened the season with a solid performance vs highly ranked Fellowship Christian with 22 carries for 155 yards and 3 TDs.   Under the radar right now but would not be surprised to see him show up in the PRZ Class of 2026 rankings by seasons end.       The 6'1 185 Cartersville Purple Hurricane WR is not new to the Prep Redzone Staff. Fellow writer Matt DeBary mentioned him back in <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/05/film-study-playmaking-2026-wide-receivers-on-the-rise/">May</a> as a Stock Rising WR in 2024 and Marchese has so far lived up to the billing.   Marchese has next level speed, consistently hitting 22 mph on the speed gun, and has added strength and size in the weight room over the past year.   The Canes opened the 1st Month of the season against some very good competition with wins over Columbia, Rockmart and Hapeville. Marchese has stepped up as a big play option in those games with 6 catches for 207 yards including a 53-yd TD v Rockmart.   Long, lean WR with great hands and route running ability and elite speed. He plays in a great program for developing next level talent and is one to put on your radar.     Ramsey has emerged as a big time play maker on both side of the ball for the undefeated Bruin thru the 1st month of the season.   Ramsey has helped a Bruin defense that ranks in the Top 5 in the NWGA area. He has 27 TT 4 TFL with 3 sacks in the Bruins last 2 games, wins over North Murray and rival Dalton. He has also added close to 100 yards rushing in the two wins, including a 5 carry for 45-yard game against Dalton.   Physical 6'1 230 that has the upper body strength to move blocker out of the way. He plays with a lot of passion and enthusiasm and is always around the ball.   He picked up an offer from Sewanee earlier in the offseason but is still relatively an under the radar guy.     Amos may not have the prototypical next level LB size but he gets it done where it counts, on the field.   He has had a good start to the 2024 season for the 3-0 Bruins with 24 TT, 20 of those coming in the last 2 weeks, with 6 TFL and 4 sacks.   Amos has a good football IQ and vision at the LOS. Good 1st step that pins his ears back and homes in on the ball carrier. Has athleticism to line up on the outside and cover WRs. A coaches favorite that is a warrior on the field.     The 6'2 basketball standout has transitioned well to the football field this season, standing out early for the Lions on both side of the ball.   Long, lean athlete that brings that body control and "smoothness" basketball players are known for. Intercepted 2 passes in the Lions 1st game and had a long TD reception vs powerhouse Oxford Week 2.   Cochran may have arrived late in the recruiting cycle but he has all the tools to play at the next level. He should get plenty of opportunities to showcase his skills this season in a Lions offense that is Top in points scored in the NW/W Ga Area.

One of the things I like best about following high school football is witnessing the emergence of new names each year. As much time we spend on watching film and hitting the recruiting events in the off season there is always a handful of players that have flown under our radars. Below are 8 names that have had a positive impact on the field for their teams thru Week 3 that were not on my radar entering the season.