Playoff Primer: 6 Players To Track in Round 1

The playoffs are here, which is usually a time when players can raise their stock and perform in front of college coaches. Here are a few prospects I am watching in round 1, and you should be too.    [player_tooltip player_id='1589339' first='Giovanni' last='Tuggle'] exploded onto the recruiting scene this year and is now one of the premier players in the state in the 2028 class. He is a freakish defensive back with elite measurables and freakish athletic traits. He can out-jump anybody on the field and does so frequently. He is sudden and reactionary enough to play safety and float to a spot to get under the football. He is violent and noticeably finds an extra gear when closing space to ball carriers. He has plenty of length, I've referred to him as a "grass scraper" in the past. Tuggle is in a league of his own as far as physical development and athleticism in the 2028 class and he is an early 5-star candidate. Tuggle has a shot against Thomas County Central to prove himself against elite competition, and for that reason, he is someone I will be watching closely.     Cedartown and Cambridge might be the most competitive round 1 game in the state. I think the battle between Cedartown CBs and Cambridge WRs will ultimately decide the game. Cedartown has several solid defensive backs, but Turner might get more opportunities to make a play on the football. Turner is a strong prospect in his own right with offers under his belt. He checks the length boxes and can be pesky around the catch pocket and tie-up receivers. Solid tackler who does a good job of engaging and freeing himself from blockers on the outside as he clicks downhill. Turner gets a chance to line up across from D1 receivers in a playoff setting and answer any questions college coaches may have.     [player_tooltip player_id='1555762' first='Brooks' last='Brien'] is a late-bloomer senior QB who caught my eye earlier in the season. Fast forward to now, and he has led Cherokee Bluff to a 9-1 season while being efficient every step of the way. Cherokee Bluff is going up against Monroe Area, a squad with plenty of speed on defense. Brien's mechanics are strong and he does an excellent job of throwing with the touch and pace required to layer throws into intermediate spots. He is an impressive, stout athlete with a basketball background. He can keep plays alive and can move the pile if needed. Brien will look to prolong his HS career against a defense with D1 talent.     Will Rajecki has been one of the biggest breakout RBs in the state this fall, regardless of class. He is stout and strong against contact, but is also very explosive, giving him access to cutback lanes and making him tough to catch in the short areas. He has also been extremely productive as a receiver, tacking on over 500 receiving yards this fall. Rajecki is firmly on D1 radars and should add offers soon. Rajecki is the top playmaker for Sequoyah and will be the X factor against a talented Gainesville team in round one. I wouldn't be at all shocked to see Rajecki get at least 35 touches to help push the Chiefs over the edge.     There will be plenty of talent on both sides of the ball in Decatur vs Dutchtown. White has averaged over 7 yards a carry on the year and is the biggest playmaking threat for the Bulldogs. White generated plenty of buzz on the camp circuit this offseason and showed on film why people are excited about him. He is extremely explosive and changes direction with ease, making him extremely hard to tackle in space and allowing him to create his own yards. White runs with a low center of gravity and can pinball off tacklers, a trait that will be needed in the playoffs. White is a clear P4 caliber RB and will be tested against a strong Dutchtown defensive front.     Behind a potent rushing attack, Ola was able to go 10-0 in the regular season and is positioned to make a run in the playoffs. Newkirk isn't the leading rusher for Ola, but he has still had a productive season and is averaging nearly 8 yards a carry. Newkirk has several FBS offers under his belt, and for good reason. He has outstanding measurables around 5'11 180 with plenty of room to add weight. He is a long strider in the open field who can eat up grass once he gets going. He plays with good pace and patience as well, allowing his blocks to develop. Newkirk's best football is ahead of him and we have him ranked as one of the best 2027 RBs in the state. He will be relied on early and often in the postseason.

The playoffs are here, which is usually a time when players can raise their stock and perform in front of college coaches. Here are a few prospects I am watching in round 1, and you should be too.