Road to the Benz: AAA Names You May Not Know

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It is always an honor to be practicing during Thanksgiving week. There are 8 teams still alive in Class AAA with hopes of making it to the Benz in Mid December. We take a look at the 4 Quarterfinal matchups and 8 names you may not know.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>#8 Cherokee Bluff at #1 Jefferson </em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Cherokee Bluff Bears (11-1) look to avenge their only loss on the season when they travel to Jefferson Friday to take on the 9-3 Dragons. Jefferson won the 1st meeting 35-7 back on Oct 25th.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Landon Kemp","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"160","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2411","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Cherokee Bluff","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6745323dd8690"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The multisport standout at Cherokee Bluff has been a big contributor for the Bears in all 3 phases of the game this season. During the regular season he caught 23 passes for 307 yards with 4 TDs while adding 276 yards in kick returns. Kemp was outstanding on the defensive side of the ball, intercepting 5 passes on the year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tough, hard nosed competitive player that leaves it all out on the field. If the Bears are going to pull the upset Kemp will be a big part of the gameplan.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1570137' first='Rett' last='Hemphill']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"205","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2411","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Jefferson","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6745323dd877f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another outstanding multisport athlete that will rarely leave the field Friday night. Named All State LB as a junior and followed that up with an outstanding Senior season. He recorded over 100 TT for the second consecutive year while adding 10 TFL, 3 sacks, and 5 INTs. He averaged over 7 yards per carry on offense with 48 attempts for 355 yards and 6 TDs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hemphill had a huge game in the 2nd Rd win over Oconee Co. He had a rushing TD, a pick 6, 12 TT, and blocked an XP in the 42-6 win. Good size, length and athleticism. Quite a bit FCS interest with Black Hills State recently extended and offer. Once the portal smoke clears I think this ATH will see more opportunities come his way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>#20 LaGrange at #5 North Hall</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The LaGrange Grangers (9-3) are the lowest seeded team left in AAA. They have reeled off two impressive upsets, including a 38-22 win over #4 Sandy Creek to reach the Quarterfinal. The North Hall Trojans have clawed their way through the 1st two rounds including an overtime win over Gilmer in the 1st Round. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1561754"],"_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-6745323dd87fb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The 5'9 RB has got a lot of publicity from Prep Redzone this month, and rightfully so. He has a compact stout frame and has outstanding allusiveness in traffic. Has breakaway speed once he finds a running lane. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He has had a great postseason for the underdog Grangers eclipsing the 200 yard mark in both of their playoff wins. The Senior has a chance to get on some radars late in the recruiting cycle if LaGrange continues this run to the Benz. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Charlie Dyer","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'11u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"165","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2495","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"North Hall","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6745323dd88d3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The 5'11 DB may not whoo you when he steps off the bus but the guy can play. A real good cover DB with a high football IQ that seems to always be in the right place to make a play. He stepped up to the challenge all season matching up against taller wide receivers. Gets down hill quick in run support. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dyer has 80 TT with 4 TFL and 4 INTs on the season. He has stepped up in a big way in the postseason with a season high 11 tackles in the win over Gilmer and had a interception in last weeks win over Upson-Lee.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>#6 Calhoun at #3 Peach County</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Great match up between two of the marquee programs in the State. The 9-3 Calhoun Yellow Jackets head to Ft. Valley to take on the 11-1 Peach County Trojans.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Justin Beasley","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"160","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2410","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Calhoun","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6745323dd89ad"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Beasley plays and looks a lot bigger than he stated size. A play maker in open space with ball in his hands. Was selected to 1st Team All Region this season after snagging 48 passes for 664 yards and 13 TDs for the Region Champs. He had a 7 catch 100 yard, 4 TD game in the Region Championship vs Heritage. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"Jutt" has the tools to be an outstanding WR at the next level and has already caught the attention of some P4 programs with Georgia Tech extending a gameday visit. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Ace Blount","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"210","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2496","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Peach County","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6745323dd8a83"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The 6'0 210 LB is a name you can expect to see this Spring appear in the Redzone 2027 rankings. He had an outstanding sophomore season with 113 TT, 6 TFL, and 4 QB sacks. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Great patience that plays with a lot more maturity than your average sophomore. Sits back and lets the play develop then explodes to make the tackle. Has the athleticism to drop back in coverage. Good looking LB prospect on tape with a big upside that has gotten it done vs elite competition. The Benz would be a good place for Blount to gain some Statewide attention.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>#18 SE Bulloch at #7 Stephenson</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 10-2 SE Bulloch Yellow Jackets have opened the playoffs with 2 impressive upsets. They will be heading to Stone Mountain to play the 9-3 Stephenson Jaguars who beat Jenkins by an impressive 41-7 score to advance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1891329' first='Chase' last='Douglas']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'6u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"150","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2411","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Southeast Bulloch","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6745323dd8b5a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Your 1st instinct is this guy is too small to play MLB on an Elite program, that is not the case here. The 5'6 Junior has great instincts, is tough as nails, and loves to hit. Has 54 TT and 3 INTs for the Yellow Jackets this season with a game high 12 TT in a win over Long Co back in October. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He has contributed with 8 TT in their two upset wins to reach the quarterfinals. Fun guy to watch on film if you like gritty, old school football players. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1551279"],"_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-6745323dd8bcd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Craddock is up to 6'2 220 and in my opinion is one of the most over looked LB prospects in AAA. He followed up an outstanding junior season, where he had 14 TFL, with an even more impressive senior season. He accounted for 136 TT for the Jaguars with 8 TFL, forced 2 fumbles and picked off 2 passes. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A coachable prospect with a high football IQ. Brings a high motor every Friday night and is one of the most violent tacklers I have seen from the LB spot this season. Has good size with room to grow. Craddock definitely needs more attention late in this recruiting cycle. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->