Region IDs: Lake Martin Area New Names

The current talent bordering Lake Martin is the best I've seen in the area in my time doing this for work. Here is a look at 6 players who are catching my eye from the area.    Green is a stout, well-developed RB prospect coming off a productive junior season. He also has a basketball background. Green is extremely hard to tackle. It's hard to get arms around his stout, strong 5'11 190 frame. He is also a contact seeker in space, dropping his shoulder and firing his feet to will his way through contact and stay on his feet. Green isn't a burner, but he has enough short-area quickness to bounce the ball outside and find space. He also showcases some patience and doesn't run past his blockers. Green is extremely underrated and is worthy of generating some small-school buzz.     Jaden McKenzie is a two-way playmaker for Tallassee with a T/F background. In 2025, he PR'd at 11.15 in the 100M. I project McKenzie to play DB at the next level. He would be considered undersized for a corner on the outside, but I think he compensates for his size with his activity and tackling ability. There is always the opportunity to slide inside as well. McKenzie is a very sudden athlete, almost immediately clicking from one receiver to another in zone and quickly keying downhill. He impressively knifes past blockers and tackles well for a smaller guy. Rivers holds an offer from Tuskegee and has the traits and activity to contribute at that level of ball.     [player_tooltip player_id='1678766' first='Jaiden' last='Gordon'] is a productive, versatile, and athletic rising sophomore whom I will keep track of going forward. He has a multi-sport background consisting of basketball and T/F. In 2025, he PR'd at 11.55 in the 100M. Gordon is a bit of a positionless player at this point, but he did most of his damage from the backfield and at corner as a freshman. His short-area quickness is impressive and beyond his years. He is a master at creating his own yards and getting himself out of tight spots, which he pairs with decent long speed for his age. On defense, he is a sound tackler for his frame and is patient in coverage, especially at the top of routes. Gordon has D1 traits. How much he grows and how he compensates for his size will dictate whether the big boys get involved or not.     Thames is a productive RB with a few D1 offers under his belt. Thames has a low center of gravity on a 5'9 190 frame. His contact balance is the most impressive part of his game. He accelerates through weak tackling attempts and is strong enough to muscle through harder contact. He isn't a straight line burner, but he is light on his feet and explosive in the short areas. He takes the yards available, but decelerates enough through his cuts to generate fly-by tackle attempts. Thames is a high-floor player who can soak in contact.     Jackson is an impressive youngster who already has FBS offers under his belt. Jackson is an impressive blend of size, athleticism, and balance, especially for his age. Long term, he projects best to guard since he is on the stubbier side of 6'3, but could still swing at tackle. He is the first hat through the line when climbing to the second level. He does an excellent job of firing his feet through contact, allowing him to missplace defenders. His feet stay active while anchoring as well, equipping him with an elite anchor and making him almost impossible to move. I am really intrigued to watch this kid grow. He has impressive tape and will continue to generate FBS attention.     McKelvey is a versatile playmaker for Dadeville and even played some QB last fall, although he projects best to a skill spot. He doubles as a baseball player as well. McKelvey is still growing into his stride and might lumber a bit as a runner, but he is fast enough, can cut across the face of defenders, and plays really hard. He isn't afraid to launch himself into contact and will get in the mix on defense every snap. McKelvey might not generate high-level recruiting attention, but this guy is a true football player and is fun to watch.

The current talent bordering Lake Martin is the best I've seen in the area in my time doing this for work. Here is a look at 6 players who are catching my eye from the area.