2026 7A Region 1 Preview: RB Depth, QB Movement Define Region

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last fall, this region was as tightly contested as it gets. 3 teams were all a game away from winning the region title. 5 of the 6 in the region finished with a winning record, and 4 of those 5 took a trip to the playoffs. This fall, there will be a good mix of familiar faces and new names stepping up to help shape the region. Just like last year, I expect a three-headed dragon at the top to compete for the crown, and whichever way it shakes out, you will probably be able to point to a handful of plays that tell the story. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here is a preview of 7A Region 1 in GA, with a focus on key returners, X factors, risers, and key storylines.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>2025 Standings</em></strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Valdosta 12-2 (4-1)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lowndes 10-2 (4-1)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Colquitt County 9-3 (4-1)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Richmond Hill 6-5 (2-3)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Camden County 6-4 (1-4)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>**Tift County 3-7 (0-5) </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>Key Returners</em></strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Valdosta</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1096365"],"_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-6a03878939c58"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Fennell and Foster return as the most productive RB duo in Georgia, and Valdosta's path to another region title will largely rest on the shoulders of these two. Fennell is a versatile player who can split out wide and catch passes out of the backfield. He is a patient, explosive runner who is quick to his top gear and runs hard when he gets vertical. Pound for pound, Fennell is one of the best playmakers in Georgia, and his workload should remain the same this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["489529"],"_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-6a03878939cd2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Foster is actually a pretty similar player to Fennell. Both are smaller, versatile scat backs who make plays both as a rusher and as a receiver. Foster has a little more burst than his counterpart, Fennell, using his foot speed and twitch to maneuver around contact and create his own yards. He has the burst and speed in the open field to lift off and separate. Both Fennell and Foster are two of the most dynamic playmakers in the state, and both of them are on the same team. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lowndes</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["481378"],"_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-6a03878939d26"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='481378' first='Jayce' last='Johnson'], committed to TAMU, is ranked as our top QB prospect here in GA. Johnson is and has always been a physically impressive, physically manipulative dual-threat QB. He has a big-time arm and generates easy life on the ball. He is raw as a passer, but has the ability to make any throw on the field. He is a tone setter as a runner, using his combination of size and speed to bruise his way through contact and barrel down the field. Johnson is a tone-setter with multiple layers as a playmaker. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1865024"],"_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-6a03878939d7e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Woods is another highly productive, clear D1 RB in this region who has tacked on recent recruiting attention this offseason. Woods is a stout, compact player who plays bigger than listed. He is a downhill, patient, bowling-ball-style runner with explosive, quick footwork. He gets rolling downhill and holds onto his top gear over long distances, helping him squeeze out extra yards on explosive plays. Woods is an efficient, strong playmaker with a high floor as an RB prospect. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Colquitt County</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["703891"],"_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-6a03878939dcb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lawson is a stout, strong QB prospect geared up to lead Colquitt County to a region championship as a junior. Everything Lawson does is quick, compact, and efficient, at least from a fundamentals and movement standpoint. He dances around contact in the pocket, has a tightly coiled, quick release, and generates natural life on the ball from the ground. He gets the ball out quickly and gives his receivers room to run after the catch. Good timing, placement, and flashes of touch while doubling as a dual-threat. Lawson reminds me subtly of Miami QB Luke Nickel. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2129963"],"_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-6a03878939e19"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Colquitt County has an impressive crop of 2027 defenders, but the importance of Alford cannot be understated. He was a really productive player last fall, both against the ball and as a tackler. Alford is an instinctual, athletic, rangey S prospect who is all over the field. I love how he attaches to and matches routes, and then uses his ball skills to execute. In a region where several new QBs will be finding their way, Alford will once again play a big role in taking away targets and generating chaos plays as a senior.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Richmond Hill</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2101501"],"_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-6a03878939e61"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Pound for pound, [player_tooltip player_id='2101501' first='Elias' last='Grant'] is one of the most productive players in the region, and he does it on each side of the ball. Grant has emerged as an FBS target and flashes plenty to like on both sides of the LOS. Grant is a smooth, sudden, explosive athlete who flashes his hands and body control as a receiver. When he flips around as a defender, his physicality really comes through on tape. He can match and mirror, but looks at his best when he can get his hands on receivers and disrupt timing. Just a really fun watch and one of the best players in this region. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2005861"],"_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-6a03878939ea8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Deal is an undersized, but productive defender who is a tone setter for Richmond Hill's defense. Deal is an instinctual, reactionary defender who is always around the ball and can twitch his way around contact and to the ball. He is a stout, strong player and uses his natural leverage to get underneath ball carriers and work from the ground up. He plays exactly the way he needs to play to compensate for his size. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Camden County</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1584784"],"_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-6a03878939eef"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1584784' first='Sean' last='Green'] is the top playmaker for Camden County and has emerged as a premier WR prospect out of GA in the 2027 class. He has plenty of juice as an athlete and doubles as an impressive jumper in T/F. Green has good foot speed, can almost immediately explode to his top speed, and uses head nods and body fakes to deceive DBs down the field. He profiles out similarly to Texas Tech WR Malcolm Simmons, and I expect him to be used in a similar manner at the next level. </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":"Raymone Howard","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2028","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'3u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"285","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2405","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Camden County","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"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-6a03878939fa4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Howard is a tone setter up front for Camden County, and I think he has a chance to really emerge as an FBS IOL prospect as soon as this offseason. Athletic player with plenty of room to grow. He has good foot speed and length relative to his height, so while he projects on the interior, he could offer some position flexibility. As his play strength continues to develop, so will his ability to displace and move people. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>X Factor</em>s</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lowndes</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["378385"],"_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-6a03878939ff6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lowndes has the QB, RB, a breakout contender at WR, and a true OT. They check all of the boxes to make a run at the region and a deep run for a title. Eisenhower is up to 6'5 280, and is just a reliable, clean player. He plays with good leverage and throws some strong punches at defenders, so there isn't just finesse here. A prototype OT with the length, bounce, and hand strength to develop into a starter at the SEC level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Valdosta</strong></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":"Jamarian Mingo","_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":"6'2u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"180","_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":"Valdosta","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"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-6a0387893a08c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Valdosta will break in a new QB this fall, so I expect Mingo, who is already coming off a productive junior season, to soak in targets and emerge as a serious threat down the field. Mingo is a long, lean, leggy prospect with plenty of space to add more mass. His long strides help him cut though cushion and are hard to match down the field. He tracks the ball well through traffic and while falling to the ground. Mingo can go and take the top off the defense now, but there is still plenty of tread on the tires here. He has well over a dozen D1 offers. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Colquitt County</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2087740"],"_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-6a0387893a0dc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2087740' first='McKenzie' last='Graham'] is one of my favorite players in this region and has a chance to really emerge. He was a tonesetter last fall for Colquitt County, and with more attention, he should receive more love for doing that exact same thing this fall. Graham is a long, positionless player who will likely project as a big safety. Graham is a downhill, violent player who inflicts hard contact when greeting both blockers and ball carriers. Even for the pop in his pads, he is still patient, and will control himself to make sure he is in the proper position. I love everything about this kid.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Richmond Hill</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1258737"],"_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-6a0387893a1a2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1263574' first='Kelvin' last='Brown'] was productive last fall for Richmond Hill, and they will need him to disrupt again as a senior if they want to make another playoff push. At any level of football, disruption and activity on the IDL is a premium, and Brown provides that. He has plenty of thump at the point of attack, but his juice really flashes when he flags the ball down in space. He is more active than most players at his position, and he does so while carrying thumping weight on the interior. Brown is a clear FBS target. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Camden County</strong></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":"Xavier Collins","_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":"6'2u0022","_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":"2409","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Camden County","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"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-6a0387893a23a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This is my first look at Collins, who is coming across state lines to presumably take command of QB duties for Camden County. There's a lot to like on tape from Collins, who measures in at 6'2 205. He is a true dual-threat, using his twitch and suddenness to dodge traffic and create space for himself to operate in the pocket. He has an explosive, quick delivery with the ability to mix up speeds on the ball. He can throw the heater, but he proves capable of moving the ball up and down to drop it in. As I said before, Camden County will need the best from Collins if they want to make a lot of noise in a tight region. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>Region Risers</em></strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1431559"],"_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-6a0387893a285"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lamar Thomas is ranked as a premier 2029 QB in GA, and some people close to him believe he has the tools to emerge as THE premier signal caller, which would be a feat in what is shaping up to be a talented 2029 QB class in Georgia. He had his first glimpse of varsity action at times last year, and whether he gets a shot this fall or not, he is still someone to monitor and track. Thomas has a long, elastic, natural throwing motion and gets easy heat on the ball. He is a true dual threat who can be a game-changer as a runner, not just a chain mover. If he gets a shot this fall, watch out. He has some serious playmaking ability. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1413263"],"_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-6a0387893a2cb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Fowler, like Collins, is moving into Camden County. Regardless if he gets a shot or not on varsity this fall, he is still someone to track for the future, given his age. Having seen Fowler in person, he definitely offers plenty to be excited about. He is still a lean, thin, youthful player, but he has a whippy delivery and gets plenty of life on the ball. His natural growth will take his game to another level. Now, we just have to sit around and wait for his opportunity and for everything to tie together. </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":"Jason Stephenson","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2028","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'7u0022","_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":"2408","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Colquitt County","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"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-6a0498d4c18da"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Colquitt County has over 1200 rushing yards and over 20 TDs to replace from graduating senior RBs, opening the door for Stephenson to break out, their leading returning rusher. This kid really flashed at times last fall. He is a small, youthful 5'7 160, but honestly has more juice than I expected. He is a smooth athlete who can move and knife across the face of defenders and into new running lanes. Just really slippery and hard to catch. He isn't a thumper, but he runs hard and is able to pull himself out of some tackles. Stephenson should get more run and garner more attention as a result this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["942221"],"_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-6a0498d4c1912"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Porter is the obvious candidate to step up and replace a graduating senior leading rusher from a year ago. Porter flashed as a junior, and with a healthy offseason ahead of him, he is a clear breakout candidate this fall. He is a strong, but leggy RB prospect who can still fill out and tighten up. He is a patient, downhill player who powers through arm tackles and squeezes the most out of each run. He has good hands as well, so he should be able to stay on the field every down, or he at least has the tools to do so. </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":"Kam Brown","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2028","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'3u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"240","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2405","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Lowndes","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"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-6a0498d4c1978"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Lowndes offensive front is loaded with D1 talent. Given Brown's age and traits, he is someone to file away and monitor as he grows. Brown is a flexible athlete who anchors well and can absorb the bull rush well for his lighter rate. He has good foot speed, which allows him to eventually displace as he keeps churning. He has active, violent hands. Looks like a well-rounded OL prospect who is only going to find another gear as he naturally grows and develops. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>The Contenders</em></strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Valdosta</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Take your pick of Valdosta, Lowndes, and Colquitt County, and you would get very little pushback from me or anyone else. Valdosta is the defending champ, taking the crown home last year in the Winnersville Classic. The best 1-2 RB punch in the state is back in [player_tooltip player_id='1096365' first='Marquis' last='Fennell'] and [player_tooltip player_id='489529' first='Deron' last='Foster'], which automatically sets their floor as a contender, even with lost production at QB and on defense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lowndes</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lowndes returns their leading rusher, leading receiver ([player_tooltip player_id='2151395' first='Ar'Tavian' last='Brown']), and has P4-D1 talent on the offensive front. Returning [player_tooltip player_id='481378' first='Jayce' last='Johnson'] at QB could be what pushes them over the edge here, especially as other schools in the region search for their guy at the position. I would eye the 2026 Winnersville Classic on October 30th as a deciding game in the region, yet again.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Colquitt County</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Colquitt County really has my attention. They were 1 game away from taking the region last fall, and they return much of what intrigues me about Valdosta and Lowndes. Continuity at QB, returning playmakers, and size on the LOS. What really intrigues me is what they have coming back on defense. They have rising senior talent littered all over the field. They were productive in 2025 and should take another step forward in the fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>Darkhorse</em></strong>: <strong><em>Camden County</em></strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If anybody outside the top 3 emerges, I am eyeing Camden County. They return a lot of rising senior talent on defense, have an elite playmaker back in [player_tooltip player_id='1584784' first='Sean' last='Green'], and could be a QB away from the playoffs, even in a tough region. 2027 QB transfer Xavier Collins is the name to track here, and his performance should dictate if Camden County hits their ceiling, or not. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>Games to Watch</em></strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>10/09: Camden County at Lowndes</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>10/16: Valdosta vs Colquitt County</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>10/16: Richmond Hill at Camden County</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>10/30: Valdosta at Lowndes</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>11/06: Lowndes at Colquitt County</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->