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<p><strong><em>*Use code "jackson30" for 30% your PRZ subscription*</em></strong></p>
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<p>7A Region 5 is a deep region with 8 teams in it. There was a lot to sort through here, but this is the most comprehensive coverage you will find anywhere on this region. Here is a deep dive. </p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><em><strong>2025 Standings</strong></em></h2>
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<p>North Cobb 8-4 (5-1)</p>
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<p>North Paulding 8-3 (5-1)</p>
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<p>Marietta 5-6 (5-1)</p>
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<p>Walton 7-6 (3-3)</p>
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<p>Wheeler 3-7 (2-4)</p>
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<p>Etowah 3-7 (1-5)</p>
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<p>Cherokee 1-9 (0-6)</p>
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<p>Paulding County 4-7 (4-3) <em>*Not in region in 2025*</em></p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>Key Returners</em></strong></h2>
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<p><strong>Cherokee</strong></p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Nolan, even without a lot of production on varsity, introduced himself to the recruiting scene this offseason with an offer from Kennesaw State. He is an athletic, explosive player who works hard at the point of attack. He is a shorter prospect who can roll downhill with the ball, which is where he might do most of his damage as a receiver at his size. He is quick out of his stance, maintains his speed over longer distances, and is generally just a juiced-up player who is just getting started. </p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Barnett is a leading returner on defense for Cherokee and one of the leading returning tacklers in the entire state. Barnett is longer and thinner than I expected, especially for his size. He carries his weight well, has room to bulk up, and his length allows him to play bigger. As expected, he is a really active player who doesn't get lost in the shuffle up front while pursuing the ball at a high level. He flashes good pursuit speed and can efficiently go over and get under blocks. Just a solid player who is going to improve. Smaller schools need to get involved here. </p>
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<p><strong>Etowah</strong></p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">It's been well-reported at this point, but [player_tooltip player_id='2219782' first='Walker' last='Hughes'] is one of my favorite sleeper WR prospects in Georgia, and he has improved each year. My first in-person exposure to him was in the 7v7 setting, where he flashed the electric ability to consistently win in contested situations in an acrobatic manner. On tape, his long strides and ability to eat space with the ball in his hands really flash. This kid is a gamer, underrated, and continues to improve. Small schools better keep their fingers crossed that he falls into their lap.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Gebhart is a top returner on defense and might be one of the bigger sleepers on this list, all things considered. He is a lean, thin, but cut safety prospect with athleticism that carries over from basketball. It looks like he fills well when coming downhill to support the run. He mirrors ball carriers well and does a good job of tripping them up in space. There isn't any buzz here, and there's a lot of unknown, but his returning production and tape lands him on this list.</p>
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<p><strong>Marietta</strong></p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Whiteside has plenty of starting experience under his belt and has continued to creep and creep onto the radar. A recent offer from Reinhardt has set the intrigue here. He is a stout, strong player with the ability to mix up velocity, touch, and trajectory. He can put the ball on receivers and has continuously improved his touch with more experience. The foundation and production are here; he just needs to continue making strides mechanically, and that part of his game has even come around a lot recently.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Devan Plummer is a versatile, all-region performer who is firmly on the D1 radar headed into his senior season. Plummer plays mostly attached to the line, but an eventual move back to a traditional LB spot might be in store, given his size and speed. Regardless, he can hold his own in the paint. He uses his hands and length to create separation and control the point of attack, which he pairs with the ability to run, which helps him shed. Whether he plays as an EDGE or slides back, Plummer is versatile, can throw punches with blockers, and is active.</p>
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<p><strong>North Cobb</strong></p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Belyeu, ranked as the top 2028 RB in Georgia, is a tone setter for North Cobb. He is a big, strong, physical runner and an obvious mismatch. He grinds down the curve of defenses and demands extra attention from tacklers in space. He is a cloud of dust runner, but he also averages over 8 yards per carry, flashing some explosiveness. Belyeu is one of the most physically manipulative 2028 RB prospects in the country, and automatically makes North Cobb a contender. An easy eval here. </p>
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<!-- 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":"Jayden Hamlette","_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":"5'11u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"215","_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":"North Cobb","_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-6a186fdfe59c7"} -->
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<p class="text-gray-700">Hamlette gets overshadowed on a loaded team, but he is the top returner for North Cobb on defense as a tackler. He is a shorter, but active and explosive LB prospect. He is an energetic player, especially downhill, which is where he will make his money. He drives hard on the ball and invokes violence at contact, which is easy for him, given his strong frame. Similar to other players on this list, small schools better have their fingers crossed and hope he falls into their lap, because I think he could be a difference maker at that level.</p>
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<p><strong>North Paulding</strong></p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Carr is part of a two-headed monster at receiver for North Paulding, making him a top playmaker to watch headed into his senior season. So much to like about this kid. He comes in around 5'10 170, but this kid can drive off the line and cut through cushion. He is explosive at the top of his routes, and he holds his speed after the catch. Simply put, he can go.</p>
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<!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} -->
<p class="text-gray-700">Rakestraw is an underrated but highly productive and disruptive IDL prospect. He is stout, broad-shouldered, and quick off the line. He holds the point and can create push, but still has the suddenness to shoot gaps and pursue in space. I think this is a D1 caliber player, and I'm waiting for that buzz to come along.</p>
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<p><strong>Paulding County</strong></p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Donnell is a productive defender returning for Paulding County with another two years of development left in the tank. He is a stout, strong player who is built and plays like a nickel. Donnell is an instinctual, rangy athlete who hits his landmarks and is reliable, both in coverage and downhill as a tackler. He tracks the ball well, attaches physically to routes, and flashes good ball skills. Donnell is just a solid, well-rounded football player who should take another positive step this fall. </p>
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<p>Gerhard is a two-way player for Paulding County who contributed heavily on defense, but he will be counted on as a senior on both sides of the ball. He is a long, lean athlete with the physicality to play bigger than listed. He consistently flashes in contested catch situations, showcasing his ability to fight for positioning and win on the ball. That same physical edge flashes as a blocker. He is a smooth mover, but I think there is still another gear he can eventually find as an athlete. I am expecting Gerhard to be more productive as a senior. </p>
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<p><strong>Walton</strong></p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">For the last few years, even in middle schools, whispers started to emerge about Peacock emerging as one of, if not the premier, 2029 WR in Georgia. While he has competitors for that top spot, Peacock wasted no time and produced at a prolific level as a freshman. He is a flexible, smooth athlete who can sink his weight to work different route combinations. He is a long, lanky player who will get bigger, and I am expecting him to add another gear as an athlete. He contributed a lot after the catch last year. This fall, I am excited to see how he develops as a vertical threat to tie his game together.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Burnett, now at 6'4, has consistently improved and has emerged as a premier DB prospect in Georgia, with obvious P4 attention. He is a true safety prospect with negative play potential, evidenced by numerous productive plays against the ball as a junior. His size plays in his favor as a tackler, and his length helps him cast a wide net. He will play and contribute on both sides of the ball. This is an easy, size/speed/traits eval, which is why Burnett has held steady as a top DB prospect in the state. </p>
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<p><strong>Wheeler</strong></p>
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<!-- 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":"Matthew Morris","_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":"175","_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":"Wheeler","_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-6a1b0d3185dbc"} -->
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<p class="text-gray-700">While there isn't much out there on Morris right now, he is the top returning playmaker for Wheeler and is worthy of a mention. He is a long, lean player with the strides to explode off the ball and cut through cushion, which sets up opportunities for himself underneath. He is a raw athlete, but flashes decent foot speed, and I think there is plenty of tread on the tires here, regardless. Not much to go off of here, but the production doesn't lie.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Odutola was productive on both sides of the ball for Wheeler and has emerged as the top college prospect on this roster. He has long been a favorite of mine and is someone I covered well prior to his sophomore breakout. He is a cut, strong player who has developed well as an athlete. He leverages the ball well, tackles with good technique, and has desired pop at the POA. For those reasons, I project him out as a DB, and specifically, as a safety/nickel. He is firmly on the college radar.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>X Factors</em></strong></h2>
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<p><strong>Cherokee</strong></p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Parker had his inevitable breakout last fall for Cherokee, improving each week after he took over the job full-time early in the season. Everything about Parker is clean. He is fundamentally sound, cerebral, and plays with the compensators needed for his size. He is a capable athlete who can move the chains and keep the offense on schedule with his legs. Offensively, Cherokee will go as Parker goes, which makes him the X factor and center of attention for this team. </p>
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<p><strong>Etowah</strong></p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Even if the passing efficiency is rough around the edges, Douglass returns as a D1 prospect at QB who was both the leading passer and rusher for Etowah. He is a long, fluid athlete with a natural delivery. He can loft the ball with booming trajectory, which I think is the best part of his game. He is a true difference maker as a runner who can lift off in space with his strides, and he also has the size to fall forward and take on contact if needed. He is firmly on the D1 radar, and I am eager to see the strides he takes as a passer this fall.</p>
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<p><strong>Marietta</strong></p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Ham has emerged as a premier EDGE prospect in Georgia, and the production and flurry of FBS/P4 offers add proof to that claim. I was on Ham before anyone else, and it's not shocking at all to see the recruiting buzz here. He is a long, but explosive athlete who can win at the point of attack, but also chase the ball around the yard. He is an easy eval, an obvious P4 talent, and should prove this fall why that is the case. He had 7 sacks as a sophomore, and I think double-digit sacks are more than achievable here.</p>
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<p><strong>North Cobb</strong></p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Singleton was an extremely productive, all-region, all-county performer last fall with truly elite production against the ball. Singleton is an extremely pesky player who fights for positioning and makes life difficult for receivers. He isn't afraid to get physical, and at his size, a move inside to nickel or in the slot might be best. Regardless of where he plays, he will hold his own, and 4 INTs/40 TOT as a sophomore adds context to his range and activity. </p>
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<p><strong>North Paulding</strong></p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Speaking of ball production, Duru finished with a pair of INTs and a listed 15 PBUs on MaxPreps. Duru, committed to Eastern Michigan, is an impressive player in man coverage on the outside and projects as a pure corner. Even without prototype length, he knows when to use his hands, has efficient trigger feet, and can flip his hips over both shoulders. Duru plays with a rope attached to receivers, and it proves difficult to separate against him. </p>
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<p><strong>Paulding County</strong></p>
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<!-- 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":"Zayden Cooks","_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":"200","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"5926","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Paulding 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-6a1b0d3185eb5"} -->
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<p class="text-gray-700">Paulding County will need someone to step up on the defensive front, and Zayden Cooks seems like an obvious candidate to emerge as a disruptor. Cooks plays a good mix on and off the ball, and at either spot, he is an excellent pursuer who can get skinny and penetrate in the backfield. There isn't much buzz here, but he looks like he can really disrupt and can get out of it, and it helps that there is a space for him to break out.</p>
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<p><strong>Walton</strong></p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Peacock did a lot of learning on the spot and growing up last year, which should ultimately be good for his development. He is firmly on the D1 radar, and we have him ranked here at PRZ as the 2nd best QB in Georgia, as it stands today. He is a true dual-threat who can put some horsepower on the ball, but he is really a difference maker in space. He can create and lift off in space to generate explosives. Peacock is a playmaker who should play more efficiently as a sophomore.</p>
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<p><strong>Wheeler</strong></p>
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<!-- 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":"Donovan Smith","_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":"6'1u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"305","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2406","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Wheeler","_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-6a1b0d3185f13"} -->
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<p class="text-gray-700">Smith, who is a mound of a human being on both lines of scrimmage, has emerged as a D1 prospect for Wheeler. He can roll in space as a blocker, but he will project as an IDL, especially at his size. He has manipulative strength, making him hard to move while delivering jarring blows to blockers with his hands. It's easy to project Smith to college, where he will play a true plugger-type role in the middle of the defense. His ability to disrupt and create dents right in the middle of the front is what makes him a potential X factor.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>Region Risers</em></strong></h2>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Halevi, coming over from Milton, has tacked on D1 offers and has seen his buzz rise this offseason, which should continue as he seems fast-tracked to a breakout this fall. Halevi is a slick, clean passer who can tap into different arm angles and operate off-platform. He is a shorter, but athletic player who can move the chains, and likely do a little more, as a runner. From a strictly mannerisms standpoint, he looks and moves like Jackson Arnold. His recruitment should continue to rise and boil over with production this fall. </p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Guimaraes is another riser out of North Cobb, and his junior year could see more production from his sophomore season, where he started to break out. He is a big body at 6'3 with a lot of room to add space and get bigger. He is an obvious mismatch threat who can win up top, but it's his strong, soft hands that flash in space. He is a fluid athlete who can wiggle in space, but at his size, he should develop into a target on the outside. Guimaraes is garnering true P4 attention.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Vayens flashed as a sophomore and started to creep onto the radar, but I think he has more to give, and his true breakout should be coming up. He is a long, lean player with room to get bigger. He is a raw athlete who will add more explosiveness as he fills out, but he is fluid and light enough on his feet to work both shoulders of blockers and pursue the football. He is picking up some buzz now, but he should only get better and creep more and more onto the radar. </p>
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<!-- 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":"Chrystyan Beard","_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":"6'2u0022","_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":"2406","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Walton","_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-6a1b88c222fc1"} -->
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<p class="text-gray-700">FBS offers from Beard threw him on my radar and the radar of many others. He is firmly on the recruiting scene, and with two years left to develop, he is absolutely someone who should rise and who you should pay attention to. He comes in around 6'2 240, more of a stout, edge-setting player on the EDGE. He is raw athletically and is still becoming a more explosive player, but he finds ways to control the point and pull himself into the backfield. I am very intrigued to see how he develops this fall. </p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Niehr could fall into any category on this list, but I put him here because it was important that he got his own flowers. Niehr is a speedy, explosive player who burns sub 11.00 in the 100M. He is an obvious playmaker and a mismatch as a result of his speed, but it's his motor that sticks out to me. He squeezes the most out of each rep, so he isn't just reliant on their speed. I said it back in March, but D1 programs need to pay attention to Niehr.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><em><strong>The Contenders</strong></em></h2>
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<p><strong>North Cobb</strong></p>
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<p>North Cobb is penciled in as a top two in this region every year due to the success they have sustained for a long time now. They won the region in 2025, and they are well-equipped to do so in 2026, even while having to replace a P4 talent at QB. [player_tooltip player_id='1026234' first='Ben' last='Halevi'] is who to watch out for at QB here, and he'll have a two-handed monster at receiver in [player_tooltip player_id='942018' first='Micah' last='Billingsley'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1202316' first='Iago' last='Guimaraes'] to throw the ball around to. [player_tooltip player_id='470149' first='Zachary' last='Belyeu'] is the definition of a bellcow, and we will shoulder a load as he attempts to grind down the curve of defenses in the region yet again as a junior. </p>
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<p>Defensively, most of the top performers from a year ago return. Jayden Harris and Jayden Hamlette both led the teams in TOT in 2026, and they're back as seniors. [player_tooltip player_id='638199' first='Marcus' last='Singleton'], [player_tooltip player_id='995412' first='Aziz' last='Helm'], [player_tooltip player_id='722695' first='Trey' last='Shaw'], Latavian James, and [player_tooltip player_id='1665170' first='Dylan' last='Rainey'] were all the top players in coverage a year ago, and they, too, return in 2026. More players are sure to step up, but most of the defense returns, so they should take another step forward.</p>
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<p>This team is loaded with FBS talent, and they're built on defense and the run game, putting them in ideal shape to win this region yet again in 2026.</p>
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<p><strong>Marietta</strong></p>
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<p>A tough start out of region in 2025 likely distracted people from Marietta for the rest of the season, but it is worth noting that they went 5-1 a year ago in region play and rallied off gutsy win after gutsy win down the stretch. Back are their top players from a year ago, on both sides of the ball. [player_tooltip player_id='1692743' first='Jayden' last='Whiteside'] continues to deliver at QB, Titus Grant returns as the leading rusher, and 3 of their top 4 leading receivers are back. [player_tooltip player_id='2107674' first='Tate' last='Jones'] is someone to watch on the offensive front. He doesn't get enough credit for the work he does up front. </p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='1652999' first='Merrick' last='Ham'] and Devan Plummer are the lead disruptors on defense, and they'll join forces with a deep senior class that was productive a year ago. This unit will need to improve, but they have the pieces and returners to play better on this side of the ball in 2026, led by their ability to rush the passer. </p>
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<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Much of their team is back from a year ago, and they head into the fall with plenty of momentum. They will compete yet again this year. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
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<p><strong>Walton</strong></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Walton finished the year strong in 2025, and I am expecting them to take a step forward and emerge as a contender in this region after finishing in the middle of the pack a year ago. [player_tooltip player_id='501383' first='Christion' last='Peacock'] and his brother [player_tooltip player_id='1720374' first='Jordan' last='Peacock'] make one of the best QB-WR duos in the state, and both should improve with a year of starting experience under their belt. </p>
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<p>Defensively, [player_tooltip player_id='2082841' first='Christian' last='Lavette'] will be a tone-setter in the middle of the defense; he is the team's leading returning tackler from last year. [player_tooltip player_id='1693406' first='MJ' last='Burnett'] is a premier DB not only for Walton, but in the entire state. Breakout candidates like Chrystyan Brown and [player_tooltip player_id='1683594' first='Achilles' last='Brown'] will need to emerge to take this team to another level. </p>
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<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Walton pulled off a massive win in the playoffs when they upset the 1 seed, McEachern. I think we will see a little more of that version of Walton in 2026.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:heading -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The Dark Horse</strong></h2>
<!-- /wp:heading -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><strong>North Paulding</strong></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>North Paulding went 5-1 in region play a year ago and was neck to neck with North Cobb and Marietta for the region. Presley Carr and [player_tooltip player_id='2182519' first='Bryson' last='Niehr'] are both premier playmakers on offense who can really go, and they will both free each other up. North Paulding will have to replace a productive QB and their leading rushers from a year ago. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>[player_tooltip player_id='1732710' first='Obi' last='Duru'] will lead the defense into battle. He is an Eastern Michigan commit and a true lockdown corner who will have plenty of consequential matchups against WR1's in this region. Really watch out for Wesley Rakestraw here. He is one of my favorite players in the state, and it's because he is a true disruptor right in the middle of the defense.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>A QB and a run game will need to step up, but this team is equipped to make noise yet again in 2026, and I am expecting another trip to the playoffs. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:heading -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The Rest</strong></h2>
<!-- /wp:heading -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><strong>Etowah</strong></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>It's a tough region draw for Etowah at a tough time, but there are playmakers here that should give them a chance in games. [player_tooltip player_id='1609973' first='Zeke' last='Douglass'] is a playmaker at QB. He is the leading passer from a year ago, but also the leading rusher. The bulk of their success offensively will be on the shoulders of Douglass. It won't be all on Douglass, however. Etowah returns their top 4 receivers from a year ago, including [player_tooltip player_id='2219782' first='Walker' last='Hughes'], who I believe is a D1 caliber prospect.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><strong>Cherokee</strong></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Cherokee has the most to prove in 2026. They finished 1-9 a year ago with frustrating losses mounting. Regardless, the slate isn't completely bare here. [player_tooltip player_id='476854' first='Zack' last='Parker'] is back at QB. He has emerged as a legitimate FBS QB prospect, and he improved week after week last year. [player_tooltip player_id='2118839' first='Luke' last='Nolan'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1202358' first='Tory' last='Hearn'] are both traitsy prospects who are breakout candidates this fall. Even with a leading returning rusher and several receivers having graduated, this is still a splashy squad on offense.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><strong>Wheeler</strong></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Wheeler, admittedly, is the team I know the least about in this region. What I do know is that this team always has talented players, and this year is no different. Bolt Odutola is one of my favorites in the 2028 class, as I alluded to earlier. He has developed well, and he can thump. Donovan Smith is a true X factor. He will move people around on offense, but he is a true D1 caliber player as an NT. Just elite, manipulative strength and mass from Smith to create dents in the middle of the front.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><strong>Paulding County</strong></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Paulding County is the newcomer in this region. Similar to Wheeler, this is a squad that we will learn much more about in the fall. They have to replace talent on both sides of the ball, plus a QB. I think this squad is built to make the most noise on defense. Kaleb Donnell and Zayden Cooks are both active football players. Cooks flashes real D1 attention. Maximus Gerhard had splashy production on varsity a year ago as a receiver. He is a mismatch threat who can win in contested situations, and I think he could blow last year's production out of the water. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
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HEIGHT
6'2"
WEIGHT
248
POS
N/A
CLASS
2028
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HEIGHT
5'11"
WEIGHT
200
POS
LB
CLASS
2027
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HEIGHT
6'1"
WEIGHT
180
POS
WR
CLASS
2027
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HEIGHT
5'11"
WEIGHT
140
POS
DB
CLASS
2027
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HEIGHT
6'2"
WEIGHT
185
POS
QB
CLASS
2027
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HEIGHT
6'1"
WEIGHT
220
POS
LB
CLASS
2027
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HEIGHT
6'0"
WEIGHT
210
POS
RB
CLASS
2028
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HEIGHT
5'11"
WEIGHT
215
POS
LB
CLASS
2027
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HEIGHT
5'10"
WEIGHT
170
POS
WR
CLASS
2027
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HEIGHT
6'3"
WEIGHT
270
POS
DL
CLASS
2027
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HEIGHT
5'10"
WEIGHT
175
POS
DB
CLASS
2028
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HEIGHT
6'0"
WEIGHT
170
POS
DB
CLASS
2027
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HEIGHT
6'1"
WEIGHT
175
POS
WR
CLASS
2029
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HEIGHT
6'2"
WEIGHT
180
POS
DB
CLASS
2027
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HEIGHT
6'2"
WEIGHT
175
POS
WR
CLASS
2027
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HEIGHT
6'1"
WEIGHT
175
POS
ATH
CLASS
2028
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HEIGHT
5'10"
WEIGHT
165
POS
QB
CLASS
2029
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HEIGHT
6'2"
WEIGHT
185
POS
QB
CLASS
2027
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HEIGHT
6'5"
WEIGHT
220
POS
EDGE
CLASS
2028
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HEIGHT
5'10"
WEIGHT
175
POS
DB
CLASS
2028
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HEIGHT
5'11"
WEIGHT
165
POS
DB
CLASS
2027
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HEIGHT
6'2"
WEIGHT
200
POS
EDGE
CLASS
2027
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HEIGHT
6'1"
WEIGHT
175
POS
QB
CLASS
2028
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HEIGHT
6'1"
WEIGHT
305
POS
DL
CLASS
2027
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HEIGHT
6'0"
WEIGHT
85
POS
QB
CLASS
2028
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HEIGHT
6'2"
WEIGHT
165
POS
ATH
CLASS
2028
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HEIGHT
6'3"
WEIGHT
225
POS
EDGE
CLASS
2028
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HEIGHT
6'2"
WEIGHT
240
POS
DL
CLASS
2028
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HEIGHT
5'11"
WEIGHT
175
POS
WR/ATH
CLASS
2028
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