STOCK RISERS: Atlanta-Area Prospects On The Rise

Photo: Prep Redzone

Matt DeBary January 22, 2024 @ 12:29 PM

Which Atlanta-area prospects are seeing their recruitment pick up?   Prep Redzone gives the details...   [player_tooltip player_id='1201764' first='Deion' last='Thomas'] - WR - Westlake   A new Atlanta-area receiver to know about in the 2026 class, Thomas is a long, athletic pass-catcher who is starting to see his recruitment pick up with new offers from Auburn and Utah. The Westlake (GA) standout has plenty of size at 6-foot-3 195-pounds who shows breakaway speed down the field. He appears to be an above-average route-runner who can get open down the field. He's a threat in the red-zone who knows how to leap up and catch the ball at it's highest point over smaller defenders. He already looks the part and will be even better if he continues to add good muscle to his frame. As he continues to develop his craft and improve his route-running, Thomas could see more and more offers come his way this off-season. He has a big opportunity in front of him with the potential to have a giant junior season in 2024.   [player_tooltip player_id='1299072' first='Sam' last='Turner'] - ATH - Southwest Dekalb   A do-it-all multi-sport athlete with natural athleticism and big-time speed, this playmaking wide receiver and defensive back is a threat to score any time he has the ball in his hands. He has rare explosiveness that makes his a major weapon down the field in the passing game. He can reel the ball in due to his reliable hands, and he's dangerous when escaping defenders in the open field. This Dakalb County playmaker is coming off a gigantic junior season where he caught 55 passes for 950+ yards and 8 touchdowns. He has an impressive 6-foot-3 190-pound frame to go with his elite speed, and college coaches are starting to notice. He earned a big offer from the in-state Georgia Bulldogs, and more are likely on the way. Look for him to be quickly added to the 2025 rankings in the next update.   [player_tooltip player_id='1313900' first='Hollis' last='Davidson'] III - Macintosh   A big-bodied tight end at 6-foot-5 230-pounds with outstanding hands, Davidson III is a real weapon in the passing game due to his size and natural athleticism. He can block effectively in the run game, but his ability to make big plays as a pass-catcher down the field is what has made him one of the top tight ends not only in the Atlanta area, but across the state in the 2025 class. He can make the acrobatic catch over defenders and does a great job of eyeing the ball all the way to his hands. He's tough to cover for smaller defenders down the field, and his game will only improve this off-season as he enters his senior season in the fall. As a junior in 2023, the Peachtree City native caught 30 passes last fall for 436 yards and three touchdowns. He's earned recent offers from Arkansas, Mississippi State, Kentucky, and Texas A&M.   Zachery Smith ATH - Hapeville Charter   The Hapeville Charter Hornets have always found a way to pump out high-caliber defensive backs, and Zachery Smith is the next in line. He may not be the biggest or fastest defensive back, but he showed outstanding instincts and ball skills last year. He picked off several passes in coverage and took three of them back for touchdowns. He runs well, closes on the receiver, and knows how to make a play on the football. He has a true nose for the ball and has a natural feel for the position. He understands his role and always found a way to make a play when his team needed him too. He flashes easy Power Five potential and earned new offers recently from Indiana and Georgia Tech.

Which Atlanta-area prospects are seeing their recruitment pick up?