Northwest Georgia under-the-radar recruits

Over the past few years, I’ve seen firsthand how talented players from this area can slip through the cracks. Despite his dominance, Isaiah Mack (Northwest Whitfield) had only a handful of college offers coming out of high school. He went on to the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga where he became an All-American and now is a starting defensive lineman for the Tennessee Titans. Jahmyr Gibbs (Dalton) was a no-star recruit at the beginning of his junior season and barely a two-star at the beginning of his senior year but when he stepped between the lines it was clear to see he was the most dynamic playmaker on the field. He won back-to-back Area Player of the Year awards, elevated his stock to a four-star, and chose Georgia Tech over nearly every other Power 5 school in the nation. Here are a few names you may not yet have heard but who may be capable of following similar paths as Gibbs and Mack. These are players with offers who could see a bump to a higher level with a bit more exposure. JaMario Clements (RB/LaFayette), Class of 2021

 

I wouldn’t be overly surprised if a few FBS schools started getting in on him before it’s all said and done. Took an official visit to Kentucky last year. In my estimation, he can play on the FBS level.

In talking with contacts in this area one name keeps coming up. Clements’ tape from 2019 is impressive and I’d expect another huge year from Clements during his senior campaign. He finished 2019 with 1,255 rushing yards on 160 carries (7.8 avg.) and earned first-team All-Region and All-State honors as a result. An All-American Camp invitee, Clements’ offers have increased dramatically over the past few months, primarily from FCS schools. He holds offers from Arkansas State, Fordham, Jackson State and Western Illinois among others. He’s received plenty of attention from Tennessee-Chattanooga and Mercer as well.

Posting less Doing More.. LETSGOGETIT!!! @RecruitGeorgia @NwGaFootball pic.x.com/o1OwZfs9kT

— JaMario Clements (@JamarioClements) June 11, 2020

His top-end speed (4.57 40-yard dash) sticks out on tape, but his instincts as a runner are equally impressive. Clements gets downhill very quickly once he sees the hole and his balance after contact looks above average. A hard worker by all accounts, his size (5’11” and 195 pounds) may be what has kept bigger schools from offering. If he continues to produce, Evan Lester (ATH/Christian Heritage), Class of 2021

Lester had close to a Division 1 frame by his sophomore season and now entering his senior year he’s developed into a true FBS prospect. Lester finished his junior season with 52 tackles and two interceptions while recording 40 catches for 785 yards and 13 touchdowns on offense. He earned All-Area and All-State honors and currently holds 15 offers including South Florida, Georgia State and Georgia Southern.

Appalachian State, Georgia Tech and Wake Forest have shown strong interest in Lester (6’3 and 215 pounds) and I’d expect even more attention from FBS schools by the end of this recruitment cycle. An excellent athlete who will only continue to get stronger and faster, many schools have Lester projected as a linebacker or tight end at the next level with above-average ball skills. With the right coaching, I could see him being a big contributor, even a starter, on the next level.

Evan Lester #10 Christian Heritage
6'3 210 Class of 2021
3 TDs last night (2 Rec 1 rush) and INT@evanlester_10

Check thread this kid is a footballer @RecruitGeorgia pic.x.com/gzp9aYnDcg

— NwGa Football (@NwGaFootball) October 5, 2019

Lashaun Lester Lashaun Lester 5'10" | 210 lbs | RB Chattooga | 2022 State GA (RB/Chattooga), Class of 2022 https://twitter.com/lashaunlester7/status/1276180332870590464 While it may seem odd to include a player on this list who racked up over 2,500 yards and 29 touchdowns in his first two seasons, I think 2020 will be the year when Lashaun Lester Lashaun Lester 5'10" | 210 lbs | RB Chattooga | 2022 State GA becomes a household name throughout the state. Lester burst on the scene in 2018 becoming the first freshman in school history to eclipse the 1,000-yard mark. He backed that up with 1,517 yards ad 14 touchdowns as a sophomore and his bruising running style is now well known in northwest Georgia. The University of Alabama-Birmingham came calling with an offer earlier this year and I’d expect more FBS school to follow for one of the best running backs in the state.