Northeast Georgia has witnessed some incredible talent grace area gridirons over the past few seasons -- and 2015 is no different...
The upcoming campaign promises exceptional talent to match that of just about anywhere else in the state, both team and individual.
With that in mind let's take a look at 15 of the top senior players in northeast Georgia -- competitors that can both dazzle and dominate. These are players on the precipice of what promises to be stellar final campaigns. Many have already committed their futures to various collegiate programs, and certainly next-level play is on the horizon for all involved...
Robbie Bell, OL, Mill Creek -- This road-grader helped pave the way for Mill Creek's all-powerful ground game in 2014. Already committed to Louisville, the 6-foot-5, 270-pound senior is focused on helping the Hawks get back into the state playoffs.
Derrick Brown, DL, Lanier – Big, fast, and dominant in every sense of the word. He was nearly unblockable in 2014 and the 6-4, 275 pounder, who has offers from all the SEC powers, singlehandedly changed the outcomes of three games -- causing fumbles, intercepting passes, and blocking kicks to help lead the Longhorns to their first-ever region title.
Chris Byrd, RB/LB, Gainesville -- Looks can be deceiving for this 5-foot-8 dynamo. He was limited in 2014 due to injury, piling up 326 total yards and 4 TDs on offense. He also managed 82 total tackles and 2 fumble recoveries on defense. But if the Red Elephants' preseason scrimmage was any indication he is ready for a huge season. The Kennesaw State-commit caused and recovered a fumble, had half-a-dozen or more tackles, broke two long runs, and caught several passes out of the backfield. Coaches love his versatility, ability and heart -- and opponents could grow to rue them.
Ben Cleveland, OL/DL, Stephens County -- The giant 6-7, 320-pound Georgia-commit was instrumental in the Indians' offense putting up big numbers in 2014. Coach Frank Bearden said he is one of the best he has ever coached and their success will rely on how Cleveland and the rest of line fare against the likes of Buford and North Oconee in Region 8-AAAA. Have fun trying to move -- at least forward -- if he gets his mitts on you.
Cortez Davis, WR/DB, Flowery Branch -- Speed is name of the game for Davis, who plays both ways for the Falcons. In a preseason scrimmage against North Hall he turned a simple screen pass into a 75-yard TD and broke up a pass on defense. With what should be an improved offense in 2015 he could be poised for a breakout season as the Falcons look to return to the playoffs after missing out in 2014. And he's just as influential on defense, with the ability to make big plays and shut down opposing receivers.
Shug Frazier, DL, Buford -- This 6-2, 321-pound senior may forever be linked with face-planting Deshaun Watson as a sophomore on the opening play of their matchup with Gainesville in 2013. Since then he has become one of the more dominant defensive players in the state. He has offers from all the SEC powers and will be the anchor in what is expected to be another stellar Wolves defense. Opposing offensive linemen face a gigantic task -- pun fully intended -- in moving Frazier out of the way.
Xavier Gantt, RB/DB, Buford -- A versatile and explosive athlete that can play anywhere. The Georgia Tech-commit had 699 yards rushing and 10 TDs -- and an astounding 11.8 yards per carry -- and 3 special teams TDs in 2014, all while sharing time in the backfield. He may be featured a little more in 2015 as the Wolves graduated 25 from last year's group.
Cece Green, RB, Winder-Barrow -- He was a one-man wrecking crew with 257 carries, 1,709 yards rushing, 18 TD’s, 38 receptions, 392 yards and a TD in 2014. He changed every team's game plan. Still, he was almost unstoppable at times -- even when teams stacked the box. The fortunes of the Bulldoggs will rest in his hands and legs.
Josh Imatorbhebhe, WR, North Gwinnett -- If he can follow in the footsteps of his just graduated brother Daniel, he could be ready for a breakout season as well. The USC-commit had 59 catches for 1,072 yards in 2014 and will be No. 1 threat for the Bulldogs in 2015.
Anthony Lotti, P, West Hall -- It's not often that punters make the list but Lotti, a Wisconsin commit, is a weapon when needed. He averaged 45.2 yards per punt in 2014 and is a field-flipper every time he kicks the ball.
Joseph Mancuso, QB, Union County -- Don't let the fact that the Panthers are in Class AA diminish how good Mancuso is. His numbers were eye-popping with over 3,000 yards passing with 35 TDs and just 3 INTs in 2014. And coaches say he's improved his game this season, moving from a gun-slinger (and he can sling it), to an astute signal caller. It's safe to say that as he goes, so go the fortunes of the Panthers.
Joseph Randolph, TE/DE, Jefferson -- At 6-3, 250 pounds, he is an anchor on both sides of the line for the Dragons. He is a big target on offense in the passing game and could help bring relief to the running game as teams stack the line and try to slow what should be a potent ground attack. Defensively, he is a force on the edge and will help lead a stout front line.
Tyquan Statham, RB/LB, West Hall -- He is part of perhaps the best 1-2 backfield punch in northeast Georgia. Yet he is a beast on defense as well, being named Defensive Player of the Year in 7-AAA in 2014. On offense he piled up 883 yards rushing -- 10.1 yards per carry -- and 7 TDs to go with 202 yards receiving and 1 TD. He has multiple offers, which should increase with another stellar year as a senior. He is switching to LB in 2015 and defenses should beware as he should be all over the field.
Kwon Williams, RB/S, West Hall -- The reigning Region 7-AAA Player of the Year and second team All-State honoree in 2014 -- with 1,639 all-purpose yards and 18 total TDs -- Williams also has multiple offers and hoping another huge season in 2015 will garner more attention and help the Spartans repeat as region champs and get their first playoff win since 2000.
Charlie Woerner, ATH, Rabun County -- The Georgia-commit may be the best pure athlete in northeast Georgia, if not the state. Despite being the focus of every team's defensive strategy in 2014 he still managed to pile up 1,143 yards rushing, caught 45 passes for a team-high 659 yards, and finished with 22 total touchdowns. And for good measure, he also paced the Wildcats with 122 tackles on defense. He's nearly impossible to miss on the field, standing around 6-foot-4, 238 pounds, and already looks a collegiate player.
