Every year a crop of talented prep football players do their share to make Friday nights special across northeast Georgia.
And just when you think you've seen it all, another crop sprouts and reminds us that every season is indeed special.
Yes, there were some amazing talents that graduated from area schools following the 2017 campaign -- players like Bailey Fisher, Austin Parker, Anthony Grant and Nick Lyles don't actually grow on trees. But you can be sure there is another group just waiting for its chance to grab the spotlight.
Here's a look at some of the must-see players for 2018 and a handful we expect to blossom into something special. (NOTE: Catch up on everything you need to get started for this Friday's kickoff of the 2018 prep football campaign with our Friday Game Night Season Preview section.)
(Players listed in alphabetical order)
THE LIGHT IS ON -- These players are already used to the spotlight:
Caleb Adair, senior running back, East Jackson -- Adair is a three-year starter and had some dominating moments in 2017. He will be the featured back for the Eagles, who are ready to turn things around and challenge for a playoff spot in 2018. Adair should get some help from quarterback Hunter Hardwick (see below) in what Eagles' coach Scott Wilkins said should be a more consistent and balanced offense.
Derrian Brown, senior running back, Buford -- At most programs Brown would have been a three- or four-year starter with 25 carries a game. As it was he still managed to shine while sharing carries with FSU-bound Anthony Grant and Michigan-bound Christian Turner last season in the Buford backfield. He averaged 9 yards per carry (better than botht Grant and Turner) en route to 844 total yards and 11 TDs. And as a senior he will look to lead the way for a Buford backfield that will also be helped by a mammoth and talented offensive line. Like his graduated backfield mates, Brown too will be a Saturday player.
SeVaughn Clark, senior quarterback, Dawson County -- Clark was one of the most dominating ball-carriers in northeast Georgia in 2017 piling up over 1,800 yards for the Tigers as the go-to option in the backfield. He's big, fast, and powerful and now he will move over to quarterback as the Tigers will retool their spread attack. Clark has the arm to be effective in the passing game but with the addition of Dawson County Christian transfer running back Ahmad Kamara (see below) the Tigers may have one of the best 1-2 punches on the ground in Region 7-3A in 2018.
Sam Corbett, senior quarterback, Johnson -- The Knights may come into the 2018 season riding a 24-game losing streak, but it's not because of Corbett's efforts. He has put together some excellent numbers that have been overshadowed by the streak. But the Knights also come into 2018 with a slew of experienced linemen in front of him. And with some additions in the backfield and at receiver as well, Corbett, who is the Knights best overall player, may finally be able to show off the skills many inside the Johnson locker room see every day in practice for that breakout season they have all been waiting for.
Zac Corbin, senior wide receiver/safety, Jefferson -- Jefferson coach Gene Cathcart calls Corbin their best all-around athlete and player (he was part of the Dragons 2017 state championship baseball team). He was Jefferson's second leading receiver (521 yards, 11 TDs), top punt returner (1 TD), the backup quarterback, and was an all-state selection in Class 4A at safety in 2017. And Cathcart said he has only gotten better. Corbin should see even more balls on offense as the Dragons will open up a new spread attack to take advantage of perhaps the best receiving corp in north Georgia. On defense, Corbin is usually making plays all over the field and nothing should change in 2018.
Sawyer Drake, junior receiver, Union County -- Another in a long line of dangerous pass catchers for the Panthers, Drake is both explosive and sure-handed and that should be a huge comfort for his new starting quarterback Pierson Allison, who is sure to look for Drake (along with Kanon Hemphill and Kyle Morlock) early and often. Drake led the team with 630 yards and 8 TDs receiving in 2017, as a sophomore.
Devin Dye, senior offensive line, Lumpkin County -- Dye is the anchor on an Indians line that will be the foundation as they go back to a wishbone offense in 2018. Dye is big and talented and is attracting attention from Division I-AA-size programs. Another solid year opening holes for the likes of running back Luke Smith (see below) could help boost his stock even more.
Cambren Harrison, senior running back, East Hall -- Harrison is a bruiser, hitting the scales at 280 pounds. But don't let that fool you. Yes he possesses power and strength, but he also exhibits excellent speed for his size and can break away once he runs through defenders at the line. He rushed for 1,150 yards and 18 TDs and caught 45 passes for 794 yards and 6 scores in the Vikings wide-open spread attack. The sky is the limit in 2018 as the Vikings will feature a power running scheme out of the spread behind a talented and experienced offensive line that returns all five starters.
Daniel Jackson, senior running back/safety, North Hall -- Already a team captain as a junior, Jackson will once again be looked to for both plays on the field and leadership everywhere. He was a dependable force in both the offensive and defensive backfields last year with 673 total yards and 8 TDs, as well as 90 tackles, 1 INT, 1 fumble recovery and 8 pass break ups, and the Trojans will expect much from the senior on a team laden with seniors.
Austin Jones, senior wide receiver, Rabun County -- Jones had his breakout season in 2017 as the team's third-leading receiver (696 yards, 7 TDs), its second-leading tackler (135 stops), and added 5 interceptions. In 2018, he will be the Wildcats star as he will continue to be a two-way wrecking crew. On offense Rabun County coach Lee Shaw said they will find multiple ways to get the ball into his hands. On defense, he will lead a talented secondary but will continue to be aggressive as a tackler against the run.
Jay Lepkoske, senior defensive lineman, White County -- The Georgia State-commit has the ability to take over games with his mix of speed and strength. And coaches say they plan to move him around in 2018, allowing him to disrupt from multiple angles. He racked up 66 stops and 6 sacks in 2017. And as opposing offenses search him out on each play it should open opportunities for teammates.
Tre Luttrell, senior quarterback, Habersham Central -- As he showed last season at Gainesville High (his father, Stan Luttrell was hired by the Raiders as defensive coordinator, thus their move) when he was healthy the Red Elephants generally won. That's because Luttrell is a tremendous athlete that can torch defenses with his arm and legs. He's also a smart player -- though opposing tacklers would be smart to keep their guard up lest this QB truck them like a running back.
Caleb Mason, senior defensive back/running back, Commerce -- You want to see a fearsome tackler over the middle that will make potential receivers think twice before reaching for the ball? Then head over to Commerce. Mason is an old-school defensive back and hard-nosed running back that coaches love.
Harry Miller, senior lineman, Buford -- Not only is the imposing senior (6-foot-4, 300 pounds) a dominant force with his play, he is also a team leader who encapsulates the long tradition of grinding line play from the Wolves. The Ohio State-commit is one of several standouts for Buford's men in the trenches, but he most certainly stands out.
KJ Millwood, senior receiver, Lakeview Academy -- This all-around athlete showed out last season, rolling up almost 1,000 yards receiving for the Lions in a deadly combination with QB Alec Bornhorst. Bornhorst has graduated, but you can expect Lions QBs to look to Millwood early and often. He was a preseason All-State selection.
Michael Mintz, senior linebacker, White County -- Mintz led the team in tackles by a long shot in 2017 with 122 stops, almost 40 more than the next closest teammate, and coaches once again expect him to be the tackling machine and heartbeat of the defense in 2018.
Damon Mixon, senior offensive lineman, Gainesville -- The North Alabama-commit has the kind of size (6-foot-5, 270 pounds) to make his presence felt on any field. But he also has the athletic ability to make defensive coordinators grimmace, His willingness to become a team leader will also be a big key for coach Heath Webb in his first season with the Red Elephants.
David Seavey, senior quarterback/linebacker, North Hall -- How often do you read about a quarterback making a big play on offense and then cracking an opposing ball carrier within the same few minutes? Well Trojans fans got more than used to seeing Seavey do that as a junior. That hard-nosed style of play is a reason he was voted team captain as a junior, and North Hall expects even bigger things from the senior signal caller/linebacker.
Riley Simonds, senior lineman, Buford -- Another road grader that has the kind of hands and feet to make it to the next level -- he's a Florida commit -- Simonds is a big (and we mean, big -- 6-3, 324 pounds) reason why the Wolves are expecting to make yet another big postseason run.
Jalin Strown, senior wide receiver/cornerback, Flowery Branch -- Strown was the Falcons top receiver in 2017 and dazzled both teammates and opponents with his speed and acrobatic ability to make catches, finishing with 830 total yards and 8 TDs. He and Falcons quarterback Elijah Gainey made up one of the best tandems in northeast Georgia. And after a full year now under coach Ben Hall's system both should put up even more impressive numbers in 2018. Strown is also part of a talent-laden Falcons secondary that may be the strength of the team
Isaac Teasley, senior quarterback, Riverside Military -- A dual-threat that is also a committed student of the game and workout warrior, don't be surprised to see the 6-foot-3 Teasley develop into a hot commodity for collegiate coaches this season. He has the arm strength to beat defenses deep or tuck the ball and turn a busted play into a big positive for the Eagles. He rolled up 1,879 total yards and 16 TDs last season.
Michael Thompson, junior running back, West Hall -- Thompson was a dual-threat at quarterback last season for the Spartans before the emergence of Quentin Smith allowed a move to the backfield. It should be a profitbale marriage for both Thompson and the Spartans as his size and speed and big-play ability catching passes out of the backfield will give every opponent a matchup problem. His numbers were more than respectable in 2017 but he is poised for a breakout season in 2018.
Will Travis, senior receiver, Towns County -- There are not many receivers in the state with Travis' size and speed, let alone in northeast Georgia or Class A. And the Indians believe the 6-foot-4 Travis will help the Indians continue their historic push after putting up an All-Region campaign and contributing to last season's first ever state playoff appearance.
Terrance Walker, senior running back, Banks County -- Walker is one of the more explosive backs in northeast Georgia, and, now playing in a wing-T system, he is sure to get a lot of opportunities to show off that mix of speed and wiggle. He rolled up 819 all-purpose yards in 2017 and scored 11 TDs and had a 65-yard scorung run in the Leopards' scrimmage. Coach Jay Reid was immediately impressed by Walker and sees huge potential for the senior in 2018.
Tyler Wester, junior safety, Jackson County -- Wester was fourth on the team in tackles in 2017 (40) to go along with 2 INTs. He is considered one of the leaders on the defense, which is expected to be much-improved. But he is also battling for the quarterback spot on offense. If he does not win the starting job, he will see plenty of time in the backfield as Panthers coach Brandon Worley called Wester "one of the best all-around athletes on the team."
Jordan Williams, junior offensive lineman, Gainesville -- Another mammoth presence in the trenches for the Red Elephants, the 6-foot-6, 280-pound Williams is a bookend with teammate MIxon (see above) at the tackle positions for Gainesville and will be a huge part of what the Red Elephants accomplish on offense this season as they switch to a more power-oriented offense.
SET TO STEAL THE SHOW -- These are the players on the cusp of dominant roles in 2018:
Connor Boyd, senior quarterback, Cherokee Bluff -- Boyd is one of the few on the Bears roster that has seen any varsity action. He was the backup to Elijah Gainey at Flowery Branch last season and saw some action mainly late in games. Bears coach Tommy Jones said Boyd has the skills to make plays and has tremendous leadership qualities that could help the first-year program make a quick transition.
Zarian Brawner, senior running back/cornerback, Flowery Branch -- Falcons coach Ben Hall said Brawner has the talent to have breakout seasons on both sides of the ball in 2018. With the loss of running backs Malik Drayton and Malik Damons, Brawner is expected to be the featured guy early on in the backfield and should be a dangerous complement to go with quarterback Elijah Gainey and receiver Jalin Strown, who were one of the area's most dynamic passing tandems in 2017. Brawner also will be part of a talent-laden secondary for the Falcons and has the skills to draw opponents' top receivers.
Christian Charles, sophomore quarterback, Chestatee -- He was thrown into the starting signal caller role out of need last season when the War Eagles were bitten by injury -- and he responded brilliantly. The dual threat opened eyes in some late-season appearances, and coaches say his summer was even more impressive as he grew into the role of both standout and leader. With a pair of strong receivers at his side, Charles will be the key for the Chestatee offense in 2018.
Donovan Curry, senior receiver, Habersham Central -- Already a team leader and big-play threat, Curry was sometimes overshadowed last season by explosive QB AJ Curry -- but coaches don't expect many more explosive players on the team this season than this Curry.
Kylan Curry, senior wide receiver/cornerback, and Mon Prather, junior wide receiver/cornerback, East Hall -- You probably won't hear one's name mentioned without the other in 2018 as the pair will anchor both the receiving corps on offense and the secondary on defense. Vikings coach Scott Patrick expects breakout seasons on both sides of the ball as they ultilize their speed and skill. Prather showed glimpses in 2017 that he was ready to take over the No. 1 receiver spot, and Curry has come on since the spring.
Khalid Duke, senior receiver/safety, Riverside Military -- His size alone may scare opponents -- there aren't many 6-foot-4, 220 pound burners in the high school ranks, but that's exactly what Duke is, which is why colleges from all over the nation are vying for his signature. Also a triple jump state champion there is no doubt about Duke's athletic ability, and his high school coach calls Duke the best player in the state of Georgia. He caught 24 passes for 454 yards and 6 scores last season. With QB Isaac Teasley and a veteran offensive line in tow this season, you may expect that number to skyrocket in 2018.
Allan Gillis, senior athlete/safety, Towns County -- The former Hayesville, North Carolina, standout joined the Indians for his senior season. Towns coaches are already drooling over the possibilities of where the athletic Gillis can and will play -- fullback, slot, receiver, the list goes on. Expect him to be a threat wherever he lines up and another piece for a dynamic Indians spread attack.
Hunter Hardwick, junior quarterback, East Jackson -- Hardwick was penciled in as the Eagles' starter in 2017 but an injury sidelined him just before the season started. According to Eagles' coach Scott Wilkins, Hardwick has a solid grasp of the offense and is 100 percent healthy entering the 2018 campaign. Hardwick will have dependable running back Caleb Adair (see above) in the ground game and a good group of receivers to throw to.
J Ben Haynes, sophomore quarterback, White County -- Starting almost from the opening snap turned the precocious freshman into a veteran by season's end in 2017, and he responded by helping lead the Warriors back into the state playoffs, passing for almost 1,700 yards and 15 TDs in the regular season alone. He should be even better as a "wisened" sophomore.
Robbie James, junior linebacker, Chestatee -- James already showed plenty of ability as a sophomore, making a number of plays from his defensive end spot. And coaches have opted to move him to the center of the field in a new 4-2-5 base to allow him more freedom to roam and make plays. His football IQ is through the roof and coaches love that combined with natural athletic ability.
Ahmad Kamara, senior running back, Dawson County -- Kamara transfered to the Tigers from the now-defunct Dawson County Christian School and instantly gave them another fast, tough, and powerful option on the ground. The Tigers have reworked their spread attack, where it is expected they will transition to more of a power running team with SeVaughn Clark (see above) now running the offense. Dawson County coach Sid Maxwell said Kamara could have a breakout season in the backfield similar to what Clark did in 2017.
Andrew King, sophomore defensive tackle, Jackson County -- As a freshman King saw limited action (just 6 games) but managed to record three sacks. Panthers coach Brandon Worley said King could be ready for a breakout season as he cracks the starting lineup. He is one of several along a front-seven that could be one of the best in the area and give the Panthers a solid defense as they try to continue their recent run of playoff appearances.
Dimetrio Landaverde and Vashon Johnson, junior defensive tackles, Johnson -- The interior linemen brought a huge smile to the face of Knights' coach Jason Roquemore when asked about breakout potential. Landaverde (6-3, 295 pounds) may garner the initial attention but the pair will be matchup nightmares for most any offensive line as run stoppers and both have the ability to rush the passer. The Knights return 10 starters on defense, and if Landaverde and Johnson create the kind of havoc up front Roquemore expects, they could be a tough unit to crack in 2018.
Dawson Lathan, junior wide receiver/cornerback, Rabun County -- Lathan saw limited action in 2017 as a sophomore. Wildcats coach Lee Shaw, however, said Lathan could be one to watch in 2018 on both sides of the ball. He could be a third option in the passing game behind Jones (see above) and Braxton Hicks and should get plenty of time in the secondary with potential to turn into one of the Wildcats next outstanding two-way players.
Aaron McLaughlin, sophomore quarterback, Buford -- Already a top-100 national recruit among sophomores, he started every game as a freshman in 2017 and finished 137-of-250 for 1,773 yards and 16 touchdowns with six interceptions last season. The only reason he was not the star for the Wolves last season is due to sharing time with three incredible running backs in the Buford backfield.
Garmon Randolph, senior tight end, Jefferson -- While Corbin (see above) may be the Dragons most versatile player, Randolph could well become their star by the end of the 2018 season. He is considered one of the top recruits in the nation at his position and already has a plethora of D-I offers. He averaged just 2 receptions a game in 2017 but that was mainly because he was helping to open huge holes for the now-graduated Colby Wood. The Dragons are employing a new spread attack in 2018 to utilize perhaps the most talented receiving corps in north Georgia and Randolph, who will line up in all five receiver spots during the season to create matchup nightmares for opposing defense, is expected to have a monster year in the passing game.
Riley Rodrigo, sophomore safety/placekicker, West Hall -- The Spartans struggled mightily in the kicking game in 2017 making just 3 of 10 field goals. Coach Krofton Montgomery said Rodrigo gives them an element they have missed the last two seasons, and it will be key in a powerhouse region where every kick is important. But Rodrigo also is expected to be a shining light in the Spartans secondary with speed and coverage skills aplenty.
Makius Scott, junior defensive lineman, Gainesville -- Opposing teams and fans will most definitely notice Scott as soon as he hits the field, But the 6-foot-4, 280-pound junior is far more than a space eater. He has the athleticism to disrupt opposing offenses and get into the backfield. He has collegiate potential written all over him.
Luke Smith, senior running back, Lumpkin County -- Smith saw limited action at running back last season as the Indians switched to a spread passing attack. But Lumpkin is going back to its roots in 2018 breaking out the power wishbone rushing offense and Smith figures to be the featured guy. Lumpkin coach Shane Williamson said they are expecting big things from the offense and from Smith, who is poised for a breakout season in their new/old offense.
Charles Tolbert and Jamir Tolbert (twins), sophomores, running back and wide receiver/defensive back, Cherokee Bluff -- The twins already may be the most versatile players on the Bears roster. They will start on both offense and defense and have the ability to make contributions from the opening kick of the season. Charles is expected to be the featured back while Jamir could be the early go-to target for Bluff QB Connor Boyd. In the secondary, both have speed and coverage skills giving them a solid pair on the outside against pass-happy teams in Region 7-3A.
