Year of the QB

In a state known for producing some of the nation’s top running backs year in and year out, the 2012 Georgia high school football season will, without question, be known as The Year of the Quarterback. In a class headlined by Marietta’s Anthony Jennings, Cedar Grove’s Johnathon McCrary, Lassiter’s Eddie Printz, Camden County’s Brice Ramsey and Walton’s Parker McLeod, the state is loaded at the position even without these incredible names.

College programs have flocked to Georgia all summer long to scout signal callers in 7-on-7 camps and at team events.

Perhaps the first name mentioned from the immediate next level of Georgia high school quarterbacks is Collins Hill’s Brett Sheehan. The 6-foot-2 Eagles QB has Collins Hill in a prime position to challenge for a region title, and Eagles’ coach Kevin Reach loves how the hard-working Sheehan has done everything the coaches have asked of him.

“The best thing about him is that he is a good team leader,” said Reach. “It is important for a team to have that leadership in a quarterback.”

Sheehan has pledged to Florida International.

Another quarterback atop everyone’s short list of playmakers is Calhoun’s Taylor Lamb. The 6-foot-2 senior led the Yellow Jackets to the Class AA crown one year ago, and Calhoun head coach Hal Lamb told Score that the coaching staff will be counting on Lamb to help lead the team back to the promised land. Last season, Lamb passed for 3,635 yards and 40 touchdowns. He has committed to South Alabama.

A.J. Erdely of West Forsyth stands 6-foot-4, 190-pounds and has committed to Middle Tennessee State. If West Forsyth is to make any noise in Region 6-AAAAAA, Erdely will need to pass the Wolverines to victory.

Other quarterbacks to keep an eye on this year are Lovejoy’s Alejandro Bennifield, Oconee County’s Connor White, Richmond Hill’s Dominique Allen, Grady’s Kivon Taylor, Centennial’s Chase Rosenberg, Darlington’s Brad Butler and Stephenson’s Justin Holman. You can also check out two fine quarterbacks at the 2012 Corky Kell Classic in Brookwood’s Zach Moon and Colquitt County’s Cole Segraves.