NORTH TEAM
Nekyle Lundie (Tucker):
Lundie stands 6-foot-3 and already possesses the skillset of a go-to college receiver. Lundie caught two passes for 101 yards and a touchdown (56 yards) in the Elite Junior Classic and showcased his ability to win in jump ball situations. The Tucker junior excelled in his blocking as well and delivered one of the hardest hits of the Elite Junior Classic as he cracked back on a North screen pass. Whether it was short passes, deep balls, routes over the middle or blocking in practice and the game, Lundie was picture-perfect in every aspect. On both of Lundie’s long catches in the Elite Junior Classic he was able to jump up and fight for the football, make the catch and stay on his feet and gain more yards. That is a very difficult thing to do and Lundie makes that and the rest of his game look easy.
Daniel Imatorbhebhe (North Gwinnett):
Imatorbhebhe is another physical receiver that is poised for a huge 2014 season. The 6-foot-4 wideout was a key part of North Gwinnett’s lethal receiving corps this season and will step into the go-to role with Almonzo Brown next season. Imatorbhebhe has the speed and power to be a dangerous target in the screen game and his height and leaping ability creates a mismatch with any defensive back over the middle or deep downfield. Imatorbhebhe is an excellent blocker and will be a reliable and big play target at the collegiate level. At the state championship last month multiple coaches from the SEC told me they were interested in Imatorbhebhe and have been following his progress.
Almonzo Brown (North Gwinnett):
Brown was referred to as the smartest player on the field by North offensive coordinator Tripp Allen after the first day of practice when the coaching staff saw how quickly Brown was able to grasp the new playbook. Brown can do it all at the receiver position and ran some of the best routes I saw throughout the Elite Junior Classic weekend. Brown showed his ability to make plays with a couple huge blocks in the Elite Junior Classic and had the best catch of the weekend with a one handed touchdown grab during the first practice. Brown will likely be one of the top three wideouts in the state by the end of next season and the physical 6-foot-2, 200-pound receiver already holds an offer from Florida.
Samuel McDade (Cross Keys):
McDade’s speed caught my eye when I watched film before the Elite Junior Classic and in person it was equally impressive. The 5-foot-10, 160-pound wideout was the lightest of the group but he can flat out fly down the field. The track star posted a 49.31 400-meter dash time and showed his quickness on the gridiron on deep routes as well his breaks in and out of routes. McDade will need to add a solid 15-20 pounds to his frame to become college-ready and by doing so he can become a dangerous target to have in the perimeter. Another one of McDade’s strengths is his vertical leap and he can win in jump ball situations.
Sean Harper (Hart County):
Harper is one of the best safeties in the state but he is also a great receiver. During the Elite Junior Classic weekend, Harper’s ability to locate the football and adjust to make the catch was the best I saw. In the regular season, Harper hauled in five interceptions while keeping his eyes on the route runners so that should tell you enough about how valuable this trait is. Harper caught a 37-yard pass in the Elite Junior Classic and showed a great burst of speed after securing the grab.
SOUTH TEAM
Brad Stewart (Benedictine):
Stewart caught a 41-yard touchdown pass from Tyree Paulk to tie up the Elite Junior Classic at 10 before the half. The 6-foot-2 wideout outleapt double coverage and then dove across the endzone for the highlight reel score. Stewart is an automatic receiver that catches anything thrown his way. He did a great job creating space during his routes and Vanderbilt recruiting tweeted during the game that Stewart is a prospect they have had their eye on. Stewart will be on a lot of college’s radars this summer and next season.
Keyston Fuller (Griffin):
Fuller has already been offered by Georgia Tech and UNC and starred in the spotlight as he helped pace Griffin’s explosive offense to the Class AAAA state championship this season. In the Elite Junior Classic, Fuller was outstanding in 1-on-1 drills and can beat press coverage with quick moves off the line of scrimmage. Fuller pressures defenders with his blazing speed, is solid with his blocking and has great hands.
T.J. Rahming (McEachern):
The crispest routes ran all weekend were from Rahming, who is a dynamic playmaker at the receiver position. Rahming can make guys miss in open space and loses defenders with his quick cuts and his elusive jukes. Rahming can be a go-to receiver at the next level and will be used best in quick screens where the speedy receiver can go make something happen.
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