A trio of former Walton stars has entered the transfer portal after completing their true freshman seasons. The group of Jeremy Hecklinski, Hunter Teal, and Wendell Gregory, helped lead the Raiders to the state finals two seasons ago.
Wendell Gregory was the first to announce his intentions to transfer. Gregory, a linebacker, was a 4-star recruit coming out of high school and spent his freshman season at South Carolina. He played sparingly last season, recording just one tackle. On April 3, Gregory announced he would enter the transfer portal as soon as it opened on April 25. Coming out of high school, he had over 20 offers from major programs across the country. Many of those schools may still be interested, Georgia Tech and Boston College are teams to keep an eye on.
Jeremy Hecklinski was one of the most productive quarterbacks in GHSA history. He finished his high school career 15th all-time in both passing yards and passing touchdowns. His 2023 season was among the best ever, throwing for nearly 4,000 yards and 50 touchdowns, a number tied for the seventh-most in state history. He was one of only 11 QBs in Georgia history to throw for over 50 touchdowns in a single season, joining names like Gunner Stockton, Hutson Mason, Trevor Lawrence, and Deshaun Watson. Rated a 3-star recruit, Hecklinski committed to Wake Forest. While he didn’t record any stats in his freshman season, he flashed his potential during his first spring with the program. After the season, head coach Dave Clawson stepped down, prompting major changes in the program. Hecklinski felt it was the right time to enter the transfer portal. Coming out of high school, he also held offers from Georgia Southern and UCF, two programs that could be front-runners.
Hunter Teal, one of Hecklinski’s closest friends, also plans to enter the portal, after a season with Miami (Ohio). Teal was Hecklinski’s favorite target at Walton, and the two had a dynamic connection. In their two seasons starting together, Teal totaled 103 receptions, 1,850 yards, and 20 touchdowns. Coming out of high school, he had other offers from UAB and Kent State, both of which could be contenders to land him. Also, don’t discount the strong relationship between him and Hecklinski, there’s a very real chance they end up at the same school.
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