The state of Georgia is full of some of the top talent in the country. Hundreds of players graduate from GHSA high schools every year and go on to play at Division I colleges. Each year, the state produces talent that often flies under the radar simply because of the sheer volume of athletes. This year is no different, with one of the most talented senior classes in state history, more players are flying under the radar than ever before.
McEachern has been one of the top offensive line-producing schools in the state, and this year the Indians’ top lineman is Paul Bowling. The Troy commit is one of the most skilled linemen in the state, showing the ability to impose his will on opposing defensive linemen. From his guard position, he uses his physicality and technique to dominate the line. His play is of a higher caliber than his current ranking as the 174th best player in the state and the 1,584th best player in the country according to On3 and should rise over the season.
Julius Columbus was one of the top defensive linemen in the state during the 2023 season, finishing with 20 sacks in Gainesville’s 14-game season. Columbus displays the ability to win as a pass rusher in multiple ways. While he has the strength to overpower many offensive linemen, he doesn’t rely solely on it. He has a wide variety of pass-rush moves uncommon for most high school interior linemen. He also demonstrates speed, especially when coming around the edge on stunts or following pulling guards to make tackles for loss in the run game.
Grayson has become a breeding ground for elite defensive linemen, and one of the best in this year’s class is Andre Fuller. Though his stature may not seem ideal, at 6-foot-2 and 225-pounds, he is one of the most versatile pass rushers in the state. While many overlook Fuller because he doesn’t fit the prototypical 6-foot-5, 240-pound EDGE rusher mold, he’s better than many of the larger pass rushers. His speed is his biggest weapon. Whether in a two, or four-point stance, his quick get-off often gets him around linemen before they can react. His run defense is also underrated, as his smaller size gives him leverage. Even though he weighs less than most offensive linemen, he’s able to get under their pads and disrupt plays.
James Johnson is the forgotten third wide receiver in Douglas County’s elite wide receiver room, but that doesn’t mean he’s not one of the best in the state. Johnson is ranked as the 11th best senior wide receiver in the class of 2025 and the 17th highest ranked regardless of classification, according to On3. He’s an elite slot receiver with a deep route tree and extreme agility, allowing him to take any pass to the end zone. His five college finalists (Georgia, USC, LSU, Ohio State, and UCF) shows that college coaches aren’t overlooking his potential.
South Gwinnett’s Jalen Shivers is a player gaining more attention as his senior season progresses. Currently committed to SMU, Shivers has also attracted interest from some of college football’s biggest programs such as Georgia and Alabama. Shivers is explosive off the line, moving quicker than most offensive linemen. Though he still largely relies on his speed and power to get sacks, his pass-rush moves have shown significant improvement between his junior and senior years. His offer list will continue to grow as the season progresses helping to bring him to the forefront of the sport.
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