Cobb County football had arguably its most impressive and exciting season ever in 2011, and it seems the big year has added more relevancy and hype for 2012. Never before has there been a greater offseason in Cobb County in terms of BCS signees. The stage will be bigger than ever this year, and it is amazing to think the type of crowds some of these matchups are going to bring. Over 7,000 watched the regular season showdown between Walton and Lassiter last season, and nearly all of the superstars that drew the crowd are returning this season. Class AAAAA 2011 offensive player of the year Tyren Jones and quarterback Parker McLeod are back for their senior seasons after taking Walton to the state championship game.
Right down the road at Lassiter High School, two superstars return in Eddie Printz and Juwan Dickey, who will possibly be the deadliest aerial combination in the state in 2012.
LSU commit and Marietta quarterback Anthony Jennings comes off a fantastic 2011 season including a victory against Printz and the Trojans. Jennings is back from offseason knee surgery healthy and ready to attack the season.
Next to Robert Nkemdiche, Milton has the best pass rushing defensive linemen and the strongest player in the state in Carl Lawson.
With the all the talent and competition in Cobb County, it is clear that this is one of, if not the premier high school football counties in the country.
A New School Offseason
In just the last 10 years, 7-on-7 events have gone from fad to main staple. In the early 2000s, 7-on-7 film was rare and the events hardly ever were sponsored. Coaches called other coaches to set up these throwing sessions, and every Tuesday of the summer, Walton upperclassmen carpooled the young guys to a neighboring school. The Raiders would do a brief 7-on-7, switching every 10 plays or so from offense to defense without worrying about a score.
It is hard to believe how much these events have grown. Now there are exclusive teams that compete nationally at huge traveling tournaments, complete with uniforms and live music and/or DJs.
Last month Walton’s Parker McLeod and DJ Smith connected for a touchdown during a live stream from the St. Pius X 7-on-7 tournament. Referees are relatively new to the events as 7-on-7s have really taken a life of their own.
A solid performance in a big 7-on-7 can even stamp a player previously on the brink worthy of a scholarship offer. The consistent delivery and strong arm of McLeod and his impressive showings at camps ultimately encouraged the Crimson Tide to extend an offer.
As two-a-days now approach, the real football begins. The linemen do not get these glorified scrimmages during the summer and instead take thousands of reps pushing the sled or crouched under the chute. The running game wakes up from its summer hibernation and backs are not found chip blocking and going out into the flats. Football is back.
The biggest offseason stories
While Walton has boasted some great offenses over the years, with the return of the best offensive player in the state, it will be amazing to see what the Jones and McLeod can accomplish. Defensively, Walton lost its two best players in the Blaylock twins to Kentucky, and defensive coordinator Chuck Goddard left for the East Paulding head coaching job. The biggest question will be can the Raiders’ offense continue to control the time of possession and give take pressure off the defense in 2012.
Lassiter is the second biggest storyline this offseason. Printz and Dickey return after an incredible season and playoff run. Clemson commit and slot receiver Ryan Jenkins, who transferred in from Milton, joins Pritz and Dickey in 2012. Along with Jenkins, Campbell’s Quincy and Eric Perdue, Harrison’s Chris Murphy and Wheeler’s Hakim Carter all transferred in this offseason and improved the talent and depth of the Trojans.
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