Georgia’s top high school talent has bolstered college football programs throughout the country over the years, and the class of 2010 will provide recruiters with another outstanding crop of prospects to choose from. Here’s a look at this year’s top five impact seniors as listed on Scout.com in their early Top 300.
Markeith Ambles. The Henry County wideout had an outstanding junior year, catching 53 balls for almost 1,000 yards and 13 scores. Equipped with the speed and hands needed for big-time college football, Ambles also shows a willingness to block and go over the middle for catches in traffic. His 6-foot-2, 182-pound frame and elusiveness after the catch make him a tough cover for any defense. The silky-smooth receiver will dominate wherever he decides to hone his skill as a collegiate.
Alec Ogletree. After leading a great defense as a junior that surrendered 28 points in the entire regular season, Ogletree returns as the second-rated safety in the country. The 6-3, 210-pound thumper is a beast in run support, recording 62 tackles last season for Newnan High and helping the Cougars reach the state semifinal round. Ogletree also has ball-hawking ability, shown by many passes defended and two interceptions. With at least 30 scholarship offers prior to his senior campaign, Ogletree’s superlative special teams play may garner even more attention this year.
Garrison Smith. Georgia Tech fans are hoping Garrison Smith will follow in his brother Greg’s footsteps and become a Yellow Jacket after his senior year at Douglass High (although big brother just announced his transfer to Jacksonville State). Garrison has made his own niche by dominating opponents and accumulating big numbers in his junior year (108 tackles and 14 sacks). A daunting figure at defensive end, Smith overpowers linemen that have trouble with his good get-off. Smith also has the speed to run past blockers and get up the field quickly. His stack of scholarship offers will only grow if he has a stellar season like his junior year
Mack Brown. Anytime a running back averages nearly 10 yards per carry, it qualifies as special. M.L. King’s Mack Brown accomplished the feat last year (9.8 per tote), piling up 1,700 yards and 21 touchdowns in the process. Brown is skilled both on the edge and in between the tackles, hitting holes with vigor and power while showing impressive speed on the outside and the open field. The 5-11, 180-pounder is a tough tackle, regularly picking up extra yardage after first contact with his aggressive style of running. Many schools from around the southeast are hoping to obtain Brown’s services at the next level.
JaWaun James. The North Gwinnett offensive linemen will be better this year after adding a few pounds to his huge stature (6-7, 290). Quick for his size, James’ edge blocking and great hands will be featured on Saturdays in 2010. As with all young linemen, James will use his senior year to shore up any balance and consistency issues, but he has all the tools a college coach wants: good initial punch, extremely quick feet, and the ability to come out of his stance with lightning speed. As of March, James has narrowed his college prospects down to six schools: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Southern Cal.
Mitchell can be reached at cmitchell@scoreatl.com.
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