The offseason is in peak form for Georgia High School football as workouts are beginning to commence, offseason training is at a premium, and schools are starting to set their spring schedules while some are announcing their full 2025 football season. Let’s take a look at a team in South Georgia that is filled with talent and won a state championship a few years ago. Thomas County Central has a number of players who could have a big impact on them contending for a state championship next season.
Thomas County Central QB Jaylen Johnson- Johnson put together another impressive season for Thomas County Central. He threw for 2,440 yards and 25 touchdowns. He also rushed for 206 yards and six touchdowns. Johnson had one of his best games of the season against Veterans in a 61-10 victory. Johnson threw for a season-high 405 yards and five touchdowns. When you roll his tape, you see a very experienced quarterback who is accurate with the football and makes big throws. Johnson is also a dual threat who can keep plays alive with his legs and extend until he finds the open man. He was a first-team all-region selection by Georgia High School Football Daily. His recruitment hasn’t taken off yet, but he has continued to put his head down and work. He currently has an offer from Georgia State but should see more coming in during the spring.
Thomas County Central RB Christian Lawrence- Lawrence put together a productive season for the Yellow Jackets rushing for 1,315 yards and 16 touchdowns. He had several impressive stretches during the season where he finished with over 100+ yards rushing. He had one of his best games against out-of-state Florida State High School Seminoles (FL). In that game, he rushed for 199 yards and two touchdowns. An area where he was really impressed was his continued growth in the passing game and being a threat out of the backfield. Lawrence finished with 21 catches for 311 yards and three touchdowns. Lawrence is a three-star prospect on 247Sports and On3. He has over 20 offers and has an official visit set up with the Pittsburgh Panthers.
Thomas County Central WR Jaydon Dunbar- Dunbar was recently recognized by the Macon Touchdown Club as a Super 7 junior football player. He finished with 26 catches for 476 yards and seven touchdowns. He posted some of his best numbers in back-to-back weeks against Northside-Warner Robins and Houston County. In the span of those two games, Dunbar combined for eight catches for 206 yards and four touchdowns, nearly half of his total output in 2024. Dunbar is rated as a four-star prospect by Rivals, the No. 39 WR, and the No. 42 player in the state. He already has notable offers from Auburn, Georgia, Duke, Kentucky, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Pittsburgh and South Florida. He will be a key player to watch this season for the Yellow Jackets.
Thomas County Central WR Jabari Watkins- Watkins led the team in catches (42) yards (832), and touchdowns (9) as a sophomore. His potential is through the roof and he is a threat to take it for a touchdown whenever he touches it. When you watch his tape, you see explosiveness right off the rip. The Yellow Jackets get him the ball in a myriad of ways whether it is screen passes, hitches, slants, or go balls. Thomas County Central is always looking to get the ball in his hands. He had one of his best games against Cairo finishing with four catches for 147 yards and two touchdowns. In terms of his recruiting, he is currently ranked as a four-star prospect on Rivals, the No. 11 ATH, the No. 14 player in Georgia, and the No. 111 player nationally. He currently has 12 offers per 247Sports. Some notable programs include California, Kentucky, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, and UCF. It is still early for Watkins with him not even entering his junior season yet garnering major interest. The future is bright for him.
Around the Class Boys- Can West Forsyth continue their hot streak? The Wolverines have won six consecutive games after an 0-2 start and are right back at the top of the rankings. Lambert will face Alpharetta and St. Pius X will face North Oconee in some of the best games of the week.
Around the Class Girls- Three stellar matchups will commence this week when Chattahoochee takes on Johns Creek (both only have one loss), Milton will take on defending state champion Cambridge, and West Forsyth will face Florida power Lake Mary on Thursday night.
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