Spring football is right around the corner and Rivals is set to host its annual camp at Lakewood Stadium in Dekalb County Sunday. Some of the best prospects in the state will be in attendance and continue to show why the state is so rich with football talent.
These rankings are based on the Rivals system to show what players are expected to be at Lakewood this weekend:
Five star linebacker Tyler Atkinson – The Grayson linebacker has continued to impress so far in camp and spring circuit. He won LB MVP at the UA Camp series in Atlanta and showed everyone why he is a generational talent getting reps at linebacker and defensive line. Atkinson is coming off 197 tackles, 25 tackles for loss, 23 QB hurries, and 10.5 sacks. He is one of the best linebackers in the country and has started for Grayson since his freshman season.
Five-star quarterback Julian Lewis – The Carrollton quarterback has been highly touted and sought after since he entered high school and hasn’t disappointed. His freshman season he led the Trojans to a state championship against Mill Creek. In that game, he threw for 531 yards and five touchdowns and showed that no stage is too big for him. Lewis is a national prospect and is currently committed to USC. He received an All-American game invite in February.
Four-star Safety Zelus Hicks – The Carrollton defensive back will be such an interesting prospect to watch next season because of his versatility. Last season, Hicks had 67 tackles, multiple pass breakups, and two sacks. The stats tell the story though because he can play any defensive back position on the field and be elite at it. He gives the Trojans an instant-impact defender who is explosive and can take away the big plays. Hicks is only scratching the surface of his potential.
Four-star wide receiver CJ Wiley – The Milton wide receiver had one of the best seasons in Georgia in 2023 fishing with 68 catches, 1,473 yards, and 14 touchdowns. A lot of people get caught up in his 6-foot-4 frame which allows him to win the 50/50 often, but his YAC yardage is what separates him. Wiley is a track star who has continued to excel recently posting a new PR sub 22 seconds in the 200M. The speed certainly translates to the football field and makes him one of the best receivers in Georgia and a constant mismatch.
Four-star outside linebacker Zayden Walker – The Schley County linebacker is another multi-sport star who excels on the track. On the gridiron, he finished with 40 tackles, 27 quarterback hits, 16 tackles for loss, seven sacks, and two forced fumbles. Offensively, he rushed for 518 yards and 13 touchdowns, while catching 10 passes for 169 yards and four touchdowns. There is nothing you can’t ask Walker to do on the football field.
Four-star outside linebacker Tavion Wallace – The Wayne County linebacker is used in a bunch of ways for the Yellow Jackets whether it is coming off the edge, playing in coverage, or as a downhill linebacker. They asked him to do multiple things and he excels at all of them. Wallace finished with 58 tackles, 10 QB hurries, and three passes defensed. He led the Yellow Jackets to their second consecutive winning season. He currently holds 24 offers.
Four-star cornerback Shamar Arnoux – The Carrollton cornerback will be at his second camp so far this offseason. Arnoux is good at playing the ball in the air and will be a staple player in the secondary for the Trojans. The rising senior will look to finish off his senior year strong.
Four-star wide receiver Aaron Gregory – The Douglas County star battled nagging injuries in 2023 but still was the top receiver on his team with 41 catches, 795 yards, and eight touchdowns. Gregory plays both sides of the ball for the Tigers and is a hard-hitting safety on the other side of the ball. Offensively, Gregory has a great catch radius and is a smooth route runner who beats the defender with regularity at the top of his routes with his great footwork. He is a can’t-miss prospect and a highlight reel waiting to happen when you throw him the football.
Four-star outside linebacker Alex Payne – The Gainesville offensive lineman is a staple for the Red Elephants and one of the reasons they have been so good offensively the last two seasons. He protects the blindside of the quarterback and wins his matchup often. Payne is great in pass protection and can stifle elite pass rushers. In run blocking, he is mobile and agile and can get to the second level quickly opening up big holes for ball carriers. Perhaps his most impressive highlight this offseason was when he went against Tyler Atkinson at the UA Camp and he won the rep against the elite linebacker. The UNC commit is a stellar talent.
Four-star edge Julius Holly – The Alpharetta EDGE has blown up in recruiting and is now closing in on 30 offers. Holy is coming off 57 tackles, eight sacks, and three pass deflections in his sophomore season. He flashed his potential and how dominant he can be getting to opposing quarterbacks in 2023. The rising junior will be one to watch for the Raiders in 2024.
Four-star athlete Jontae Gilbert – The Douglass-Atlanta star is just a special football player. Opposing coaches always rave about the talent he has and how he can affect the game on both sides of the ball. Defensively, he is a hard-hitting safety that is very instinctual. He also is great at playing the ball and is one of those rare safeties you can line up in the box to stop the run or play single-high and still be effective. Gilbert helped lead the Astros to their first winning season since 2019.
Four-star cornerback Jaylen Bell – It can be easy to overlook the Grayson cornerback with such a talented defense the Rams have in Antonio Davis, Tyler Atkinson, Andre Fuller, and Josiah Victor. I would advise you not to. Bell is a shutdown corner who is capable of playing on an island by himself. He can take away the opposing team’s best playmaker and is exceptional at closing down wide receivers and making plays on the ball. When you watch his tape, you can’t help but be impressed by what he brings defensively.
Four-star defensive tackle Christian Garrett – The Prince Avenue Christian defensive lineman has already won two state championships in his varsity career. Garrett had a dominant junior season for the Wolverines finishing with 86 tackles, nine tackles for loss, and five sacks. He has great power and can beat you with a bull rush or his quick first step. Garrett has shown flashes that he can take over a game too. The rising senior currently holds 24 offers and is a heavily sought-after prospect in the 2025 class.
Four-star quarterback Antwann Hill – The Houston County quarterback will have a lot of eyes on him next season and rightfully so. Hill can beat you with his leg or his arms. He has a cannon of an arm and can deliver it anywhere on the field. Hill threw for 2,732 yards and 31 touchdowns this past season. Hill has 30 offers and will look to finish off his senior season with a bang.
Loading ...
