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Wednesday, November 28, 2007
10 guys who’ll light up the field Friday
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The playoffs may be exciting enough for you, but we like shiny objects here at Take Ten. Shake your keys at us, and we’ll be entertained for hours.
So when we look at the playoff brackets to figure out which game to watch Friday, we’re more interested in players than teams.
We want to know which guys will do something amazing. Who’s going to make our heart race with an electrifying kick return? Who’s going to break open for an 80-yard run? Who’s going to nail the quarterback for a big sack?
So in our quest to help ourselves and you, we put together our list of the top 10 most exciting players who will be on the field this weekend. If you don’t have your own team and just want to see some sparks fly, these are the players to watch.
10. Chase Thomas, Walton, DE
Not many of our Super 11 players have lived up to their preseason hype, but he’s one who has. He’s always disruptive in the backfield and is very quick off the line. He is the school’s all-time season and career sack leader.
9. Jonathan Davis, Tucker, RB/LB
He made a name for himself during last year’s playoffs for St. Pius, leading a huge comeback at Thomas County Central and nearly carrying the Lions to an upset over Northside-Warner Robins at the Dome. He hasn’t had to be as dynamic this year on a team full of athletes, but he’s still one of those players you can’t take your eye off at any time on either side of the ball.
8. Michael Tamburo, North Gwinnett, QB
He’s one of the best quarterbacks in the state. He’s accurate and can be a playmaker with his arms or legs with his 4.6 speed. His ability to be a dropback passer or a speed rusher makes him difficult to defend, and he’s the catalyst for an offense that has scored more than 30 points six times this season.
7. Cordellaro Jones, M.L. King, RB
Quarterback Jarad Dorsey is the steadying presence, and Jones is the spark. He ran for more than 1,000 yards during the regular season, and he came up big for the Lions last week with 134 yards and three touchdowns. One of those came on a 65-yard run when he outran the Valdosta secondary. He’s quick and is very difficult to bring down when he gets a head of steam going.
6. Garrett Embry, Roswell, WR
He’s big with excellent hands and runs a sub-4.8 40. If the defense doesn’t double-team him, it’ll get burned. In Week 10, he took a short slant 68 yards through the Milton defense for a touchdown, and those are the types of plays he seems like he’s always about to make. He’s headed to Oregon next year, so catch him now while you have the chance.
5. Billy Burns, Walton, All-Purpose
There’s rarely a game when he doesn’t make some sort of play. His punt return for a touchdown was instrumental in the Raiders’ win over Roswell. He returns kicks, catches passes, whatever the Raiders need to win the game. He’s definitely worth the price of admission.
4. P.J. Williams, Thomas County Central, QB
He’s an option quarterback with excellent speed and ability to avoid tackles. He makes the Yellow Jackets offense tick with what he can do with the ball in his hands. Between him and running back Debrale Smiley, the Jackets’ offense is something to behold.
3. Tijuan Green, Northside-Warner Robins, RB
He ran for more than 100 yards in all but one regular-season game and scored 23 touchdowns, despite often only playing about half the game. He has a powerful 5-11, 190-pound frame with the speed of a smaller back. He already has one state title, and he’s got a good shot at another.
2. Tavarres King, Habersham Central, WR
His thin, wiry frame is nearly perfect for a receiver at this level. He can fly (4.53 40 time) and has some of the best hands of any receiver in the state. He has school records for just about everything, and he’ll be playing at Georgia next year. For now, though, he’s still in high school. He’s the definition of a playmaker.
1. Washaun Ealey, Emanuel County Institute, RB
He already owns Georgia’s single-season record for touchdowns with 49, and he’s still a junior with at least one more game to add to the number. His 4.32 40 time is incredible, and he uses that speed to his advantage. He can outrun just about anyone in the open field, and he is as elusive as they come. If you can get out to see him play, do it.
Go on. Take Ten. So who did we miss? Who do you like to check out when you get the chance? And is there something we didn’t mention about these guys that gets your heart racing? Let us know who your shiny object is.
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