AJC > Sports > Highschools > Blog > Archives > 2008 > January > 30 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USTake Todd’s Super 11 to task
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
This week, the AJC’s Todd Holcomb offers an extra special Extra Point in advance of national signing day, Feb. 6.
It’s about a week before signing day, when all the attention will be on seniors, but I’m looking ahead. Who are the best juniors? This summer, we’ll be choosing our 24th annual Super 11 team. I decided to choose my own ahead of time.
I’m sure I’ll change my mind before then, probably a lot, but I wanted to get some names on computer before the hype of recruiting services and 4-star designations cloud my judgment. Your job is to tell me who I missed and where I went wrong. Here goes:
• QB Zach Mettenberger, Oconee County — I’ve never seen Mettenberger play, but I know that Georgia has offered him a scholarship and that he attends my old high school. Shouldn’t that count for something?
• QB/DB Rashard Smith, Dublin — Impressive all-around athlete. Was the AP’s defensive player of the year in Class AA. Now, he’s the leading scorer on his basketball team.
• QB Michael Tamburo, North Gwinnett — His friends call him Mikey. He lost out in a close vote to Brookwood’s Kenny Miles as Class AAAAA offensive player of the year in 2007. He can throw it.
• RB Washaun Ealey, ECI — He’s a lock. Ealey was the AJC’s first junior to be named the all-class player of the year, and he’s likely to break the state’s career touchdown record (105, held by Robert Toomer).
• WR Danny Madison, Westside-Macon — Made all-state as a junior. Is he the top WR in Georgia, or is it Sandy Creek’s Brandon Lane? HoCo’s Craig Presley and Newnan’s Alan Bonner also made all-state as juniors.
• OL Andre Harris, Lovejoy — Rivals rates him the top offensive lineman in Georgia. Is he better than Ware’s Jimmy Staten or Pepperell’s Michael Ozment? On linemen, it’s hard to ignore the stars because nobody really watches linemen.
• DT Abry Jones, Northside-Warner Robins — Recruiting services list him at 250. Northside lists him at 297. Who do we believe? I also hear good things about Buford’s Dallas Lee at this position. Is Lee be better than Jones? Or even Omar Hunter?
• LB/RB Jonathan Davis, Tucker — I like guys who are stars on both sides of the ball. Davis, Smith (above) and Greg Reid (below) are perhaps the state’s best at that.
• LB Jarvis Jones, Carver-Columbus — Might be another Super 11 lock. He’s highly regarded by recruitniks but also the top defender on a state championship team. He’s a big dude, too — 6-3, 205.
• LB Joel Kight, M.L. King — The Class AAAAA defensive player of the year as a junior. He sheds blocks and gets to the ball-carrier quicker than any linebacker I saw last season. Recruiting services seem to like Peachtree Ridge’s Kevin Minter ahead of Kight, Carver’s Jones and Tucker’s Davis.
• DB/RB Greg Reid, Lowndes — Best player on state’s best team last year. Well, Lowndes was the best team in Class AAAAA, anyway. (Thought I’d throw that in there for those who’d rather argue Northside vs. Lowndes instead of Super 11.)
Kick off the debate: Tell Todd which of his pre-Super 11 selections you like and which you’d change. Or just blog in complete agreement. You decide.
Permalink | Comments (69) | Post your comment | Categories: Extra Point
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Comments
By LC_Northside
January 30, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this
Don’t forget about Eric Fields. He will be a force next year for Northside. That’s an impressive list you got.
Too much downtime from January to September. Baseball, basketball, and hockey seasons are too long. Football season is too short. Let’s fix that. :P
By Parkview Power
January 30, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this
Brandon Jacobs Parkview
By Triple R
January 30, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this
Buford DT DALLAS LEE, 6`4 290, belongs on that list
By Dr. Shiloh
January 30, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this
Chris Mack from Shiloh…you may noy know him now but you will. Watch out for #33 carrying the ball
By Greg McFadden
January 30, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this
the quarterback that throws to Danny Madison is Orrin McFadden…Orrin McFadden is quite an athlete…to not be mentioned as a all-american and with cream of the crop of juniors is a significant oversight…as a junior Orrin passed for over 1100 yards and had 300 yards rushing…last year (sophmore) while not in the starting rotation at the beginning of the season he led the varsity baseball team with 6 homeruns.
By Scout Dawg
January 30, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this
You heard it here first from Scout Dawg, there’s a 1,2 combination out in Covington, or C-town as they say, from Eastside High that is gliding under the radar. QB Justin Wray and WR Andrico Bailey. They have all the next level tools, skills and the grades! If they were on a better team, or better known team, they would be on this list. They are moving to a tougher football region next year, 8AAA i believe it is, against Oconee Co, Hart Co, Stephens co, Morgan Co, Elbert Co. Stay tuned.
By Jay
January 30, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this
Qua Huzzie, LB, LaGrange High…he’s a BEAST!!! People think he may be a better prospect than Tray Blackmon.
By Da Brook boi
January 30, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this
Mike Peeples-Pebblebrook LB all County in cobb two years straight.
By GwinnettObserver
January 30, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this
DJ Adams from Norcross the next Norcross D-1 player.
By Mitchell
January 30, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this
Chris Tanzy, Marietta High safety and all-purpose player. One of the top five athletes in the state.
By Whitaker
January 30, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this
Chris Tanzy. The safety at Marietta.
By All Sports Coach
January 30, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this
Although Grady hasn’t made it to the Dome in the last two years, the back up QB, #11 (heck of bball player too)has a powerful arm, not to mention the grades. If he and that standout freshman who played DB, returns and is used as a wideout/makes the catches, Grady will be back at the Dome.
By Tim J
January 30, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this
KAMI WARNER - MLK
Don’t sleep on this DE, he will breakdown any offense option and is a solid specimen. Arguably the best DE in the state of Georgia.
By AJ
January 30, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this
First of all its Kenny Miles at Brookwood, not Kenny Smith (Kenny Smith is a NBA Analyst for TNT). I guess that Oconee Co. HS education is really helping out in teaching you to be thorough in your research. Also, you might want to check out Prince Kent at Norcross or go to Henry Co. to check out their QB and WR combo that are very good.
By sam
January 30, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this
Tanner Bryant at Landmark Christian is the best junior quarterback
By jc
January 30, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this
Woodstocks QB Taylor Trotter, very smart, maybe could be a couple inches taller…Watch out for him
By nitrodust
January 30, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this
Abry Jones is an absolute stud of a football player. I was there when Florida offerred him his first scholorship. Spoke with Urban Meyer,coach Strong and coach Mattison the defensive line coach. They were very impressed by Abry then and he has only gotten more dominate. Coach Strong was floored when told Abry had just turned 16 a few weeks earlier. Abry posseses an impressive frame and likely will be a 300 hundred pounder with great height he is at least 6’5” right now. He has offers from Florida,Florida State,Miami of Florida, Clemson and Auburn that I know of. Abry is also a fine student and an outstanding young man very humble and respectful to his elders. LSU,USC and many others have been incontact in ine form or another. Abry is a game changer who recognizes how to play football and makes other players better,he show great speed and athletisism. SUPER 11 I say SUPER 3 Abry likely will be a parade All American next year.
By sportfan
January 30, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this
Tanner Bryant the QB for Landmark Christian, class of 09,transferred from Camden County and his Junior year passed for 1,900 yards and twenty something TD’s and rushed for over 1,000 yards. He’s 6’2”. Not sure of his weight. throws 90+ mph fastball and led his region in HR’s. Seems like a good prospect. A builder told me to see youtube tb#15. But all these prospects and those being talked about look good.
By drock7
January 30, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this
Alan Bonner Newnan HS is the best WR in Georgia just ask North Gwinnett whose college prospects couldn’t stop him. He also threw for two touchdowns and ran for over 250 yards last year. Russell Powell QB Newnan ran for over 600 yards and threw for 2500 yards last year with 23 Tds. Todd reserve your seat early for the first game vs the Huzzie led Lagrange Grangers. Newnan returns 18 starters.
By nitrodust
January 30, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this
Eric Fields should also be on your list. Greg Reid I saw him play a few times and he is rightly on the list, a great athlete a real game changer.
By ripkelly
January 30, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this
don’t forget hot huck at north cobb….
By Duluth Cat
January 30, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this
how can you leave off Kevin Minter from Peachtree Ridge? Probably the best defensive player in the county three years running. Sorry OMAR. Other than that, your list is pretty good. I would rank Johnathon Davis number 1
By DawgFan
January 30, 2008 5:18 PM | Link to this
I saw Fields and Jones both play last year and they both deserve merit on this list.
By RL
January 30, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this
GAC’s QB/SS Colton Chapple. Big arm and great hitter. Averaged almost 300 passing yds in playoffs.
By Derrick Mahone
January 30, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this
Darren Myles Jr. at Carver-Atlanta is a superb athlete who will get many offers. Natural position is wide receiver and defensive back, but will play some at quarterback. Kelvin Kight makes plays and Jonathan Davis is one of those guys you like to see play. He makes plays on both sides of the ball and seems to make the players around him better. Jarvis Jones is a heck of an athlete, who has been on the varsity in both football and basketball since his freshmen year at Carver. The talent pool continues to run deep in this state.
By mlk alum
January 30, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this
sry to disapoint you Tim, but Kami Warner was a senior this year! look out for Rahmon Swain tho!
By Joseph Davis
January 30, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this
Let’s not forget about South Georgia. The AJC is always North Georgia biased. Tim Jackson out of Monroe Albany is an outstanding wide out.
By 80falcon
January 30, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this
mike pepples lead cobb county in tackels two years straight at 5’6
By AJCSux
January 30, 2008 6:46 PM | Link to this
Look for George P. Burdell to put up solid numbers this year.
By Panola Rd's Finest
January 30, 2008 6:48 PM | Link to this
I’m a MLK fan, but Nigel Mitchel-Thornton belongs on this list as well don’t you think. He plays for Stephenson and he was the one to knock Cordellro out of the game. Look for him to dominate next year.
By hurricane
January 30, 2008 7:10 PM | Link to this
Don’t slip on Cartersville duo, Donovan Tate and Morgan Alexander. Tate didn’t even play defense last year until week 9 and he is one of the highest ranked FS in the country; although he is a stud at QB. Alexander is a burner who has rushed for $3,000 yards in 3 seasons in a pass oriented offense. These two will dominate in ‘09.
By dallas
January 30, 2008 7:36 PM | Link to this
there is a kid at east paulding, dont know his name, he is a safety #1 , this kid is the hardest hitting best tackling safety in the state!
By dallas
January 30, 2008 7:36 PM | Link to this
there is a kid at east paulding, dont know his name, he is a safety #1 , this kid is the hardest hitting best tackling safety in the state!
By dallas
January 30, 2008 7:36 PM | Link to this
there is a kid at east paulding, dont know his name, he is a safety #1 , this kid is the hardest hitting best tackling safety in the state!
By BBFan
January 30, 2008 8:12 PM | Link to this
Brandon Jacobs from Parkview is a stud. Offensive linemen never get any love, but Kellen Williams from Brookwood is a 6’5” 300lb beast.
By Jason
January 30, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this
The Calhoun kid from Tucker should be up there.
By ghsawatch
January 30, 2008 9:22 PM | Link to this
There is South Georgia bias. There is small school bias. The quarterback from Landmark Christian that came from Camden County is getting ignored because he is from the coast and at a private school. Tanner Bryant from Landmark is the real deal. His stats were mentioned above and I have seen him play. XBOX stuff.
By Bubba Redneck
January 30, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this
QB Drew Little to WR Patterson at Henry County. Nuff said.
By Dan Matthews, Jr.
January 30, 2008 11:58 PM | Link to this
Zach’s the real deal in Watkinsville but the Warriors need a Coach and Principal
By superfan
January 31, 2008 4:14 AM | Link to this
Michael Patrick of Douglass High is a sleeper now but will be one of the top backs in 08, good speed and great vision, you heard it here first
By superfan
January 31, 2008 4:17 AM | Link to this
Jahron Brown of East Paulding will be a force as they move up to AAAAA, he is a combination of size, strength, and speed, a nightmare in shoulderpads, get ready for the J-Train
By 1-AAAAA
January 31, 2008 8:24 AM | Link to this
Why does Tamburo get all this hype all the time? The kid may be good North of I-20, but two years in a row, his high flying offense has been derailed by South Ga teams. Check out Tift Co.’s pure passer Nick Prostko.
By kissel
January 31, 2008 8:32 AM | Link to this
Frank Rizzo from Roswell High…he’ll sack your QB and wrap his head with a ratchet. Then he’ll bend him into a pretzel.
By Harry March
January 31, 2008 9:09 AM | Link to this
Runt Moon from Commerce
By Todd Holcomb
January 31, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this
Keep the suggestions coming. Pointing out guys that I missed can make a difference when our staff begins discussing Super 11 decisions this summer.
As far as Tamburo, everybody that doesn’t win a state c’ship eventually gets stopped, but his career achievements are first-rate. Not many returning QB’s have done what he has. But it seems like there are more and more good QB’s in Georgia, as there seems to be a slow transition toward spread offenses and more passing.
By Dragon's den.
January 31, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this
Michael Ozment (#65 OL) will be a beast in ‘09 Go Pepperell Dragons.
By Derrick Mahone
January 31, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this
A few more names to throw out there in Baldwin’s linebacker Corico Hawkins, Chamblee’s Norman Warren and Douglas County’s Tony Caldwell. Also, keep in mind that when selecting the Super 11 list you are also talking about the top recruited players. It hard sometimes for players to get in the discussion when we meet if they don’t have a ton of offers already on the table. Like Todd said, keep the names coming because its never too early to be talking about Super 11 selections.
By Raider
January 31, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
Alpharetta’s Vince Williams the best two way player in North Fulton..Played with a broken hand last year.This kid is a super athlete.
By nitrodust
January 31, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this
Abry Jones and Eric Fields have only lost one game the last three years. That in the state championship vs Statesboro 3 years ago 44-1 and that’s not bad. Both players are highly recruited and have offers from major SEC and ACC teams both are likely top 100 recruits in the nation. And I don’t think there will be 11 Georgia players on that list.
By viking dad
January 31, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this
I agree with Region 1-AAAAA. Prostko is a much better QB. I saw both Prostko and Tamburo play against Lowndes, and he is a better passer and runner.
By OY
January 31, 2008 6:39 PM | Link to this
Jake Copeland and Braxton Lane
By Jeff C.
January 31, 2008 7:33 PM | Link to this
OFFENSIVE TACKLE
KELLEN WILLIAMS BROOKWOOD HIGH SCHOOL
706’5 300LBS
17 OUT OF 30 TOP PROSPECTS OF 2009 ON UGA.RIVALS.COM
By Jeff C.
January 31, 2008 7:36 PM | Link to this
Kevin Minter Peachtree Ridge
By jsleazy
January 31, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this
How could you leave off Drew Little from Henry Co.? He had to throw for over 3,000 yds last year with a region title to boot.
By Car Ramrod
February 1, 2008 2:16 AM | Link to this
MY SON IS THE BEST PLAYER IN THE STATE. HIS NAME IS JOHHNY SMITH AND HE GOES TO EAST CRAPHOLE HIGH AND THREW FOR 50 YARDS IN HIS FIRST GAME! FINISHED THE SEASON WITH OVER 450 YARDS PASSING! HOW CAN HE BE LEFT OFF THIS LIST? I JUST DONT UNDERSTAND…
By tee
February 1, 2008 4:32 AM | Link to this
We are going to take trip to out to the country where you have Lincoln County’s A.J. Middlebrooks who is a pure stud as a upcoming Jr he will be even better. Then you move up to Washington-Wilkes where they will the most explosive 1 2 punch in their Super Sophmores Eric Scott(1000 yard rusher in 8 eight games)and Deon Jackson who rushed for nearly 700 yards.
By drock07
February 1, 2008 6:17 AM | Link to this
Ray Beno #64 Newnan HS 6’3 280 OT. Ask Toby Jackson the Georgia prized DE how Ray dominated him last year(I have the tape to prove it)Beno a three-year starter didn’t give up a sack last year with an offense that threw for over 2700 yards and being blitz throughout the game. Beno highlight tape also includes not only dominating Toby but pancaking All-Stater Nick Craig this year. Beno is one of the best lineman I have seen in years.
By NSeagle78
February 1, 2008 8:10 AM | Link to this
You got the Super 11 right, period.
By J Will
February 1, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this
Michael Palmer – Northeast-Macon QB/DB Class of 2010. He is an excellent athlete- good speed, great arm, great decision maker and excellent coverage skills/big hitter in the secondary. He has been in the starting line-up since his freshman year. He could be considered a sleeper right now, but will be one of the best players in the state for the next 2 years.
By Mr, Uzzi
February 1, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this
What about Warren Norman? He led all rushers in yards during the playoffs and led a great Chamblee team to the dome.
By OldDawg54
February 1, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this
Brookwood High School in Snellville, Ga. OT Kellen Williams- strong anchor on the offensive line. Should be a super 11.
By BigBlu
February 1, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this
Westlake’s #4 Lewis Kindle is a great QB. He should be one of the super11. He threw for over 1100 yards and 11 touchdowns as a back up for 7 games. Can throw the long ball, and complete the out pass.
By panther
February 1, 2008 8:50 PM | Link to this
tanner bryant of landmark high school is the best up and coming ouarterback in the state of ga. panther
By Eagle Fan
February 2, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this
Todd,
2006 Best Team in State was Northside
2007 Best Team in the State is Northside
2008 Best Team in the State, prediction is Lowndes
Earlier in the year, you asked if Northside 2007 was one the 10 best teams in Georgia history. After a perfect 30-0 record while overcoming injuries to its top three players at various times, I believe that question was answered.
By cgarfan
February 2, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this
Alan Bonner of Newnan, if not the best is certainly one of the best WR’s in the state and should be in your top 11 picks. In his Junior year received GSWA 1st team all-state,CSS Chevy 1st team all-state, and Region 4 5A 1st team all-state. He’ll certainly be one to watch in 2008.
By lee
February 4, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this
tanner bryant quarter back landmark will be the one to watch in 2008.
By Don Hill
February 4, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this
Just as a point of information: Tommer’s 105 TD record is also shared by Commerce’s Monte’ Williams.
By Camden Boy
February 7, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this
I Promise You Camden Is Loaded.. Not Just Cause I’m From Camden, But Only 8 Starting Seniors Are Leaving A 12-2 Team That Featured The Number 1 Scoring Offense And Defense In 5A Football In 2007!! Look For Them To Be In The Title Game, And Thats Real!!!!!!!!
By DARREN WALKER
February 12, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this
this kid well young 6-3 200 pound and growing young big man prince kent out of norcross high school who played behing 2 great recivers at norcross is someone you better keep your eyes on fooks. a wr/saftey/cb woow.