Prep Zone

By Observer

May 12, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this

I would have picked Jemal Lewis I beleive from 96 Brookwood team and Jo Burns from 97 TCC team to be the RB’s. All your other picks are good. Team Todd-21 Team Fig-17. If you can give some history about your pics and why you pic them.

By Observer

May 12, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this

I would have picked Jemal Lewis I beleive from 96 Brookwood team and Jo Burns from 97 TCC team to be the RB’s. All your other picks are good. Team Todd-21 Team Fig-17. If you can give some history about your picks and why you picked them.

By Ernest

May 12, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this

Todd:

Way to go with another interesting blog topic. In fairness, when you consider all the student athletes that have played HS football in GA since 1967 (first year of integration), it is tough picking ‘the best’. I will give you props on the selections presented thus far.

I would also suggest you add the ‘athlete’ position both for offense and defense. There has got to be a way Tony Flanagan from SW Atlanta in the mid 70’s should be on this list and that position might do it for him.

By Todd Holcomb

May 12, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this

Jamal Lewis played for Douglass, not Brookwood. My choices were based on their high school careers, but even with that criterion, you could certainly pick Lewis. He didn’t suddenly become good at Tennessee. But for high school, Monte Williams was pretty electrifying.

By Dan

May 12, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this

I agree with the vast majority of those picks. I too would have added Joe Burns from TCC. We played him in the state championship in 1996 while I was at Lakeside and our defense only averaged 3.3 points a game or something like that, and he shredded us for like 200 yards. He just kicked the crap out of us! I also would add Cameron Heyward from Peachtree Ridge. I have seen some great D-Linemen, but none of them dominated the line of scrimmage like this kid. There is NO way the Lions would have won the state title in 2006 without him, they would have been a 6-4 or 7-4 team at best!

By dan

May 12, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this

And this may also seem crazy, But Quincy Carter needs to be on this list as well. Yeah he kind of sucked it up in the pros and college, but he was phenomenal in high school! Billy Henderson said he was the greastest high school QB he’d ever seen. And for Francoeur, I’d put him in the athelete category for sure, but I don’t know if I’d say he was one of the greastest db’s ever. I put Jeremy Muryes over him in terms of great Parkview db’s, he was just as fast as Jeff and was a better hitter.

By Fan

May 12, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this

Todd for a power RB I would pick Debrale Smiley from TCC. He is the biggest and fastest rb I have ever seen for his size 6ft 1in 240lbs.

By Yellow Submarine

May 12, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this

Al Pinkins had a few good years at Mitchell-Baker. He certainly was no Zeier, but who was?

I recall a receiver named John Harris at Americus that did very well in the mid/late 1990s. He actually may have been on a few of the Leonard Pope teams.

Charles Grant played two ways at Miller County - defensive line and carried the pigskin a few times.

Daccus Turman had a nice little high school career, too.

By bulldog

May 12, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this

The 1967 to 1986 is dead on it except the QB. Buck could not hold John Bonds Jock plus many more QB’s.

By Todd Holcomb

May 12, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this

And this may also seem crazy, But Quincy Carter needs to be on this list as well.

We picked only one QB. I’d put Quincy on the 2nd team and Pinkins on 3rd. Rodney Hudson would be up there, too.

By Ernest

May 12, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this

Looking at the list again, I noticed there wasn’t anyone from Savannah. Let me throw out Joby Wright, Sol Johnson HS (1968) for consideration. While he was mostly known for his basketball prowess, he was also a heck of a defensive end.

Todd, you might want to float this list to some of your fellow writers around the state. I bet that would get some interesting comments, especially for the 1st 20 years.

Can I also suggest a similar list recognizing those that did well at the next level, albeit college or the pro’s. I bet there would be some other names that would crop up like Jamal Lewis of Douglass or Kent Hill (played for Ga. Tech under Pepper Rodgers)

By Dawgs fan

May 12, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this

What about Randall Godfrey of Valdosta or Jesse Tuggle of Griffin(?) at LB’s? Leaving them off is pure lunacy. I dare one of you to find better linebackers. Takeo Spikes is on par with these two but I would say no one else comes close.

By Monroe (Albany) Class of 84

May 12, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this

Here we go again Todd. You always omit the athletes out of south georgia. Tony Flanagan is probably the best quarterback to come out of the city of Atlanta. Charlie Ward and Ray Goff were better quarterbacks than Buck Belue. Buck Belue was over hyped in high school. Lionel James out of Dougherty High School was an outstanding high school and college running back. Do your reseach before you start making up all star teams.

By slalom1

May 12, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this

To: TODD HOLCOMB, I appreciate your LG selections on defense. But, in 1991, how could you possibly select Eric Zeier over LG’s Rodney Hudson? Hudson was the AJC. “Player of the Year” in 1991. Had he not broken his hip as a freshman at MSU, who knows what he may have accomplished.

By slalom1

May 12, 2008 8:07 PM | Link to this

I hate to sound “whiney”, but CB Tyrone Poole of LG also deserves respect. 1995 22nd overall pick in the NFL draft.

By slalom1

May 12, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this

To: “Dan”, Billy Henderson also said, “I have never seen any one player in GHS football who could make such a difference in a game as LG’S Rodney Hudson”.

By Lapdog

May 12, 2008 10:47 PM | Link to this

How about Jason Elam for the kicker? His last season, 87, at Brookwood was exceptional. He just flew under the radar for a while. He was also a great punter.

By CJ

May 12, 2008 11:21 PM | Link to this

TODD I GREW IN IN SOUTH GEORGIA, I CANT BELIEVE YOU LEFT OFF ROBERT TOOMER, CHARLIE WARD, AND AL PINKINS. I REMEMBER THE STATE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME WITH ERIC ZIER AND ROBERT TOOMER

By Todd Holcomb

May 13, 2008 12:27 AM | Link to this

Looking at the list again, I noticed there wasn’t anyone from Savannah. Let me throw out Joby Wright, Sol Johnson HS (1968) for consideration. While he was mostly known for his basketball prowess, he was also a heck of a defensive end.

Interesting story here. In 1966, black schools were allowed to join the GHSA for the first time, and Atlanta and Savannah schools were the first to jump. Macon and Augusta stayed in the GIA for awhile longer.

But in 1966, when the GHSA made the decision to integrate, football schedules had already been made. The City of Atlanta schools re-did their schedules to accommodate Washington and Carver and the other former GIA schools. In Savannah, no such accommodation was made, so Beach, Tompkins and Johnson were forced to play non-region schedules against other all-black schools in football.

Well, it turns out that Johnson went undefeated in 1966, but couldn’t play for any state title.

But I assume the reason the Savannah schools jumped to the GHSA and tolerated the non-region schedule was their desire to play basketball in the GHSA. And in the winter of that academic year (1966-67), Beach of Savannah made history by winning the state title in basketball. The next year, Johnson won it.

I interviewed Joby Wright a few years ago, and he talked about that strong Johnson football team that didn’t get a chance to prove itself. In 1967, Thompkins of Savannah went 10-0 but lost to Columbus in the first round.

I’m not suggesting Johnson would’ve won state in 1966, but I’ve always thought that was interesting.

I CANT BELIEVE YOU LEFT OFF ROBERT TOOMER, CHARLIE WARD, AND AL PINKINS.

Hard to argue with Toomer, given his final numbers, although Monte Williams passed him on the all-time rushing list, and I don’t think Toomer was better than Garrison Hearst. Charlie Ward was not as good in high school as Eric Zeier, IMO. Eric Zeier is the only QB in Georgia history to be named the national high school QB of the year.

Al Pinkins was awfully good, though. He was so mobile. Hard to choose among Zeier, Pinkins and Quincy Carter at QB, but Zeier was undoubtedly the most nationally known high school QB in Georgia history in his time.

How about Jason Elam for the kicker? His last season, 87, at Brookwood was exceptional. He just flew under the radar for a while. He was also a great punter.

Gardocki was first-team all-state in 1987, while Elam was honorable mention. Gardocki also was an All-American. All that means is that Gardocki was considered better as a high school player at the time.

CB Tyrone Poole of LG also deserves respect. 1995 22nd overall pick in the NFL draft.

He does deserve respect, but he was not as highly regarded in high school as those other guys. In fact, Poole was not an all-state player in high school and played D-II football. If it were based on total career (high school, college, pro), then probably so. I’m glad you’ve mentioned Poole a couple of times on these blogs because he’s underrated in terms of his career accomplishments. A lot of people don’t know he’s from Georgia.

You always omit the athletes out of south georgia. Tony Flanagan is probably the best quarterback to come out of the city of Atlanta. Charlie Ward and Ray Goff were better quarterbacks than Buck Belue. Buck Belue was over hyped in high school. Lionel James out of Dougherty High School was an outstanding high school and college running back. Do your reseach before you start making up all star teams.

I didn’t pick the 1967-87 team, but consider that Buck Belue was a four-year starter and set the Georgia record for career passing yards (since broken, of course). He had a better high school career than Goff or Ward, if you ask me. Tony Flanagan didn’t start at QB until he was a senior. All were great QBs in their day, though.

What about Randall Godfrey of Valdosta or Jesse Tuggle of Griffin(?) at LB’s? Leaving them off is pure lunacy. I dare one of you to find better linebackers. Takeo Spikes is on par with these two but I would say no one else comes close.

Tuggle would be on the 1967-87 team. I didn’t pick it, but I stress again: This was about how good they were in high school. Mackel Harris might’ve been one of the 10 best high school football players in Georgia history.

To: “Dan”, Billy Henderson also said, “I have never seen any one player in GHS football who could make such a difference in a game as LG’S Rodney Hudson”.

I once asked Henderson about three years ago to name the best player he ever faced. His answer was Ed Guthrie, Wheeler.

I’m sure that if I had given him time, he would’ve come up with Hudson.

By APS

May 13, 2008 5:49 AM | Link to this

Once again the AJC has chose too overlook the rich talent pool of the City of Atlanta Schools. What about Tracy Rocker, Anthony Flannigan and Nicolas Turner. Parade All-Americans!

By Ernest

May 13, 2008 6:33 AM | Link to this

Todd:

Thanks for the ‘history’ lesson you provided above. You definitely shed insight that I (and probably many people who weren’t around during that time) was not aware of. You and Derrick have done a great job pointing out the impact integration had on HS athletics in the state of GA. 40 years was not that long ago hence there are many people around that recall what it was like during that time. For that reason, Stanley Pritchett (now president of Morris Brown College) should be recognized for scoring the 1st touchdown in an integrated game.

I still think you ought to add the ‘athlete’ position to both rosters. It is in recruiting these days and would allow you to add a Tony Flanagan to Fig’s team. Not sure who would be added to your team but Quincy could be a great candidate.

By JT THOMAS

May 13, 2008 9:02 AM | Link to this

Randall Godfrey was not a dag gum product of Valdosta!!! He was a Viking. Get it right.

By Dawgs Fan

May 13, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this

JT Thomas- I applologize for the mistake I knew he was from the city of Valdosta but didn’t know which school, same with Tuggle I just assumed he went to Griffin High. Either way Godfrey should be on there!

By This vent is a farce

May 13, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this

Most of you are throwing out names that no one has heard of before. Here are some names of outstanding players that could be on these lists but are not because they were generally “islands” of talent in otherwise talentless schools and/or regions or because the media didn’t care because they didn’t play at Valdosta, Parkview, or some of those giant football darlings in one of the larger areas: Sean Mitchell DT- Wayne County Julonda Clayton RB -Waycross Deshay Mckeever DT- Jeff Davis Mike Taylor OT - Bacon County Benji Harris QB/DB - Brantley County Lance Funderburk - QB Pierce County Here’s a name from one of these oft overlooked places you should know- Dexter Carter - Appling County. (Ring any bells 49er fans?)

Bottom line is these statewide all class lists are always gonna be subjective. They will always be argued due to intersectional and town rivalries.

By Ike

May 13, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this

How do you not add Charlie Ward from TCC when you talk about QB State Champ in High Schol and Heisman Winner

By Andre

May 13, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this

Jemal Lewis @ Brookwood??? Todd, I’m glad you said something. He was my favorite player to pass thru Lakewood, but I understand your picks and Monte Williams was a great high school back. But this is a great list of players. But if you put Quincy on that list, Cosey Coleman has to be there as well. lol But this is a great list.

By Derrick Mahone

May 13, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this

Todd Great list. As with any list, you could probably substitute a player out and it would see be great because of all the talent in the state. Another linebacker that was a standout in high school was Travis Harris of Southwest DeKalb. He was preseason Super 11 and then was the AJC all-class player of the year. He signed with Florida. Travis was an exciting player to watch. He made plays all over the field. One of the best linebackers I’ve covered.

By Darryl

May 13, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this

This is for the Statesboro High alumni since we get no respect. Jimtavious Walker RB 2001 Jeremy Mincey DE 2001 Ivory Lee DT 1982, GT ring a bell

By Rey

May 13, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this

Todd

You left off Patrick Pass from Tucker (96). He was only rated the #1 running back in the country coming out of high school.

By dan

May 13, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this

Patrick Pass was SOOOO overrated, not as bad as Jasper Sanks but almost. He had a good soph and jun. year at Tucker, a mediocre career at UGA, and was lucky enough to be a punt returner and back up on the New England Patriots teams in 2003 and 2004. Thomas Brown is so much better than Pass ever was. Brown was actually an impact player in college AND had a great high school career. Pass was a role player at best.

By Rey

May 13, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this

This is about Georgia “High School” All State Football isnt it?

By SOUTH GA BOI

May 13, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this

I must agree with the folks from South GA. It is awful that Robert Toomer and Charlie Ward was not on this list. There was quarterback at Thomasvilee High back in 1988 named Charles Bostic. He was an excellent wishbone qb that led them to a state title. Speaking of Thomasville greats. Did we forget about the Jones brothers. Mike at GA and Sean at GA Tech. Sean won a national title.

By slalom1

May 13, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this

To: TODD HOLCOMB, Good points regarding Tyrone Poole. Amazingly, while he played at LG, he was just one of many talented DB’S that were in the rotation. Never really caught my attention. But, getting back to Rodney Hudson, here is another quote: “When the game is on the line, NOBODY is better than Hudson”.(AJC, 1991 upon being named the AJC “Player of the Year”.) Another Billy Henderson quote following the LG win over Clarke-Cen during Hudson’s junior year:”This kid is too good to be in high school. We gotta get him through school fast”. (As you can surmise, I keep old newspaper clippings.)

By Dacula

May 13, 2008 6:17 PM | Link to this

2 more guys to mention for the more recent team are David Pollack from Shiloh and Rennie Curran from Brookwood. David Pollack kept Dacula out of the playoffs in an elimination game almost by himself. Dacula couldn’t tackle him playing fullback and he dominated the line of scrimmage at D-tackle and completely kept Kenny Irons under wraps. Also, Rennie Curran was nothing less than a tackling machine in the 2005 Class AAAAA semi-finals game in the Georgia Dome vs. Dacula. Rennie is without a doubt the best defensive high school football player I’ve ever seen and I saw Francouer play several times. But thanks for an interesting and very debate worthy topic. Noboby can see all these kids play.

By GAFTBL

May 13, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this

How about running backs Jabari Davis of Tucker, or Derek Tinsley of Marietta. Quarterback Fabian Walker of Americus, AJ Suggs QB for McEachern. Running Back Darius Walker of Buford High School. You guys need to put a little more effort into your lists.

By joel

May 13, 2008 11:59 PM | Link to this

stanley bounds was the best qb to ever play at valdosta,who won both a state and natl championship 1971.should be the qb not buck.who do you think stan rome caught all those passes from.how do you leave 1992 usa today defensive player of the year dexter daniels lb from valdosta off that list,who went on to fla and made first team sec and all american. injuries keep him from being an all pro in the nfl.i’ll give you 2 great rb’s from valdosta for that list.84 tony anderson and 86 jerome callaway who had 280yds on 19 carries against bradwell inst’ in semi-final 1986.both of those backs where also on state and natl championship teams.

By trojan 93

May 14, 2008 12:08 AM | Link to this

Todd do you know who Andre “Pulpwood” Smith is? Coffee early 80’s back some off the field issues at UGA, but a all time great in this state.

By comet fan

May 14, 2008 2:00 AM | Link to this

Something is missing here…..David Green. I am surprised that no one has brought him up with his passing numbers in Gwinnett Co., not to include his legacy at Georgia.

By Andrew

May 14, 2008 5:22 AM | Link to this

What about Darius Walker or Washuan Ealey? They both have all of Herschel’s records; that’s worth something I’d say.

By Brian Brannock

May 14, 2008 6:35 AM | Link to this

Where are the Hart Co. kids? My vote would be for Ben Leard…..

By Brian Brannock

May 14, 2008 6:36 AM | Link to this

Where are the Hart Co. kids? My vote would be for Ben Leard…..

By gmccrcry

May 14, 2008 8:27 AM | Link to this

Great selections, WOW !! Greg McCrary of Griffin,and Atlanta Falcons

By Herschel Who?

May 14, 2008 8:56 AM | Link to this

The greatest athlete to play high school ball in Georgia is the Hero of Red Devil Hill- Jackson High’s own Mr. Bragg Vaughn. Bragg was all-county 3 straight years. He may have looked like Rudy but that guy would stomp a mudhole in Rudy’s butt and then walk it dry!

By Monroe (Albany) Class of 84

May 14, 2008 9:00 AM | Link to this

Please stop with the Gwinnett county athletes. You just started playing good football, we are talking about longevity. Everybody knows that the best football is played in south georgia. Mel Blount, Deion Branch, Charlie Ward, Emerson Boozer, Otis Sistrunk, south georgia is on a whole nother level.

By Todd Davis

May 14, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this

What about Hines Ward at Forest Park? He was a great player in high school.

By Todd Davis

May 14, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this

What about Hines Ward at Forest Park? He was a great player in high school.

By Todd Holcomb

May 14, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this

How about running backs Jabari Davis of Tucker, or Derek Tinsley of Marietta. Quarterback Fabian Walker of Americus, AJ Suggs QB for McEachern. Running Back Darius Walker of Buford High School. You guys need to put a little more effort into your lists.

The only guy you mention that can be taken seriously as a potential first-team player on this list is Darius Walker, IMO. And I don’t think Walker was better than Garrison Hearst. Walker might’ve been better than Monte Williams, but Williams is the only player in state history to be named all-class player of the year twice (in 1999 w/ the AP, in 2000 w/ the AJC) and is the all-time leading rusher in Georgia history. Now, Washaun Ealey threatens those records.

What about Hines Ward at Forest Park? He was a great player in high school.

Ward was a QB in high school. He was great, but I think Zeier was better, certainly as a QB.

Everybody knows that the best football is played in south georgia. Mel Blount, Deion Branch, Charlie Ward, Emerson Boozer, Otis Sistrunk, south georgia is on a whole nother level.

I’m not sure Otis Sistrunk played high school football. I know he went to Spencer. Maybe somebody should do a pre-1967 all-Georgia team.

Todd do you know who Andre “Pulpwood” Smith is? Coffee early 80’s back some off the field issues at UGA, but a all time great in this state.

I think most of us who’ve been around long enough remember Pulpwood. He was special. But fwiw, when Smith was the AAAA back of the year in 1982, the all-class player of the year was David McCluskey of Rome.

What about Darius Walker or Washuan Ealey? They both have all of Herschel’s records; that’s worth something I’d say.

I thought a lot about Ealey. Just wanted to see his senior year first.

Those two don’t have all of Herschel’s records, though. Herschel rushed for over 3,000 yards as a senior. Ealey nor Darius Walker have ever done that.

stanley bounds was the best qb to ever play at valdosta,who won both a state and natl championship 1971.should be the qb not buck.

You might be right, but I don’t think the 1971 national championship would’ve been endangered if Buck Belue had been its quarterback. In fact, Belue did get a national championship himself in 1980 and was an all-SEC QB in 1981. Bounds’ career was interrupted at Ole Miss with a knee injury, if not mistaken. Too bad more people haven’t heard of him today. He set the single-season passing yards record that wasn’t broken for 12 years, or until teams started playing 15 games a season.

By Derrick Mahone

May 14, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this

Todd Otis Sistrunk did play high school football at Spencer. When I did the GIA article few years ago, he was an outstanding player that made all-state. He did not play college football. Not sure why. During his days as an Oakland Raider, TV commentators said he played at the University of Mars.

You are right about Hines Ward. He was a gret athlete that played QB and did an outstanding job for The Park, but Eric Zeier Marietta numbers and awards were probably better. Ward did play DB and was very good. Ward and former Creekside standout Eric Berry were very similar. If you had an athlete slot, much like they do in recruiting, it would be a lot of former players that fall into that slot.

By Drock08

May 14, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this

QB Rodney Hudson Lagrange 91 or Derrick Stegall Newnan 92. RB Jasper Sanks Carver Col 96 the best RB I have every seen in high school or Corey Bridges Newnan 92. WR Karsten Bailey East Coweta 95 or Reggie Brown Carrollton. I dont think Calvin Johnson never advanced past the 1rst round in the playoffs. LB Bubba Scott Lagrange 91 or Ken Swilling DB Toccoa or Eric Berry DB Creekside 06 also Willie Ried RB Warner Robins or Chansi Stuckey Athlete Northside WR.

By Ernest

May 14, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this

OK Derrick, you answered my question. I would select Hines Ward for the athlete position on Todd’s list. I think you’d be hard pressed to find someone better when you consider what he also did at UGA and for the Steelers.

Todd, add the athlete position and get another discussion going!

By Todd Holcomb

May 14, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this

**OK Derrick, you answered my question. I would select Hines Ward for the athlete position on Todd’s list. I think you’d be hard pressed to find someone better when you consider what he also did at UGA and for the Steelers.

Todd, add the athlete position and get another discussion going!**

In that case, I might take Eric Berry, then! … Or Hines. I saw Berry play in high school, but didn’t see Ward. Berry was our all-class player of the year in 2006.

Another ‘athlete’ might be Charles Grant. In fact, he’s probably the best high school player not on the list. Another good one was Terrence Edwards, who was the Class AA defensive player of the year one season but better known as a QB who led WaCo to back-to-back 15-0 seasons.

By Derrick Mahone

May 14, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this

Not so fast Ernest. I had the pleasure of covering both Hines and Eric in high school. It would be a tough choice between the two. Eric is having a good start to his career after high school. Both these players had that “It” factor about themselves that you knew they were special.

By Mark

May 14, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this

What about James Brooks or Ben Smith from Warner Robins. Especially Brooks , how do you leave him off

By Alfred Moreland

May 14, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this

What about the Hall of Famer, Rayfield Wright (OL) from the former Fairmont High School in Griffin, Ga.? I am not sure if he was all state. But, he is worth mentioning.

By Derrick Mahone

May 14, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this

Mark If James Brooks & Ben Smith were on the team, they would have fell under the 1967-87 team done by Steve Figueroa. Little Train was a good one, but so were the three that were chosen for the team.

Alfred Moreland Rayfield Wright played in the GIA and probably played in that league’s all-state game. He didn’t make all-state by the Atlanta Constitution or Atlanta Journal because they did not cover the GIA.

By slalom1

May 14, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this

To: Drock08, Great list. ‘92 Newnan was as talented team as I have ever seen. The wet field in the first round did them in. Otherwise, I believe they would have put the whammy to Valdosta in ‘92. If you remember back that far, the state title game was between Valdosta and Clarke-Cen. Valdosta won:17-14. LG played Clarke-Cen during the regular season and won 24-0. THen came Newnan. NO contest. Newnan 19 LG 3. The game was actually not as close as the score. This Newnan team was fabulous. Stegall in ‘92 and Hudson in ‘91 were both iconic.

By SCDawg

May 14, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this

Scott Woerner on the Defensive team? This selection was obviously for his years at Georgia. He was more known for his offensive numbers while in high school at Jonesboro.

By Jon

May 14, 2008 9:11 PM | Link to this

I’m a homer , but you have to mention Drew Hill of Newnan in the mid 70’s and also Warren Newson in the early 80’s

By Jon

May 14, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this

I’m a homer, but you have to mention Drew Hill of Newnan in the mid 70’s and Warren Newson in the early 80’s. And Keith Brooking from the east side of the county.

By Lapdog

May 14, 2008 11:11 PM | Link to this

OK, someone just come up with the top 100 high school players, regardless of position, of all time for the state of Georgia. That shoul be fun.

By Devin

May 15, 2008 12:31 AM | Link to this

How could you leave off Dexter Daniels? He was only the 1991 USA Today player of the year, as well as a pivotal player on Valdosta’s ‘89 and ‘90 state championship teams.

By davil

May 15, 2008 6:45 AM | Link to this

I vote for Ardell Gump of Charkey Cownty. He played with a mean face at the beginning of each game back in ‘84. He was usually carried off the field after the 3rd play. It was usually gastritis.

By Coach

May 15, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this

I know Figueroa personally and he has a great list. However, I don’t know how he left off Larry Kinnebrew of East Rome, Class of 1978. He may be one of the greatest high school players in Georgia history. Not only in football but was also a State Champion wrestler as well as winner of State Championships in shot put, discuss, 100 yd dash and 400, all at 275 pounds! He should be on the ‘67-‘87 team!

By Derrick Mahone

May 15, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this

Coach Kinnebrew is on there. Check the defense.

By Todd Holcomb

May 15, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this

How could you leave off Dexter Daniels? He was only the 1991 USA Today player of the year, as well as a pivotal player on Valdosta’s ‘89 and ‘90 state championship teams.

Daniels is as good as what I’ve got, but Spikes, Blackmon and Douglas each were named all-class players of the year.

Here’s a question: Who was better in high school, Valdosta’s Dexter Daniels or Lowndes’ Randall Godfrey?

By ugadawg11

May 15, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this

I can see how you might pick Eric Zeier over Al Pinkins for the QB spot, but taking a look at the numbers and championships, I think you really have to go with Pinkins. Pinkins had way better numbers, more wins, and more championships than Zeier. He also did it in THREE sports (football, basketball, and baseball). I know this is only about football, but those who saw him play in person know he might be the best athlete to ever play any sport in the state of Georgia. Nobody dominated the headlines in the late 80s and early 90s like Pinkins. He dominated the opponents in much the same way. If not for the biggest fluke in high school football occuring his senior season, he would have two state titles in football to go along with his two in basketball. Also, the AJC went brain dead in 1990 with the AA player of the year honor. Pinkins won the award as a Junior, and he was beat out because of the unexpected early round knock out of the Eagles in the playoffs. Had that not occured, he would have won the honor two years in a row. A feat not accomplished by many. Had he chosen to play college football instead of college basketball, I think he would have been a slam dunk NFL QB. At 6-6, 225 with speed and strength to boot, he was truly an amazing athlete. Oh, to even mention Quincy Carter in the same breath with him is a joke. As for Zeier, he was a great QB, no doubt, but he was no Al Pinkins. He was way over hyped his Senior year in football. He was only an all-state selection his Senior year, and the AJC let the national recruiting services back them into the award. Taking nothing from him, but he was not the best QB in the state since 1987. In fact, he would have a hard time making my top 5, but that is just me.

Oh, one more thing, Takeo Spikes played Defensive End in high school, not LB.

By FanMan

May 15, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this

Anyone that saw Monte Williams play in HS knows that he was rightfully placed on this list. He was incredible. Darius Walker was very good and held the TD record (until this past season); I don’t think he was a better HS running back than Monte. Darius might be #3 on this list. Todd did a great job with this pick.

By tfellows

May 15, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this

Don’t forget about Andy Johnson of Athens. He turned out to be a pretty good player at UGA and for the Pat’s.

By Ga fan

May 15, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this

Todd Holcomb: Joe Burns should be on this list from TCC. He is one of the best rb’s I have ever seen run the ball. He fit right in with coach Pilcher’s veer offense. I watched him in the 96 and 97 state championships that TCC won back to back and in both games he rushed for around 200 yards.

By thomas

May 15, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this

how about Issac Jackson of Lanier High in 1969 cbs news did a piece on him called see issac run

By DC Tiger

May 15, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this

What about Douglas County QB & DB Charles Thomas Class of 1977

By marquez

May 16, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this

I like your list, but I think you could’ve put D J shockley on the later list. He was very good in high school as a quarterback, and good for the one year he started at georgia. And I think I want to add myself to the list. Marquez Burdette of Carver High School 94 was my graduation year. Can you look up my stats for my career and send it to my email?

By Curtis

May 16, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this

There was a RB that was Mr. Football in 1982 from Fulton High School in 1982. He was all-state at RB and DB and played for Auburn University

By Derrick Mahone

May 16, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this

Marquez D.J. Shockley was a good QB, but don’t think he was the best from in the 1987-2007 era. There would probably be a few more that would be ahead of him. He had some solid numbers, but team was only 11-9 during his last two years.

Curtis You might be referring to Ricky McKenzie as the former Fulton Redbird running back. He wasn’t player of the year, he was first team all-state in AAA as a senior and honorable mention as a junior.

By Todd Holcomb

May 16, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this

I can see how you might pick Eric Zeier over Al Pinkins for the QB spot, but taking a look at the numbers and championships, I think you really have to go with Pinkins.

Pinkins if a fine choice, although I’ll note that Pinkins played AA, Zeier played AAAA. Mitchell-Baker had been good prior to Pinkins (winning state in 1983), but Marietta had really been slumping until Zeier really turned it around.

Don’t forget about Andy Johnson of Athens. He turned out to be a pretty good player at UGA and for the Pat’s.

I didn’t pick the 1967-87 team, but I’d have no trouble w/ AJ as the starting QB. He couldn’t throw as well as Belue, though. But he was better all-around. He returned kicks and punted.

I think you could’ve put D J shockley on the later list. He was very good in high school as a quarterback, and good for the one year he started at georgia.

Besides Zeier, Shockley was probably the most highly recruited QB of the past 20 years. I think somebody had him #2-3 in the country. Shockley’s high school teams were not that good. NC was 4-6 in 2000, when Shockley threw for 1,861 yards, 11 TDs, and ran for 864 w/ 8 TDs.

By GA GATA

May 16, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this

Ga fan

May 15, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this

Todd Holcomb: Joe Burns should be on this list from TCC. He is one of the best rb’s I have ever seen run the ball. He fit right in with coach Pilcher’s veer offense. I watched him in the 96 and 97 state championships that TCC won back to back and in both games he rushed for around 200 yards.

This is a good pick by ga fan. What is your thoughts Todd?

By SouthGARules

May 16, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this

What about Ken Hobby of Tift County as QB (76-79)? Rennie Curran was good at Brookwood, but where was he when Lowndes STOMPED Brookwood in the State championship game?

By ugadawg11

May 16, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this

Actually Todd, Mitchell-Baker was 4-6 and 4-6 the two years prior to Al Pinkins taking over the reins at QB as a sophomore. He promptly took them to a 10-2 mark as a sophomore, a 14-1 mark (state title) as a junior, and a 10-1 mark (spent most of the season ranked #1) as a Senior. Also, AA and AAAA have nothing to do with being the best player. Cough…Cough…do the names Herschel and Garrison mean anything to you? I don’t think the number of A’s behind their school name diminishes anything they accomplished. Also, I would take any of those Mitchell-Baker teams in that era over any Marietta team Zeier quarterbacked for anyday of the week and twice on Sunday.

By ugadawg11

May 16, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this

Actually Todd, Mitchell-Baker was 4-6 and 4-6 the two years prior to Al Pinkins taking over the reins at QB as a sophomore. He promptly took them to a 10-2 mark as a sophomore, a 14-1 mark (state title) as a junior, and a 10-1 mark (spent most of the season ranked #1) as a Senior. Also, AA and AAAA have nothing to do with being the best player. Cough…Cough…do the names Herschel and Garrison mean anything to you? I don’t think the number of A’s behind their school name diminishes anything they accomplished. Also, I would take any of those Mitchell-Baker teams in that era over any Marietta team Zeier quarterbacked for anyday of the week and twice on Sunday.

By ugadawg11

May 16, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this

Actually Todd, Mitchell-Baker was 4-6 and 4-6 the two years prior to Al Pinkins taking over the reins at QB as a sophomore. He promptly took them to a 10-2 mark as a sophomore, a 14-1 mark (state title) as a junior, and a 10-1 mark (spent most of the season ranked #1) as a Senior. Also, AA and AAAA have nothing to do with being the best player. Cough…Cough…do the names Herschel and Garrison mean anything to you? I don’t think the number of A’s behind their school name diminishes anything they accomplished. Also, I would take any of those Mitchell-Baker teams in that era over any Marietta team Zeier quarterbacked for anyday of the week and twice on Sunday.

By Ernest

May 16, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this

I don’t think the number of A’s behind their school name diminishes anything they accomplished. Well said ugadawg11. You presented a VERY good case why Pinkins should have been selected over Zeier.

Can’t let you get away with the slight to QC though. Remember he tried professional baseball first. Though he did not succeed at that level, it does say a LOT about his athletic ability. He attended SWD prior to Stephenson HS being built. The point being it was even more competitive to play HS sports at that time and he was considered the best athlete in DeKalb around that time.

By The Truth

May 16, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this

Cris Carpenter falls in between both lists (graudated in 1984 from Gainesville) but imo he was a much better punter than Rodney Williams. Hard to argue with Ray Guy. Carp and Don Golden would always get into punting contests at practice. You talk about 2 great athletes…what a show. Matter of fact, Coach Golden wouldn’t be a bad choice to replace Buck Belue on the 67-86 team. I think he lead Valdosta to 2 state championships at QB for the Wildcats.

By big fan

May 17, 2008 7:49 AM | Link to this

what about henry harris from columbia h.s he was the #1 football player in the nation in 1983

By slalom1

May 17, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this

As for the debate between Pinkins and Zeier, both are worthy of contesting the #2 spot as Georgia’s greatest QB’S during the 1987-2007 era. However since the subject matter of this topic is GHS football, not CAREER accomplishments, there could be only ONE to be considered. That would be the AJC “Player of the Year” in 1991…Rodney Hudson of LaGrange. Zeier was in the same class. Furthermore, Hudson led the Grangers to the state and NATIONAL championship in 1991. Come on guys. Give Hudson what he earned. He was THE greatest.

By JY

May 18, 2008 11:31 PM | Link to this

Did not Tift Co. Kill LaGrange when Hudson was their QB?

By Monroe (Albany) Class of 84

May 19, 2008 8:35 AM | Link to this

North Georgia has great individual athletes and south georgia has individual athletes and great teams. Al Pinkins had the numbers and the championships. Eric Zier had the numbers, you do the math. Al Pinkins was a great football player and a good basketball player. He would have been a great college quarterback. He was a great high school quarterback and athlete. Zier was a great quarterback. Great football is played below Macon, please don’t get it twisted!!!!!

By slalom1

May 20, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this

To:JY The year you are referring to was 1983, and the QB was Vince Sutton. You are right. Tift dominated and humiliated LG. Coach Brodie shamelessly ran the score up on a whipped bunch of high school kids, whose coaching staff completely lost control of the game early. That would be Danny Cronic’s last game at LG. As for Sutton, he was a first team USA Today/ ESPN All American, who played the game with a bad ankle. Went on to Alabama and played under Ray Perkins. (Disappointing college career). The week before the Tift County blow-out, LG pulled a 28-20 upset over the nation’s #1 ranked team, Clarke-Central. In spite of the loss, 1983 LG would finish the season ranked #20 in the nation by USA Today/ESPN, and of course State Runner-ups.

By slalom1

May 20, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this

To:JY, Just a couple of other things about the 1983 State title game between LG and Tift..The Granger’s football program had been very marginal throughout the 1960’s and 1970’s. They were state champs in 1958, and 9-1 in 1959. (While playing in Region 1AAA, which included Valdosta, Moultrie,Albany, Lanier, RE. Lee, Willingham, Columbus, Jordon, and Baker.) But after that, there was a long drought. In hindsight, as difficult as it was to deal with such a humiliating loss, the 1983 season actually was the launching pad for better things to come. The Grangers would be back to win region titles in 1985, 1986 and in 1989. In all of these years the Grangers would also make it to the state semi-finals. The 1990’s would witness region titles in 1991, 1996, 1997, and 1998. (Did I forget to mention a state and NATIONAL TITLE in 1991?) ALL of the success the LG program has had in this decade was built upon the 1980’s and 90’s. Getting back to the 1983 State Title game..I sat next to former head coach Oliver Hunnicut for the first half of the game. (Coach Hunnicut coached the Grangers to the 1958 state championship game). He was a man of few words, but somewhat like E.F. Hutton. The atmosphere at game time was electric. The press box was full with the likes of Bill Curry, Pat Dye, etc. The Tift side of the field was PACKED. Their fans were VERY loud, and extremely organized. Even after having watched the Grangers go 14-0, something told me that LG was about to be in it up to their necks. This was a home game for LG, and yet the TIFT fans were MUCH louder and there were as many of them. They were tail-gating 3 hours before the game.(Somthing that was NEVER done in LaGrange back then). During warm-up, I asked Coach Hunnicut, “Coach, what do you think about the game?” His reply:”Son, this ain’t gonna be a game.” He was right. Tift County brought the definition of “South Georgia Football” to LaGrange that night. I think we got it.

By Yo boy41

June 24, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this

Derrick Stegall was the POTY in 92 and the best high school football player i ever seen.

By Iowa04

July 1, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this

I would have to agree with one pick at least. And that would be Lenord Pope. John Harris did go to Americus and I agree that there are a few on that team that had very good career stats, in the years of 200-2002. Fabian Walker was an amazing QB who may not have had the career after college that was expected but still a great person. Americus has seen a few good QB’s roll through. Durring that time period. Fabian broke many state records that were then Broken by Robert Johnson shortly there after. I had the privalge of playing with all of these people as well as Alonzo Jackson and a few others, and not only were they great players but they were great people. I would have to agree with most of the picks though.

By gmc 22

August 27, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this

What about Brent Thomas of pebblebrook high school the kid rushed for over 5,000 yards in two years and he was first team all american both years he played varsity football

By shack

December 27, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this

Willie Kendall Upson Lee 1994 was the the best hs football player ive ever seen. And ive seen some good ones: Jasper Sanks, Scott Woerner ,Keith Brookings Hines Ward.

By shazam

March 25, 2009 7:34 PM | Link to this

Eric Zeier was a great QB because he had some electrifing recievers to throw the ball to. One in particular is Shannon Ballard. He caught 61 pass his senior year which helped introduced Eric to the nation. After highschool he played one season at N.Greenville College where he was named 1st All-Conference. Then he sat out for five years. After walking on to Savannah State’s football team, he later set the single season record for receptions with 69 catches. The number of catches had him placed 4th in the nation in receptions in Div II football between years 1995-1997. At both Marietta High and Savannah St. Univ. his records still stand.