Class AAAAA blog: Here’s 11 of the top players in the state

Kevin Swint almost looks like he could walk out on the practice field right and compete for playing time at Clemson, where he has committed to play next season. For now, though, the senior inside linebacker is concerned with delivering Carrollton back to the state playoffs and getting the Trojans in the championship game.

“Our goal is to get over that hump,” Swint said. “We’ve worked hard and we’re holding everybody responsible for what they’re doing. Every week we know we’re going to get everybody’s best game so we’ve got to do what we’re supposed to do and that’s come up with a win.”

Swint (6-3, 240) is one of the top players in Class AAAAA this season. He burst onto the scene as a sophomore, when he had 101 tackles, 18 sacks, four forced fumbles and six passes broken up.

Swint has great size and speed and combines with junior Chaz Chambliss to make up perhaps the best tandem of linebackers in the state.

Here’s a look at ten of the other best seniors in the classification for 2019. 

• Will Anderson, defensive lineman, Dutchtown: The 6-3, 235-pounder was a key piece of the Dutchtown defense that led the state a year ago. Anderson is extremely quick and plays bigger than his size. His speed lets him get to the quarterback in a hurry. Anderson had 16 sacks as a junior. He has committed to Alabama.
• Austin Blaske, offensive lineman, South Effingham: Blaske has good size (6-5, 278) and speed (5.39 40). He stays busy opening holes at left tackle. Blaske has committed to N.C. State.
• Hunter Costlow, quarterback, Jones County: At 5-9, 210 pounds, Costlow is not a protypical quarterback, but he has been very effective. Last season he threw for 2,413 yards and 30 touchdowns. It will be curious to see how Costlow continues to grow under new coach Mike Chastain, who helped develop Jake and Dylan Fromm at Warner Robins.
• Broderick Jones, offensive tackle, Lithonia: Jones has made a firm commitment to Georgia. He's considered one of the top tackles in the state and among the top 20 in the nation. Jones is very quick and has gotten high marks for his footwork. His long arms give him the capability of creating leverage.
• Marcayll Jones, wide receiver, Warner Robins: Jones (5-9, 170) set a state record for receiving yards in 2018. But will he be able to duplicate it with a new quarterback coming in to run the system? Jones has committed the Memphis.
• Damarjae Lewis, defensive lineman, Griffin: Lewis is a beefy tackle (6-3, 278), who decomitted from Auburn this spring. He's still considering the Tigers, as well as Florida State ,Tennessee and others. Lewis has good speed (5.37) and can play inside or outside on the line.
• Jo'Quavious Marks, running back, Carver: Marks rushed for 1,503 yards and scored 14 touchdowns as a junior. At 5-10, 190 pounds, Marks has good speed (4.5) and is sturdy enough to play the position. He has committed to Mississippi State.
• Nate McCollum, tight end, Dutchtown: Overshadowed because of the Dutchtown defense, McCollum (5-10, 180) was quickly snapped up by N.C. State. He is capable of playing tight end, wide receiver or H-back. He had 22 catches for 764 yards in 2018.
• Seth McLaughlin, offensive lineman, Buford: Another big offensive prospect for the Wolves. McLaughlin (6-4, 270) is ranked as one of the top centers in the state. He has committed to Alabama.