Georgia is the top state in the country for junior running-back recruits, according to the composite rankings of 247Sports. There are 11 Georgia backs in the top 50 nationally at the position in the class of 2018. All remain uncommitted except Bainbridge's Dameon Pierce, who is pledged to Alabama.

3. Dameon Pierce, Bainbridge

10. Anthony Grant, Buford

21. Rico Frye, Creekside

23. Nolan Edmonds, Alpharetta

24. Lyn-J Dixon, Taylor County

33. Nuru Tinch, Newton

35. Christian Malloy, South Gwinnett

40. Dante Black, Brookwood

41. Emeka Nwanze, Northview

46. Jalynn Sykes, Rome

50. Gino Appleberry, Creekside

Out of state, out of mind

Monday's Daily List ranked active Georgia head coaches in games won while in Georgia. If out-of-state victories are added, the list is a little different.

Coffee coach Robby Pruitt, who is 156-39-1 in Georgia, is 323-69-1 overall. That is third among current Georgia coaches behind Marist's Alan Chadwick (343) and Howard's Barney Hester (333).

Pruitt, in fact, is in the FHSAA Hall of Fame. He was the first Florida coach to win seven state titles.

At North Gwinnett, Bob Sphire is 250-79 as a high school coach (or 276-88 as a head coach overall, counting a stint in a professional indoor football league). Sphire has 104 Georgia victories in just 10 seasons.

Randy McPherson is 136-37 at Lowndes but 207-46 overall, including five seasons at Madison County (Fla.).

Steve Pardue of East Coweta, listed at 177 on Monday, is closing on 200 overall. He has 194 victories, 17 in Kentucky.

Produced by Georgia High School Football Daily, a free e-mail newsletter. To join the mailing list, click here.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray (15) shoots a 3-point basket over Dallas Wings guard Tyasha Harris (52) during the second half in a WNBA basketball game at Gateway Center Arena, Saturday, May 24, 2025, in Atlanta. Atlanta Dream won 83-75 over Dallas Wings. (Hyosub Shin / AJC)

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

Featured

Savannah Chrisley, daughter of former reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley, speaks outside the Federal Prison Camp on May 28, 2025, in Pensacola, Fla. President Donald Trump pardoned Todd and Julie Chrisley, who were found guilty of defrauding banks out of $36 million and hiding millions in earnings to avoid paying taxes. (Dan Anderson/AP)

Credit: Dan Anderson/AP