Only one defensive lineman has ever been named the Atlanta Journal-Constitution player of the year. That was Robert Nkemdiche of Grayson in 2011.
Lanier DT Derrick Brown continues to lead GHSF Daily's POY Watch, perhaps longer than expected. Lanier is 6-0, and its defense - led by Brown - is allowing only 5.8 points per game.
"I would say that traditionally it would be hard for a d-lineman to be player of the year, but Derrick is such a rare talent he is certainly deserving, in my opinion," Lanier coach Korey Mobbs said. "He has made game-changing plays in big-time situations in each of our games."
Lanier beat Loganville 21-6 earlier this month to seize control of Region 8-AAAAA. Said Loganville coach Mike Humphreys, "When he wants to, he can take over a game."
More from Mobbs: "His explosiveness makes him unique, especially for his size. He's around 315 right now, which is a good playing weight for him, and seems to be able to dominate games without losing any steam from first to fourth quarters at that weight. We're talking about a guy that has the best hands on our team, can catch the ball at tight end, line up and carry the ball or lead block in the run game and is skilled enough to take a snap from the gun and run wildcat for us."
For history's sake, there have been other defensive players named player of the year. Four were linebackers Tray Blackmon of LaGrange (2004), Travis Harris of Southwest DeKalb (1999), Takeo Spikes of Washington County (1994) and Curt Douglas of Lincoln County (1987). Defensive backs Jeff Francoeur of Parkview (2001), Greg Reid of Lowndes (2008) and Eric Berry of Creekside (2006) also won the award, but made major contributions on offense or special teams. The AJC first selected an all-class player of the year in 1981.
1. DT Derrick Brown, Lanier: Brown had four tackles, three for losses, a sack, three QB hurries, a blocked punt and a rushing touchdown in a 16-8 victory over Gainesville that put Lanier (6-0) in first place in Region 8-AAAAA. In six games, Brown has 47 total tackles, 23 for losses, six sacks, 17 QB hurries, eight deflections, one interception, one blocked punt and one recovered fumble for the No. 5 team in Class AAAAA. Brown, who is uncommitted, is the consensus No. 9 recruit in the country.
2. RB/DB Colby Wood, Jefferson: Wood rushed for 153 yards and both of his team's touchdowns on 23 carries in a 17-0 victory over Morgan County. For the season, Wood has rushed for a state-leading 1,399 yards and 20 touchdowns (at least two in every game) on 198 carries (7.1 ypc) and has caught seven passes for 108 yards and one touchdown (21 touchdowns overall). He has intercepted two passes, forced one fumble and made 21 tackles, two behind the line of scrimmage. Jefferson (7-0) is ranked No. 3 in AAA.
3. RB/DB Taylor Trammell, Mount Paran Christian: Trammell rushed for 236 yards and four touchdowns on 13 carries in a 41-20 victory over Walker. For the season, Trammell has rushed for 1,346 yards on 132 carries (10.2 ypc), scored 21 touchdowns and intercepted two passes. Mount Paran (6-0) is ranked No. 1 in Class A. Trammell is committed to Georgia Tech as a baseball player.
4. QB Chase Parrish, Colquitt County: Parrish was 25-of-30 passing for 314 yards and two touchdowns in a 54-17 victory over previously unbeaten Lee County. For the season, Parrish is 97-of-135 passing (.719) for 1,437 yards and 18 touchdowns with two interceptions. Parrish is 22-0 as a starting quarterback and has thrown at least one TD pass in 21 of 22 starts. Colquitt County is 7-0 and ranked No. 1 in Class AAAAAA.
5. LB Tre Lamar, Roswell: Lamar's game totals from the 45-7 victory over Wheeler have not been reported. In five games, Lamar had 74 tackles, 16 behind the line of scrimmage, and three sacks for an undefeated team ranked No. 3 in Class AAAAAA. Lamar, who is committed to Clemson, is the first AJC Super 11 player in Roswell history. He is rated the No. 8 inside linebacker prospect nationally by 247Sports' composite rankings.
6. QB Jake Fromm, Houston County: Fromm committed to the University of Alabama last week. His team did not play. In six games, Fromm is 87-of-146 (.596) for 1,521 yards and 15 touchdowns with four interceptions for a 6-0 team ranked No. 2 in Class AAAAA. Fromm is rated the consensus No. 8 pro-style quarterback prospect nationally among juniors.
7. QB Trevor Lawrence, Cartersville:Lawrence was 17-of-29 passing for 272 yards and four touchdowns in a 42-6 victory over Ridgeland. For the season, Lawrence is 101-of-155 passing (.652) for 1,469 yards and 17 touchdowns with two interceptions for a 6-0 team that is ranked No. 1 in Class AAAA. Lawrence is rated by 247Sports as the No. 1 quarterback prospect in the country among sophomores. He is uncommitted.
8. QB Kaelan Riley, Calhoun: Riley was 12-of-18 passing for 251 yards and a touchdown in a 38-0 victory over Sonoraville. On the season, Riley is 73-of-111 passing (.658) for 1,207 yards and 12 touchdowns. He has rushed for 342 yards and six touchdowns on 51 carries. Calhoun is 7-0 and ranked No. 1 in Class AAA. Riley is committed to Mercer.
9. RB Russell Halimon, Allatoona: Halimon rushed for 234 yards and four touchdowns in a 42-27 victory over New Manchester. For the season, Halimon has rushed for 1,193 yards and 11 touchdowns on 168 carries (7.1 ypc). Allatoona (6-1) is ranked No. 10 in Class AAAAA. Halimon, who rushed for 2,274 yards in 2014, is rated the consensus No. 64 running back nationally among seniors. He is committed to Arizona.
10. DT Antwuan Jackson, Cedar Grove: Jackson had seven tackles, three for losses in a 20-0 victory over McNair. For the season, Jackson has 37 tackles, a DeKalb County-leading 22 stops for losses, four forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and six sacks for a 5-1 team ranked No. 4 in Class AAA. Jackson, an AJC Super 11 pick, is rated the consensus No. 7 senior prospect in Georgia and No. 56 player nationally.
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