With just one week to go before the start of the 2019 season gets underway, here are seven seniors to keep an eye on (in alphabetical order).
Marquis Black, DT, Eagle's Landing Christian Academy. Black helped anchor a defensive line that was the core of a unit that gave up just 120 points in 14 games and pitched five shutouts. The 6-4, 280-pounder reportedly has 10 offers, which include Michigan State, Syracuse, West Virginia, Arkansas and most recently Kentucky and Georgia Tech.
Jeremiah Johnson, WR, Clinch County. At 6-7, 200 pounds, Johnson is one of the most intriguing athletes in the state. He is a force in basketball as well, where he averaged 16 points and 10 rebounds for the Panthers. He is committed to Florida.
DJ Lundy, RB/LB, Irwin County. The 6-0, 225-pound RB/LB led Irwin to an undefeated regular season and a second consecutive region title. He has offers from Auburn, South Carolina, Kentucky, Vanderbilt and West Virginia among others.
Keaton Mitchell, RB, ELCA. The 5-10, 185-pound Mitchell accounted for 2,509 rushing yards, 49 touchdowns and averaged 11.77 yards per carry last season, in leading the Chargers to their fourth consecutive state title. Mitchell has been named to the Touchdown Club of Atlanta's preseason all-star team and its Mr. Georgia preseason watchlist.
Kendrick Patterson, QB, Pelham. The 6-4, 210-pounder is at the forefront of the Hornets' rise to one of the most dynamic programs in all of Class A. Pelham went 12-1 last season, won its second region title in three seasons and – with Patterson leading the way – averaged just under 50 points per game. He doesn't have any reported offers yet but there appears to be lots of interest from the likes of Georgia State, Troy and South Alabama.
Tate Ratledge, OT, Darlington. The 6-foot-7, 305-pounder helped lead the Tigers to the state quarterfinals last year before they were bounced by eventual champion Eagle's Landing Christian Academy. UGA and Tennessee appear to be leaders for Ratledge's services after next season.
Len'Neth Whitehead, LB, Athens Academy. Whitehead and a talented group of seniors led the Spartans to the state private school finals, where they led at halftime before falling to ELCA. At 6-1, 220, Whitehead is a bruiser on both sides of the ball. UGA and Tennessee appear to be the frontrunners in his recruiting.
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