National signing day is some four months away for nearly 200 college football prospects across the state.
While many of the top high school seniors have already revealed their college intentions, there are a few big fish still waiting to decide.
Here’s a look at the state’s top five uncommitted prospects:
Dalvin Tomlinson, DE, Henry County: The AJC Super 11 member has Alabama and Georgia Tech as his co-leaders, followed by Florida, Clemson and Indiana. "You can put Georgia in there, too," Henry County coach Mike Rozier said.
The 6-foot-3, 255-pounder earned rave reviews for his head-to-head performance Friday against Sandy Creek defensive lineman Quinteze Williams, who has committed to Florida. Tomlinson started at offensive tackle and defensive end in the 34-17 loss.
“Dalvin is having a really good season and he really handled No. 48 [Williams] from an offensive standpoint,” Rozier said. “No. 48 is a good player, but he wasn’t as much of a factor as he usually is that night. It wasn’t even close, but they won the game and I’m sure that’s the most important thing for them.”
Tomlinson has a 3.8 GPA and is a two-time state champion in wrestling’s heavyweight division.
Kenderius Whitehead, DE, M.L. King: The 6-foot-4, 227-pounder garnered around 25 early scholarship offers and declared Georgia as his leader over the summer. Last week, North Carolina briefly moved into the top spot after his official visit there.
“Georgia and North Carolina are neck and neck,” Whitehead said. “But you know the Dogs. They are still on top. North Carolina is still coming, though. They are fighting hard for me.”
Whitehead’s teammate at M.L. King, wide receiver Blake Tibbs, committed to Georgia last weekend. However, Whitehead said that won’t influence his decision. He will take official visits to Georgia, Clemson and Tennessee before making a decision.
Whitehead transferred from Monroe Area for his senior year and made an instant impact at his new school. He leads 4-0 M.L. King in total tackles (45), sacks (10) and tackles for loss (11).
“He’s definitely the difference-maker for us on the defensive side of the ball. He has had a huge start to the season,” M.L. King coach Mike Carson said.
“His motor is non-stop. I mean, he doesn’t turn it off until the game is over with. He had the little quarterback from Langston Hughes running all over the field on Friday. Colleges look for those kind of guys that have a big motor and that don’t shut it off. That’s Kenderius.”
Chaz Elder, DB, Banneker: The 6-foot-2, 180-pounder was set to announce last month but decided to delay at the last minute. His finalists are South Carolina, Georgia and Vanderbilt.
“For the most part, it’s the same three schools with everybody chasing South Carolina ... nothing has changed,” Banneker assistant Ryan Andrews said.
Elder visited Georgia for the South Carolina game, but it is unlikely he'll schedule any more during the season. Banneker had to move its home games to neutral sites due to construction and most of Elder's games are on Saturdays.
Jordan Jenkins, DE, Harris County: The AJC Super 11 member has official visits scheduled for Tennessee (Oct. 7), Auburn (Oct. 14), Alabama (Nov. 4), Georgia (Nov. 11) and Florida (Nov. 25).
“Alabama and Florida are definitely on a higher plateau than some of the other schools,” said his father, Ronald Jenkins. “I think Auburn is closely trailing and there’s Georgia."
“We all like Todd Grantham,” added Jenkins, referring to Georgia’s defensive coordinator. “Todd has made a big impression on all of us, coming to Georgia from the Dallas Cowboys. Dallas is my team and Grantham is a very impressive guy, both off and on the field.”
Josh Harvery-Clemons, LB-DB, Lowndes: The AJC Super 11 member will take official visits to Georgia, Florida, LSU and Louisville. The 6-5, 200-pounder plays five different positions for Lowndes. He is getting looks at outside linebacker but will likely play safety in college.
“The dude is a freak ... he’s the best I’ve played against in the last three years,” said Trent Thompson, quarterback of No. 1-ranked McEachern High School. “I think he will play safety in college, if they don’t put him somewhere on offense. I don’t think he’s thick enough to play linebacker. Wherever he goes, he’s going to be outstanding.
“I still can’t believe the interception he had against me. He jumped so high and kept getting higher and higher and came down with it. The dude is a freak.”
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