By: Kenneth Harrison

TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services

The GHSA preseason football rankings have been released. Grayson is ranked #3 in class 7A.

The Rams went 14-1 in 2024 and won the 6A state championship. They started 2025 ranked #1 and held that spot for most of the season. Their only loss came in the state quarterfinals, 34-14 to Carrolton.

Head coach Santavious Bryant led the Rams to a 37-5 record the last three seasons. He left to take over as the head coach at Gainesville after the season.

Grayson promoted defensive coordinator Greg Carswell to head coach.

“For a first-time head coach, this is a dream come true,” Carswell said. “I thank God for preparing me the six seasons I’ve had the opportunity to coach here on and off. I’m honored to be chosen to lead these young men. I love these kids so much and will take pride in pushing this program to the pinnacle of high school sports.”

They are coming off a 12-1 season, so we do not expect much to change with a new head coach.

“The standard at Grayson will never change,” Carswell said. “We have a relentless effort and approach to reach the highest level of success this program can reach. We will always play hard physical and dominate the trenches, but the fire, passion and energy that will exude from a coach Carswell team will be unmatched.”

They still have plenty of talent on the roster. Senior IOL Jordan Agbanoma is a four-star recruit and the tenth ranked player in the state for the class of 2027. Agbanoma is 6’2 and 300 pounds. He’s currently committed to Nebraska.

His teammate, KD Jones is a three-star IOL that is also committed to the Cornhuskers. Jones is 6’5, 303 pounds.

Junior Edge Elijah Tillman is 6’7, 215 pounds. He’s also a four-star recruit but that’s based more on his measurables. He should be a key contributor in 2026.

Senior CB Preston Glasco (6’2, 190 lbs.) is a three-star recruit and he’s committed to UConn.

Senior S Jalen Welch (6’3, 190 lbs.) is also a three-star recruit and he’s committed to Syracuse.

Senior DL Waylon Wooten (6’2, 300 lbs.) is committed to Georgia.

Senior QB David “Deuce” Smith (5’11, 190 lbs.) is a dual-threat. He became the starter after four-star QB Travis Burgess was injured last season. He passed for 2,355 yards and 24 touchdowns.

The season begins August 12^th in the Corky Kell/Dave Hunter Classic at Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta) against North Gwinnett. The Bulldogs were 12-2 last season and they made it to the state semifinals.

Six of Grayson’s first seven games are on the road. Week 2 they travel to Sandy Creek. The Patriots have moved up to 4A but they were undefeated (15-0) and won the 3A state championship in 2025.

After a bye week the next game is at Langston Hughes. The Panthers are one of the top teams in 5A. They were 12-1 last season and they have a lot of talent.

On September 11^th they travel to Brunswick. The Pirates were 9-3 last year and they have made the move to 6A this season.

The first home game of the season is the following week against #1 Buford. The Wolves were undefeated and won the 6A state title in 2025.

They face Carol City (Miami) October 2^nd.

Region play begins after that with games @Archer, @Newton, South Gwinnett and Rockdale County.

I think Grayson will finish the regular season with a couple of losses but they will be tough to beat in the playoffs.