Kenneth Harrison
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 2026 Preview
By: Kenneth Harrison
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
The college football season is almost here. We’re going to take a look at Georgia Tech and see how the season will go.
I’ll get a big coaching move out of the way first. Five-time NFL All-Pro WR DeAndre Hopkins has joined the coaching staff as assistant wide receivers coach.
“DeAndre is one of the greatest receivers of all-time, but his value to our program goes far beyond the that,” Key said. “He has an exceptional knowledge of what we’re doing on offense due his long relationship with (offensive coordinator) George Godsey and strong familiarity with the ACC, but most importantly, he’s a leader of men that I’m very excited for our players to be around, on and off the field.”
The Yellow Jackets went 9-4 last season, starting 8-0. They were ranked as high as #7 before they finished the season 1-4. They ended the season ranked #22.
They lost a lot of starters from that team like Haynes King, Jamal Haynes, Malik Rutherford, Keylan Rutledge, Omar Daniels, Clayton Powell-Lee, Ahmari Harvey and Rodney Shelley.
King was one of the best quarterbacks to play for Tech. His backup, Aaron Philo hit the transfer portal to follow offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner to Florida. He’s being replaced by Indiana transfer Alberto Mendoza.
Mendoza was the backup to his brother, Heisman Trophy winner and top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Fernando Mendoza. He played sparingly last season, so we really don’t know much about him. He was a part of a national championship program so he does know what it takes to win.
They have lost almost all of the receivers from 2025. Eric Rivers, Malik Rutherford, Dean Patterson, Isiah Canion, Bailey Stockton and Zion Taylor are all gone. Jordan Allen is the only returning receiver from last season’s team to have caught a pass.
The Yellow Jackets brought in Elon transfer Isiah Fuhrmann and Cal transfer Jaiven Plummer from the portal but Georgia Tech is going to need internal improvement from guys like Debron Gatling, Evan Haynes, Rahkeem Smith, Dalen Penson and the four true freshmen.
Fuhrmann caught 46 passes for 907 yards and 9 touchdowns as a sophomore in 2025. That was at the FCS level, so we will see if he can do the same in the FBS.
Starting safeties Omar Daniels and Clayton Powell-Lee played the majority of snaps last season but they have graduated. Tae Harris, who played more than 200 snaps last season and Fenix Felton, who played more than 80 snaps over the course of the last two games are back. Colorado transfer Savion Riley played in four games last season before missing the rest of the season due to injuries.
Here is the schedule:
9/3 vs Colorado
9/12 vs #17 Tennessee
9/19 vs Mercer
9/26 @ Stanford
10/10 vs Duke
10/17 @ Virginia Tech
10/24 vs Boston College
10/31 @ Pitt
11/7 vs Louisville
11/14 @ #25 Clemson
11/21 vs Wake Forest
11/28 @ #5 Georgia
They only have games against three ranked opponents. I believe they’ll lose to Tennessee and UGA. Clemson has not been an elite program in a few years so they definitely have a chance to beat them.
The games I think they should win against Colorado, Mercer, Stanford, Duke, Boston College and Wake Forest.
I’m picking Tech to win seven games. This is based on many of the key positions being unknowns since they have transferred in from other programs. We don’t know how the team chemistry will be or if they will play to their potential.
All-Time ACC Greats
By: Kenneth Harrison
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
We’re going to make a second part to the best ACC football players of all time.
We left off at Lamar Jackson (Louisville).
Maryland: The Terps were a founding member of the ACC in 1953. They joined the Big Ten in 2014.
Randy White (1972-74), the defensive tackle won the Outland Trophy (1974), Lombardi Award (1974), ACC Player of the Year (1974), First-team All-American (1973), Unanimous All-American (1974) and 2x First-team All-ACC (1973-74). He was also named the Liberty Bowl MVP in 1974 even though they lost to Tennessee.
Miami: They have so many great players like Michael Irvin, Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Sean Taylor, Jim Kelly, Edgerrin James, Vinny Testaverde and Clinton Portis.
These legends played when UM was an independent (1942-1990) or in the Big East (1991-2003).
Warren Sapp (1991-94) is the best Hurricane of all time. He won the Lombardi Award (1994), Bill Willis Trophy (1994), Bronko Nagurski Trophy (1994), Big East Defensive Player of the Year (1994) and Unanimous All-American (1994).
As a junior in 1994, he had 84 tackles and led the Hurricanes in sacks with 10.5. He also finished sixth in Heisman Trophy voting that year.
North Carolina: Julius Peppers (1998-2001) is currently ranked second all-time in UNC history with 30.5 sacks. He has 53 tackles for loss, 167 tackles, five interceptions, two fumble recoveries, five forced fumbles, 13 passes deflected, and 42 quarterback pressures (hurries) and returned two interceptions and one fumble recovery for touchdowns.
He won the Lombardi Trophy (2001), Chuck Bednarik Award (2001), Bill Willis Trophy (2001), Unanimous All-American (2001), Second-team All-American (2000) and 2x First-team All-ACC (2000-01).
NC State: Philip Rivers (2000-03) broke almost every NC State and ACC passing record.
Rivers completed a conference record 1,147 passes on 1,710 attempts, with 95 touchdowns.
He finished his Wolfpack career with 13,484 passing yards, 13th all-time among Division I quarterbacks (he finished in second place at the end of his collegiate career).
He was the NCAA passer rating leader and completion percentage leader (2003), ACC Athlete of the Year (2004), ACC Player of the Year (2003), ACC Rookie of the Year (2000) and First-team All-ACC (2003).
Pitt: Tony Dorsett (1973-76) led the Panthers to win the national championship as a senior. He won the Heisman Trophy (1976), Maxwell Award (1976), Walter Camp Award (1976), Unanimous All-American (1973-76) and 3x First-team All-American.
Dorsett finished his college career with 6,082 total rushing yards, then the NCAA rushing record. That would stand as the record until it was surpassed by Ricky Williams in 1998.
Stanford: Christian McCaffrey (2013-16) has the most career all-purpose yards (6,987) and the most all-purpose yards in a season (3,864) in 2015.
He won the Paul Hornung Award (2015), Jet Award (2015), AP College Football Player of the Year (2015), Consensus All-American (2015) and Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year (2015).
SMU: Eric Dickerson (1979-1982) was a Unanimous All-American (1982), Second-team all-American (1981) and 2x Southwest Conference Offensive Player of the Year (1981-82).
Syracuse: Donovan McNabb (1994-98) was 3x Big East Offensive Player of the Year (1996-98), 4x First-team All-Big East (1995-98) and Big East Rookie of the Year (1995).
Virginia: Chris Long (2004-07) won the Ted Hendricks Award (207), Dudley Award (2007), ACC Defensive Player of the Year (2007) and Unanimous All-American (2007).
Virginia Tech: Bruce Smith (1981-84) won the Outland Trophy (1984), Consensus All-American (1984) and First-team All-American (1983).
Wake Forest: Brian Piccolo (1961-64) was the ACC Player of the Year (1964) and Second-team All-American (1964).
He led the nation in rushing and scoring in 1964. He’s most known for the movie about his life, Brian’s Song (1971).
Gainesville Red Elephants 2026 Preview
By: Kenneth Harrison
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Gainesville made national news last season when they had 35 players suspended for an on-field brawl in November.
This occurred in the 5A second round win against Brunswick, 42-0. They filed and won an injunction in court to overturn the player suspensions.
The Red Elephants advanced to the 5A state championship, where they lost to Thomas County Central 62-21. The GHSA stripped Gainesville of the 5A runner-up finish after determining they used an ineligible player during the state semifinals.
Gainesville has moved up to 6A this season.
Head coach Josh Niblett left to become the tight ends coach at Colorado in January. He coached the Red Elephants for four years and had a 45-9 record with two state championship game appearances.
This caused Grayson head coach Santavious Bryant to leave and take over in Gainesville.
“We are thrilled to welcome coach Bryant back to Gainesville,” Gainesville High School Athletic Director Adam Lindsey said in a statement. “During his previous time here, he made an immediate impact on our student-athletes and our culture. Watching his growth and the incredible success he achieved at Grayson only solidified our belief that he is the right person to lead this program.”
During Bryant’s three seasons at Grayson, the Rams were 37-5. They also made the state quarterfinals three times, the state semifinals twice and won the state championship in 2024.
Gainesville has won one GHSA state title and that was in 2012 when they had Deshaun Watson.
They have several talented players on the team. Senior LB Jeremiah Proctor (6’4, 210 lbs.) is a four-star recruit and he’s committed to Pitt. He spent most of last season at safety playing up top in Cover 2.
Senior RB Nigel Newkirk (5’11, 200 lbs.) is a three-star player and an Alabama commit. He finished his junior season (14 games) with 1,496 yards and 19 TDs on 184 rushes (8.1 ypc) and added 12 receptions for 128 yards and 1 TD. He also runs track.
QB Kharim Hughley (5’11, 205 lbs.) is also a three-star recruit and he’s committed to Clemson. Last year he completed 172 of 286 passes (60.1%) for 2,596 yards with 34 TD and 10 INT. Also carried the ball 61 times for 394 yards and 9 TD.
OT Tyler Ford (6’6, 307 lbs.) is committed to Miami. IOL Bryson Hurt (6’4, 300 lbs.) is committed to NC State.
Here is the 2026 schedule:
8/22 @ Buford
9/5 @ East St. Louis (Illinois)
9/11 vs. McEachern
9/18 vs. OCA (South Carolina)
9/25 vs. Alpharetta
10/2 @ Roswell
10/9 @ Johns Creek
10/16 vs. Riverwood
10/23 vs. Milton
10/30 @ Lanier
Week 1 against Buford will be tough. They’re the top team in 7A. They were undefeated last season and won the state and national championship but they have lost over twenty players from that team. This is a nationally televised game.
East St. Louis typically plays a tough national schedule against teams like Bishop Gorman (Nevada), IMG Academy (Florida) and American Heritage (Florida). I expect this to be a tough game.
McEachern is another 7A team that should be ranked in the top 10. They were 10-1 last season.
Region 7-AAAAAA play begins week 4 against Alpharetta. The only non-region game the rest of the season is against Riverwood.
Roswell was 12-2 last season and beat Gainesville, 37-35. I think they’ll be the toughest competition in the region. Milton is also a very good team.
I expect Gainesville to compete for the 6A state championship in 2026.
Buford Wolves 2026 Preview
By: Kenneth Harrison
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Buford is one of the most elite football programs in the state of Georgia and possibly the nation. They have won 15 state championships, with only one coming before the year 2001.
They also have multiple state championships in baseball, boys’ basketball, girls’ basketball, gymnastics, softball, volleyball, wrestling and girls’ track.
Last season they opened Philip Beard Stadium. It has a seating capacity of 10,000 at a cost of $62 million.
The Wolves finished last season going 15-0 and winning the state championship. They were also the consensus national champions.
They have a lot of talent on the team. Junior Edge Luke Nabors (6’4, 210 lbs.) is a four-star recruit. He has over thirty offers from teams like Georgia, Ohio State, Notre Dame, South Carolina, Florida State, Penn State, Texas, Clemson, Oregon, Indiana and Tennessee.
Junior WR Seven Rashad (6’5, 175 lbs.) is a three-star recruit.
Senior LB Ethan Hauser (6’3, 200 lbs.) is a three-star recruit that’s committed to Vanderbilt. They have another three-star LB, Brayden Watson who’s committed to Michigan.
Senior QB DJ Hunter (6’1, 190 lbs.) is taking over as the starter in 2026. He was the backup to Dayton Raiola (Oregon). Hunter is a dual-threat so he should be a new weapon for the offense. He’s a three-star player and he’s committed to James Madison.
Seniors CB Silas Nuckles (6’0, 175 lbs.) and S Jameer Cantrell (5’10, 175 lbs.) are also three-star recruits. Cantrell is committed to Arkansas.
Bryant Appling has been the head coach at Buford since 2019. He has a record of 90-8 and he’s the first coach in GHSA history to win state titles in his first three seasons (2019-21).
Buford graduated 21 players from last seasons national championship team. They are expected to reload the talent but I think that will be tougher than expected. They are the #1 team in the 7A preseason poll.
Their schedule is listed below:
8/22: vs. Gainesville
9/4: @ Mallard Creek (North Carolina)
9/11: vs. Miami Central (Miami, FL)
9/18: @ #3 Grayson
9/25: @ Seckinger
10/9: @ Dacula
10/16: vs. Collins Hill
10/23: @ Mill Creek
10/30: vs. Discovery
11/6: vs. Central Gwinnett
They have a few tough non-region games to start the season.
Week 1 is a nationally televised game on ESPN against Gainesville. The Red Elephants advanced to the 5A state championship last season. They have moved up to 6A this season.
Former Grayson head coach Santavious Bryant has taken over the same position in Gainesville. He was 37-5 in three seasons at Grayson and he won a state championship in 2024. They have one of the most talented rosters in the state.
Miami Central in Week 2 will also be a tough game. The Rockets were 10-2 in 2025. South Florida is known for speed and they have very good players.
Week 4 at #3 Grayson will be the toughest test of the regular season. The Rams expected to repeat as state champions last year but lost in the state quarterfinals.
After this game, the rest of the schedule is easy. Seckinger (Buford, GA) is the newest school in Gwinnett County. They opened in August 2022 and they made their first playoff appearance last season.
Region 8-AAAAAAA play begins October 9th at Dacula. Mill Creek is the second-best team in the region but I don’t think they can challenge Buford.
I expect Buford to lose two regular season games. At worst they will be 7-3 if they lose to Gainesville, Miami Central and Grayson. I think they’ll be tough to beat in the playoffs.
Grayson Rams 2026 Preview
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 12th 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 11th 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 2nd.
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.
All-Time ACC Players
By: Kenneth Harrison
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
We’re going to take a look at some of the best ACC players of all time.
I want at least one player to represent each team. Some of them may have played in a different conference before their respective school joined the conference. This will also be part one because there are 17 schools and I can’t fit them all in one article.
Boston College: Doug Flutie (1981-84) won the Heisman Trophy and was a Unanimous All-American in 1984.
He led the Eagles to a 10-2 that season and they finished ranked #4 in the Coaches Poll. That also features one of the most famous game winning Hail Mary’s at #12 Miami.
In his career he passed for 10,579 yards and 67 touchdowns. He also rushed for 739 yards and 7 scores.
Cal: Marshawn Lynch (2004-06) was the Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year and a First-team All-American in 2006. In 2005 he rushed for 1,246 yards and 10 TD’s.
In 2006 he rushed for 1,356 yards and 11 touchdowns. For his career he averaged 6.6 ypc. He also caught 68 passes for 600 yards and 6 scores.
Clemson: Deshaun Watson (2014-16) was a 2x Davey O’Brien Award winner, 2x Manning Award (2015-16), Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award (2016), ACC Player of the Year (2015), 2x ACC Athlete of the Year (2015-16) and First-team All-ACC (2015).
In 2016, he led the Tigers to a National Championship win over #1 Alabama. He was named the CFP National Championship Offensive MVP.
In his career he passed for 10,163 yards and 90 touchdowns. He also rushed for 1,934 yards and 26 touchdowns.
Duke: Clarkston Hines (1986-89) is the only player in ACC history to lead the league in receiving yards three consecutive seasons. He had over a thousand yards and double-digit touchdowns in his final 3 seasons. As a Blue Devil he caught 189 passes for 3,318 yards and 38 scores.
He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2010. Hines was a Unanimous All-American (1989), First-team All-American (1988), ACC Male Athlete of the year (1990), ACC Player of the Year (1989) and 3x First team All-ACC (1987-89).
Florida State: The Seminoles have several players that could be considered the best in program history. I’m going to go with Peter Warrick (1995-99).
He helped lead the 1999 Seminoles to an undefeated season and the national championship. He played in 9 games that year because he was suspended for 2 games. He still had 71 catches, 934 yards and 8 TD’s. He also rushed for 96 yards and 3 touchdowns.
He won the Paul Warfield Trophy (1999), Unanimous All-American (1999), Consensus All-American (1998) and 2x First-team All-ACC (1998-99). In his career he had 207 receptions for 3,517 yards and 32 touchdowns.
Georgia Tech: Joe Hamilton (1996-99) was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2014. He won the Davey O’Brien Award (1999), NCAA Quarterback of the Year (1999), ACC Player of the Year (1999), Consensus All-American (1999), ACC Offensive Player of the Year (1999), 2x First team All-ACC (1998-99) and 2x Gator Bowl MVP (1999-00). He also finished second in 1999 for the Heisman Trophy.
Hamilton passed for 8,862 and 65 scores. He also rushed for 1,758 yards and 18 touchdowns.
Louisville: Lamar Jackson (2015-17) won the Heisman Trophy in 2016. He was a Unanimous All-American (2016), ACC Athlete of the Year (2018), 2x ACC Player of the Year (2016-17) and 2x ACC Offensive Player of the Year (2016-17).
Jackson had 9,043 passing yards and 69 TD’s. He rushed for 4,132 yards and 50 touchdowns.
Georgia’s Top High School Football Players
By: Kenneth Harrison
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
The Georgia high school football season will start in August. We are going to take a look at some of the most talented recruits in the state. NIL has made a huge difference in recruiting because most of the elite players are not committed to Georgia.
Edge DJ Jacobs, Blessed Trinity Catholic (Roswell, GA): Jacobs is listed at 6’5 and 235 pounds. He’s a five-star recruit and the top-rated player in the nation. He’s currently committed to Ohio State.
He finished last season with 102 tackles (24 TFL), 16 sacks and 2 FF in 11 games. Jacobs participated in both the Under Armour All-America Game (1 TFL) and the Polynesian Bowl (1 sack, 1 TFL) as an underclassman.
The Titans were 7-5 in 2025 and they lost in the second round of the AAAA playoffs. We will see if they can become state championship contenders this season.
Edge KJ Green, Stephenson (Stone Mountain, GA): Green is 6’4, 230 lbs. and a five-star recruit. He’s the second ranked player in Georgia and sixth nationally. He’s an LSU commit.
He had a monster junior year, with 129 tackles (40 TFL), 18 sacks, 4 FF and 1 FR. Also caught 1 pass for 10 yards and 1 TD on offense.
Green was the Region 5-AAA Defensive Player of the Year. Ha also participated in the Polynesian Bowl (1 tackle) as an underclassman.
The Jaguars were 11-2 in 2025 and only lost one regular season game by one point.
S Kamarui Dorsey, Hampton (Hampton, GA): Dorsey is committed to Texas A&M. The 6’3, 200 lbs. safety is a four-star recruit.
In 2025 he had 61 tackles, 2 TFL and 4 interceptions. As a sophomore in 2024 he had 58 tackles, 4 TFL and 3 interceptions.
He helped lead the Hornets to an 8-3 record last season.
WR Jaden Upshaw, Lee County (Leesburg, GA): We have our first offensive player on the list. Upshaw is the fourth ranked recruit in the state and a four-star player. He’s also committed to play for Texas A&M.
He finished his junior season with 47 catches for 902 yards (19.2 YPC) and 8 TD in 10 games after missing a few contests due to injury. Upshaw also played in the Navy All-American Bowl (3 catches for 19 yards on 5 targets) as an underclassman. He’s 6’1, 200 pounds so he has good size for a receiver.
The Trojans were 8-4 last year. In 2024 they made it to the AAAAA state championship game.
OT Kennedee Jackson, Lithonia: Jackson is the fifth ranked recruit in Georgia and he’s committed to UGA. He’s 6’6, 297 pounds so he has perfect size for an offensive tackle.
He also plays on the defensive line full-time and he plays basketball. He’s a very good athlete and he’s good when pulling and climbing.
The Bulldogs were 10-3 in 2025 and they got to the third-round of the AAAA playoffs.
ATH AJ Tillman Jr., Lithonia: He’s a four-star player like his teammate that we talked about previously. Tillman has committed to Louisville. He plays running back and defensive back. I believe he wants to play on offense at the next level.
As a junior, Tillman ran for 461 yards on 61 carries, averaging 7.6 yards a pop. He also managed to reach the end zone five times.
At DB, Tillman had 22 tackles, 6 passes defended, and a fumble recovery. He combined for over 1,500 rushing yards and 17 TD’s the last two seasons.
He has taken an official visit to Virginia Tech after committing to Louisville, so we will see if he changes his mind.
Who Will Atlanta Hawks Take In NBA Draft?
By: Kenneth Harrison
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
The 2026 NBA Draft starts on June 23rd. Let’s take a look at teams from the Southeast and see who they should select in the first round.
#3 Memphis Grizzlies (25-57): This is a great position to be in. As long as a team is inside the top 5 they have the chance to get a franchise player and future super star.
I think the best-case scenario here would be Cameron Boozer (Duke). The 6’8 forward is the son of former NBA player Carlos Boozer. Boozer was the National college player of the year, ACC Player of the Year, ACC Rookie of the Year and a consensus first-team All-American. He averaged 22.5 points per game and 10.2 rebounds per game last season.
Point guard Ja Morant is still on the roster but he might be traded. This would be a great pick regardless if he stays with the team. They have another first round pick.
#8 Atlanta Hawks (46-36): The Hawks traded four-time NBA All-Star point guard Trae Young in January. The reason I pointed that out to say they need a point guard.
I think the best fir would be Mikel Brown Jr. (Louisville). The 6’5 guard was on the ACC All-Rookie team and third-team All-ACC in 2026. He averaged 18.2 ppg and 4.7 apg. He scored 45 points against NC State, breaking Cooper Flagg’s ACC freshman single game scoring record.
Atlanta’s offense runs through NBA All-Star power forward Jalen Johnson so Brown will have a playmaker to rely on. They have another pick later in the first round.
#13 Miami Heat (43-39): Elite prospects are off the board at this point. Miami should be open to drafting the best available player here, regardless of position. Tyler Herro and Andrew Wiggins are entering the final year of their contracts.
I think they really need frontcourt depth beyond Bam Adebayo and Kel’el Ware. Power forward Hannes Steinbach (Washington) would be a good fit. He’s 6’11 and he was the NCAA rebounding leader last season. He was also third-team All-Big Ten.
Steinbach averaged 18.5 ppg and 11.8 rpg while shooting over 57% from the field.
#14 Charlotte Hornets (44-38): Their biggest need is interior scoring. They have a good core they can build around. Charlotte led the league in made threes last season (16.4 per game). They made 37.8% of them, which ranked third overall.
I believe 6’9 forward Morez Johnson Jr. (Michigan) would be a good pick. He won a national championship with the Wolverines last year. He was also on the Big Ten All-Defensive Team and Second-team All-Big Ten. He averaged 13.1 ppg and 7.3 rpg. They also have the 18th pick.
#16 Memphis: 6’3 guard Christian Anderson Jr. (Texas Tech) might be the player taken. The sophomore from Atlanta averaged 18.5 ppg, 7.4 apg and rpg. He was the Big 12 Most Improved Player, First-team All-Big 12 and a Third-team All-American.
#18 Charlotte: Center Tarris Reed Jr. (UConn) is 6’11 and pounds. He was First-team All-Big East in 2026. He averaged 14.7 ppg, 9 rpg and he made 60.7% of his shots.
#23 Atlanta: Small forward Karim Lopez (New Zealand Breakers) is a 6’8 wing that played professionally in New Zealand. He averaged 11.9 ppg and 6.1 rpg while playing 25.8 minutes per game.
2027 College Football Breakout Players
By: Kenneth Harrison
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
I want to take a look at some of the top prospects around the South that should be drafted high in the 2027 NFL Draft.
RB Nate Frazier, Georgia: The junior was a four-star recruit and attended national powerhouse Mater Dei Catholic High School in Santa Ana, Ca. He was on the SEC All-Freshman Team in 2024.
Last season he played in 14 games and he started 10 of them. He rushed for 861 yards with 6 touchdowns and averaged 5.4 yards per carry. He also had 13 receptions for 74 yards and a TD.
Frazier re-aggravated an ankle injury in the G-Day Spring Game but it’s reported as a minor injury. As a feature back in 2026 he should have a big year.
OT Jordan Seaton, LSU: The 6’5, 307 pound Seaton spent his last two seasons with Colorado. He was a five-star recruit coming out of IMG Academy (Florida). He was Second-team All-Big 12 in 2025. His season ended due to injury after nine starts.
He’s great at pass blocking. He’s given up 5 sacks in 940 career pass blocking snaps. He’s a very good athlete that needs to improve his run blocking.
S Keon Sabb, Alabama: He played at Michigan his first two years before transferring to Alabama. The redshirt senior is 6’1, 208 pounds. He started all 15 games in 2025 and had 54 tackles, 2.5 TFL, 1 sack, 3 pass breakups and 1 interception.
WR T.J. Moore, Clemson: He’s 6’3, 205 lbs. so he’s a big, physical receiver. He was the only Clemson receiver that started all 13 games in 2025. He had 52 catches for a team-high 837 receiving yards and 4 scores. If he gets more consistent quarterback play, he should have a breakout year in 2026.
S KJ Bolden, Georgia: Bolden attended Buford (GA) High School, which is an elite program in Georgia. He started all 14 games last season and made 76 tackles, 32 solo, 2.5 TFL, 5 PBU, 2 interceptions, 1 fumble recovery and a blocked punt. He made the Coaches All-SEC Second Team.
He’s a great player that can do everything.
LB/Edge Suntarine Perkins: He’s a bit undersized at 6’1, 220 pounds. In 2024 he had 10.5 sacks, 2 FR and an interception. Last season he had 81 tackles, 41 solo, 4.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 2 FR and 1 pick.
He has good coverage for a linebacker. I think he’d be good at the next level for a defensive coordinator that will primarily use him at linebacker.
WR Ryan Williams, Alabama: He was great as a freshman. He’s most known for the game against #2 Georgia when he had 6 catches, 177 yards and a score. In 2024 he had 48 receptions, 865 yards and 8 touchdowns. He also had 2 rushing touchdowns. He was a Freshman All-American and First-team All-SEC.
Last season he regressed. He had 49 catches, 689 yards and 4 TD’s. I’m expecting him to bounce back this season.
CB Zabien Brown, Alabama: He’s 6’0, 194 pounds, so he’s a bigger corner. He recorded two pick-sixes that were 99 and 50 yards. He also had 39 tackles, 2.5 TFL, 1 FF and a team-high 6 PBU.
He’s a press-man corner that has good speed and length.
NFC South New Additions
By: Kenneth Harrison
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Let’s take a look around the NFC South and give power rankings for each team that includes the rookies that were added in the draft.
Atlanta Falcons: The Falcons needed WR, OL, DL, CB and LB.
They selected CB Avieon Terrell, WR Zachariah Branch, LB Kendal Daniels, DT Anterio Thompson, LB Harold Perkins Jr. and OT Ethan Onianwa.
I give their draft a B- grade. They did not have a first-round pick because it was traded to the LA Rams last year.
They picked Terrell (Clemson) who is the younger brother of current Falcon A.J. Terrell.
Branch (Georgia) should be able to contribute right away.
Atlanta has questions at the most important position, quarterback. They signed Tua Tagovailoa in free agency and he played poorly in 2025. Michael Penix tore his left ACL in November so I’m not sure if or when he will play this season.
For that reason, I expect them to finish last in the division.
Carolina Panthers: Their biggest team needs heading into the draft were OL, S, WR, TE and DL.
They drafted: OT Monroe Freeling, DT Lee Hunter, WR Chris Brazell II, CB Will Lee III, G/C Sam Hecht, S Zakee Wheatley and LB Jackson Kuwatch.
I give their draft grade an A.
They signed left tackle Rasheed Walker (Green Bay) in free agency to fill-in while Ikem Ekwonu is coming back from a patellar tendon injury.
Freeling (Georgia) was a Second-team All-SEC left tackle last season. I think he can come in and start right away. Nose tackle Hunter (Texas Tech) was a First-team All-American last season.
The Panthers won the division last season with an 8-9 record. QB Bryce Young drastically improved in his third season. Rookie WR Tetairoa McMillan was the Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2025.
I think Carolina is the second-best team in the division but I think they will have a winning record in 2026.
New Orleans Saints: Their biggest team needs were WR, Edge, CB, DL and OL.
They picked: WR Jordyn Tyson, DT Christen Miller, TE Oscar Delp, G/C Jeremiah Wright, WR Bryce Lance, S Lorenzo Styles Jr., WR Barion Brown and CB T.J. Hall.
I give their draft grade a B+. They needed another WR to compliment Chris Olave so they drafted Tyson (Arizona State). He was First-team All-Big 12 in 2024 and 2025. He’s very talented but he dealt with injuries in college.
Miller (Georgia) was First-team All-SEC last season.
The Saints found their new franchise QB with rookie Tyler Shough. They signed RB Travis Etienne in free agency.
I think they’ll improve in 2026 and finish third in the division.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Their biggest pre-draft needs were Edge, CB, LB, OL and DL.
They drafted EDGE Rueben Bain Jr., LB Josiah Trotter, WR Ted Hurst, CB/S Keionte Scott, DT Demonte Capehart, G/C Billy Schrauth and TE Bauer Sharp.
I give their draft grade an A-.
Bain (Miami) was great in the College Football Playoffs. He won the Ted Hendricks Award and he was a Consensus All-American last year. He was also the ACC Defensive Player of the Year. I think he’s going to drastically improve the pass rush.
Trotter (Mizzou) was First-team All-SEC in 2025. His father is former NFL linebacker Jeremiah Trotter and his older brother, Jeremiah Trotter Jr. is also in the NFL.
They lost veteran WR Mike Evans in free agency to San Francisco. They hope Baker Mayfield can play like he did in 2024. Rookie WR Emeka Egbuka started the season strong last year but his play dropped off.
I think the Bucs will win the division.
Online
Radio/Podcasts
