By: Kenneth Harrison

TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services

Some of the most talented football players in the country come from Georgia.

Georgia has the fourth most players in the NFL with 150. Let’s take a look at some of the top recruits from the great state of Georgia that will be playing this Fall.

QB Julian Lewis, Carrolton: Lewis is the prodigy that appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated last year as a 15-year-old sophomore. He has reclassified to the class of 2025 so he is graduating a year early.

The five-star recruit is currently committed to USC. In his two seasons, he has a 25-3 record and he was named MaxPreps National Freshman of the Year in 2022 and MaxPreps National Sophomore of the Year in 2023.

As a freshman, he led the Trojans to the 7A state championship game and an undefeated record before losing to Mill Creek. He set the state-finals record with 531 passing yards in that game.

Last season he threw for 3,094 yards, 48 touchdowns, 2 interceptions and he completed 66.4% of his passes.

He was named to the Elite 11 finals roster, which is prestigious for the top quarterbacks in the nation. He is going to try to lead Carrolton to the 6A state championship this season but they do not have the same level of talent as teams like Buford or Milton.

DL Elijah Griffin, Savannah Christian Prep: He’s the top player in the state for the class of 2025 and a five-star recruit. Griffin is 6’5 and 285 pounds so he’s a man amongst boys in the high school, especially at the 3A level. He has committed to Georgia.

Last season he was named Georgia Class AAA Defensive Lineman of the Year and MaxPreps Junior All-America selection. He helped lead the Raiders to the AAA state title game. In 2023, he had 97 tackles, 31 tackles for loss, 17.5 sacks and an interception.

I expect him to have more huge numbers in 2024.

LB Zayden Walker, Schley County: Walker is the No. 2 player in the state, a five-star recruit and committed to UGA. The 6’1, 225 lb. linebacker also plays basketball and runs track.

Last season he had 77 carries, 518 yards, 13 TD’s and he averaged 6.7 yards per carry. He also caught 10 passes for 169 yards and 4 scores. He had 40 tackles, 16.5 TFL, 27 quarterback hits, 7 sacks, 2 forced fumbles and a pass breakup.

The Wildcats were 13-1 last season and I expect them to compete for the single A state championship this year. Walker might be able to lead them there.

DL Justus Terry, Manchester: He’s the third ranked player in Georgia for the class of 2025. I’m starting to sound like a broken record but he’s a five-star recruit and committed to Georgia.

In 2023, he was a MaxPreps Junior All-America second-team selection. He led the Blue Devils to an 11-3 record and their first state title game appearance in 26 years. They lost the single A division 2 state championship to Bowdon, 28-27.

Last season Terry had 78 tackles, 6.5 TFL, 13 sacks, 2 FF and 2 PBU.

There are many other great athletes around the state to watch this fall. If you have the chance, you should try to watch some of these future stars.