Small-town Sleepers: Best North GA RBs You’ve Never Heard Of
As we continue with this series, we shift from the QBs to the RBs. Every season, the state of Georgia has a set of RBs considered to be “elite”. But those “elite” prospects are just the tip of the iceberg.…
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Continue ReadingAs we continue with this series, we shift from the QBs to the RBs. Every season, the state of Georgia has a set of RBs considered to be “elite”. But those “elite” prospects are just the tip of the iceberg.
Here, we travel towards the mountains and find some of the best RB prospects you’ve never heard of.
Chris Roper – 2023 – Adairsville
Labeling Roper as just an RB doesn’t give him enough credit as he can practically play any position on the gridiron. However, I’m projecting him to the RB position long-term. His ability to carry the ball, block, and receive makes him a mismatch nightmare for defenses and a complete package at the RB position. Not to mention that he possesses a solid 5’11 180 pound frame that fits the mold of an every-down back. On the year, Roper finished with 1300 total yards (593 rushing). That on top of his impressive defensive production makes him a truly versatile athlete. At the end of the day, his ability to stay on the field for every down molds him into an intriguing RB prospect. Recently, Roper added an offer from Gardner-Webb, and more could be on the way.
Lang Windham – 2023 – Rabun County
Windham was one of the most productive players on the powerhouse Rabun County team last season, so he might not be a new name to some people. Regardless, he is a player that has flown massively under the radar and doesn’t receive the attention he deserves. Like Chris Roper, Windham is an extremely versatile back with the ability to stay on the field every single down. As a runner, he is extremely elusive and uses his speed to create separation from the rest of the defense. At around 5’9 170, Windham doesn’t have the ideal frame to bounce off tacklers, but he fights for extra yards and can stay upright. When you factor in his unique ability to run efficient routes and catch the football, Windham is a one-of-a-kind prospect. If he can produce the way he has the last two years, where he has put up over 3500 total yards and 39 TDs, then schools should be lined up waiting for his signature on signing day.
Tyson Everett – 2023 – Stephens County
Everett is one of the most productive prospects on a good Stephens County team but is still one of the more low-key prospects in the northern part of the state. In 2021, Everett blew onto the scene by rushing for over 1000 yards and found the endzone 7 times. He also has moderate production as a receiver and as a defender. Everett is another prospect that doesn’t blow people away with his size, but he is extremely elusive with great speed. He does a great job of dissecting defensive fronts with his vision and his thinner build allows him to slip through holes created by his offensive line. Everett has great speed and lateral movement, if he can produce as a receiver and show he can be on the field every down, then he has the chance to see his recruitment take off.
Zach Lyles – 2023 – Sonoraville
The nationally-ranked baseball prospect committed to Western Kentucky certainly has a bright future on the diamond, but he has the potential to be a good multi-sport athlete. In 2021, Lyles finished with 773 total yards and 14 total TDs with most of that production coming on the ground. At around 6’2 190. Lyles has a thin frame but could add 10-20 pounds of weight if he chooses to do so. He is already an extremely elusive runner that gets up the field in a hurry with his long strides, but he could turn into a big difference maker should he continue to fill out his frame. Regardless of which sport he chooses, Lyles has the size and potential to be a really good collegiate athlete.