Just released … the AJC’s Super 11 — Your thoughts? Are these the best 11 football players in Georgia?
Who are the best 11 high school football players in the state of Georgia?
We at the AJC have done our best to locate and identify them in our annual selection of the AJC’s Super 11.
It’s one of the most elite teams in the nation, considering Georgia’s status as one of the top states for high school football. Through nominations and feedback from high school and colleges coaches, along with our own selection committee, here is the 2011 AJC Super 11 … [Note: click on player's name to see video]
Thomas County Central DE Ray Drew (AJC photo)
- Carver-Columbus RB Isaiah Crowell [Alabama, Clemson, Florida State, UGA, Miami]
- Gainesville DE/LB A.J. Johnson [Clemson, Florida, Tennessee]
- Grady DB Damian Swann [Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Ohio State]
- Griffin DL Xzavier Dickson [Auburn, Alabama, UGA, Florida, Miami]
- Kell FS Brian Randolph [committed to Tennessee]
- North Paulding WR Chris Conley [committed to UGA]
- Pope OL Thomas O’Reilly [committed to Auburn]
- Thomas County Central DE Ray Drew [Georgia Tech, Auburn, Clemson, Florida, Florida State, UGA]
- Tucker LB James Vaughters [committed to Stanford]
- Valdosta TE Jay Rome [Alabama, Clemson, Florida,UGA]
- Wilcox County QB Nick Marshall [committed to UGA]
Click here to see the photo gallery of the 2010 version of the AJC Super 11
NOW IT’S YOUR TURN. The AJC Super 11 is always a fun debate. What are you thoughts? Who was deserving? Who did we leave out? Please state your case below, and please back it with the facts.
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120 comments Add your comment
AVikingFan
August 16th, 2010
10:25 am
Tyler Hunter, four year starter at Lowndes and commited to FSU hasn’t had the press coverage like those 11 picked, but he is an outstanding player. He missed last year’s playoffs with a career threatening injury but has been given the medical clearance to play this year. He is an awesome athlete. His father Brice Hunter, starred at Valdosta High and at UGA and then played a few years in the NFL. (Ask anybody on the Peachtree Ridge coaching staff about him and they’ll tell you how good he is!)
I think the AJC and Todd did an incredible job in picking our top 11!
Todd Holcomb
August 16th, 2010
10:34 am
“Strange that you and most polls are picking NSWR at #1, yet with no top players considered or even mentioned. O’Neill and Van Brunt are both back this year and look what they did last year!”
Interesting thing is that Northside had two Super 11 players in 2008 (Jones, Fields). You can have a great team and never have a Super 11 player. Camden has had very few over the years. East Hall and Monroe Area each have one of the top 10 recruits in the state, and they won one game last year. Good teams should not be offended at not having a Super 11.
“Whats funny is that people are using subjective (and sometimes biased) recruiting rankings to argue against another set of subjective rankings?”
Great point. Our picks aren’t recruiting rankings, but just because Rivals or Scout says a guy is the No. 3 prospect in Georgia doesn’t make it the truth. And just because we say a player is a Super 11 doesn’t mean it’s the truth. These are opinions. They are well-researched, thought-out decisions, but that doesn’t mean it’s the truth. After each season, there will be regrets, guys we wished we’d selected, and unfortunately, guys we wish we hadn’t. I could make a list of those, but don’t want to embarrass anyone.
“Come on Todd get outside of metro Atlanta and just because UGA has offered them dont make them a Super 11.”
Only three metro ATL players made the Super 11. UGA didn’t offer all 11, and three are leaving the state.
€ BOBà ©
August 16th, 2010
10:56 am
Beasts
B
August 16th, 2010
11:30 am
No Watts Dantzler?
Charles
August 16th, 2010
11:34 am
O’Reilly, Johnson and Randolph have absolutely no business on the list…not even debatable on those three. Guys like Sterling Bailey, Quan Bray, Gabe Wright, Corey Moore, are M. Mitchell are in another league. Other three spots should have gone to any of those three. Take your pick. Conley’s also a debatable pick, but borderline.
Oh, and I’m a Gainesville fan, so it hurts me a little to say that about AJ. Not a bad player, but not elite. Randolph and O’Reilly are laughers.
RedBird44
August 16th, 2010
12:06 pm
Dantzler is way better than O’reilly, heck O’reilly would decommit from auburn on a split second if uga offered him. Dantzler should be on the super 11.
Jana
August 16th, 2010
12:18 pm
Did I miss something, but I don’t see any players listed from Camden County, and they have been the top team in Georgia several times, including last year. They are also one of the few teams from Georgia ranked nationally (number 9 I believe). Seems strange they have no picks on your “Best” list. Just wondering how you compile your list.
dreason2003
August 16th, 2010
12:20 pm
Crowell is a no brainer! Best in the state period. Marshall is not a top 15qb n Ga. That won’t be his position in college. He is a top athlete though.
AVikingFan
August 16th, 2010
12:21 pm
This is kinda off the subject, but IS hs football related. Sportsfan31313- how did your Hinesville team do this past Friday in its Pre-season game?
To all AAAA fans, watch out for Thomas County Central. I know Lowndes spanked them 49-14 last Friday, but last year’s playoff appearance was no fluke. They are going to be good, and I predict they will be in the title hunt in AAAA!
Cardinal Sin
August 16th, 2010
12:22 pm
How many of these kids are white and my guess is from your list most will not qualify academically?
Funny isn’t it?
Enough Said!
Charlton booster
August 16th, 2010
12:23 pm
All of you who think the kid from Wilcox county is better than Chris Milton have not seen Chris play. He is fast, has a cannon for an arm and punts over 45 yards. We will find out on Oct 8 who is better.
AVikingFan
August 16th, 2010
12:26 pm
JANA – Camden seldom has a lot of star players, but seems to be able to play 22 good, well coached players against other teams 22, and come out on top pretty darn often! One time last year I shore was pulling for’em not to be on top, but they were! They beat a good Lowndes team 10-7 in the playoffs, and lowndes had 15 players sign scholarships.
DA
August 16th, 2010
12:36 pm
There’s no way U can pick 11 out of all the very good players in Ga. Thats like picking the # for lottery.
schifty
August 16th, 2010
12:41 pm
Randolph is by far the best player on the list when you consider
what he has done the last 3 years of high school.
I can’t believe Richt let this guy get out of state!
Thats not right.
I think overall, the AJC really did their homework on this list.
My only question would be having OReilly in there.
Doubtful
August 16th, 2010
12:44 pm
So what does this mean for UGA? A NC, SEC Champs, East Div champs, or another we were almost good. If UGA’s program was really sound those great talents would not be jumping states. Being a fan does not mean you can not be practical.
Chick Fil A on a Sunday
August 16th, 2010
12:48 pm
Does anyone else find it disturbing that adults pay this much attention to high school boys?
Sugar Hill Dawg
August 16th, 2010
1:07 pm
Is Grayson any good this year? If so, then I think the Sugar Hill/Suwanee area fans will be very happy with NGHS’ season.
HC Tiger
August 16th, 2010
1:16 pm
LaMichael Fanning, DT/DE
#113 Rivals.com
#147 ESPN.com
#136 Scout.com
Committed back in April to ALABAMA.
Also look out for other Harris County High players! They have 4 other future D-1 signees…from the Classes of 201, 2012, and 2013…And possibly the TOP PROSPECT IN THE STATE for the Class of 2012 with DE Jordan Jenkins.
Erks mind
August 16th, 2010
1:22 pm
No way in hell you can pick the states best 11 players without people questioning your picks. Their picks are no better than yours. The same would apply if you tried to pick the state’s best 25 or 50.
Good job!
BIG UGLIES WIN GAMES!!!
August 16th, 2010
1:22 pm
Where is Jasper Sanks on that list??
McDawg
August 16th, 2010
1:34 pm
so much for a dream team -perhaps for BAMA
The Dawg
August 16th, 2010
1:45 pm
All of you making the argument about Bailey ( East Hall ) over Johnson ( Gainesville High ) have no clue what you are talking about! Come watch the two of them play and then blog! I have watched them play for years and can tell you that there is no contest! If you took Bailey and put him on Gainesville High, the team would be the same with a little drop off. If you put A.J. on East Hall, the team would be get better right away! Bailey is what you call potential. Johnson is doing it right now!
SportsFan31313
August 16th, 2010
1:52 pm
dunbarwildcat States:
“There are so many talented players in Georgia”.
You definitely have that right. UGA and Tech has to do a better job in keeping the talent right here in the “Dirty South”!
Michael Carvell
August 16th, 2010
1:54 pm
@Truth shall Prevail, yes I agree that you could make an excellent case that East Hall DE/OLB Sterling Bailey is one of Georgia’s top 11 prospects AND players. On another note, I lobbied hard for South Gwinnett QB Kent Rollins. Unfortunately, Georgia is overloaded with talent and you only have 11 spots, so there is always going to be deserving players left off the Super 11.
BG
August 16th, 2010
2:02 pm
Sterling Bailey!
Boo AJC
August 16th, 2010
2:27 pm
Why aren’t there any WHITE players on the list? Guess the AJC has a little racism going on here and figure there are NO WHITE guys good enough…..
Racism, gotta go!
UK THOROUGHBRED
August 16th, 2010
2:38 pm
I would hate to be someone that has to help come up with this list. Really tough job to do. I could be wrong but didn’t years ago they have the Super 11 for the metro area and another Super 11 for the rest of the state? Or am I just imagining things.
David
August 16th, 2010
2:40 pm
This list is absolute joke. Stephon Tuitt might be the best player in the state yet he is not in Super 11. LMAO
Tdawg
August 16th, 2010
3:02 pm
I beg to differ. Marshall would make a dang fine QB. I just seen him against my canes this past Friday night and it was like he was toying with our defense. The mistake will be putting him at db. He did not impress me as a db. As strong of an arm as you will see at any level and unbelieveabley quick of feet and pretty accurate to boot. A qb all the way. Now if he could just learn to curb his temper. Take my word for it when a say that there are not 10 better high school football player’s in the state of Georgia. Crowell may be better and that is no a given.
GT BABY
August 16th, 2010
3:09 pm
is tuitt going to tech or what?
74 Dawg
August 16th, 2010
3:41 pm
Right. It’s all a conspiracy. Now give me my meds.
Natureboy809
August 16th, 2010
3:45 pm
Reports were that Todd Grantham has coveted Sterling Bailey since he arrived in Athens. I will take his assessment of a defensive player over whatever the AJC thinks anyday.
Peach County Fan
August 16th, 2010
3:50 pm
Nothing against O’Reilly and Randolph, but Watts Dantzler and Gabe Wright are more deserving. You can’t get much more highly recruited and productive than those two young men!
For those questioning AJ Johnson’s inclusion, go watch the AAA title game. He was making plays sideline to sideline in the running game and passing game.
Hey Todd and Michael, next year lets do a Super 24 using the following format.
1 QB
2 RB
2 WR
1 TE
5 OL
4 DL
3 LB
4 DB
2 ATH/AP
KD
August 16th, 2010
3:54 pm
Watched Tuitt play Friday night, no one could stop him or the other DE from Monroe. Everytime they were opposite ends of the line they rushed the QB or sacked him, then the coach for what reason I don’t know, would move Tuitt to DT and he would get lost in the crowd. I thought he was being recruited as a DE not DT. Then he would play TE at times and made several good catches that were not thrown directly to him, looked very comfortable at the TE position. The Defense looked good for Monroe, probably held Forest Park to around 5 first downs all night.
football guy
August 16th, 2010
4:05 pm
Ralph David Abernathy IV, running back for Westminster.
savannadawg
August 16th, 2010
4:16 pm
Why don’t you just do a Super 11 for each HS classification in Georgia? This would make everyone happy!!
GTax
August 16th, 2010
4:17 pm
I am pretty sure AJC Super 11 SA, Nick Marshall, just took a Helmet swing at his coach during a scrimmage yesterday and may be done for the season there.
Sounds like a real Super 11 kid. Maybe you guys should replace this clown with Tuitt. No kid should hit their coach with their helmet. Bad attitude. UGA can have him.
Paddy
August 16th, 2010
4:21 pm
Recruiting Fact Sheet….this list has absolutly nothing to do with those stupid stars given by the internet scouting services. This is about the best HIGH SCHOOL PLAYERS. It has nothing to do with college football!!!
High School observer
August 16th, 2010
5:43 pm
To the poster wondering why Richt let Randolph get out of state. UGA targeted and got commits from two safeties who are rated better by most every recruiting service than Randolph. Not to say he won’t have a good career at UT, but the Dogs filled their safety quota early.
sally j
August 16th, 2010
6:35 pm
TOP 5…..
1. Drew 2. Johnson 3. Randolph 4. Crowell 5. Vaughters
gaboy
August 16th, 2010
9:14 pm
The AJC just looked over a superstar wide reciever in Johnson County. He can toe tap on the side lines that is unheard of for a high school wide out. Mr. Walker is one best eleven players in the state.
SPX fan
August 16th, 2010
10:21 pm
Saw AJ Johnson in the scrimmage last Friday of Gainesville at St. Pius X. He is a beast, but he can’t do it alone. St. Pius was able to control the ball and the game running the ball most of the time. SPX won the scrimmage inspite of the outstanding play of Mr. Johnson. He made a ton of plays, but in the end, it’s a team sport. There’s a junior on Pius named Geno Smith who is getting attention from college scouts. Probably not in the top 11, but has the speed and athleticism to make it in D1. Go Lions.
CaptainCaveman
August 16th, 2010
11:02 pm
If you do not think Brian Randolph is a legitimate candidate for the Super 11, then you either have not watched him play or you know little to nothing about high school football.
Newton Co.
August 17th, 2010
12:10 am
@KD Monroe and Forest Park COMBINED for an old goose egg in 2009 SOOOooo……..what are you doing watching a scrimmage of these two teams play? Especially on a Friday night, just asking?
Dustin
August 17th, 2010
12:32 am
You guys are giving Randolph no credit. He is an EVERY DOWN player that excels at every position he plays.
His first year playing defense (his sophomore year) he had 117 tackles and 3 INT’s. He was also a second string halfback that rushed for 600 yards on 45 carries.
His second year playing defense, he recorded 136 tackles and 3 INT’s. He started at Halfback and rushed for 1,300 yards on 139 carries. Do the math, that’s UNREAL. He had 13 rushing TD’s in a Shotgun-spread offense.
He’s a sure-tackler that can take anyone down. He’s the toughest kid I have personally ever met. He played the season with a broken nose, really damaged shoulder, and had surgery a few weeks before playoffs started.
He was the leader of Kell’s defense which only allowed 16.5 PPG. Yall are not giving him any credit, and I guess it’s because you haven’t seen him perform, live. I promise that you would love his skills if you saw him throughout the season, thanks for reading !
Trenton
August 17th, 2010
12:47 am
I agree with Todd. All of the ranking including the popular Scout & Rival are someone personnel opinion. This summer I have been from CA, OH, OK, AL, and GA. I have been to the elite 11, Steve Clarkson Dreammaker, Scout Combine and National Underclassman Combine this summer watching QB compete. I have seen what Scout & Rivals rank no.1 all the way down to the bottom. I have seen QBs that are under the radar out perform the to notch QBs. There are alot of guys from every position that should be on this list but wont make it. But I bet you the ones under the radar will be the ones that will have the better college career.
WILDCAT FAN
August 17th, 2010
8:07 am
Oh we have had some very desevering players, but the AJC, over look them here in Camden County. No one can tell me Days was not a Super 11 candidate last year, With the rushing yards, the play at linebacker and special teams, oh and by the way he shared the ball with 5 or 6 other backs and one was another 1000 yard rusher. And was coming off a very good Junior year. Carried us in the play-offs when our number 1 back got hurt. If he played on any highschool from Metro-Atlanta he would have been on the list last year. And our sensational Sophmore JJ Green does it matter that he is a Sophmore, if desevering put them on the list no matter the grade. The Ajc said he is one of the 5 best sophmores in the state I truly believe he is the best sophmore in the state. Just remeber the Names Green, Attaway, Cousins, Gelsey,Hopkins, All are starters on the defense all will be back next year, if at least 2 are not on that list, the Ajc should not even publish it again(Green,Attaway) 8 starters from the defense will be back next year, so lets see the excuse next year. I know we lost almost all our starters from last year, so I can live with none on the list, but when we have great players return there still not on the list. I think the play on the field should get you on the list, not because you are so highly recruited.
Chick Fil A on a Sunday
August 17th, 2010
8:07 am
Freaks! They are just high school KIDS…..Why should you care? I bet the FBI would be interested in your obsession with boys in tight pants.
Flo-Ri-Duh!
August 17th, 2010
9:45 am
Chick Fil A will NEVER be open on Sunday – do you hear me? Drew is the #1 recruit in Georgia and is undecided … not a strong AuBarn lean. Probably will be at UGA.
Flo-Ri-Duh!
August 17th, 2010
10:06 am
Keep in mind that this is AJC’s Super 11 and they mostly see players from the metro Atlanta area. They don’t deliver papers to south Georgia any more and are out of touch with most of what is going outside of Atlanta. I don’t know if they are necessarily biased towards Atlanta area players. But if they think two are equal in talent the Atlanta player will probably get the nod.