Grayson-Dacula game headlines ‘Prospects on Parade’

It’s Friday afternoon and that means it’s almost time for “Friday Night Lights.”

A lot of good games are on tap tonight as far as getting a look at the best prospects in the city and state. Me, I’ll be attending Grayson at Dacula.

I’m looking forward to getting a firsthand look at the Rams’ dynamic little tailback, Ean Pemberton, and what they’re calling their “three-headed monster” on defense — DT  Shawn Green (Georgia Tech commitment) and DE Joe Champaign and LB Terry Williams.

Being vertically challenged myself, I’m eager to see what happens to the 5-foot-4 or 5-5 Pemberton  in recruiting. I talked to Chad Simmons, Southeast regional recruiting analyst for Scout.com, about what he’s seen and heard regarding Pemberton.

“He may be the best running back in the state pound for pound but he’s not getting that kind of attention yet,” Simmons said. “Obviously his size hurts him, but I think he could be a running back or returner in the SEC. Georgia and Florida, somebody like that could take a chance on him if they ended up with a scholarship open just because of his special teams ability. He’s getting a lot of looks. I think it’s just a matter of time before somebody pulls the trigger on him.

Dacula has some top-shelf players as well, including wide receiver Jake Brown, defensive end Elijah Mahaly and defensive back Dexter Walker.

Here’s some other games worth paying attention to:

• Carver-Columbus at Northside-Warner Robins: No. 1-ranked Carver features a collection of kids that will play on the next level, including QB Devin Burns (Maryland), DE Corey Crawford (Clemson), OL David Beasley (Clemson) and DE Brandon Smith. RB Isaiah Crowell and DT Gabe Wright are among the top junior prospects in the state. One of the best players for the Northside is running back Shaquille O’Neill. No, he’s no relation.
• Calhoun at Cartersville: This is the game being broadcasts by Comcast Sports Southeast (CSS) tonight. So set your DVR if you’re interested in getting a look at Calhoun’s Da’Rick Rogers, who’s considered the top receiver prospect in the state. The Georgia commitment has already filled the highlight reel in the first two games, adding a blocked punt to his collection last week. Quarterback Nash Nance is also a prospect for the Yellow Jackets.
• Hoover (Ala.) at Camden County: ESPN is bringing its considerable crew to Kingsland for this clash of regional high school powers, which can be shown on ESPNU. Hoover features QB Ryan Carter, WR Maudrecus Humphrey (the son of former Alabama great Bobby Humphrey) and LB John Probst, a West Virginian commitment and the nephew of former Hoover head coach Russ Propst (now at Colquitt County). Camden is led by quarterback Joel Ruiz.
• Buford at Lovett: The game itself hasn’t been very competitive recently but there will be a lot of talent on the field. The Wolves will trot out OT  Kolton Houston (Georgia) and Auburn commiment Jessell Curry (Auburn), along with 6-6, 315-pound prospect Du’Von Millsap. Lovett QB Jonathan Kurkoff passed for more than 2,100 yards last year.
• Douglass vs. Booker T. Washington: The “Battle of the two Garrisons.” Douglass’ Garrison Smith is an AJC Super 11 selection and is generally regarded as the No. 1 defensive tackle in the state. Washington’s Garrison Glass is also a top-notch defensive lineman who has largely flown under the radar. Antonio Goodwin (Auburn) is also a must-see player for the Bulldogs.
• McEachern at Woodstock: TD-scoring machine Rajaan Bennett of McEachern will get tested by a tough Woodstock defense.
• Houston County at Bradwell Institute: Houston County running back Robert Williams is averaging 221.5 yards rushing in the first two games. Let’s see if he can keep it up.

That’s just a few. There are many more. Let me know which ones you’d pay to see.