The class of 2024 is filled with big names who have seen their recruiting heat up in the past few months. Some notable names in the class of 2024 include Pace Academy’s Hevin Brown- Shuler, Buford’s KJ Bolden, and UGA commit, Landen Thomas from Colquitt. While these guys have obvious talent and recognition, some lesser-known guys throughout the state are making waves this offseason and their names will soon shine through. I will include 5 players from the class of 2024 who are quickly improving their stock and have the potential to be household names during this upcoming year. 

5. Jeff Davis II, Warner Robins (QB)

Davis spent time as quarterback for State-Champion Warner Robins in 2021. An injury derailed his season and he was forced to miss 5 games. Coming into 2022, Davis was able to transfer to Grayson high school in Metro Atlanta and prepare to help the perennial playoff team go for another run. 

QB Hit List rated Davis at  89.9  grade during his sophomore year despite missing 5 games. In those games played, he displayed pure passing from the pocket. His ability to throw the deep ball shows through the first few plays of his film. Davis rarely was forced to leave the pocket, but on several passes, he stays strong in the pocket and delivers on-target passes. As a freshman, Davis played limited snaps but was able to connect for 3 touchdowns. Davis’ progression is inevitable as he possesses all of the tools to be an elite pro-style quarterback. Although it is still early in his recruiting, Davis will need to have a full healthy season to truly display why he is a top sleeper in his class.

4. Preston Bird, Veterans High (WR)

Despite not being a major contributor in his sophomore year, Preston Bird surely made the most of all of his opportunities this past season. As a receiver and returner for Veterans High, Bird made sure to score each time his hands were on the ball. In a big game against Ware County, Bird was named offensive player of the game after hauling in 5 catches for over 200 yards all-purpose and two touchdowns. 

His coming-out party turned heads and as Bird enters his junior year, he expects to be a much larger part of the offensive attack. In a recent interview with Bird, he told us how he’s working on his game this offseason. Bird finds space very well and despite his smaller frame, he is strong through contact and could even play running back.  As of now, Bird does not have any offers, but with the incredible offseason that he is having, he plans on changing that soon. 

Film → http://www.hudl.com/v/2GNKs2 

Interview → https://youtu.be/14vNUoXAQQs

3. T.J. Summerall, South Atlanta (DL)

To provide perspective on Summerall, in 2021, he started at the defensive end and was also a key contributor at receiver for South Atlanta High School. In a dominant season for South Atlanta, Summerall made his impact defensively, as he was nearly unblockable on the edge. His talent in the run game as well as in pass rush is equally as effective. 

The interesting aspect comes when you watch him on the outside at receiver. Summerall is dangerous as a ball carrier. Several times on film he would catch a screen, make several guys miss, and take it the distance. His size and speed are a scary combination for such a young player. As he develops physically and mentally, Summerall should be nearly impossible to stop as a ball carrier. 

In interviewing with Summerall recently, we learned that he is a focused young man that loves to compete. Summerall surely benefitted from playing across from teammate and top running back prospect, Keyjuan Brown, who tallied 42 touchdowns as a junior. With a variety of talent around Summerall, he will continue to develop into a top talent in his class. 

Film → https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14686849/621c0486066ac20a48e67dfd

2.  Mike Matthews, Parkview High School (WR)

Currently unranked, it is hard to tell that Matthews was only a sophomore. The Parkview Panthers have a boatload of young talent, who has been a big part of their success. WR Mike Matthews was one of the major contributors in their recent playoff push. In 11 games, the sophomore receiver brought in nearly 50 catches for 750 yards and 7 scores. As impressive as the numbers are, the 6’1 170-pound receiver is even more impressive on film. 

His ability to attack the ball in the air is very advanced and he is very aware of where he is on the field and makes several acrobatic sidelines catches. Even on the defensive side of the ball, Matthews is able to cover ground very quickly, displaying his speed. Matthews is a two-sport athlete who also competes in basketball as well. Inside the hashes will continue to keep an eye on Matthews as he enters his junior season at Parkview high school. 

Film → https://www.hudl.com/profile/14691090/Mike-Matthews 

Offers: Notre Dame, Arkansas, Georgia Tech, Liberty, Oklahoma State, Pitt, UAB, UCF, Wake Forest

1. Jeffson Locke, Christian Heritage  (DL/OL)

Out of a small private school, Christian Heritage in Dalton, Georgia, Sunlocke is relatively unknown at the moment. However, it is a matter of time before schools begin flocking. At 6’4’’ 230, Locke is a towering presence. He is not only solid in stature, but his length matches as well. In 2021, Locke recorded over 60 tackles with 40 solo’s and nearly 8 tackles per game. He also registered 3 sacks, 3 bat-downs, and 1 Interception and touchdown. 

Locke is typically at the weak-side defensive end for Christian Heritage, but over the spring he has been training at the interior linebacker position. Locke moves very well and has the size and athleticism to play anywhere in the front seven. On film, he makes several open-field tackles on ball carriers after disengaging blocks like a pro. 

Locke will need to have a break-out season to solidify what scouts saw from his sophomore year, but will surely rise up some scouting boards. Jeffson’s older brother, Solomon Locke is committed to play for the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, mock as a running back. 

Interview → https://youtu.be/akbBswMh8rY 

Film → https://www.hudl.com/video/3/9908573/61999e0ca676c80e9c588d5b 

Writer

-By: LeMarkus Bailey

It was a tough week for the NFL, as several players went down to injury. It’s never fun to talk about these things, but as fantasy managers, it is important to evaluate who the beneficiaries may be as a result of these outcomes. Although the statuses of many players are unknown, taking a flier on some of these players on your waiver wire can offer significant short and long-term value.

Alexander Mattison, RB, Vikings

There are few examples of handcuffs that can serve as direct replacements if the starter ahead of them were to go down and Alexander Mattison is one of them. Going back to last season in week 17, when given the opportunity, Mattison posted 95 rushing yards and a touchdown on 21 carries. With Dalvin Cook already dealing with an ankle sprain and given his injury history, it might be only a matter of time before Mattison gets another shot and has the potential to be a league winner.

Kenneth Gainwell, RB, Eagles

Gainwell makes the list again this week because he is still widely available in several leagues and must be rostered. Throughout the offseason, there was a debate about who the receiving back in Philadelphia would be, Boston Scott or Kenneth Gainwell. Through two weeks, with Gainwell already receiving several opportunities through the air and on the ground compared to zero for Scott, it’s clear that it is Gainwell’s job to lose. With Sanders' struggles in the passing game and his ability to stay on the field, Gainwell’s receiving skills should allow him to play a major role in his offense and he offers significant upside if Sanders were to go down.

Rondale Moore, WR, Cardinals

Despite running the fourth-most routes on his team, Rondale Moore leads the Cardinals in targets (13) through two weeks, even more than DeAndre Hopkins. It’s always a good sign for receivers to see targets when they are on the field and after an impressive 7-114-1 breakout performance. The rookie should only see his role increase. Playing in one of the league’s most high-scoring offenses, Moore provides tremendous upside for the season going forward.

Tim Patrick, WR, Broncos

Another week, another touchdown, Patrick has found the endzone twice in back-to-back games. Heading into the season, the biggest concern for Patrick was not his talent, but how many opportunities he was going to see in a crowded receiving room. Now with Jerry Jeudy placed on IR, as long as Patrick has the starting role, he should continue to be a reliable option for quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, who was able to sustain three top-25 fantasy receivers last season.

Cordarelle Patterson, RB, Falcons

Through two weeks, Cordarelle Patterson is currently a top-12 running back in PPR. Although we should not expect this type of production to continue, it is something to be aware of given the fragility of the position. During Falcons head coach Arthur Smith’s tenure as offensive coordinator for the Titans from 2019-2020, Derrick Henry finished both seasons top 5 at his position. Smith has heavily leaned on his running backs and with Patterson posting 69 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns in a tough matchup last week, he should continue to be involved and can potentially carve out a larger role in this offense.

-By: Sunny Choudhury

Detroit Lions: Do the Lions Trust Goff?

For the Lions in 2021, it is most likely going to be a rebuilding year with QB Jared Goff under center. The team is looking to form a culture with new head coach Dan Campbell and the era of Matthew Stafford officially over. Detroit is going to have their struggles in 2021 due to a young roster so that will be expected. The one bit of unknown for Detroit is how they view Goff. Goff, who was recently traded by the Los Angeles Rams for Stafford, has had underwhelming years since his Super Bowl run in 2018-19. Is Goff just a bridge guy? Or does Detroit view him as a building block for a winning culture in their future?

Minnesota Vikings: Can the Young Secondary Improve Enough to Compete?

Outside of a rough start to the year by QB Kirk Cousins, the Minnesota Vikings offense was a force in 2020, pushing the ball down the field with two pro bowl caliber receivers while also having the ability to hand the ball off to all-pro RB Dalvin Cook. WR Justin Jefferson broke the receiving yards record for a rookie, totaling 1,400 yards. His running mate, Adam Theilen, had 14 touchdowns as well, helping Cousins throw 35 in 2020. Despite this, the Vikings missed the playoffs and went 7-9 due to having the worst defense in the NFC. Minnesota gave up a conference worst 475 points and struggled in the secondary. Despite this, they have two young corners in Cam Dantzler and Jeff Gladney that showed improvement as the season progressed. Cleaning up the secondary would be huge for the Vikings to complement their offense. A lot of it will be on the shoulders of the growth of their two young corners, who I expect to take a big step in 2021.

Green Bay Packers: What is Going On with Rodgers?

I do not believe any team has had a crazier offseason to this point than the Green Bay Packers and the state of their QB Aaron Rodgers. It has been made very clear by Rodgers that he does not want to be there and has made no effort to show up to anything yet, including missing mandatory minicamp. Rodgers, the reigning MVP, was in the news last year when QB Jordan Love was drafted. Many felt this strained his relationship with the Packers, and this year may or may not have proved it. The biggest question right now for the Packers is who is going to be their quarterback in 2021? They have been stern on wanting Rodgers back, but also have a first-round pick waiting in the wings. Things are not going to get easier from here in Green Bay with important questions remaining unanswered.

Chicago Bears: Are the Bears Contenders or Pretenders?

People seem to forget that the Bears made the playoffs in 2020 and were a dropped touchdown away from possibly winning against the Saints. Regardless, the Bears needed to make a change to get out of the crossroads of contenders or pretenders. The Bears have been mediocre the past few seasons, but have had enough talent to compete. QB Justin Fields will more than likely become the starter at some point this season. If he plays well, the Bears will be right in the mix for the division and the playoffs.

Info from profootballreference.com

Writer

-By: Richie Dordas