Georgia high school football is loaded with talented playmakers at every level. While the four-star and five-star recruits garner much of the state’s attention, they often overshadow other players whose impacts are immense. Here are five unheralded Georgia high school football players – that is, not starred or ranked – to watch in the 2022 football season.
Aaron Philo – Prince Avenue Christian
As a sophomore last season, Philo passed for 4,540 yards and 47 touchdowns, good for the sixth-most passing yards of any quarterback nationwide. The Wolverines enter the 2022 season poised to give Philo the recognition he deserves with players Bailey Stockton and Ethan Christian returning. That duo combined for over 2,200 yards and 30 TDs last year. Sure, Prince Avenue plays in A-D1, but Philo’s growing dominance could transcend classification boundaries.
Charlie Pace – Colquitt County
The Georgia State commit rushed for 1,138 yards and 12 touchdowns last season, but may get more touches as a senior with much of the Packers’ offense returning. He was given 60 carries in two games against Lowndes and Camden County last year, and if he can improve on his yards per carry, he will be easily on his way to a 1,500-yard campaign. Pace may also develop as a threat in the receiving game, giving returning QB Neko Fann more options in the redzone and on crucial downs.
Clark Jackson – Aquinas
Jackson didn’t just stuff stat sheets last year; he might have broken the system. The sophomore linebacker totaled a whopping 158 tackles, 19 tackles for loss and 17 sacks in just 11 games. Jackson will be the undisputed leader of the Fighting Irish defense his season, but his involvement at running back might also see an increase, as workhorse Charlie Bussey III already graduated. Jackson might be one the best, well-rounded players that A-D2 has to offer.
Cam’ron Lacy – Stephens County
As the 2021 season progressed, Lacy quietly established a reliable connection with his quarterback, Ben Stowe, raking in up to 8 catches a game. Lacy broke the 1,000-yards receiving mark last season and even intercepted four passes defensively. With Stowe returning as the team’s passer and Lacy moving into the CB1 spot, the Stephens County standout might be an all-around threat to opposing teams. Lacy also handles kick return duties, generating more opportunities for him to exhibit his explosiveness.
Qamar Grant – Pebblebrook
Grant rounds out our list of unheralded Georgia HSFB players in excellent position to have a generational season. After passing for 2,500 yards and 30 scores last season, Grant returns in 2022 with four of his top five receiving players available, three of whom have Division I offers. As a team, Pebblebrook may make some noise in 7A, with the possibility of a region championship and a deep playoff run very much in sight. Grant will be the offensive leader of this team and might be thrust into a statewide spotlight if such success occurs.
