We tell you everything you need to know about the 2025 Thomas County Central High School football team in this preview, including roster changes and what fans can expect from the Yellow Jackets this season.
2024 Season Stats
- Overall Record:11-2
- Points Scored: 614
- Points Allowed: 190
Key Roster Losses
According to Thomas County Central head coach Justin Rogers, his 2025 team will miss a few key players who were a big part of not only last year’s success, but who have made an impact over the last couple of years.
That includes linebacker Jayden Rubbo. In addition to Rubbo’s 85 tackles last season, he leaves with 182 tackles, including 10 ½ sacks, over his career as a Yellow Jacket. He also recovered five fumbles last season.
Another defensive standout who will be missed is safety Jendarius “Dee” Reddick. Last season he returned an interception 106 yards for a TD, returned a kick for a TD, and returned a fumble for a TD. The four-star recruit signed with USC.
Kicker and punter Drew Reneau, a four-star Kohl’s kicker, has graduated.
Key Players Returning
Thomas County Central returns one of the most talented rosters of any team in Class 5A this year.
That starts on offense with senior quarterback Jaylen Johnson, who has thrown for 4,234 yards and 44 TDs the past two seasons as the Yellow Jackets’ starter. He completed 61% of passes over that same time.
Also returning is senior running back Christian “Deuce” Lawrence, who averaged 110 yards rushing per game and scored 19 TDs in 2024.
Senior wide receiver Jaydon Dunbar caught seven TDs last year, and junior wide receiver Jabari Watkins caught five TD passes.
Senior center Artem Korchagin returns to anchor the offensive line in 2025.
Defensively, Rogers and staff welcome back senior defensive end Cam Brooks, a four-star recruit who has committed to California. Linebacker Omari Stephenson, senior nickelback Tre’Von Pringle, and senior safety Dannell Jester all return.
What to Expect From the Thomas County Central Yellow Jackets in 2025
Rogers said that this offseason has been a good one for his talented Central squad with a lot of emphasis on team unity.
“The kids have worked super hard and have really focused on leadership and their chemistry with one another,” Rogers said.
Thomas County Central continues to possess a talented team with an abundance of three- and four-star position players across the board at every position.
This team didn’t lose much at all in terms of graduation, and many of last year’s top contributors are back.
One of the few question marks may be the kicker position, which is open due to the departure of Drew Renau, who was a real weapon for TCC the past two seasons.
2025 Season Prediction
With so much talent at Thomas County Central, look for the Yellow Jackets to make another run at the state title game and to finish with a 13-2 record.
Game to Watch
Sept. 5 versus Thomasville
