Two-sport standout Aaron “AJ” Kearse is ITG Next’s 2026 Sumter County High School Male Athlete of the Year, presented by South Georgia Technical College.
While most fans know about Kearse’s accomplishments on the gridiron, he was also a successful track athlete. As a member of the Sumter County track squad this past season, Kearse competed in the 100-meter dash, 4×100 relay, and 4×200 relay.
He captured first place in the 4×100 region championship and first place in the 4×200 region championship. He finished third in the 100-meter region championship. Kearse also placed in the GHSA Class 2A state championships, finishing second in the 4×200.
In football, Kearse began to make a name for himself as early as middle school. He was chosen as the ITG Next 2021-22 Georgia Male Youth Athlete of the Year as an eighth-grader.
The next year, Kearse moved into a starting role with the Sumter County High School varsity program and immediately made an impact.
Sumter County had won just one game in 2021 and again in 2022, but as Kearse matured into his role as a starting running back and linebacker, the Panthers finished 5-5 in 2023, then 10-2 in 2024. Last season, Kearse and Sumter County went 12-2, advancing to the Class 2A semifinals.
“AJ was a four-year starter for us, playing outside linebacker and running back, and he has been a tremendous leader and a great example to the younger players and for his community,” said Will Rogers, Sumter County head football coach.
According to Rogers, Kearse was a First-Team All-Region selection in each of the past three seasons and was selected to the All-State team for his junior and senior seasons. Kearse was also chosen as the Region 1-2A Co-Athlete of the Year this past season.
Kearse rushed for over 3,000 yards during his high school career while collecting over 250 tackles from his linebacker position.
Kearse is an honor graduate and early-enrolled at Eastern Michigan University on a full scholarship.
