Fans of Georgia high school football have witnessed some really good talent on display so far through these first two weeks of the regular season. Just about every position has some of the finest talent in the country, whether it’s linemen, linebackers, wide receivers, safeties or, of course, quarterback. But who is the best high school football player in Georgia?
Last season, it was widely considered that Collins Hill ATH Travis Hunter was the most electrifying and overall talented player in the state, and some say in the country. The recruiting services certainly thought so, with 247Sports ranking him as the nation’s No. 1 prospect for 2022. The top- tier recruiting service also gave him a rating of 0.9999, which has been either matched or topped by just four players over the past decade. So, one would have a pretty good case to consider Travis Hunter the best overall player in the state last season.
So who is the heir apparent to Hunter as the best high school football player in Georgia in 2022? There are a lot of candidates to choose from, and I get it – we are just a couple of weeks into the 2022 season. But is there one player who stands above the rest? Here is a look at some of the top candidates and great players who have made their case for being the best player in the state
Class of 2023 (Seniors)
Caleb Downs, S, Mill Creek
The lone five-star recruit, according to 247Sports, in the 2023 class, this standout safety reminds us a lot of Hunter. Like the former Collins Hill standout, his natural position is safety, but he will also line up at WR, QB, and RB. Downs is also the highest-rated Georgia player in the 2024 class with a 0.9943 score. Downs is rated as the #12 overall safety in the country among the 2023 recruits. He had 151 all-purpose yards in the Hawks’ season-opening win over Walton, and his 35-yard interception return resulted in a short TD run for his team.
Justice Haynes, RB, Buford
This four-star recruit has a .9821 score and is rated as the #2 overall player in the state. Rivals ranks Haynes as the top RB in the state, while 247Sports ranks him at #2. He also came up big in Buford’s season-opening win over Thompson, in more ways than one. That’s what the great ones do – line up and beat you from just about any spot on the field. In addition to rushing for 92 yards from his RB position, he returned kickoff 97 yards for a TD. Haynes, who has committed to the University of Alabama, certainly makes a strong case for being the best high school football player in Georgia.
Vic Burley, DL, Warner Robins
The Warner Robins senior is a four-star recruit, and 247Sports gives Burley a composite score of .9801. The recruiting service also ranks him as the fourth-best DL in the country and second-best player in Georgia. He is another versatile player who can play inside on the D-line at tackle, as well as at strongside DE. He also lines up at TE in certain packages in the Demons offense. The 6-foot, 5-inch standout is committed to Clemson.
2024 Class (Juniors)
KJ Bolden, S/ATH, Buford
Bolden is a five-star recruit and the highest-rated recruit in Georgia among the 2024 class. He also has the highest recruiting score, .9959, of any player in Georgia. He is #4 in the country of all 2024 safeties. Bolden is really an ATH, and like the other great skill position players mentioned here, he will play many roles that require putting the ball in his hands. Bolden is also one of the fastest players in the state, running as part of the first leg of the Buford state championship 4×100 relay team. Bolden makes a great argument for being the best high school football player in Georgia, but sharing the spotlight with teammate Haynes may overshadow that just a bit.
