We tell you everything you need to know about the 2024 Buford High School football team in this preview, including roster changes and what fans can expect from the Wolves this season.
2023 Stats
- Overall Record: 11-2
- Points Scored: 477
- Points Allowed: 113
Key Losses
On offense, the Wolves of head coach Bryant Appling will have to replace last year’s starting quarterback, Dylan Raiola. Last season was the only year for Raiola at Buford after transferring to the Wolves late in the offseason as the nation’s top-rated high school quarterback. He is now at Nebraska.
Another big loss for the Wolves is KJ Bolden, an athlete in every sense of the word. He was a weapon on offense, defense, and special teams. He is now at UGA.
Tyshun White, who shared time at safety with Bolden, has also graduated and is now a member of the University of North Carolina secondary.
Linebacker Bryson Banks is headed to West Point and will play for Army.
Who’s Back
Despite losing some top players from last year, the Wolves return a ton of talent to both sides of the ball, especially on defense.
That includes five-star recruit Jadon Perlotte, a senior linebacker who is among the best in the country at his position.
He’ll be joined by another hard hitting linebacker in highly recruited senior Kenyon Rivera.
The backend of the Buford defense will be in good shape too with four-star cornerback Devin Williams returning for his senior season.
The offense will benefit from the return of several key contributors, including four-star running back Justin Baker.
Another key skill player who will return is three-star recruit and senior wide receiver Jordan Allen.
Hayden Bradely will be back at tight end and H-back, while Brayden Jacobs returns to his offensive tackle spot to give the Wolves offense pass and run protection in 2024.
What to Expect
With as much seasoned talent as Buford will have once again in 2024, it’s easy to want to go ahead and project them as a state champion contender. But as we have seen the last two seasons, the Wolves will get every opponent’s absolute best, and that could mean a premature end to a promising run toward a championship.
One thing is for sure, though: You can expect a Bryant Appling-coached team to be right there at the end.
The quarterback position is still up in the air. Former Collins Hill starter TJ Wilcox transferred to Buford this offseason, and he will battle for the spot with Dayton Raiola, who was projected to take over for his brother Dylan. Now there appears to be a true QB competition heading into the 2024 season.
Prediction
13-2 overall record
Game to Watch
Aug. 16 season-opener versus Milton
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