Pipeline to the pros: Georgia high schools produce most NFL players per capita

By Mitch Stephens Sep 24, 2020, 3:15pm

Percentage wise, the south rises to the top in landing football players to the league.

Cam Newton and Deshaun Watson are a good start. Tyreek Hill and Alvin Kamara aren't far behind. And Nick Chubb and Darren Waller also offer loads of star power. The NFL talent pool from Georgia high schools is impressive and deep.

In fact, from the league's annual report, Georgia ranks No. 1 per capita in producing players on current NFL rosters.

Boasting 134 players total from a state with a population of 9,687.653, Georgia claims one NFL standout per 72,296 residents.

Though Florida has the most overall players with 194, followed by Texas (192) and California (170), percentage wise, Georgia is tops.

"The numbers don't lie," MaxPreps national football editor Zack Poff said. "Georgia football is right there with California, Texas and Florida. It has produced some of the best players in the NFL and will continue to produce the top talent every single year."



From the Peach State's biggest stars list, Newton attended Westlake (Atlanta), Watson went to Gainesville, Hill starred at Coffee (Douglas), Kamara to Norcross; Chubb to Cedartown and Waller to North Cobb (Kennesaw).
Deshaun Watson accounted for 17,134 yards and 218 touchdowns in his high school career at Gainesville (Ga.).
Deshaun Watson accounted for 17,134 yards and 218 touchdowns in his high school career at Gainesville (Ga.).
File photo by Dennis Carter
The Georgia High School that has currently produced the most players is Stephenson (Stone Mountain) with five: running back Mike Davis (Panthers), linebackers Bruce Irvin (Seahawks) and Preston Smith (Packers), and defensive ends Montez Sweat (Washington) and D.J. Wonnum (Vikings).

Three other Georgia schools boast four players on NFL rosters: Norcross, Peachtree Ridge (Suwanee) and Tucker.

Louisiana is right behind Georgia in the per capita rankings with 59 total players and 1 per 76,837 residents. West Monroe (Monroe) leads the charge with four former players in the NFL: linebacker Barkevious Mingo (Bears), offensive linemen Cam Robinson (Jaguars) and Andrew Whitworth (Rams) and safety Xavier Woods (Cowboys).


If there was any doubt what region produces the most talent, it is no doubt the South.

Following Georgia per capita is Alabama (1 per 79,682 residents), Mississippi (1 per 84,780) and Florida (1 per 96,914). Other Southern states in the top 12 are South Carolina (eighth), Texas (10th) and Tennessee (12th).



The national average to make it to the NFL is 1 per 180,447 residents.

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