Few defenders in high school football history have matched the production of
Grayson (Loganville, Ga.) linebacker
Tyler Atkinson. The five-star senior as one of the most feared defenders in the country after a record-setting three-year stretch.
Atkinson was named the MaxPreps National Junior of the Year in 2024 after posting 166 tackles, 32 tackles for loss and 13 sacks, helping lead Grayson to its first Georgia Class 7A state championship since 2020. The Rams capped the season with a 38-24 win over Carrollton, where Atkinson tallied 13 tackles, three tackles for loss and two sacks against five-star quarterback Julian Lewis.
The 6-foot-1, 210-pound senior has been remarkably consistent throughout his career, surpassing 100 tackles, 20 tackles for loss and eight sacks in each of his three seasons. He has totaled 475 tackles, 79 tackles for loss and 31.5 sacks while competing against elite Georgia competition.
Tyler Atkinson and teammates celebrate an emotional overtime win over Alabama powerhouse Thompson last season. (PHOTO: Travis Kirkland)
One of his most impressive performances came in the 7A semifinals last season, where he notched a career-high 26 tackles in a 35-28 win over Douglas County. Atkinson's blend of sideline-to-sideline speed, football IQ and relentless motor has made him one of the most coveted uncommitted prospects in the country.
With Atkinson anchoring the defense, the defending 7A state champions are poised for another title run in 2025.
Georgia is considered the leader in Atkinson's recruitment with Clemson, Ohio State, Oregon and Texas also in the mix. According to 247Sports, 50 FBS programs have extended an offer to the Peach State product.
