Defensive end Robert Nkemdiche and a host of other returners make Grayson the team to beat in Georgia.
Photo by Dennis Carter
In Georgia's AAAAA class last season, a five-loss Colquitt County team fell to Brookwood in the state finals to conclude a topsy-turvy season in the Peach State.
In contrast, the Grayson Rams have all of the pieces in place to emerge as an elite team both locally and nationally in 2011.
Quarterback
Nick Schuessler returns behind an offensive line that brings back three starters. Running backs
Devin Gillespie and
Terrius Watson both saw significant action as juniors and are poised for big seasons in the Rams' run-oriented Wing-T attack.
Wide receiver
Korey Jones gives Schuessler a gifted target to throw to, as head coach Mickey Conn may look to throw the ball more this season than in years past.
On defense, no one will be able to stop junior defensive end
Robert Nkemdiche one-on-one. He'll constantly draw extra attention, freeing up opportunities for teammates like
Zach Barnes, another big defensive end who could break out this season.
Wayne Gallman, who started his career at Florida's Trinity Christian, could make an impact at linebacker or safety this season.
Kasey Gaines, who doubles as a receiver, is an experienced cornerback. Fellow senior
Austin Meadows could be used in the same fashion. Gillespie and
Grayson pitched five shutouts last season including a 22-0 blanking of a Valdosta squad that averaged more than 31 points per game. If the new faces in its defense can mature quickly, Grayson will be a very well-rounded team with plenty of firepower on both sides of the ball that should carry it toward a AAAAA title.
Local look: "Grayson is a program that's been as good as any in Georgia the past few seasons, except for the lack of a state title. They've beaten almost every top program over the past four years, from Lowndes to Camden County to North Gwinnett to Valdosta to Peachtree Ridge and Brookwood. It seems inevitable that Grayson will reach the top soon, and this could be their best shot."
- Todd Holcomb, Georgia high school football historian
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