RB Mack Brown and OLB Michael Taylor are among the Peach State's best.

Originally Published: September 24, 2009

Everything's peachy in Georgia

RB Mack Brown and OLB Michael Taylor are among the Peach State's best

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By Bill Conley
Scouts Inc.
Archive

There is little argument that Georgia is fertile ground for high school talent. There are 29 four-star players in the 2010 class and 55 three-star athletes. Of the ESPNU 150, 17 hail from the Peach State, led by the state's No. 1 player RB Mack Brown (Lithonia, Ga./Martin Luther King).

Seven of the top 10 players in Georgia line up on offense, including two running backs, three receivers, one tight end and one guard. Plus, 26 of the top 30 players in the state are already committed to the colleges of their choice, proving that commitments are being made earlier and earlier.

For a look at the state's top player, a name to remember who might not be the highest-rated prospect and which programs are doing the best job of recruiting in Georgia this year, become an ESPN Insider.

Top player

ESPNRISE Mack Brown is one of the more complete backs in this class.

Mack Brown
Brown might not be the biggest back in the country, but it is tough to find a better one. He runs with power and speed and is physically put together well. The 5-foot-11, 185-pounder displays exceptional vision and accelerates through small openings instinctively. He is strong in his core and lower body, which makes it difficult for one defender to bring him down. Brown consistently shows the ability to maintain his balance and gain yards after first contact. He will become even more of a weapon carrying the football, once he gains some bulk.

Remember this name

Michael Taylor (Atlanta, Ga./Westlake)
It wouldn't be a shock if the caption next to Taylor's picture in the yearbook says "Tough guy." He is truly what every football coach looks for in a defensive player. The Tennessee commit flies to the football, often running by or over would-be blockers, to get a hit on the ball carrier. Taylor loves physical contact and is especially impressive when attacking the football downhill with a head of steam. Even though he lacks ideal height, he makes up for it with his aggressiveness and explosiveness on delivery. Watch for him to be the first one down on special-teams coverage units at the next level.

Taking up residence

The high school talent in the state of Georgia is attracting the attention of college staffs from all parts of the country. Nine different college programs have received verbal commitments from Georgia's top 20 prep gridders. For the second year in a row the top player from the state has ventured to neighboring Florida. In 2009, it was Greg Reid who chose Florida State, where he has been an impact player for the Seminoles as a freshman. This year it is Brown, who has committed to Florida.

Georgia Georgia
Even though Brown is headed to Florida, the Bulldogs still have lassoed six of the top 20 in-state players. The group is led by a pair of skilled athletes -- defensive back Alec Ogletree (Newnan, Ga./Newnan) and wide receiver Da'Rick Rogers (Calhoun, Ga./Calhoun). Coach Mark Richt and staff are working hard to keep the best at home. For the second year in a row the top offensive lineman in the state has chosen to attend the University of Georgia. Last year, it was Chris Burnette and this year it looks as though offensive guard Kolton Houston (Buford, Ga./Buford) will play in Athens next fall. Georgia is also still in the hunt for JaWuan James (Suwanee, Ga./North Gwinnett), even though he originally committed to Alabama and is also considering the University of Tennessee.

Auburn Auburn
Auburn has invaded its neighbor by grabbing verbal commitments from Georgia's top two athletes. Antonio Goodwin (Atlanta, Ga./Booker T. Washington) -- the second-best player in the state -- possesses excellent ball skills and could play wide receiver or defensive back for the Tigers. He can also make an early mark as a return specialist. Shaun Kitchens (College Park, Ga./Banneker), like Goodwin, could end up as a wideout, but his size and physicality make him a strong candidate for one of the defensive front seven positions.

Tennessee
The Volunteers locked up the seventh-best Georgia player in wide receiver Markeith Ambles (McDonough, Ga./Henry County) along with talented defensive lineman Garrison Smith (Atlanta, Ga./Douglass). Ambles is a tall, impressive receiver who is smooth and fluid in his route running, while Smith brings power and strength at the point of attack.

Clemson Clemson
Clemson is the other school to land multiple players from Georgia's top 20. Athletes Gary Peters (Conyers, Ga./Heritage) and Vic Beasley (Adairsville, Ga./Adairsville) have both opted to play for the Tigers next year.

Georgia Tech
The Yellow Jackets are making a strong push for in-state athletes and all dozen of the Tech verbals are from Georgia, but they haven't landed any of the top 20 players at this point. Their top recruit is cornerback Ryan Ayers (Douglasville, Ga./South Paulding).