Candidates for Georgia's 2025 Gatorade Player of the Year

It’s that time of the year when considerations for candidates for numerous awards becomes the topic of discussion and one of the more notable of them all is the Gatorade Player of the Year for high school football players.

Each state has a player named for the prestigious honor and as the season begins ending for many across the country, the question starts popping up of who should be up for the very honor Gatorade Player of the Year?

Rivals examines state-by-state the unofficial candidates for the Gatorade Player of the Year, with next up being the Peach State of Georgia. Check out the five Gatorade POTY candidates we have selected and honorable mentioned list of players we believe should be up at the forefront for the award.

(All candidates were selected by Rivals’ Andy Villamarzo)

Amari Latimer, RB, Sandy Creek

We start off the list with the Wisconsin commitment that leads an undefeated Sandy Creek team that’s looking to make a run towards the GHSA’s Class 3A state championship. Latimer’s numbers match up with any running back in the state as the senior four-star has been as productive as they come. The future Badger has compiled 2,172 all-purpose yards and 39 total touchdowns this season. Coming off a season where Latimer rushed for 1,113 yards and scoring 19 times in 2024, the senior back could ended up doubling that total with a couple more games under his belt this postseason.

Marquis Fennell, ATH, Valdosta

To understand this selection, you need to be someone who has seen the Valdosta Wildcats play a couple times. Fennell, amongst a group of stars that play for Valdosta, stood out in multiple games versus rival Lowndes and Camden County. With the type of production Fennell brings to the offensive side of the ball as a running back and pass catcher, every team would yearn to have an ATH-type like the junior dynamo. Fennell this season has totaled 1,915 all-purpose yards and scored 25 total touchdowns for a team that has state championship aspirations.

Christian Lawrence, RB, Thomas County Central

Playing for one of the highest scoring offenses in the entire state of Georgia, Lawrence has been the bell cow for a Yellow Jackets’ offense that’s averaging an eye-popping 59.3 points per game and doesn’t look like they’re slowing down anytime soon in these Class 5A playoffs. The Wake Forest commitment has been a terror for opposing defenses, rushing for 1,325 yards (9.9 yards per carry) and 18 touchdowns. Lawrence has also added 353 receiving yards and seven scores while adding 155 kick return yards.

Kharim Hughley, QB, Gainesville

Another sensational junior we have to throw onto this list is Hughley out of Gainesville, which has reached the second round of the Class 5A playoffs. The 2027 four-star Clemson commitment led the team to a huge in-season victory over Milton and has the Red Elephants as viable contenders for the 5A state championship. Hughley this fall has completed 142 of 218 passes for 2,119 yards and 27 touchdowns. The junior has also been effective running the ball for Josh Niblett’s offense, rushing for 221 yards and finding pay dirt six times. With the type of production the quarterback has had for Gainesville this season, there’s no reason the quarterback shouldn’t be in this conversation.

Deuce Geralds, DL, Collins Hill

Now people might look at this selection and think to themselves, Collins Hill (6-5) is already out of the Class 6A playoffs after their loss to Lowndes, but Geralds was once again was one of the primary reasons why Eagles were ever given a shot to begin with on Friday nights. The LSU commitment faced double and sometimes even triple teams on any given night and was still able to put up some stellar numbers for his senior campaign. Geralds finished the 2025 season racking up 91 tackles, 37 for a loss and 16.5 sacks. Heck, Geralds even played some offense and rushed for 129 yards and scored a touchdown.

Honorable Mention: Christian Cypher, QB, Carrollton; Dayton Raiola, QB, Buford; Tyler Atkinson (Texas commit), LB, Grayson; Grant Moore, QB, Brunswick; Nate Russell, QB, Cartersville; Ty Cummings (Georgia Southern commit), RB, West Laurens; Michael Johnson (Utah commit), QB, Douglas County

How to Follow Georgia High School Football

For Georgia high school football fans looking to keep up with scores around the nation, staying updated on the action is now easier than ever with the Rivals High School Scoreboard. This comprehensive resource provides real-time updates and final scores from across the Peach State, ensuring you never miss a moment of the Friday night frenzy. From nail-biting finishes to dominant performances, the Rivals High School Scoreboard is your one-stop destination for tracking all the high school football excitement across the state of Georgia.