Buford padded camp provides stiff competition for standouts

On3 imageby:Jeremy Johnson07/15/21

JeremyO_Johnson

Some elite players popped pads at Buford High School on Tuesday and Wednesday. There were a few names that have been in the news lately.

Recent Ohio State commit Kojo Antwi was there with his Lambert team. Antwi’s raw athletic ability was evident. Additionally, the 2022 wide receiver flipped over to defense to play cornerback during Lambert’s scrimmages.

There are standouts that are only at the beginning of their recruiting trains.

Which new faces stood out in during Buford padded OTAs?

Khalil Bolden, Buford High School, Class of 2024

Bolden, a 6’2” 180-pound sophomore at Buford, plays both ways for the state of Georgia’s 5A defending state champion Wolves.

He ran smooth routes and brought thump in the run game as a safety. As he’s aging, Bolden is becoming more technical in his approach to the game.

Bolden was clearly blessed with some natural gifts.

As a result, this season at Buford could be a big one in him becoming a national recruit.

Coincidently, Bolden could already be considered a national recruit.

He has been offered by Georgia, LSU, Florida State, Florida, Florida Atlantic, Georgia Tech, Indiana, North Carolina, Ole Miss and South Carolina.

Bolden is quickly improving. If this week’s padded organized team activities were any indication, he’s about to be a household name in Georgia.

Jordan Allen, Buford High School, Class of 2025

Firstly, the freshman is still learning Buford’s way of life. Coaches already have a twinkle in their eye talking about Allen. He hasn’t played a snap of high school football and Georgia Tech recently offered Allen a scholarship.

Talent is dripping from the rising freshman.

Allen lined up in the slot, running back and safety for Buford’s big team on Tuesday and Wednesday. Allen will be sharing the load with multiple Power 5 school commits.

He showed his ability early in the second session on Tuesday. Firstly, Allen caught a screen, before he sashayed away from Newton’s defense.

As a result, there were some erupting some yelps from teammates before scampering away nearly untouched for a touchdown.

Allen’s speed and wiggle could be next level tools. Furthermore, as Allen’s role with his high school team will grow.

As a result, the buzz around this smooth young dual position dynamo will also.

Non-Buford players shined as well

Paul Davis, Hart County, Class of 2023          

Davis is already highly thought of in the class of 2023. He lived up to the thoughts in pads in Buford. Davis is explosive.

As a result, he plays with swagger.

He’s also one of his team’s big personalities. Davis carried a big grin throughout the practice. He’s plenty capable of winning jump balls and isn’t shy of blocking on the perimeter.

Davis is a prospect that could make an early impact in college but doesn’t have the fan fare of being an elite prospect as of now.

Davis’ only offer has come from Duke at the moment. That will change. Davis is now Hart County’s top playmaker with Cane Borrong at Notre Dame.

Jevarra Martin Jr., Newton High School, Class of 2022

Immediately, Martin stands out because he’s so big. He stands 6’5” 220 pounds. The lefty quarterback glides around the pocket for a big man.

He also seems to really be in tune with what the Newton offense is trying to accomplish and how things should look.

Martin has a very calm demeanor. Being a baseball player has its influence on this 2022 quarterback. Martin dropped into a few different arm slots throwing the ball on Tuesday. He has excellent touch and enough arm to throw it anywhere.

This dual sport star is one worth watching develop into his senior season.

Daiqun White, Creekside High School, Class of 2023

White is fresh off a 7-on-7 national championship after playing with Cam Newton’s program. He’s seen some of the best the nation has to offer.

He looked like that on Tuesday.

White line up across from Ohio State commit Antwi multiple times in man-to-man coverage. There weren’t any early back pedals for a head start.

White sat confident, and sure of his ability to cover one of the class of 2022’s most sought after wide receivers.

Playing cornerback is mostly about attitude and technique. Coincidently, White has the attitude and technique to be a big-time player. Arkansas, Tennessee, Ole Miss, Mississippi State and UCF are among some of White’s early offers.

Jaleel Skinner announces top schools

Versatile tight end prospect Skinner took to his Instagram to announce that he has decided to cut down his list to his top five schools.

That list included Alabama, Clemson, Miami, Florida State and Texas.

Terian Williams II sets commitment date

The class of 2022 athlete from John’s Creek announced he’d be making his college choice public on August 8 at 8 12 p.m.

Williams is down to Texas Tech, Kansas State, Penn State, Stanford and Michigan.

“All the schools in my top five have coaches that have been in the program, bought into the program and aren’t just jumping place to place,” Williams said. “That’s one of the things you want. You want a coaching staff that is going to stick with you in and out. They have great engineering programs. Its about what’s going on outside of football and how they’re going to help you further down in your life.”

Arkansas offers trio of underclassmen

Arkansas dipped its toes into the underclassmen pool over the last few days. Sam Pittman’s staff offered Hebron Christian freshman KingJoseph Edwards, a 6’4” 235-pound wide receiver and edge defender.

Similarly, Champ Thompson, a defensive lineman in the class of 2024 from Meadowcreek, was also offered by Arkansas.

Zion Taylor, a 2024 edge out of Shadow Creek in Texas, picked up an Arkansas offer as well.