Hotlist Camp top performers: 2026 QB Julian 'Juju' Lewis dazzles

Jeremy Johnsonby:Jeremy Johnson05/02/22

JeremyO_Johnson

The Atlanta area was host to a collection of players from around the area on Saturday and Sunday. Villa Rica High School was played host to the second annual Hotlist Camp. A few out-of-state prospects made the journey and shined.

Eyes and heads turned toward one of the younger prospects in attendance.

On3 MVP Julian ‘Juju’ Lewis QB (2026)

Carrollton (Ga.) quarterback Julian Lewis stood out immediately among the quarterbacks gathered. He threw the ball well in every drill. He hit receivers in the face coming out of breaks in nearly every drill.

Though he hasn’t started high school yet, Lewis already holds offers from Georgia, Florida, Ole Miss, and Michigan among others.

Lewis has had a high level of quarterback instruction from a young age. He is considered to be advanced for a young signal-caller.

“He’s been training since he was 7-years-old,” private quarterback coach Ron Veal told On3. “I think he’s put in so many reps of doing this over and over again that he understands his body and what he’s trying to do as far as his drops, his sets and his movements. Those are things he doesn’t have to think about.”

Lewis is set to battle for the starting quarterback job at Georgia powerhouse Carrolton this spring as a rising freshman. Veal knows the game of football will provide Lewis with the tools to grow himself as a player even further.

“The game will humble you, that’s where the growth takes place if he respects it,” Veal said. “The humble us all and it will continue to. I think that will be his driving force.”

2. Christopher Martin QB (2024)

Leesburg (Ga.) Lee County 2024 signal-caller Christopher Martin has already played in a lot of big football games in big-boy football in Georgia.

Martin stands around 6-foot-2 and weighs around 190 pounds. He squats over 500 pounds as well. Martin’s measurables matched the way the football popped off his hand on Saturday.

He threw with strength and touch. Martin carries a calm, professional demeanor as well.

3. Preston Bird ATH (2024)

Kathleen (Ga.) Veterans 2024 athlete Preston Bird moved differently than most on the field on Saturday. One coach went as far as praising him with ‘Josh Downs vibes’.

Bird stands 5-foot-8, 160 pounds. He was twitchy in and out of routes with an explosive next gear while chasing down a deep ball.

Bird is also a powerful player. He just came in third place in the 5A GACA state weightlifting competition.

4. Jackson Powers DB (2023)

Minneapolis (Minn.) Maple Grove defensive back Jackson Powers has been making trips to the south for training and opportunities to compete.

His recruitment has begun to buzz a bit. He recently added offers from Morgan State and UConn. Powers was smooth in drills. Additionally, he made up space if he was beaten in one-on-ones.

5. Mason Townsend OL (2026)

Bogart (Ga.) Prince Avenue offensive lineman Mason Townsend battled players older and more experienced than him throughout the day on Saturday.

The rising freshman has already taken part in the Under Armour All-American Middle School Game. He won every rep that we view of pass protection. Townsend will battle for an early role with the Class A Private state runner-up Wolverines.

Five prospects to watch

Josiah Jarrett QB Trinity Christian (2023)

C.J. Kelley DL Carrollton (2026)

D.J. Rumph Edge (2027)

Hayden Thompson QB Peachtree Ridge (2023)

Miada Jones OL Norcross (2023)