Names for Georgia fans to track from Georgia Elite Classic

Rome was the host of some of the best young names in Georgia high school football on Friday night. The Georgia Bulldogs lean heavily on their home state for talent.

It is only natural that a few of the stars of Friday’s games will end up on Georgia’s radar at some point or another. After a first glimpse a lot of the next wave of prep stars, here are seven young names to keep an eye on from a Georgia perspective.

This is based on Georgia’s track record of traits, fit and potential long-term impact. The first name we’ll name here. Four-star defensive back Tae Harris took part in Friday’s game. Harris is a Georgia commit already. He flashed his physicality and quickly picked up the defense well enough to be a main communicator in the back end in the Junior game. Harris broke up a few tackles and had a chance to snag two interceptions that were just outside of his reach.

Harris expects to be a safety should he eventually sign with Georgia.

Here are the new names.

2027 RB Andrew Beard

Beard already has an offer from Georgia and an immense Georgia family tie. Beard is the nephew of former Georgia star running back Garrison Hearst. Hearst was in attendance on Friday night. Beard ran for 41 yards and a score on nine carries. Beard also had 117 yards receiving and a score on three catches.

He’s an explosive playmaker who runs between the tackles with patience but has the explosiveness to hit holes and turn a short gain into a home run at any moment. Beard has good size for a rising sophomore. He’s going to mature even more in the coming years. Beard has a chance to become one of the premier running backs in the state, maybe the country.

2027 QB Ben Musser

Musser is electric.

The rising sophomore at nearby Prince Avenue Christian School can make every play asked of a quarterback. Musser has a strong enough arm to reach any on the football field.

He layers the football well already. Musser isn’t always looking for the home run play. In other words, Musser has a good feel for playing the quarterback position and being a distributor of the football.

Then, there’s his own ability. Musser possesses game-changing speed. The quarterback threw for 176 yards and a touchdown. He ran for 46 yards and two touchdowns. He has a knack for extending plays but not doing it to run for his own gain. Musser keeps his eyes down the field looking for a throw to make. Choas doesn’t bother him.

Sound familiar?

2027 LB Max Brown

This name sounds familiar because he’s the younger brother of five-star Clemson signee Sammy Brown. The younger Brown has a lot of the same talents his elder brother has.

Brown popped out sporting Georgia gloves on Friday. Like his brother Georgia could be a school to watch when his recruitment takes off. The younger Brown is a little different as a player. Brown is not the dominant offensive player his brother was, at least yet.

Brown has a natural knack for being wherever the football will be. He racked up nine tackles on Friday. Brown was not playing every defensive snap. The Gold team played a series at a time with a new group. Brown’s group started the game and rotated out for a series and then returned.

2026 DL James Morrow

Morrow already has an offer from Georgia. He was offered as an edge. Morrow has gained a lot of size to his frame over the last few years at Buford.

He could end up as a five-technique type at some major university. Morrow has the prototypical 6-foot-4, 6-foot-5 frame.

He’s a physical presence setting the end but he’ll also fly down and chase the ball carrier down as well. Morrow flashed a few times on Friday night. He’s a name to keep an eye on as he’ll step even higher into Buford’s rotation in 2024.

2026 OL/DL Ben Mubenga

Mubenga is blossoming as a defensive line prospect. At 6-foot-6, he’s got the frame to add size whenever he needs to. Mubenga is still learning to play the position. He’ll possibly play some offensive line as well at Buford.

He’s one to keep an eye on as camp season comes around. Mubenga already holds multiple Power Five offers.

2026 OL Tyreek Jemison

Jemison has an offer from Florida Atlantic already. Coaches raved about the 6-foot-5, 330-pound tackle all weekend.

Jemison’s size turns heads. He possesses the long arms desired by major college football offensive linemen. Jemison needs some development over the next year or so, but he’s definitely a player to keep an eye on.

2027 ATH Keyon Standifer

Standifer was a difference-maker at Athens Academy this fall. He flashed brilliance on Friday night. He caught two passes and had a touchdown.

Strandifer also played cornerback where he broke up a few passes and got his hands on a few passes that could have been interceptions.

You can’t teach his speed.

Names in the back pocket

• CJ Dockery 2026 WR Prince Avenue
• Elijah Peeks 2027 DL Paulding County
• Jakoby Diamond 2025 DL Cedartown
• Kimauri Farmer 2026 RB Carrollton
• Anthony Lonon 2026 DL Clarke Central