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The 2024 GPB Sports All-State Team is a collaborative effort of our GPB Sports staff who work Football Fridays in Georgia. This is an all-classification honors team of the top GHSA football players in state.
Carrollton’s JuJu Lewis is the 2024 GPB Offensive Player of the Year.
Most Outstanding Offensive Player
Julian “JuJu” Lewis – Carrollton – 6-1, 181, Senior
Season Stats: 267-353 passing (75.6%) for 3798 yards (No. 1 GHSA), 253.2 YPG, 48 TD (No. 1 GHSA) and just 7 INT. Career: 11,000 yards passing (No. 7 GHSA history) with 145 TD (No. 5 GHSA history) in three seasons.
Recruiting: Signed with Colorado over 39 other offers. Highest Ranking: ESPN 5-Star and rated No. 2 overall prospect in the nation and No. 2 QB 2025.
Team: 14-1. 6A State Finalist.
Grayson’s Tyler Atkinson was chosen as GPB’s Defensive Player of the Year.
Most Outstanding Defensive Player
Tyler Atkinson – Grayson – 6-3, 219, Junior
Season Stats: 174 total tackles, 35 TFL and 15 QB Sacks. Career Stats: 483 total tackles, 82 TFL and 33.5 QB Sacks in three seasons.
Recruiting: 51 offers including Georgia. Highest Ranking: On3 Industry 5-Star, No. 1 LB, No. 1 overall prospect in Georgia and No. 9 overall prospect in the country 2026.
Team: 14-1. 6A State Champions.
Most Outstanding Coach of the Year
Mike Hancock – Apalachee
Guided the Wildcats through a most tragic and painful season to finish the regular season schedule despite the Sept.4 school shooting that left two teachers and two students dead and seven more students and teachers wounded.
Among the dead was Coach Hancock’s Defensive Coordinator Ricky Aspinwall.
The 25-year coaching veteran went through a season that no one should ever have to endure and was able to get his team to the finish line.
GPB Sports All-State All-Star Quarterbacks
Julian “JuJu” Lewis – Carrollton – 6-1, 181, Senior
GPB Sports All State Offensive Player of the Year
Luke Nickel, Milton
Luke Nickel – Milton – 6-2, 200, Senior
Stats: 209-308 passing (67.9%), 3,774 yards (No. 2 GHSA), 249.6 YPG with 44 TD (T-2nd GHSA) and just 7 INT. 300 rushing yards with 6 TD. Career: 10,165 passing yards (No. 11 GHSA History) and 107 TD (T-15th GHSA History).
Recruiting: Signed with Miami over 26 other offers. Highest Ranking: On3 4-Star and No. 13 QB and No. 11 prospect in Georgia 2025.
Team: 15-0. 5A State Champions.
Antwann “A.J.” Hill – Houston County – 6-5, 215, Senior
Stats: 240-369 passing (65.0%), 3626 yards (No. 3 GHSA), 302.2 YPG with 44 TD (T-2nd GHSA) and just 5 INT. Career: 10,904 yards passing (No. 8 GHSA history) and 123 TD (No. 7 GHSA history).
Recruiting: Signed with Memphis over 31 other offers. Highest Ranking: ESPN 4-Star and No. 5 QB 2025.
Team: 8-5. 5A State Quarterfinalist..
Todd Robinson – Valdosta – 6-0, 190, Senior
Stats: 189-282 passing (67.0%), 2,290 yards, 22 TD and just 6 INT. 538 yards rushing and 11 TD.
Recruiting: Signed with Georgia over 24 other offers. Highest Ranking On3 Industry 4-Star and No. 3 Athlete 2025.
Team: 9-3. 6A Second Round Finish.
Honorable Mention: Christian Langford, Hughes; Harrison Faulkner, North Oconee; Ben Brown, Wesleyam; Rashawn Truell, New Hampstead; Matt Pearch, Dunwoody.
GPB Sports All-State Running Backs
Ousmane Kromah – Lee County – 6-0, 205, Senior
Stats: 168-1,356 rushing yards, 8.1 average, 96.9 YPG, 7 100+ yard rushing games, 15 TD. Receiving: 34-741 yards, 8 TD. Career: 4.643 yards rushing and 55 TD. 83-1.456 yards receiving, 19 TD.
Recruiting: Signed with Florida State over 24 other offers. Consensus 4-Star. Highest Ranking: On3 Industry No. 4 RB 2025.
Team: 13-1. 5A State Semifinalist.
Nick Woodford, Northeast
Nick Woodford – Northeast Macon – 5-9, 210, Senior
Stats: 250-2,603 rushing yards, 10.4 average, 185.9 YPG, 12 100+ yard rushing games, 37 TD. Receiving: 17-227 yards, 5 TD. Career: 6,282 rushing yards, 88 TD.
Recruiting: Offered by West Virginia and Wake Forest.
Team: 12-3. 1AD1 State Semifinalist.
Tyreses Woodgett – Coffee – 5-10, 185, Senior
Siats: 316-2,340 yards rushing, 7.4 average, 180.0 YPG, 9 100+ yard rushing games, 27 TD. Rushed for state record 605 yards in quarterfinals.
Team: 11-3. 5A State Semifinalist.
Zayden Cook – Chattooga – 5-11, 190, Senior
Stats: 327-2,939 yards rushing (No. 1 GHSA), 9.0 average, 267.2 YPG, 11 100+ rushing games, 33 TD.
Team: 6-5. 1AD1 First Round Finish.
Brayden Tyson – Brookwood – 6-0, 235, Sophomore
Stats: 209-2,123 rushing yards, 10.2 average, 212.3 YPG, 8 100+ yard rushing games, 26 TD. Receiving: 20-326 yards, 3 TD.
Recruiting: 23 offers including Georgia, Ole Miss and Oregon. Highest Ranking: 247 Sports 4-Star and No. 13 Athlete 2027.
Team: 7-4. 6A First Round Finish.
Honorable Mention: Zion Johnson, Newton; Chris Cole, Brooks County; Andrew Beard, Prince Avenue; Shane Marshall, Irwin County; T.J. Lester, Milton.
GPB Sports All-State Wide Receivers
C.J. Wiley, Milton
C.J. Wiley – Milton – 6-4, 195, Senior
Stats: 62-1,122 yards receiving, 18.1 average, 74.8 YPG, 15 TD. Career: 130-2,595 receiving yards, 29 TD.
Recruiting: Signed with Georgia over 30 other offers. Consensus 4-Star. Highest Ranking No. 7 Rivals 2025.
Team: 15-0. 5A State Champions.
Jordan Allen – Buford – 5-8, 170, Senior
Stats: 44-888 yards receiving, 20.2 average, 63.4 YPG, 11 TD.
Recruiting: Signed with Georgia Tech over 33 other offers. Consensus 3-Star WR.
Team: 12-2. 6A State Semifinalist.
Jaylen Elder – Morgan County – 5-11, 170, Senior
Stats: 94-1,713 yards receiving, 18.2 average, 131.8 YPG. 22 TD.
Recruiting: Signed with UAB over 4 other offers. Highest Ranking 247 Sports 3-Star WR.
Team: 11-2. 2A State Quarterfinalist.
Landon Roldan, North Oconee
Landon Roldan – North Oconee – 6-0, 180, Senior
Stats: 76-1,369 yards receiving, 18.0 average, 91.3 YPG, 20 TD.
Recruiting: Signed with Georgia over 4 other offers. Highest Ranking 247 Sports 4-Star WR.
Team: 15-0. 4A GHSA State Champions.
Isaiah Mitchell – Houston County – 5-11, 175, Senior
Stats: 90-1,661 yards, 18.5 average, 138.4 YPG, 19 TD.
Recruiting: Signed with Mississippi State over 17 other offers. Consensus 3-Star WR.
Team: 8-5. 5A State Quarterfinalist.
Devin Carter – Douglas County – 6-0, 165, Junior
Stats: 41-669 yards, 16.3 average, 47.8 YPG, 5 TD.
Recruiting: 34 offers including Georgia, Alabama, and Auburn. Consensus 4-Star. Highest Ranking Rivals No. 5 WR 2026.
Team: 11-3. 6A State Semifinalist.
Travis Smith – Westlake – 6-3, 200, Senior ‘
Stats: 64-1,312 yards, 20.5 average, 119.3 YPG, 13 TD.
Recruiting: Signed with Tennessee over 33 other offers. Consensus 4-Star. Highest Ranking On3 No. 9 WR 2025.
Team: 5-6. 6A First Round Finish.
Honorable Mention: Jaivon Solomon, Jones County; Craig Dandridge, Cambridge; George Lamons, Brooks County; D.J. Avery, Chattahoochee; Keyon Standifer, Athens Academy; Kaiden Prothro, Bowdon; Kamari Maxwell, New Hampstead.
GPB Sports All-State Tight Ends
Ethan Barbour, Milton
Ethan Barbour – Milton – 6-3, 235, Senior
Stats: 49-966 yards receiving, 19.7 average, 87.8 YPG. 12 TD. Career Stats: 126-2,022 and 26 TD
Recruiting: Signed with Georgia over 34 other offers. Highest Ranking: ESPN 4-Star and No. 1 TE 2025.
Team: 15-0. 5A State Champions
Elyiss Williams – Camden County – 6-7, 235, Senior
Stats: 54-789 yards receiving and 11 TD.
Recruiting: Signed with Georgia over 17 other offers. Consensus 4-Star. Highest Ranking: On3 No. 1 TE 2025.
Team: 7-4. 6A First Round Finish.
Honorable Mention: Emaree Winston, Calhoun.
GPB Sports All-State Athletes
Caden Benson – Creekside – 5-11, 175, Junior
Stats: Close to 2400 yards passing and 1100 yards rushing, accounted for 42 TD
Team: 10-3. 4A State Semifinalist.
Gavin Markey – Jefferson – 6-2, 225, Senior
Stats: Over 1400 yards passing and 1500+ yards rushing, accounted for 39 TD
Recruiting: Offers include Murray State, UT-Martin and VMI
Team: 11-4. 3A State Finalist.
Weston Bryan – Lee County – 6-3, 240, Senior
Stats: Nearly 5000 career yards passing and 2,000 rushing and accounted for 98 TD
Recruiting: Signed with Georgia Southern over 3 other offers. Highest Ranking 4-Star and No .18 QB 2025.
Team: 13-1. 5A State Semifinalist.
Weston Taylor – Cambridge – 6-2, 170, Senior
Stats: Over 3600 yards passing and 36 TD leading Bears to best ever season
Team: 10-3. 4A State Quarterfinalist.
Toquan Peyton – Lanier – 5-9, 200, Senior
Stats: Averaged over 215 AP YPG and scored 21 TD
Recruiting: Signed with Georgia State over 6 other offers including Georgia Southern. Consensus 3-Star RB.
Team: 5-6. 5A First Round Finish
Honorable Mention: Lawson Sullivan, Fannin County; Charles Maxell, Bowdon; Trey Smith, Roswell; Xavier Hill, Harrison.
GPB Sports All-State Offensive Linemen
Josh Petty – Fellowship Christian – 6-5, 265, Senior
Recruiting: Signed with Georgia Tech over 40 other offers. Highest Ranking 247 Sports 5-Star and On3 Industry No. 3 IOL 2025.
Team: 10-3. Private Class State Semifinalist
Brayden Jacobs, Milton (No. 77)
Brayden Jacobs – Milton – 6-7, 310, Senior
Recruiting: Signed with Clemson over 28 other offers including South Carolina and Alabama. Consensus 4-Star. Highest Ranking 247 Sports No. 8 OT 2025.
Team: 15-0. 5A State Champions.
Juan Gaston – Westlake – 6-7, 345, Senior
Recruiting: Signed with Georgia over 35 other overs. Consensus 4-Star. Highest Ranking ESPN No. 12 IOL.
Team: 5-6. 6A First Round Finish.
Alex Payne – Gainesville – 6-5, 265, Senior
Recruiting: Signed with USC over 13 other offers. Consensus 4-Star. On3 Industry No. 15 OT 2025.
Team: 7-4. 5A First Round Finish.
Dontrell Glover – Hughes – 6-4, 312, Senior
Recruiting: Signed with Georgia over 18 other offers. Highest Ranking Rivals 4-Star and No. 7 IOL 2025.
Team: 13-2. 5A State Finalist
Tavaris Dice, Hughes (No. 50)
Tavaris Dice – Hughes – 6-5, 297, Senior
Recruiting: Signed with Florida over 21 other offers. Consensus 4-Star. Highest Ranking On3 Industry No. 18 OT 2025.
Team: 13-2. 5A State Finalist.
Nick Brooks – Grayson – 6-8, 356, Senior
Recruiting: Signed with Texas over 32 other offers. Consensus 4-Star. Highest Ranking Rivals No. 17 OT
Team: 14-1. 6A State Champions.
GPB Sports All-State Defensive Linemen
Elijah Griffin – Savannah Christian – 6-5, 285, Senior
Stats: Career 301 total tackles, 96 TFL, 44 QB Sacks.
Recruiting: Signed with Georgia over 39 over offers. Consensus 5-Star and No. 1 DL 2025.
Team: 10-1. Private Class State Quarterfinals.
Herbert Scroggins – Benedictine – 6-2, 235, Senior
Stats: Career 266 total tackles and 43.5 QB sacks
Recruiting: Signed with Miami over 25 other offers. Consensus 4-Star. Highest Ranking On3 No. 20 Edge 2025.
Team: 7-5. 4A State Quarterfinalist.
Bryce Perry-Wright – Buford – 6-6, 240, Senior
Stats: Career 109 total tackles. 22 TFL. 17.5 QB sacks.
Recruiting: 39 offers including Alabama, Auburn, and Georgia. Consensus 4-Star. Rivals No. 3 DL 2026.
Team: 12-2. 6A State Semifinalist.
Marquis Williams, Brooks County
Marquis Williams – Brooks County – 6-3, 235, Senior
Season Stats: 89 total tackles, 43.5 TFL, 18 QB sacks, 6 forced fumbles
Recruiting: Signed with West Georgia over offers from Florida A&M and Tennessee State
Team: 10-5. 1AD2 State Finalist.
Justus Terry – Manchester – 6-5, 275, Senior
Stats: Career 135 total tackles and 18 QB sacks
Recruiting: Signed with Texas over 19 other offers. Consensus 5-Star and No. 2 DL 2025.
Team: 10-2. 1AD2 State Semifinalist.
Cole Funderburk – North Gwinnett – 6-3, 230, Senior
Stats: Career 201 total tackles, 91 TFL, 42 QB sacks, 8 forced fumbles
Recruiting: Signed with Wake Forest over 10 other offers. Consensus 3-Star Edge.
Team: 12-1. 6A State Quarterfinalist
Deuce Geralds – Collins Hill – 6-2, 265, Junior
Stats: Career 261 total tackles, 77.5 TFL, 37.5 QB sacks
Recruiting: 38 offers including Ohio State. Consensus 4-Star. Highest Ranking Rivals No. 1 DL 2026.
Team: 11-2. 6A State Quarterfinalist.
Honorable Mention : Javon Beckford, Hughes ; Marcus Williams, Valdosta ; Kobby Sakyi-Prah, Roswel ; Cassius Burch, Creekside; Jordan Carter. Douglas County.
GPB Sports All-State Linebackers
Tyler Atkinson – Grayson – 6-3, 219, Junior
GPB Sports All-State Defensive Player of the Year
Zayden Walker – Schley County – 6-2, 223, Senior
Stats: Career 192 total tackles, 57.5 TFL, 17 QB sacks
Recruiting: Signed with Georgia over 28 other offers. Highway Ranking 247 Sports 5-Star and No. 1 LB 2025.
Team: 6-5. 1AD2 State First Round Finish.
Christian Gass – Eastside – 6-2, 215, Senior
Stats: Career 209 total tackles and 31 TFL
Recruiting: Signed with Tennessee over 26 other offers. Highest Ranking On3 4-Star and No. 10 LB 2025
Team: 11-2. 4A State Quarterfinalist.
Jaden Perlotte – Buford – 6-4, 215, Senior
Notes: Dynamic OLB who can rush the passer and drop into coverage
Recruiting: Signed with Tennessee over 34 other offers including USC. Highest Ranking Rivals 4-Star and No.9 LB.
Team: 12-2. 6A Stats Semifinalist.
Michael Hastie – Douglas County – 6-3, 230, Senior.
Stats: Career 359 total tackles, 172 TT this season.
Recruiting. Signed with West Virginia over 27 other offers. Consensus 3-Star LB 2025.
Team: 11-3. 6A State Semifinalist
Jaedon Harmon – Rome – 6-1, 215, Senior
Notes: Powerful player who started career as RB and became one of the country’s top LB
Recruiting: Signed with Tennessee over 36 other offers. Consensus 4-Star. Highest Ranking On3 No. 11 LB 2025.
Team: 8-3. 5A Second Round Finish.
Chris Reed – Coffee – 5-10, 215, Senior
Stats: Season 130 total tackles, 34 TFL, 10 QB sacks
Team: 10-4. 5A State Semifinalist.
Ryder Duffy – Roswell – 6-0, 205, Senior
Stats: Season 119 total tackles, 18 TFL, 10 QB sacks, third consecutive season of 100+ tackles.
Recruiting: Signed with Elon over 3 other offers.
Team: 9-3. 5A Second Round Finish
Christopher Star – Spencer – 5-11, 195, Sophomore
Stats: Led state with 192 total tackles plus 26 TFL and 10 QB sacks.
Team: 7-4. 2A Second Round Finish
Honorable Mention : Max Brown, Jefferson; Khamari Brooks, North Oconee ; Savion Husband, Mays; Aji Griggs, Hughes ; Dylan McGrinn, Bowdon ; Cooper Negron, North Cobb.
GPB Sports All-State Defensive Backs
Tae Harris – Cedartown – 5-10, 200, Senior
Stats: Career 175 total tackles and 33 career TD
Recruiting: Signed with Georgia Tech over 21 other offers. Consensus 4-Star. Highest Ranking On3 Industry No. 3 Safety 2025.
Team: 9-2. 4A First Round Finish.
Jayden Barr – Eastside – 6-0, 200, Senior
Stats: Career 202 total tackles, 49 career TD (4 defense and special teams)
Recruiting: Signed with Georgia Tech over 7 other offers. Consensus 3-Star Safety.
Team: 11-2. 4A State Quarterfinalist.
Lagonza Hayward, Toombs County
Lagonza Hayward – Toombs County – 6-1, 200, Senior
Stats: Career 145 total tackles, 12 TFL, 9 INT, 36 TD
Recruiting: Signed with Florida over 25 other offers. Consensus 4-Star. Highest Ranking On3 No. 3 Safety 2025.
Team: 13-1. 1AD1 State Champions.
Rasean Dinkins – Warner Robins – 5-10, 175, Senior
Stats: Career over 150 total tackles and 12 INT
Recruiting: Signed with Georgia over 29 other offers. Highest Ranking: 247 Sports 4-Star and No. 19 SAF 2025.
Team: 7-4. 4A State First Round Finish.
Zelus Hicks, Carrollton
Zelus Hicks – Carrollton – 6-2, 190, Senior
Stats: Season 64 total tackles and 34 solo.
Notes: Fantastic defender No. 1 SAF in the country for 2026 reclassified to 2025
Recruiting: Signed with Texas over 31 other offers. Consensus 4-Star. Highest ranking
ESPN No. 6 SAF in the country.
Team: 14-1. 6A State Finalist.
Jontae Gilbert – Douglass – 6-1, 185, Senior
Notes: Lockdown CB who might transition to SAF at Georgia because of long frame
Recruiting: Signed with Georgia over 37 other offers. Consensus 4-Star. Highest Ranking No. 14 CB 2025.
Team: 8-4. 3A Second Round Finish.
Kortnei Williams – NE Macon – 5-7, 150, Sophomore
Stats: Tied for No. 1 in state with 10 INT helping Raiders to first ever State Championship Game appearance
Team: 12-3. 1AD1 State Finalist.
Honorable Mention: Cortez Redding, Jonesboro; Hudson Beard, Walton; Tre Thomas, Lowndes; Dy’lon Womack. North Cobb; Zack Carter, Creekside.
GPB Sports All-State Special Teams
Punter – Evan Fisher – Decatur – 6-1, 185, Senior
Stats: Season 41.2 average with 18 of 32 inside the 20
Team: 9-2. 5A First Round Finish.
Kicker – Brett Fitzgerald – Colquitt County – 5-11, 185, Senior
Stats: Career 47-56 FG with L52, 228-232 PAT, 98 Career TB on KO
Recruiting: Kohl’s Professional Camps 5-Star and No. 21 ranked kicker 2025. 4-Star Punter. Five offers including Florida State.
Team: 8-4. 6A Second Round Finish.
Long Snapper – Chason Glenn – Colquitt County – 6-3, 230, Senior
Recruiting: 5-Star LS ranked No. 13 country 2025 by Rubio Long Snapping
Thanks again to all the great viewers who make possible GPB Sports Football Fridays in Georgia. We are already looking forward to 2025!
The 2024 campaign will be Matt’s 11th season calling Football Fridays in Georgia weekly, playoff and championship games on Georgia Public Broadcasting. Joining the GPB Football Team in 2014, Matt has now called TV Play-by-Play for High School Football in Georgia for 27 consecutive seasons. He won back-to-back Emmy’s for his work in 2022 and 2023.
GPB is committed to bringing you comprehensive news coverage from Georgia, across the country and around the world. Your support makes this possible. Please consider making a gift today to support this vital public service.
In the final Football Fridays in Georgia Podcast episode of the season, Jon Nelson is joined by the FFIG All-Stars to break down all 12 GHSA State Championship games. Four flag football championships, eight tackle football championships, and one final 2024 episode.
Apalachee’s focus continues to be directed toward helping the students and community handle the effects of the tragedy.
Here are some of the players who made the biggest impact in the state championship games.
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