Okay, so a little late, but not a dollar short, because these articles are subscription-free! I have scouting notes on players who stood out during last month’s spring game matchup between Wheeler and South Cobb. This will be reflections more than detailed stats, and just players who caught my eye during the live action or while I was editing the film above.
Wheeler
Javon Mangrum
2028 RB #6
The stout running back hits top speed in a hurry, finding holes in the LOS and getting to the 2nd level. Mangrum had several long runs, slicing through the A gap and breaking into the open field, but he was equally impressive bouncing off contact. Does an excellent job of moving his feet and getting extra yards after contact. He ran for 139 yards on 15 carries, according to his Hudl. Mangrum will be a huge part of the Wheeler offensive attack this upcoming season.
Patrick McCollough
2027 QB #15
The Wheeler offense found a groove once McCollough settled into the action. The rising senior QB has good command of the offense, holding his mesh long on the read option and executing Wheeler’s west coast style offense. McCollough made several tough throws downfield, including a few deep balls that were right on target. Although he’s not a true runner, the non-contact jersey he wore cut some drives short that would have kept the Wildcats moving downfield. The SR made smart reads and converted three touchdown passes from my notes.
Santiago Leon
2027 LB #4
The inside backer hustles his tail off and is always around the action. Leon has solid size at LB. My eyeball guess would be around 6′ and 210 lbs. Leon is a solid tackler, making one of the biggest hits of the game, creating a momentum-swinging fumble that was returned 60 yards. Leon will be a rising SR prospect to watch this fall as he will surely be among the tackle leaders at Wheeler.
Octavian Morton
2027 TE/OLB #11
Morton played OT for his entire JR year, but is now at TE and OLB. The rising SR is already making an offensive splash, catching a short pass in the red zone, breaking a Freedom Jones tackle, and scoring a touchdown. At around 6’3″ and 200 lbs, Morton has an FBS frame. He showed good activity on defense, moving well laterally and using his length to negotiate off blockers. Looks to have long arms for sure. The Wheeler SR should really benefit from the position change and start to grab D1 programs’ attention.
Donovan Smith
2027 DT #55
The two-way athlete almost takes no breaks on the field. Smith is a strong 6’1″ 300 lbs. lineman who shows solid fundamentals, active hands getting off blockers, and was really impressed with his pursuit after the football. On the offensive side of the ball, he created several holes that allowed for Mangrum’s big running day. I’d imagine D1 programs are interested in Smith’s potential on the defensive side of the ball. Earlier this offseason he maxed a 555 lbs squat, which definitely translated to his control of the LOS last month. West Georgia offered Smith at the beginning of May.
Daron Harris
2027 C #60
Harris is an absolute dog in the middle of the Wheeler offensive line. A true run blocker up the middle. The SR center is extremely aggressive coming out of his stance and stays engaged throughout the play until the whistle is blown. At around 6′ and 250 lbs., Harris doesn’t have great size, but with a relentless work ethic and physicality at the point of attack that has a true impact on the game. In large part, he is the lynchpin of the Wheeler offense, and he was truly abusing the South Cobb defensive linemen.
South Cobb
Freedom Jones
2027 FS #5
Jones is a P4 caliber football player. The 6’4″ athlete was the ‘star’ on the field, going for an explosive 70-yard run to start the game, where his speed and long running stride burned the whole defense. And while his offensive highlights are explosively worthy of mention, his defensive potential is special. Jones covers ground in the blink of an eye. When he was fully gassed up at the start of the game, Jones was around the football at all times on defense. He had the biggest hit of the game, sprinting out to the sideline and drilling a WR right when he caught the pass, which did yield a flag. Granted, at the college level, that would most likely be clean. Jones is a big-time safety prospect with so much untapped potential.
Braxton Harris
2028 IOL #77
The big OL out of South Cobb is already landing D1 offers this offseason. In fact, he’s the first South Cobb player to land a D1 offer over the last few years, and that trend doesn’t look to stop. Harris is a huge dude with wide shoulders. He made some great improvements in the weight room this offseason, power cleaning over 300 lbs. South Cobb is creative in moving the huge blocker, splitting Harris out wide or motioning over to the other side. Harris blocks well in space, but considering his frame, you have to imagine IOL is in his future. With a background as a long snapper, it wouldn’t surprise me to see Harris playing center at the next level. Expect him to be a targeted prospect for this upcoming class.
Nicholas Duncan
2028 WR/DB #3
The rising junior plays with a lot of intensity. That stands out right away; Duncan does not shy away from contact despite being around 5’9″. He made a slick one-handed catch on the sideline and hustled after a pop-up pass that hung in the air forever, making the catch with the defender draped over. Duncan is a D1 caliber football player. On defense, he’s a physical tackler in space, accelerating faster to the football than anyone else, and shows a fantastic football IQ. He looks like the type of player who will grab D1 offers before his recruitment is final.
Rashad Rhabb-Dees
2029 OL/DL #52
The big man looks to be around 6’5-6″, so that alone will catch your attention anytime you see a rising sophomore with his kind of size. Not everything has clicked just yet for Rhabb-Dees, but the potential is absolutely there. He just turned 15 years old. In last month’s game, he made a few nice stops up the middle on defense, but you’ll have to wait and see which side he takes to. No doubt, you’ll be hearing Rhabb-Dees name in the future. He has a P4 frame.
Shawmar Fordham
2027 WR #12
Fordham is a lanky 6’3″ WR playing his first year of football. The high-upside athlete made a nice high-pointed catch downfield. You can see the basketball background showcased; he boxed out the DB like he was going up for a board. While there wasn’t a ton of targets just yet, Fordham has the athletic profile of a D1 WR. He will definitely be a prospect to watch this fall to see if his film pops.
