Welcome to the Recruit Georgia 2019 All-State selections! We will be staggering out our selections throughout the week, so please stay tuned to see our teams for each classification. Down below you will find the Player of the Year vote, the All-State team with a write-up underneath and lastly our honorable mention picks! Voting will end Thursday night at 8 PM for Player of the Year and you can only vote once per hour. Also, be sure to leave a comment down at the bottom of the page and share your thoughts! MORE ALL-STATE TEAMS
[crowdsignal poll=10478922]
OFFENSE
QB – Brock Vandagriff, Prince Avenue
RB – Keaton Mitchell, ELCA
RB – Michael Cox, Holy Innocents’
RB – Marquell Brown, Savannah Christian
WR – Deion Colzie, Athens Academy
WR – Logan Johnson, Prince Avenue
WR – Donovan Moorer, Hebron Christian
WR – Justin Robinson, ELCA
OL – Charlie Patterson, Fellowship Christian
OL – Tate Ratledge, Darlington
OL – Tanner Bivins, Wesleyan
OL – Trey Bedosky, Landmark
OL – Bryson Estes, ELCA
OL – Sherick Rhodes, ELCA
K – Joe Dixon, Christian Heritage
ATH – Niko Vangarelli, Mount Paran
DEFENSE
DL – Nicholas Jackson, Mt. Pisgah
DL – Marquise Black, ELCA
DL – Fuches Lewis, Calvary Day
DL – Kenneth Reedy, Savannah Country Day
DL – Jonathan Hammond, Mt Vernon
LB – Hunter Hawk, Holy Innocents’
LB – Josiah Cotton, Mt. de Sales
LB – Jaquez Dew, Whitefield Academy
LB – Kurt Knisely, Athens Academy
LB – Jordan van den Berg, Providence Christian
DB – Micah Smith, Wesleyan
DB – Shad Dabney, Riverside Military
DB – Isaiah Wadsworth, St. Francis
DB – Trent Bartlett, Wesleyan
DB – Jack Felton, Holy Innocents’
P – Marshall Nichols, Holy Innocents’
RET – Cooper Blauser, Wesleyan
Well here we are again with our All-State write-up and kicking things off just like last year is Prince Avenue’s Brock Vandagriff. Yeah, he only played a handful of region games, but the 2021 signal-caller finished strong, and took the eventual champions in ELCA to a chaotic 57-62 finish in the playoffs. His 308.9 yards per game, 144.2 QBR and 71.6% completion percentage was tops in Class A, and he was tied for the lead in touchdowns with Wesleyan’s JC French with 31. He only threw 3 interceptions on the year too. Simply put, the Oklahoma commit is one of the best passers in the state.
Keaton Mitchell out of ELCA led the entire state with 288 total points on the year. Going into the state title game he had 2030 rushing yards, 9.6 yards per carry, and a state leading 43 touchdowns. These stats sound very familiar to last season, but the Region Athlete of the Year one-upped himself by leading Class A in return yards with 684 on the season. The dynamic back is committed to ECU. Michael Cox out of Holy Innocents’ smashed the school record books with 1986 yards rushing, which ranked him 2nd in Class A. He had 262 carries, and 32 touchdowns – both of which were school records too. The senior back did not fumble the ball once on the year, and led his team to the top ranking during the regular season after they upset ELCA. Savannah Christian senior back Marquell Brown average 160.25 yards per game and totaled 1923 all-purpose yards on the season. The shifty back averaged 8.9 yards per carry and totaled 15 touchdowns as well. Brown earned Region Offensive Player of the Year due to his impressive season and Savannah Christian made a surprise surge deep into the playoffs.
Deion Colzie out of Athens Academy average right at 21.8 yards per catch and 13 touchdowns on the season while also playing on defense too. The Notre Dame commit won Region Athlete of the Year. He put up 875 yards receiving in an offense attack that typically runs the football more times than not. Logan Johnson out of Prince Avenue was slow out of the gates but finished strong with a Class A leading 15 touchdowns receiving. He totaled 1621 all-purpose yards, but what really cemented his stellar season was his playoff performance against ELCA. The junior slot receiver had 244 yards on 13 receptions and a staggering 5 touchdowns against the eventual champions. Keeping the slot receiver theme going here with Hebron Christian senior Donovan Moorer. No doubt, this was a competitive year for receivers in Private, but Moorer totaled over 1350 all-purpose yards and his 20.3 yards per catch was near the tops in all of Private. The senior finished the year with 11 touchdowns. Big Justin Robinson out of ELCA repeats as All-State after totaling 903 yards receiving and 11 touchdowns. He was the big play threat that ELCA needed all year to extend the defense and he finished averaging 18.8 yards per catch. The 6’4″ senior is a very good route runner and committed to UGA.
Fellowship Christian’s Charlie Patterson paved the way for one of the leading rushers in honorable mention pick Murphy Reeves. The huge 6’6″ junior offensive tackle was a road grader pulling out to the perimeter and shows the upside that should garner heavy interest from FBS programs. Tate Ratledge out of Darlington earns his 3rd All-State selection on the website. The long time UGA commit is one of the more physical players at his position in the entire state and tries to impose his will on every snap. Tanner Bivins showed off his versatility in 2019 playing all over the place for Wesleyan. The stout junior offensive linemen drives his legs through on his block and is relentless at getting his man down. Landmark Christian had a tough season, but offensive tackle Trey Bedosky certainly produced at a high-level. The long 6’6″ OT is impressive in both pass-protection and run blocking. He is committed to UAB. Bryson Estes out of ELCA trampled over defenders for one of the top offensive attacks in all of Private. The 2021 linemen is quick and powerful at the point of attack – his film is loaded with pancakes. Sherick Rhodes is his counterpart at ELCA who also makes first team. The 2020 tackle is agile and explosive out his stance so he can make tough perimeter blocks to seal off huge plays. Rhodes is one of the top uncommitted seniors still in the state.
Taking the tightly contested kicker spot was Joe Dixon out of Christian Heritage. The senior went 7/9 on the year with a long of 47 yards and had a total 56 points on the year too. He was also their full time punter. For All-State athlete we selected Niko Vangarelli from Mount Paran. The 2020 student-athlete was 3rd in Private with 1974 yards rushing on the year and 20 touchdowns, while also throwing the ball for 1558 yards and 11 touchdowns. The Princeton commit also had 56 tackles and 1 interception. Vangarelli played arguably his football of his career down the stretch during the playoffs where they upset multiple teams all the way to the quarterfinals, and was virtually unstoppable in the process.
Moving over to the defensive side of the ball where Nicholas Jackson out of Mt. Pisgah gets his named call. The junior won Lineman of the Year in his region and finished the season with 70 tackles, 3 sacks and 12 tackles for loss. ELCA’s Marquise Black makes All-State for the 2nd year in a row. The Nebraska commit dominated in the trenches to the tune of 73 tackles, 4 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss. Fuches Lewis out of Calvary Day is a brutish junior defensive tackle who totaled 82 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and 6 sacks. Lewis is a junior whose recruitment is just beginning to take off, so stay tuned, we will certainly have more to report on Lewis in the coming months. Kenneth Reedy was region Defensive Player of the year after his strong senior campaign. The Savannah Country Day athlete had 55 tackles, of which 15 were for a loss. He also had 4 sacks, and even an interception. Reedy is a smaller defensive tackle at 6′ 255 and uses his quickness to blow up plays. Winning Region player of the year is Jonathan Hammond out of Mt. Vernon Presbyterian. The senior has a never-ending motor that could power an 18-wheeler. He finished the year with 95 tackles, 18 tackles for loss and 6 sacks. Right now, Hammond is uncommitted, but would be a welcomed addition to any college.
Hunter Hawk out of Holy Innocents’ broke the school record with 124 tackles on the season. The senior linebacker is always alert and shows textbook tackling form meeting the ball carrier in the gaps. Hawk earned Region Defensive Player of the Year. Josiah Cotton got full-time reps at linebacker for the first this season and made the most of it earning Region Defensive Player of the Year honors. The powerful Mount de Sales senior is explosive to the football and unloads big tackles, while also carrying the rushing load still on the offensive side of the ball. Leading all linebackers on this All-State team in tackles for loss is Jaquez Dew with an amazing 31. The senior linebacker won Region Defensive Player of the year, and rightfully so as he totaled 147 tackles on the season, which ranked him near the tops in all of Class A. Kurt Knisely led his Athens Academy team in tackles this year with 65. Bare in mind he also rushed for 17 touchdowns and was voted Region Athlete of the Year. Knisely is another uncommitted senior that deserves heavy looks from D1 programs.. Jordan van den Berg out of Providence Christian led the entire classification with 157 tackles, and he did it in just 10 games. The South African native who stands 6’3″ 220 lbs. earned Region Defensive player of the year. Right now, he is heavily under recruited, but we expect more colleges to start recruiting once they take a look at his film.
Wesleyan’s Micah Smith was very close to making All-State receiver getting just over 1000 yards receiving, but continue to go thru his senior film, and you will find yourself a very good cornerback prospect. Smith has a light backpedal and does an excellent job of raking the pass out of the receiver’s hands. Shad Dabney did everything this year for Riverside Military playing QB, WR and DB. Dabney’s 2100 all-purpose yards in many years that would earn him athlete honors, but competition is tough in 2019. The lockdown junior cornerback is rarely thrown to, but ended up with 2 interceptions on the year and 5 PBU’s. Isaiah Wadsworth out of St. Francis is another versatile player who ended up with 80 tackles, 11 PBU’s and 4 forced fumbles. The senior out of St. Francis has impressive speed, which also helps on the offensive side of the ball where he eclipsed 1000 yards receiving too. Another Wesleyan athlete making the defensive back group is Trent Bartlett. The 2020 recruit was an interception machine with 6 on the year for the state runner-ups, and over the last two seasons he now has 15 picks. Last on the DB list is Jack Felton out of Holy Innocents’. The senior safety finished off the year with 100 tackles, 3 interceptions and 2 forced fumbles too. He is another textbook tackler from this Holy Innocents’ squad.
Marshal Nichols is the last Holy Innocents’ senior to make the list. The 2020 punter average a classification best 46.6 yards per punt and had 11 inside the 20 yard line. For the returnman spot sophomore Cooper Blauser gets the nod. The 2022 receiver had both a kick and punt return for a touchdown, and was 2nd in Private with 417 total returns yards. Blauser is a dynamic athlete and definitely a recruit to know going forward.
HONORABLE MENTION
Winston Gassant, Hebron Christian/Joey Kiernan, Pincecrest Academy/Hunter Lawrence, Strong Rock Christian/Thomas Carver, Calvary Day/JC French, Wesleyan/Griffin Brewster, Darlington/Colten Gauthier, Hebron Christian/Gabe Wright, ELCA/David Wingfield, ELCA/Barry Kleinpeter, Savannah Country Day/Blake Kytle, Mt. Vernon/Dexter Williams, Mt De Sales/David Dallas, Trinity Christian/Conor Swennumson, Holy Innocents’/Peyton Mahon, Mt Paran/Andre Miller, Savannah Country Day/AJ Williams, Aquinas/Antonio Wilder, Aquinas/Kolin Rogers, Darlington/Evan Lester, Christian Heritage/Gage Leonard, Christian Heritage/Ryan Pruitt, North Cobb Christian/Jordan Wall, Aquinas/Johne’ss Davis, Athens Christian/Deion Fisher, ELCA/Davis Ridings, Prince/Cade Brock, Darlington/James Williams, Athens Academy/Jackson Manning, Mt. Paran/Hall O’Neal, Holy Innocents’/Murphy Reeves, Fellowship/Adriel Clark, Riverside Military/Andrew Douglas, Mt. Vernon/Colby Quinney, Savannah Christian/Tysen Dougherty, Darlington/David Dallas, Trinity Christian/Devon Dorsey, ELCA/Sharmari Reed, Trinity Christian/John Ferguson, Athens Academy/Payton Broadus, Mount Pisgah Christian/Wes Pahl, Brookstone/Chase Beard, Savannah Christian/Harrison Aulds, First Presbyterian
Why no TE spot?
Because they were scared Clarke Irvine would runoff with the vote (the best TE to ever play GA class A private school ball)
What kind of vote is this? Who has the most friends to keep voting every hour ? So stupid
Michael Cox should be player of the year based on his number and leading Holy Innocent to an out standing record this year
Michael Cox could’ve easily gain over 2000 yard this year but he didn’t play the second half of most of there games.
Put Clarke Irvine on this joke of a list
Totally agree. Outstanding season with huge potential.
So longsnapper just isn’t a position now?
Michael Cox is golden.
Michael Cox is a very good player, but my grandfather can get 1000 yds running the triple option. Keaton Mitchell could run for 3000 yds in that Mickey Mouse offense. Keaton by far is a better back and player. Niko was spectacular in the playoffs.
Strangest thing is niko disappeared against HIES in the playoffs. Held to like 100 yards of offense… get this clown off the list and free Isaiah Wadsworth
I think hands down Keaton Mitchell should be player of the year. He played both ways when needed and special teams. Plus he carried the ball less then any of the top backs in the state in any class and steal managed to lead the state in TDs. His performance in the state sealed the deal for me.
Thank you! What a joke!
Classless remarks .. never saw a bunch of no bodies criticizing kids …
Jaques Evans for The Player Of The Year…
Niko was exceptional on offense and defense. Definitely should be player of the year. He did not only lead class a private but he led Cobb county, which has two teams that won state this year. Marietta and Harrison.
What did he lead class a in? I’m very confused because he didn’t lead it in qb passing, qb rushing, or td passed?
He lead in Qb rushing and was 3rd in the state in single a rushing . Confused he accounted for 3500 yards of offense .. and played ever snap on defense get a clue
Not very good when you consider yards/attempt, Keaton is the best player in Class A, but he could care less about the recruit GA POY, not sure he has ever heard of it. And I completely Doubt NV played ever snap on defense this year either, didn’t play a snap on defense in 2018 or shows no stats (which plenty of “stats” are posted on him by someone). Why is that? Good luck in the Ivy League, tuition is only about $80K per year (no scholarships in the ivy league) and Princeton is no better than most top public colleges. Sic Vos Non Vobis!
He took a Lot of plays off on defense against HI and had around 50 yards rushing. FACT!!! Rushing for almost 2,000 yards in Region 6-B isn’t that difficult.
Who had more rushing yards as a QB?
Nope! Are you a Democrat, u sound like one, no truth in what you are saying.
Isaiah Wadsworth should’ve been nominated. All region both sides of the ball. All State is definitely a big honor! Not taking anything away from the four named. Hes just my 5th nominee, if there was 5.
Woohoo
I first want to thank everyone who voted !! This is Niko’s dad .. I think all four players deserve the award in there own way. Congrats to Micheal Cox very good player look forward to seeing him in the IVY league . Mitchell kid all though never played him live saw a bunch of film and is a great player with a great future .. The comments about my wife uncalled for it was not her , I can assure you , the conflict before the game was an intimate move by as there players came to our side of the field . I coach I was there , attacking my you may but get the facts … assault ..lol too funny … have nothing but respect for HI kids … there was a history with head coach but cooler head prevailed and the better team won the game .. and the best team won the state for the 5th time … we at MPC appreciate everyone that voted and we will work harder to get better .. also thank you to Georgia Recruit for doing this !!! Happy Holidays …
Very good olauer
Michael Cox has been under the radar for some time now.
Hare are facts jack
– 1986 yards / 262 / carries 0 FUMBLES!!, I MEAN 0 !!
– lead team to undefeated regular season (1st time in school history)
– Only team to beat state champs (ELCA) in 5 years, in which he was Fox “High 5 the player of week” with 5 touch downs and 240 yds. Also keep in mind they didnt throw the ball 1 time!!
6ft-220lbs Power back and on top of all that, he knows how to give interviews and can speak with intelligence unlike others !!
#35 for president and player of the year!! check out highlight reel for yourself !!
You must be his dad. 262 carries and didn’t reach 2k rushing yards in single A private in that offense is not that impressive. I mean considering
Michael Cox only did that vs ELCA cause they over looked HIES they didnt take them serious he had 240 yards 5 TDs on 40 carries ok good. What was his stats when it counted in the semi finals. Not even half that not one TD & Plus teams goals don’t count when they doesn’t mount up to #1 in the his class. Going underfeated and not making to the championship is a huge accomplishment.
Triple option means 3 different choices to run the ball. He destroyed elca because hies prepared well and elca did as well if you watch their web series on YouTube. You can tell that Hies was easily the 2nd best team in the state and loss a close game to elca who prepared the whole year to face HIES AGAIN
Hey taking a shot at kids is not a good look for anyone. Some kids are shy and is not good when being put on the spot that doesn’t mean there not intelligent its just mean there not good with speaking in front of growds when being put on the spot. Just b/c Michael Cox can do an interview doesn’t mean he’s player of the year. It just mean he have a personality that doesnt mind being put on the spot.
Please keep it clean guys, no reason to insult these athletes. They all had great years.
Michale Cox Player of the Year 2019
Micheal Cox all day long
Michael Cox mvp
Michael Cox is a PHENOMENAL player. He has earned his spot!
Michael Cox is an amazing player and person!
Michael Cox was able to do what no one else has been able to do for at least 5 years and that’s rush for over 200 yards and 5 TDs to beat ELCA!!! Great, lovable kid that reads stories to the elementary students and hasn’t fumbled since he was a freshman.
Proud and happy for all these boys for their incredible accomplishments and sportsmanship! Well done! I wish you all the best!!!
Something spectacular that a lot of people don’t know is that Michael Cox didn’t play past the 2nd half of most games this season. He could have done way more, but he’s a better person and teammate than he is player. The program cares more about developing all their players than demoralizing their opponents. The coaches care more about nurturing young men with character and faith first and football players second. Great season Holy Innocents!!!
The Mitchell kid out played Cox in the 1st game and the 2nd game in the semi. He carried the ball less then he did and still lesd the class A private and state in scoring. Plus he didn’t play in the 2nd half in half of there games as well. Michael Cox stats is not that impressive. Sorry not for player of the year.
Michael Cox
Niko had almost 2000 yards rushing and 1500 yards passing. He played defense too and ended with over 50 tackles. He took Mount Paran to the semis as a sophomore and the quarters as a senior. Michael Cox is a winner, no doubt. But HIES would have wone without him, Mount Paran would not have won without Niko. He was not perfect, but he did more for his team than anyone on this list imo. I think the only player that did as much was Keaton at ELCA. Despite the quality human that Michael Cox is, Keaton is the only other player in single A private that did as much for his team. And let’s face it, Keaton had more surrounding him than Niko. Niko is clearly the Player of the Year if we are basing that on doing the most to help his team.
My son should win!
hahahaha!
Thank you Niko’s dad for this post! He is not better than Cox or Keaton or the QB from Wesleyan or a few others in Class A private I can’t name at this time. And shame on you for saying your son was all mpc had this year, they survived despite the turnovers by the offense, mostly by the QB. I think their offense led the nation in turnovers! That may not be a fact (but not far from it!)
Another no it all…. put Mitchel or Cox on MPC they gain a third of their yards …my team played both…Vangarelli kid best by far…. played limited time on defense last year because of no back up..had some great stats as Sophomore two time player of the year in the region…I agree with Niko’s dad you guys are clueless…
Really? That’s very classy of you. All of these athletes work tirelessly all year to be a great player, teammate, and peer. There is no need for your useless commentary. Take it somewhere else. Merry Christmas from the “clown’s” mom
Ha! This is So TRUE!
The only reason Niko did as good as he did was because he was the only one carrying the ball the entire season for mount paran. That’s why mount paran lost to HIES, one dimensional.
niko should win
Someone check to see how many of these votes are legit…..
Niko way better than this clown
The Mitchell kid out played Cox in the 1st game and the 2nd game in the semi. He carried the ball less then he did and still lesd the class A private and state in scoring. Plus he didn’t play in the 2nd half in half of there games as well. Michael Cox stats is not that impressive. Sorry not for player of the year.
look Niko’s dad i can make fake names also
you are funny…
The Vangarelli’s have 75 computers in their living room right now trying to run up nikos votes
Nico!!?
Congrats Michael Cox !!
Michael Cox should win!!!!! The year he had with Holy Innocents’ was amazing!!
Congratulations Michael Cox from all your family friends and fans in the Pacific Northwest?
8:18 PM
I first want to thank everyone who voted !! This is Niko’s dad .. I think all four players deserve the award in there own way. Congrats to Micheal Cox very good player look forward to seeing him in the IVY league . Mitchell kid all though never played him live saw a bunch of film and is a great player with a great future .. The comments about my wife uncalled for it was not her , I can assure you , the conflict before the game was an intimate move by as there players came to our side of the field . I coach I was there , attacking my you may but get the facts … assault ..lol too funny … have nothing but respect for HI kids … there was a history with head coach but cooler head prevailed and the better team won the game .. and the best team won the state for the 5th time … we at MPC appreciate everyone that voted and we will work harder to get better .. also thank you to Georgia Recruit for doing this !!! Happy Holidays …
?
Michael Cox He’s the best
Now that is funny…… you even spelled the name right….
This is total crap. I am the best football player in 1a private and the best tight end to ever live!!!!!
Understand this is just a troll, but I support the confidence… Jackson Manning is definitely one of the best players in Class and will do well over at UMASS
^respectfully, this is not true. Dropped almost every ball that came his way in the season.
Wow! So sad to read these comments. I have no skin In any of this, decided to browse. Constructive criticism works much better than rude comments. These are kids. The ones who choose to cut others down have issues of their own. Think about that.