North Atlanta has been playing their best football in the school’s 33-year history over the last few seasons. The school is 8-1 and coming off an improbably 28-24 comeback win last Friday against West Forsyth where junior receiver Josh McCullough scored the go-ahead touchdown.
North Atlanta scored a touchdown to close the gap 24-21, and managed to recover the onside kick. With momentum in their favor, the next play North Atlanta drew up a great one where Ian Reynolds dropped back to his right and TE Josh McCullough released upfield running a wheel down the left sideline. Reynolds led McCullough perfectly, who was running free with the football down the sideline while two West Forsyth defenders approached fast. The junior juked hard to the right, splitting the defenders, and raced the rest of the way for a score.
The crowd went ballistic while McCullough ran back toward the sideline with his teammates elated with jubilation. No more than a minute ago North Atlanta was down 24-14, and now they were on top 28-24 on the brink of the school’s first region title. They held off West Forsyth’s final drive in the red zone, and a few days later McCullough’s clutch touchdown earned him a spot on the top plays of the week.
He ultimately won Week 11’s top play, encapsulating the great junior season he has experienced so far.
“My junior year has been going great! We are 8-1 as a team and region champs! This year I have over 350 all-purpose yards with 15 catches and 7 touchdowns,” McCullough said.
Considering his usage, those numbers are downright remarkable. The junior is scoring a touchdown every other catch and averaging 23.3 yards per touch. Not traditional numbers for a tight end, but McCullough is not your traditional offensive player.
“I’ve improved the most on my play-making and route running, thanks to my receiver coach Javon Henderson,” McCullough said.
On the recruiting front, the junior is waiting for programs to contact him specifically but did enjoy a recent visit to an FBS program.
“I haven’t heard from any schools but recently went to Navy with a teammate of mine who’s committed there; I loved it and hope to play at either Army or Navy,” he said.
Both academies are more creative in their offensive schemes these days, using sniffers and slot tight ends in different formations. Most importantly, they look for receivers who are proficient in run blocking and relentless at winning 1v1 matchups.
Luckily McCullough is a strong blocker on the perimeter. His receiving skills are excellent showing great hands, crisp route running, and the ability to adjust to the football midflight, making him a good red zone target even at 6′. Couple McCullough’s strong skill level with a 4.0 GPA, and we feel like high academic programs will be interested.
Recruiting aside, the regular season pushes on, so we asked the junior how he would like to finish off this year’s campaign.
“My goals are to make a deep run in the playoffs with my guys. Hopefully, in the offseason, my recruitment will pick up,” he said.
Anything is possible come playoff time in Georgia, so be sure to follow @RecruitGeorgia on Twitter/X to hear the latest recruiting news on McCullough and athletes across the state.