For the last few seasons, Brookwood’s Zy’Aire Conaway has played cornerback and been a defensive standout. The Arkansas State commit is an explosive, quick-burst player who accelerates fast to the football, but a few games into his senior season, Conaway is having a big impact on the offensive side of the football.
That was never more true than last Friday’s game against Marist. With his team down 21-17 in the 4th quarter to Marist and just under 6 minutes left, Brookwood called the senior’s number with a deep post pass. Fellow senior, QB Gary Chatmon, hit Conaway in stride, then the speedy skill player sprinted out to the sideline. One Marist defender was in pursuit; Conaway sized him up, cut back against the grain, leaving the defender grasping for air, and Conaway completely unencumbered into the endzone.
“I would describe the start of my senior year as a grind mindset to help me and my team go 1-0 every week and win a state championship,” Conaway said about the start of senior year.
The big touchdown reception was the go-ahead score and helped Brookwood to a 4-0 record to start the season. They are currently ranked the #6 team in our 7A rankings and #8 in the GHSA 25.
“My goals for my senior year are to get All-State, win a state championship, and be a role model to the underclassmen,” he said.
No doubt, they are one of our favorites to win a state title, and the main reason is the talented senior class built through years of varsity experience. For Conaway, he didn’t take a strong junior season for granted, and after his junior season, the 2027 prospect was hard at work.
“I improved the most on my stamina, being able to start on both sides of the ball this year and produce on offense and defense,” he said.
The 2027 prospect talked about why he chose Arkansas State.
“I chose Arkansas State because of the connection I kept with Coach Ortiz since he offered me. I loved how the whole staff connected with me through the process, and I felt like they had a clear path for me to exceed as a cornerback at the next level. The environment when I took my official visit was amazing and genuine with the coaches, players, and other recruits.”
This season, Conaway has 238 yards receiving on 8 catches with 1 touchdown, and on defense, the senior has 12 tackles, 3 pass breakups, and zero receptions allowed. That kind of production will certainly excite the staff over at Arkansas State; seeing a player so focused on his team winning while also showing great individual progression is a great trajectory for a young prospect.
Certainly, Conaway will continue to be a highlight reel away for grabbing more headlines, plus the Brookwood team could very well be playing at Mercedes-Benz this December, so be sure to follow @RecruitGeorgia on Twitter/X to hear more on the talented senior and athletes across the state of Georgia.
