Spalding’s X-Factor Nazir Berry

The class of ’22 at Spalding is a good one, and running back Nazir Berry is a major part of their core. The senior back stands 5’10” and 190 lbs. and once he gets the ball into his hands anything can happen.

That was the case last weekend where Berry took a carry from his own 32-yard line. There wasn’t much room up the middle, so the senior back bounced to the outside getting around a few blocks. The West Laurens defense was in pursuit, and a linebacker had Berry dead in his sights, but the elusive back juked to the right and the West Laurens defender went flying out of bounds empty-handed. Several more West Laurens players meekly attempted to drive Berry out of bounds, but the powerful back kept his balance and accelerated down the sideline for an explosive 68-yard touchdown.

The play earned a spot into the top 10 plays of the week and ultimately finished 2nd place with over 1000 votes. The touchdown helped Spalding to a 21-7 victory and now has the team 4-1 on the season with a huge game against Perry tonight.

In large part, the success for Spalding has been the growth and leadership of their senior class. Berry agrees and feels that is where he has grown the most.

“As a player, I feel like I improved more at leading on and off the field,” Berry said.

On the recruiting front, the 2022 back feels good about his recruitment. Over the summer he camped at several schools and went on a visit to Mercer back in July.

“My recruitment has been okay I have a couple of coaches hitting me but I’m just trying to stay focus and humble and worry about the rest of the season.” Berry continued to talk about visits, “And no, I haven’t been on any visit, but one, and I don’t have any planned.”



Berry is a smart back who can find openings in the defense and has solid acceleration to burst through. He is a deceptive runner who can get defenders into poor tackling angles and his low center of gravity makes it hard to knock him off his feet. Berry is a good receiver too, which is similar to the athlete that he models his game after.

“If I had to say that I model my game after anybody it would be Alvin Kamara because I am a back that not can only run the ball, I can also block or catch anything you need me to do – I’m the guy.”

Berry is a confident athlete, which has been important for Spalding, as they look to extend their season for a deep playoff push. As mentioned earlier in the article, the class of ’22 for the Jaguars is a talented bunch, and this could truly be a season to remember. So with it being Berry’s last season, we thought that it was apt to ask what he enjoys the most playing on Friday nights here in Georgia.

“My favorite part about playing on Friday nights is seeing my family and friends in the stands cheering me on. My other favorite part about Friday nights is being on the field with my brothers, they are like my 2nd family if nobody has my back I know they do! I feel like those two reasons right there is my favorite part of Friday nights.”

These Friday nights are certainly a special experience that will create lifetime memories. Berry and the rest of the Spalding football team have taken a jump this year, and with so much more football to be played, anything could happen, so be sure to stop by our Twitter page @RecruitGeorgia to hear the latest on Berry, his squadmates, and the rest of the athletes across the state of Georgia.

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