Clayton News Daily

By Derrick Mahone

dmahone@news-daily.com

At the beginning of the season, the Clayton News Daily/Henry Daily Herald sports staff chose its first annual Southern Crescent Twelve Most Wanted list. With the regular season halfway over, the staff takes a look about at the selections to see how they have been performing.

Ra'chard Pippens

Ola

Why he was chosen: A three-star college prospect coming into the season, the defensive back had several college offers.

Meeting expectations: The senior has nine solo tackles and three pass break-ups. McBride, who has committed to Stanford, also has a blocked field goal attempt.

Quartterrio Morgan

Mount Zion

Why he was chosen: Coming into the season, he was considered a three-star recruit by most recruiting services. He has several major colleges interested.

Meeting expectations: The running back is one of the leading candidates for region and county player of the year honors. Through five games, he has 708 yards rushing and six touchdowns and four receptions for 57 yards.

Tre McBride

Ola

Why he was chosen: The running back came into the season with several teams, including Air Force, Northwestern, Virginia and Furman interested. He is also a standout on the basketball team.

Meeting expectations: He has been a workhorse for the Mustangs on offense and special teams. McBride has 850 all-purpose yards and five touchdowns.

Lamont Hardy

Lovejoy

Why he was chosen: The mammoth offensive tackle is the latest in a long line of Lovejoy linemen prospects. The 6-6, 350-pounder is being recruited by all the major Football Bowl Subdivision schools.

Meeting expectations: He is a big reason that the Wildcats average about 180 yards rushing per game. The three-year starters has graded out at about 90 percent throught the first five games.

David Washington

Lovejoy

Why he was chosen: Considered a Top 100 prospect at defensive linemen, Washington is a three-year starter for the Wildcats. He has several colleges, including offers from Kentucky, Mississippi State and Virginia.

Meeting expectations: Often fighting through double teams, the 6-2, 270-pounder has anchored the Wildcats' defensive front. He has 23 tackles and five sacks for the undefeated Wildcats.

Amarlo Herrera

North Clayton

Why he was chosen: He was one of the first players in the state to committ to play next season at Georgia. He is considered one of the top high school prospects in the state.

Meeting expectations: The 6-2, 225-pound linebacker is a region and county player of the year prospect. He has a team-leading 61 tackles with four tackles for losses and an interception.

Jack Ndem

North Clayton

Why he was chosen: Was expected to have a breakout season for the Eagles as they replaced six starters on the defense. He came into the season with a couple offers from some mid-major schools.

Meeting expectations: The 6-2, 230-pound defensive end has been a main producers on the defense. He has 23 tackles, a sack and four tackles for losses. He has a fumble recovery for a touchdown.

Stephon Brown

Henry County

Why he was chosen: Has some interest from several schools coming into the season. Was expected to play a large role in the offense with the graduation of several talented seniors.

Meeting expectations: The slotback/defensive back has been a standout on both sides of the ball. Has 13 receptions for 154 yards and a touchdown. On defense, he has 20 tackles, two interceptions and six pass break-ups.

Ed Wilkins

Union Grove

Why he was chosen: A speedster who can play multiple positions for the Wolverines. He committed to Southern Mississippi over the summer.

Meeting expectations: He has one interceptions and a fumble recovery for the Wolverines. The cornerback also has four pass break-ups and 12 tackles.

Avery Walls

Eagle's Landing Christian

Why he was chosen: Considered the No. 9 safety prospect in the nation by Rivals.com. He has several offers including Michigan, Oregon, South Carolina, Oklahoma and Tennessee.

Meeting expectations: The safety has been the leader on one of the top defenses in the state. He has nine solo tackles, 15 assists, three forced fumbles and two interceptions. He also has 12 pass break-ups.

Christian Reeves

Eagle's Landing Christian

Why he was chosen: Coming into the season, he was considered the No. 49 prospect in the state by Rivals.com and graded as a three-star prospect. A sure-handed receiver that has committed to play at Virginia Tech.

Meeting expectations: Through five games, Reeves has 19 receptions with no dropped passes for 386 yards. He has also rushed 14 times for 58 yards and has a total of five touchdowns.

Matt Rochell

Eagle's Landing Christian

Why he was chosen: The offensive line prospect has committed to play at the Air Force Academy. He has great speed for a linemen in running a 40-yard dash in 4.9 seconds.

Meeting expectations: He has graded out at 91 percent this season through five games. In addition, he has seven pancake blocks and 11 big-play efforts.