Early Sleepers of Georgia's 2024 Recruiting Class

Mar 31

The class of 2024 is filled with big names who have seen their recruiting heat up in the past few months. Some notable names in the class of 2024 include Pace Academy’s Hevin Brown- Shuler, Buford’s KJ Bolden, and UGA commit, Landen Thomas from Colquitt. While these guys have obvious talent and recognition, some lesser-known guys throughout the state are making waves this offseason and their names will soon shine through. I will include 5 players from the class of 2024 who are quickly improving their stock and have the potential to be household names during this upcoming year.

5. Jeff Davis II, Warner Robins (QB)

Davis spent time as quarterback for State-Champion Warner Robins in 2021. An injury derailed his season and he was forced to miss 5 games. Coming into 2022, Davis was able to transfer to Grayson high school in Metro Atlanta and prepare to help the perennial playoff team go for another run.

QB Hit List rated Davis at 89.9 grade during his sophomore year despite missing 5 games. In those games played, he displayed pure passing from the pocket. His ability to throw the deep ball shows through the first few plays of his film. Davis rarely was forced to leave the pocket, but on several passes, he stays strong in the pocket and delivers on-target passes. As a freshman, Davis played limited snaps but was able to connect for 3 touchdowns. Davis’ progression is inevitable as he possesses all of the tools to be an elite pro-style quarterback. Although it is still early in his recruiting, Davis will need to have a full healthy season to truly display why he is a top sleeper in his class.

4. Preston Bird, Veterans High (WR)

Despite not being a major contributor in his sophomore year, Preston Bird surely made the most of all of his opportunities this past season. As a receiver and returner for Veterans High, Bird made sure to score each time his hands were on the ball. In a big game against Ware County, Bird was named offensive player of the game after hauling in 5 catches for over 200 yards all-purpose and two touchdowns.

His coming-out party turned heads and as Bird enters his junior year, he expects to be a much larger part of the offensive attack. In a recent interview with Bird, he told us how he’s working on his game this offseason. Bird finds space very well and despite his smaller frame, he is strong through contact and could even play running back. As of now, Bird does not have any offers, but with the incredible offseason that he is having, he plans on changing that soon.

Film → http://www.hudl.com/v/2GNKs2

Interview → https://youtu.be/14vNUoXAQQs

3. T.J. Summerall, South Atlanta (DL)

To provide perspective on Summerall, in 2021, he started at the defensive end and was also a key contributor at receiver for South Atlanta High School. In a dominant season for South Atlanta, Summerall made his impact defensively, as he was nearly unblockable on the edge. His talent in the run game as well as in pass rush is equally as effective.

The interesting aspect comes when you watch him on the outside at receiver. Summerall is dangerous as a ball carrier. Several times on film he would catch a screen, make several guys miss, and take it the distance. His size and speed are a scary combination for such a young player. As he develops physically and mentally, Summerall should be nearly impossible to stop as a ball carrier.

In interviewing with Summerall recently, we learned that he is a focused young man that loves to compete. Summerall surely benefitted from playing across from teammate and top running back prospect, Keyjuan Brown, who tallied 42 touchdowns as a junior. With a variety of talent around Summerall, he will continue to develop into a top talent in his class.

Film → https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14686849/621c0486066ac20a48e67dfd

2. Mike Matthews, Parkview High School (WR)

Currently unranked, it is hard to tell that Matthews was only a sophomore. The Parkview Panthers have a boatload of young talent, who has been a big part of their success. WR Mike Matthews was one of the major contributors in their recent playoff push. In 11 games, the sophomore receiver brought in nearly 50 catches for 750 yards and 7 scores. As impressive as the numbers are, the 6’1 170-pound receiver is even more impressive on film.

His ability to attack the ball in the air is very advanced and he is very aware of where he is on the field and makes several acrobatic sidelines catches. Even on the defensive side of the ball, Matthews is able to cover ground very quickly, displaying his speed. Matthews is a two-sport athlete who also competes in basketball as well. Inside the hashes will continue to keep an eye on Matthews as he enters his junior season at Parkview high school.

Film → https://www.hudl.com/profile/14691090/Mike-Matthews

Offers: Notre Dame, Arkansas, Georgia Tech, Liberty, Oklahoma State, Pitt, UAB, UCF, Wake Forest

1. Jeffson Locke, Christian Heritage (DL/OL)

Out of a small private school, Christian Heritage in Dalton, Georgia, Sunlocke is relatively unknown at the moment. However, it is a matter of time before schools begin flocking. At 6’4’’ 230, Locke is a towering presence. He is not only solid in stature, but his length matches as well. In 2021, Locke recorded over 60 tackles with 40 solo’s and nearly 8 tackles per game. He also registered 3 sacks, 3 bat-downs, and 1 Interception and touchdown.

Locke is typically at the weak-side defensive end for Christian Heritage, but over the spring he has been training at the interior linebacker position. Locke moves very well and has the size and athleticism to play anywhere in the front seven. On film, he makes several open-field tackles on ball carriers after disengaging blocks like a pro.

Locke will need to have a break-out season to solidify what scouts saw from his sophomore year, but will surely rise up some scouting boards. Jeffson’s older brother, Solomon Locke is committed to play for the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, mock as a running back.

Interview → https://youtu.be/akbBswMh8rY

Film → https://www.hudl.com/video/3/9908573/61999e0ca676c80e9c588d5b