Prospect Review: Wilcox County at Irwin County

By Barry Every
SouthernPigskin.com

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Barry Every breaks down the top prospects from last week’s matchup between Wilcox and Irwin.

Ocilla, Georgia – Each team came into the contest with highly touted defensive units, both teams had shutout three of their previous six opponents. So it should come as no surprise that offensive real estate would be at a premium. In the end  Indians pitched their fourth shutout of the season, knocking off the Patriots by the tune of 16-0. 

With just over six minutes left in the first half Ocilla (Ga.) Irwin County drew first blood. A tackle for loss in the end zone by junior standout Garland Benyard broke the scoreless tie. Then on the ensuing drive the Indians were able to convert two fourth down opportunities. The final conversion came with 30 seconds left on the clock as senior speedster Jamorri Colson hit pay dirt from seven yards out.

Rochelle (Ga.) Wilcox County managed just 62 total yards on the evening. They actually had more penalty yardage than offensive output for the contest. Field possession also doomed the Patriots chances as they started five drives inside their own ten yard line.

Wilcox County (6-2/3-2) is back on the road this Friday at Ashburn (Ga.) Turner County (6-2/4-1) in another matchup of top Single-A (Public) programs. Irwin County (7-0/5-0) will leave the confines of The Reservation to take on Pearson (Ga.) Atkinson County (3-5/2-3).

Below are my top performers from each squad based on their performance and athletic potential. Though only six players were chosen, more than ten players from this contest were included in the weekly XOS Digital Prospect Report. This report is distributed to over 200 DI through DIII colleges.

Wilcox County Patriots

Christian Freeman, 5-7/155, SS (2020)

Offers: None
Comments: At first glance Freeman looks like your typical small school high school football player on the hoof. But sometimes, not often, dynamite comes in small packages. This heat seeking missile recorded seven solo tackles, three assisted tackles and one PBU in keeping Wilcox County in the game.  The size of the offensive player did not matter; Freeman struck them unmercifully and without compassion. He used every bit of his weight as he swung from the hips, unloading big hit after big hit. Freeman could be a possible DII type recruit; let’s face it, real strikers are hard to come by.

Martez Thrower, 6-1/195, OLB (2021)

Offers: None
Comments: I implore college coaches from around the country to get this junior on their recruiting board. Thrower has good length and a frame that will easily hold more muscle mass. He demonstrated excellent closing speed, good lateral movement and the acute affinity for contact. The prototypical outside linebacker had a monster evening recording six solo tackles, eight assisted tackles, two PBU’s  and two QBH’s. Thrower is dangerous on the blitz and knows how to get off blocks at the point of attack. He also had one catch for 12-yards in limited offensive duty. Thrower, in my honest assessment, shows Power-Five ability.

Desmond Tisdol, 6-0/220, LB/RB (2020)

Offers: (22) Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Kentucky, Missouri, Ole Miss, Purdue, Nebraska, South Carolina
Comments: One of the most highly touted and recruited players in all of South Georgia did not disappoint. Tisdol recorded two solo tackles, four assisted tackles, a pair of QBH’s and recovered a fumble versus Irwin County. Offensively he was unable to get untracked versus the stout Indian defense. That being said, I think the thick muscular gridiron monster best projects on the defensive side of the ball. He could be an outside backer or even inside linebacker the next level depending on the defensive alignment. He showed good top end speed and closes the gap between him and the ball carrier in a blink of an eye.  More offers could be on the horizon as his stock continues to escalate.

Irwin County Indians

Garland Benyard, 6-2/180, OLB (2021)

Offers: None
Comments: Benyard is the other junior outside linebacker that could become a household name pretty soon. The long and lanky stemwinder racked  up eight tackles, two QBH’s and a whopping six tackles for loss. One of his TFL’s was safety and  he nearly had another one but the ball  carrier was given a generous  spot. Benyard was a big reason why the Patriots were held  to a season low 62 total yards. His long frame will easily accommodate more muscle mass. He demonstrated good closing speed and the ability to use his long arms to get off blocks. Offensively he carried the ball seven times for 23 yards. Watching Benyard and his defensive mates is like witnessing awake of vultures feed on a carcass.

Jamorri Colson, 5-11/160, ATH (2020)

Offers: (20) Auburn, Colorado, Indiana, Mississippi State, Nebraska, Purdue, Rutgers, Tennessee, West Virginia
Comments: The two-way standout proved to be a difference maker again versus a top notch opponent. Colson recorded three tackles and one INT, while carrying the ball 10 times for 59 yards and one touchdown. On fourth down and five from the seven yard line with just over 30 seconds left in the half;  Colson slashed through the Wilcox defensive like a flash of lightning. Offensively he is a space  guy that can go the distance if given a step of breathing room. Defensively he is that long and lean ball hawking corner that is just salivating for errant throws. Colson also has value as a possible return man at the next level.

DJ Lundy, 6-1/255, RB/LB (2020)

Offers: (17)  Auburn,  Kentucky, Mississippi State, Pitt, Tennessee, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, West Virginia
Comments: Lundy’s number was called frequently throughout the evening on both sides of the ball. At running back, he was like a battering ram wearing down defenders on three and four yard runs. Eventually something had to give, the behemoth eventually broke off a 31-yard touchdown run to put the game out of reach. He also recorded five tackles and a TFL while  playing defensive end and some linebacker. When it looked like he was wearing down; he really surprised me with a massive hit near the boundary.  He came along way to deliver that blow and brought the Irwin faithful to their feet. Lundy is a versatile athlete that could do any things at the collegiate level.