Homegrown Heroes Continue to Shine for Regional Football Powerhouses After Week 2

The Columbus and Phenix City region has long been a fertile ground for producing top football talent.

As the 2024 season unfolds, several standout athletes from these areas are making waves at some of the Southeast's most prestigious college football programs.

From powerhouses like Alabama and Georgia to rising programs like Auburn and Troy, these athletes are poised to be key contributors for their teams this season.

Here’s an updated look at the homegrown players continuing to carry their hometowns’ pride on the collegiate stage.

University of Alabama Crimson Tide

#16 Red Morgan (Central High School) – Freshman

A highly touted 4-star safety, Morgan chose Alabama over Florida State, and his explosive tackling and field vision have already drawn attention. With the departure of All-American Caleb Downs, Morgan is expected to play a crucial role in Alabama’s secondary.

In Week 1 against Western Kentucky, Morgan recorded a tackle in Alabama’s 63-0 win. He added another solo tackle in the Tide’s Week 2 victory over South Florida (42-16), and his playing time is expected to increase as the season progresses.

#57 Elijah Pritchett (Carver High School) – Redshirt Sophomore At 6'6" and 327 pounds

Pritchett is a commanding presence on Alabama’s offensive line. After 13 games, he’s primed for a larger role this season.

In Week 2 against South Florida, Pritchett entered the game late, helping the Tide turn a narrow 21-16 lead into a 42-16 victory. His presence provided a much-needed spark at right tackle, and head coach Kale DeBoer praised his performance in the post-game press conference.

Pritchett also started at left tackle in Week 1, filling in for an injured teammate, and is competing for a starting role on the offensive line.

#88 Isaia Faga (Central High School) – Freshman

Faga is a versatile defensive lineman known for his speed and power. A 4-star recruit from Central High School, where he was coached by former Auburn quarterback Patrick Nix, Faga is still finding his footing in Alabama’s system.

He has not yet logged significant playing time in Alabama’s first two games but remains a promising prospect for the future.

University of Georgia Bulldogs

#13 Mykel Williams (Hardaway High School) – Junior

Williams, the former Maxwell Football National High School Defensive Player of the Year, is a dominant force on Georgia’s defense.

A National Champion in 2022, Williams is known for his relentless motor and elite physical tools, positioning him as a top NFL Draft prospect.

In Georgia’s Week 1 win over Clemson (34-3), Williams logged two tackles before sustaining an ankle injury. His status remains day-to-day, and Head Coach Kirby Smart indicated Williams must return to full health before rejoining the lineup.

#28 Walter Blanchard (Brookstone School) – Redshirt Freshman

After redshirting in 2023, Walter Blanchard is looking to carve out a role as a Y-receiver for Georgia. Currently listed as a fourth-string option, Blanchard may see increased opportunities as the season unfolds.

He did not appear in Georgia’s first two games but remains a player to watch as the Bulldogs’ offense evolves.

Auburn Tigers

#8 Cam Coleman (Central High School) – Freshman

Cam Coleman, a 5-star wide receiver, has Auburn fans buzzing. Known for his speed, strength and playmaking ability, Coleman made an immediate impact in Auburn’s A-Day game, catching four passes for 92 yards and a touchdown.

He continued his strong start with two receptions for 62 yards and a touchdown in Auburn’s 73-3 Week 1 win over Alabama A&M.

In Week 2, Coleman led Auburn’s receiving corps with two catches for 53 yards in a narrow loss to California. Auburn’s quarterback struggles may impact Coleman’s production, but his talent is undeniable.

#45 Darron Reed Jr. (Carver High School) – Freshman

A standout defensive end from Carver High, Darron Reed Jr. made waves during his senior year with 8 sacks and 33 tackles. While he has yet to log any tackles in Auburn’s first two games, Reed is expected to be a rising star on Auburn’s defense as the season progresses.

#89 Dylan Gentry (Central High School) – Freshman

Gentry, known for his work ethic and consistency, recorded 29 receptions for 540 yards and 7 touchdowns in his senior season at Central High. Although he has not recorded any receptions in Auburn’s first two games, Gentry is viewed as a reliable option who could contribute to the Tigers’ offense.

Troy University Trojans

#0 Gerald Green, Columbus, Ga. (East Coweta High School) – Senior

A powerful running back, Green has already had stints at East Carolina and Georgia Southern before transferring to Troy.

In Week 1 against Nevada, Green had 11 carries for 40 yards and a touchdown, and in Week 2, he added 10 carries for 20 yards in a loss to Memphis.

Green’s versatility will be key for Troy’s offense in 2024.

#83 D.J. Epps, Seale, Ala. (Russell County High School) – Sophomore

Epps, a 6'1" slot receiver, showed flashes of potential during Troy’s scrimmages but has yet to record a reception in the first two games of the season.

As the year progresses, he could see more opportunities to make an impact.

Georgia State University Panthers

#8 Ja’Cyais Credle (Carver High School) – Senior

Credle, a 6'4" redshirt senior, has been a key player for Georgia State’s offense. In Week 1, Credle recorded one reception for 13 yards against Georgia Tech.

Though he did not make a catch in Week 2, Credle remains a versatile and reliable target for the Panthers.

#10 D.J. Riles (Carver High School) – Sophomore

A dual-threat quarterback turned wide receiver, D.J. Riles transferred to Georgia State from Middle Tennessee State.

In Week 2 against Chattanooga, Riles contributed as both a rusher and receiver, highlighting his versatility. He finished the game with four receptions for 23 yards, adding to his Week 1 performance where he recorded two catches for 16 yards.

#46 Ian Mathews (St. Ann-Pacelli Catholic) – Junior

Mathews, a defensive end, transferred to Georgia State from Hutchinson Community College, bringing his size and potential to the Panthers' defense.

In 2023, he recorded 16 tackles, two sacks, and four tackles for loss. Though Mathews hasn’t logged any stats in Georgia State’s first two games, he’s expected to play a larger role as the season progresses.

#68 Mason Cook, Columbus, Ga. (Central High School) – Junior

Cook, a versatile lineman, played in all 12 games in 2023, making four starts.

Known for his ability to play both tackle and guard, Cook is a valuable asset to Georgia State’s offensive line, recognized for both his skill and his academic achievements on the Athletic Director's Honor Roll.

Alabama State University Hornets

#1 Desheen Jackson (Carver High School) – Junior

Jackson, a transfer from Troy University and Hutchinson Community College, is expected to bolster Alabama State's secondary in 2024.

Ranked as the #10 prep safety in the country by On3, Jackson brings experience and skill to the Hornets' defense.

Valdosta State University Blazers

Ameir Bellamy (Central High School) – Redshirt Freshman

After redshirting in 2023, Bellamy is prepared to make an impact in 2024. Standing at 6'1" and 282 pounds, Bellamy has demonstrated versatility, capable of playing both offensive line and fullback.

His consistency and adaptability will be key as he aims to earn more playing time for the Blazers this season.