Homegrown Heroes Continue to Shine for Regional Football Powerhouses After Week 3

Homegrown Heroes Continue to Shine for Regional Football Powerhouses After Week 3

The Columbus, Ga., and Phenix City, Ala. area has long been a fertile ground for producing top football talent.

As we enter the thicket of the 2024 season, several homegrown stars from the are making their mark at some of the most prestigious college football programs in the Southeast. From the storied traditions of Alabama and Georgia to rising powerhouses like Auburn and Troy, these athletes are poised to play pivotal roles for their respective teams this season. Here's an updated look at the standout players who continue to carry the torch for their hometowns on the collegiate gridiron.

Alabama Crimson Tide:

#16 Red Morgan (Safety), Phenix City, Ala. (Central High School) - Freshman
A highly touted 4-star safety, Red Morgan was a prized recruit, choosing Alabama over Florida State. Known for his explosive hitting power and impeccable tackling technique, the 6'0", 175-pound Morgan is expected to play a significant role in the Tide's defense, especially following the departure of All-Star Caleb Downs to Ohio State. In Week 1 versus Western Kentucky, Morgan logged one tackle in a 63-0 blowout win. He also saw action versus South Florida in the Tide's 42-16 victory, notching another solo tackle. In Week 3 versus Wisconsin, Morgan delivered 3 punishing tackles in Alabama's dominating 42-10 win.

#57 Elijah Pritchett (Offensive Lineman), Columbus, Ga. (Carver High School) - Redshirt Sophomore
Standing tall at 6'6" and weighing 327 pounds, Elijah Pritchett is a dominant force on Alabama’s offensive line. With 15 games of experience, Pritchett is poised for an expanded role in 2024. His size, durability, and versatility have become key assets for the Crimson Tide. In Week 2 against South Florida, Pritchett made an impactful late-game appearance at right tackle, helping Alabama pull away in a 42-16 victory. He has challenged Wilkin Formby for the starting right tackle spot, and his standout Week 3 performance versus Wisconsin, where he helped solidify Alabama’s offensive push, has many predicting that he could soon overtake the position.

#88 Isaia Faga (Defensive Lineman), Phenix City, Ala. (Central High School) - Freshman
Isaia Faga brings a blend of speed and power to Alabama's defensive line. The 4-star recruit from Central High, coached by former Auburn quarterback Patrick Nix, is expected to develop into a significant contributor, though he has yet to log significant stats during the 2024 season.

Georgia Bulldogs:

#13 Mykel Williams (Defensive End), Columbus, Ga. (Hardaway High School) - Junior
Mykel Williams, a former Maxwell Football National High School Defensive Player of the Year, has established himself as a dominant presence on Georgia’s defense. A National Champion in 2022, Williams’ elite field vision, relentless energy, and impressive physical tools make him a potential top NFL Draft pick. He contributed two tackles in Georgia’s 34-3 Week 1 victory over Clemson before suffering an ankle sprain. Williams is being evaluated week-to-week, and Georgia hopes to have him back in action for their pivotal upcoming matchup against Alabama.

#28 Walter Blanchard (Receiver), Columbus, Ga. (Brookstone School) - Redshirt Freshman
After redshirting in 2023, Blanchard is looking to make his mark at Georgia. Though currently listed as a fourth-string receiver, the former Brookstone School standout may see increased action as the season progresses and depth is tested.

Auburn Tigers:

#8 Cam Coleman (Receiver), Phenix City, Ala. (Central High School) - Freshman
Cam Coleman, a 5-star recruit and the top-ranked wide receiver prospect, has quickly made a name for himself at Auburn. Coleman was named MVP of Auburn's A-Day game and continued his stellar form into the season, hauling in two passes for 62 yards and a touchdown in a dominant Week 1 win over Alabama A&M. Although he led Auburn’s receivers in their Week 2 loss to California, a shoulder injury sidelined him in Week 3. Auburn hopes to have him back for their upcoming matchup against Arkansas.

#45 Darron Reed Jr. (Defensive Lineman), Columbus, Ga. (Carver High School) - Freshman
Darron Reed Jr. has yet to log significant stats in 2024, but the Auburn coaching staff remains optimistic about his potential to be a disruptive force on the defensive line as the season progresses.

#89 Dylan Gentry (Receiver), Phenix City, Ala. (Central High School) - Freshman
Dylan Gentry is known for his consistency and work ethic. Though he has not recorded any receptions so far in 2024, he could play a pivotal role in Auburn’s offense as the season continues.

Troy Trojans:

#0 Gerald Green (Running Back), Columbus, Ga. (East Coweta High School) - Senior
Gerald Green has had stints at East Carolina and Georgia Southern before landing at Troy. In Week 1, Green rushed for 40 yards and a touchdown against Nevada. Despite his limited carries in subsequent games, Green remains part of a deep running back committee at Troy.

#83 D.J. Epps (Receiver), Seale, Ala. (Russell County High School) - Sophomore
D.J. Epps is looking to make a bigger impact after a quiet freshman year. While he has yet to log a reception in 2024, he did contribute a tackle in Troy's Week 3 loss to Iowa.

Georgia State University:

#8 Ja’Cyais Credle (Receiver), Columbus, Ga. (Carver High School) - Senior
A versatile receiver, Ja’Cyais Credle continues to be a reliable target for Georgia State. Credle’s contributions have been limited so far in 2024, but he caught one pass in the Panthers' stunning Week 3 victory over Vanderbilt (36-33).

#10 D.J. Riles (Receiver), Columbus, Ga. (Carver High School) - Sophomore
A dual-threat receiver and rusher, D.J. Riles has played a key role for Georgia State in 2024. He contributed four receptions for 23 yards in Week 2 against Chattanooga and added two more in the Week 3 upset of Vanderbilt.

#46 Ian Mathews (Defensive End), Columbus, Ga. (St. Ann-Pacelli Catholic) - Junior
After transferring from Hutchinson Community College, Ian Mathews has become a solid presence on Georgia State's defensive line. He notched his first tackle of the season in the Panthers’ Week 3 victory over Vanderbilt.

#68 Mason Cook (Offensive Lineman), Columbus, Ga. (Central High School) - Junior
Mason Cook continues to be a consistent force on Georgia State’s offensive line. Having played in all 12 games last season, his versatility and intelligence make him a reliable presence up front.

Alabama State University:

#1 Desheen Jackson (Safety), Columbus, Ga. (Carver High School) - Junior
A transfer from Troy University and Hutchinson Community College, Desheen Jackson is a key addition to Alabama State’s defense. Ranked as the #10 prep safety in the country by On3, Jackson brings experience and playmaking ability to the Hornets. His standout 2022 season at Hutchinson, which included 74 tackles and 2.5 sacks, is a strong indicator of the impact he can have in 2024.

Valdosta State University:

Ameir Bellamy (Offensive Lineman), Phenix City, Ala. (Central High School) - Redshirt Freshman
After redshirting in 2023, Ameir Bellamy is looking to step up for the Blazers in 2024. The 6'1", 282-pound lineman has shown the versatility to play both offensive line and fullback. His work ethic and consistency will be vital as he seeks to earn more playing time.

These homegrown athletes continue to make their communities proud as they compete at the highest levels of college football. Keep an eye on these players as the season unfolds, with many poised for breakout moments on the gridiron.