Homegrown Heroes Shine Bright for Regional Football Powerhouses After an Electrifying Week 4

Homegrown Heroes Shine Bright for Regional Football Powerhouses After an Electrifying Week 4

By David Brent Martin

The Columbus and Phenix City region has long been a breeding ground for top-tier football talent. As the 2024 college football season marches forward, numerous homegrown athletes from these areas are making their presence felt at some of the most prestigious football programs in the Southeast.

From established giants like Alabama and Georgia to rising contenders like Auburn and Troy, these players are leaving their mark on the collegiate gridiron. Here's an updated look at the standout performers who continue to represent their hometowns with pride.

Alabama Crimson Tide

#16 Red Morgan (Safety) – Phenix City, Ala. (Central High School) – Freshman
A highly rated 4-star recruit, Red Morgan spurned Florida State to join Alabama's vaunted defense. Known for his explosive hits and sure tackling, the 6-foot, 175-lb. freshman is expected to be a key contributor following the departure of Caleb Downs. In Alabama’s Week 1 shutout of Western Kentucky, Morgan recorded his first tackle. He followed it up with another in the Tide's 42-16 win over South Florida. Week 3 saw Morgan step up with three tackles against Wisconsin, and in Week 4, he made crucial stops in Alabama’s thrilling 41-34 upset of top-ranked Georgia.

#57 Elijah Pritchett (Offensive Lineman) – Columbus, Ga. (Carver High School) – Redshirt Sophomore
At 6'6" and 327 lbs., Elijah Pritchett is carving out a key role on Alabama’s offensive line. After gaining valuable experience in 15 games, Pritchett has emerged as a vital cog in the Crimson Tide’s protection unit. In Week 4, Pritchett played a backup role against Georgia but contributed to stabilizing the line during Alabama's dramatic victory, which saw quarterback Jalen Milroe amass nearly 500 yards of offense.

#88 Isaia Faga (Defensive Lineman) – Phenix City, Ala. (Central High School) – Freshman
A 4-star prospect, Isaia Faga brings speed and power to Alabama’s defensive front. Coached by former Auburn quarterback Patrick Nix at Central High, Faga’s talent is undeniable, though he has yet to log significant playing time in his freshman campaign. His development will be closely monitored as the season unfolds.

Georgia Bulldogs

#13 Mykel Williams (Defensive End) – Columbus, Ga. (Hardaway High School) – Junior
Already a cornerstone of Georgia’s defense, Mykel Williams is an elite pass rusher with the tools to be a top NFL Draft pick. The 2022 National Champion suffered an ankle sprain in Week 1 but managed two tackles in Georgia’s win over Clemson. His absence in Week 4 was felt as the Bulldogs fell to Alabama in a 41-34 stunner, where Georgia struggled to generate pressure on Jalen Milroe.

#28 Walter Blanchard (Receiver) – Columbus, Ga. (Brookstone School) – Redshirt Freshman
After redshirting in 2023, Walter Blanchard is eager to contribute to Georgia’s offense. Although listed as a fourth-string Y-receiver, the Bulldogs’ playoff aspirations could stretch their depth chart, potentially giving Blanchard the opportunity to see the field later in the season.

Auburn Tigers

#8 Cam Coleman (Receiver) – Phenix City, Ala. (Central High School) – Freshman
Cam Coleman, a 5-star recruit, has injected excitement into Auburn's receiving corps. After an MVP performance in Auburn’s A-Day game, Coleman opened the season with two catches for 62 yards and a touchdown against Alabama A&M. In Week 4, he led Auburn receivers with 82 yards on three catches in a tough 27-21 loss to Oklahoma. Expect Coleman to continue playing a major role when Auburn faces Georgia in Week 5.

#45 Darron Reed Jr. (Defensive Lineman) – Columbus, Ga. (Carver High School) – Freshman
A standout at Carver High, Darron Reed Jr. is still finding his footing at Auburn. Though yet to record a tackle through the first four games, his potential remains high as Auburn’s defense navigates the challenging SEC schedule.

#89 Dylan Gentry (Receiver) – Phenix City, Ala. (Central High School) – Freshman
With an impressive senior year at Central High, where he tallied 29 receptions for 540 yards and seven touchdowns, Dylan Gentry’s potential is clear. Although he has yet to record a catch this season, his work ethic and consistency make him a player to watch as Auburn’s season progresses.

Troy Trojans

#0 Gerald Green (Running Back) – Columbus, Ga. (East Coweta High School) – Senior
After stints at East Carolina and Georgia Southern, Gerald Green is making his mark at Troy. In Week 1, Green had 11 carries for 40 yards and a touchdown in the Trojans' loss to Nevada. He remains a key part of Troy’s running back rotation, though his production has tapered off in recent weeks.

#83 D.J. Epps (Receiver) – Seale, Ala. (Russell County High School) – Sophomore
After a quiet freshman year, D.J. Epps is gradually finding his role in Troy’s offense. While he hasn’t recorded a reception yet this season, Epps showed his versatility by contributing a tackle in Troy’s Week 3 game against Iowa.

Georgia State University

#8 Ja’Cyais Credle (Receiver) – Columbus, Ga. (Carver High School) – Senior
At 6'4", Ja’Cyais Credle adds size and experience to Georgia State’s receiving unit. He recorded one catch in the Panthers’ Week 1 loss to Georgia Tech and another in their upset win over Vanderbilt. His ability to make key plays will be crucial as Georgia State navigates the rest of the season.

#46 Ian Mathews (Defensive End) – Columbus, Ga. (St. Ann-Pacelli Catholic) – Junior
Ian Mathews, a transfer from Hutchinson Community College, made his mark in Week 3 by recording his first tackle of the season in Georgia State’s win over Vanderbilt. He added another tackle in the Panthers’ Week 4 loss to Georgia Southern.

Alabama State University

#1 Desheen Jackson (Safety) – Columbus, Ga. (Carver High School) – Junior
A transfer from Troy and Hutchinson Community College, Desheen Jackson brings much-needed experience to Alabama State’s secondary. Though his playing time was limited at Troy, his impressive stats from Hutchinson indicate the potential for Jackson to be a defensive leader for the Hornets.

Valdosta State University

Ameir Bellamy (Offensive Lineman) – Phenix City, Ala. (Central High School) – Redshirt Freshman
After redshirting in 2023, Ameir Bellamy is poised to be a key player for Valdosta State in 2024. His versatility along the offensive line, coupled with his fullback experience, will be essential for the Blazers as they push for a successful season.

With these talented athletes, the Columbus-Phenix City area continues to produce stars on the collegiate gridiron. Each player carries the hopes of their hometowns as they pursue excellence this season, showcasing the football-rich legacy of this region.