The Super Nine
The Columbia County News-Times staff has put together its own "Super Nine," profiling what we see as the nine best football prospects in the county.
Kevin Millward: QB/P-Evans-Jr., 6-0, 200
Schools: open
Millward enters 2006 as the top quarterback in Columbia County. He's got better targets to throw to this year, and the desire to make up for last season's 1-9 record.
Brendan Gray: QB-Harlem-Sr., 5-9, 186
Schools: Middle Tennessee State, Georgia Southern, Eastern Kentucky, Elon University.
The Bulldogs' success last season was often dependent on what type of game Gray had. The starting quarterback returns to Harlem this year with valuable experience and most of his offensive squad intact.
Jonathan Nicely: WR/FS-Evans-Jr., 6-5, 190
Schools: Auburn, Georgia
Nicely's height and quickness are key on the basketball court against 6-foot 6-inch post players. Imagine what the sure-handed receiver can do on the football field against 5-foot 10-inch cornerbacks.
Dylan Turner: TE/DL-Greenbrier-So., 6-2, 250
Schools: open
As a tight end, Turner has the best hands on the team. He started every game last year for the Wolfpack and will start on both sides of the ball this year.
Jermel Bennett: DE-Lakeside-Sr., 6-1, 240
Schools: Presbyterian College, Furman, Georgia Southern
Bennett is one of the strongest and most ferocious athletes at Lakeside. Panther coach Randy Hill put it best: "He's nasty."
Bo Phillips: LT-Augusta Christian-Sr., 6-2, 230
Schools: open
Phillips is a regular starter who made big contributions at right guard as a sophomore and at left tackle during last season's state title run. He's one of the top workhorses in the Lions trenches.
Kyle Meeks: TB-Augusta Christian-Sr., 6-1, 200
Schools: open
Meeks is no stranger to finding the goal line. As a junior, he tallied 10 touchdowns and averaged more than six yards per carry.
Maurice Dorsey: LB-Harlem-Sr., 6-0, 220
Schools: Auburn, Georgia
Dorsey, a member of the Super Nine last year, has only grown bigger and stronger. He's the best college prospect Columbia County has to offer.
Freddie Jones: TB-Greenbrier-Sr., 5-7, 175
Schools: Liberty University
After waiting in the wings behind Reggie Rice and Lashawn Butler last year, 2006 is Jones' time to shine. He'll be one of the stars of coach Scott Chadwick's new offense.