County's eyes should be focused on Bulldog

Last season, Harlem High School tailback Seth Hill entered his junior campaign with high expectations. The talented runner was coming off a solid sophomore season and was a year older and wiser.

//

However, in most 2008 area previews Hill's name was nowhere to be found. Perhaps it was because not much was expected of his team, or maybe it was simply due to the fact that there were other, older, more accomplished players out there.

Well, people can't look past Hill in 2009 after a season that saw him thrill Bulldogs fans to the tune of 1,405 rushing yards with 15 touchdowns, all on just 224 carries.

Few can forget his 266-yard, three-touchdown effort against Butler, or his four-touchdown, 186-yard night vs. Josey.

Despite those impressive numbers, many still will talk of Evans star Jonathan Finch as a shoe-in for Columbia County Player of the Year. I, too, like Finch. And why not? He ran for more than 1,500 yards on a team that went through the regular season with an unblemished 10-0 record.

Also, those who follow recruiting might bring up Lakeside's Khadi Tshishiku. That, too, is understandable.

Tshishiku is a highly coveted defensive back and could be a Division I signee.

Grovetown High School also is getting a lot of attention as the new season approaches. The Warriors will play the first game in school history in less than two weeks (on Aug. 21), so that is also certainly a story worthy of recognition.

However, when discussing things to look for in Columbia County football this season, do not forget to keep an eye on Hill. Two groups of people will certainly have Hill on their mind: opposing defensive coaches and college recruiters. Both are definitely familiar with his exploits.

Scout.com has Hill and Tshishiku featured among their listing of top players from Georgia. Both are listed as players with asterisks, but that could change for Hill if he begins 2009 as hot as he ended 2008.