Local players make top-300 list
Published 1:57 pm Wednesday, July 11, 2018
By KEVIN ECKLEBERRY
Daily News
A trio of Troup Tigers, as well as a Callaway Cavalier and a LaGrange Granger, find themselves in exclusive company.
Recruit Georgia has put together its top 300 players of the class of 2019, and five local players are included.
Recruit Georgia created the rankings together earlier this summer, and it has changed each week.
The list that was unveiled on Tuesday will be the final one until the season begins in August.
The rankings include players from all seven of Georgia’s classifications.
Troup’s King Mwikuta, Joko Willis and Jamari Thrash were included in the rankings, as were LaGrange’s Dexter Fitzpatrick and Callaway’s Keiondre Jones.
Jones, an offensive lineman, has the highest ranking of any of the local players at number 18.
Jones, who has been starting since he was a freshman, is one of the state’s most heavily-recruited players, and last week he announced that he’ll be choosing between Auburn, Florida, Mississippi State and Clemson.
The next highest-ranked local player is King Mwikuta, a defensive lineman for Troup.
Mwikuta, who has been starting since he was a sophomore, has already made his college decision.
In December, Mwikuta announced his intention to sign with the University of Alabama where he’ll play for Nick Saban.
“Coach Saban, he’s one of the best coaches there is today,” Mwikuta said after announcing his decision. “He’s been around for a long time. I feel like if I get coached by him, the sky’s the limit.”
Joko Willis, a standout linebacker for Troup, comes in at number 88 in the rankings.
Willis has started the past two seasons, and he has numerous offers, including some from some SEC schools.
At 161 in the rankings is LaGrange’s Dexter Fitzpatrick, a linebacker who excelled last season on a team that struggled through a winless season.
Fitzpatrick is also a standout wrestler for LaGrange, and he placed at the state meet in February.
Troup’s Jamari Thrash is 167th in the rankings after putting together a monster junior season as a wide receiver.
Thrash has nearly 1,500 receiving yards with 13 touchdowns in 12 games last season.
Callaway, LaGrange and Troup will open their seasons in August.
LaGrange will host Heard County on Aug. 17, and Callaway and Troup will open their seasons a week later on Aug. 24.
Callaway will host Opelika, and Troup will be on the road against Ridgeland.
