2017 Clayton County High School Football ‘Super Six’
By: Staff Reports (CNDsports)
Clayton County has long been home to some of the top players in the state. This season, these six players are expected to carry on that tradition.
Matavion Brooks
School: Jonesboro
Class: Senior
Position: Running Back/Defensive Back
Noteworthy: Led Jonesboro in total yards and touchdowns last season, All-County and All-Region selection, three-year starter and team captain
Coach Tim Floyd’s take: “Matavion is a three-year letterman and has played a major role in program the last several years. He is a very hard worker and is like the big brother to many of the guys. He will continue to play a major role on offense, defense and special teams.”
Zion Custis
School: Lovejoy
Class: Senior
Position: Running Back
Noteworthy: Rushed for 1,487 yards and 12 touchdowns for the Wildcats, named First Team All-County and All-Region, named to preseason All-State in Class AAAAAA
Coach Edgar Carson’s take: “Zion, this year he’s going to have to step up and be more of a leader,” head coach Edgar Carson said. “I know he’s going to do a good job running the ball but I need him more mentally now staying on his teammates and pushing them. Coaches can push them but we don’t play. We need leadership out of those guys.”
Cedric “C.J.” Davenport
School: Drew
Class: Senior
Position: Running Back/Defensive Back
Noteworthy: Totalled 1,147 all-purpose yards and scored eight touchdowns last season, named All-County and All-Region
Coach Dorwyn Lyles’ take: “C.J. is very athletic, has sneaky strength and a very high football IQ. He has very good hands, vision and explosive power. He really leads by example and is committed to working hard and sees the benefit of it. He is a great student, leader and example in the building. He will thrive in an offense that’s built on explosive players and will flourish in a defensive scheme that suits his attributes of speed and intellect.”
Anthony Menchaca
School: Drew
Class: Senior
Position: Linebacker
Noteworthy: Made 119 tackles last season, named All-County and All-Region
Coach Dorwyn Lyles’ take: “Anthony is the spirited leader, a hard-nosed linebacker that packs a punch. He runs very well and he will get the opportunity to get some offensive carries this season. He is coming off two straight years of 100-plus tackles. He can play both inside and outside ‘backer positions, making him very versatile. He works hard in the weight room and is a leader within our school. He will challenge all the elite defensive players in our region for region honors. He will lead our defense to some stellar numbers and performance.”
Gary Tyner
School: Drew
Class: Senior
Position: Quarterback/Defensive Back
Noteworthy: Accounted for nearly 2,000 yards and 19 touchdowns last season, named All-County and All-Region, two-year starter
Coach Dorwyn Lyles’ take: “Gary is tough player with a tremendous upside — very versatile in that he directs our offense and very active in our defensive backfield. He’s a character guy that values working hard and getting better. His contribution will be heavily relied on both sides of the ball. He makes plays and will be depended upon to do so.”
Dante Walker
School: Riverdale
Class: Junior
Position: Defensive End
Noteworthy: Recorded 80 tackles, eight sacks, 13 tackles for a loss, five forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries as a sophomore; selected to First Team Defense in Region 3-AAAAA and Clayton County; holds offers from Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi State and North Carolina, among others
Coach Terry Herrod’s take: “Dante has unlimited potential. He has the talent to be one of the best to ever play at Riverdale. He will play both side of the ball for us. As a defensive lineman at the high school level he is a disruptive force, almost impossible to block.”
