Friday Five: "Under The Radar" Prospects To Know
In today’s recruiting update, Dawg Post takes a look at five underclassmen who are bound for big seasons next fall. While some of them currently hold offers, the Georgia staff hasn’t currently offered these prospects at this time. With a big season this fall, Dawg Post could certainly see that changing down the road.
While the Bulldogs have extended multiple offers across the state in the 2022 class, one of the state’s best still doesn’t hold an offer. That would be Marietta (GA) defender Daniel Martin. Possibly the most well-known prospect on this list, the 6-foot-3 190-pounder is coming off a big sophomore season for the state-champion Blue Devils and has the versatility to play all over the defense. He had a very strong showing when Dawg Post was in attendance for the Rome game to start the 2019 season. He’s got good size, he’s physical, and he knows how to tackle. He played outside linebacker at Marietta but he’ll likely start off at nickel/safety at the next level. He has the length and quickness to play in the secondary, and he has the physical tools to play closer to the line and help in run support.
Martin earned an offer from Arkansas on April 2nd, giving him four to date. He also holds offers from Tennessee, Georgia Tech, and FAU. Martin worked out for the Georgia staff in Athens in June of 2019, but has admitted that he isn’t hearing much from the Bulldogs at this time. That could certainly change if Martin has the junior season that many expect him to have. Dawg Post expects more offers to keep rolling in for the Blue Devil defender sooner than later. As a sophomore, Martin recorded 74 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and 1 sack. He forced one fumble and recovered another. He also broke up five passes in coverage.
Another young prospect to know is 2023 WR Cayden Lee. The 5-foot-11 160-pounder out of Hillgrove (GA) trains with former Bulldog receiver Terrence Edwards along with 2020 signees Jermaine Burton and Justin Robinson. Lee has been talked about in recruiting circles since his middle school days and already holds offers from Auburn, Tennessee, and Duke. He did see time at the varsity level as a freshman last fall but broke his collarbone early in the season.
Lee has exceptional ball skills and appears to have that second gear that most his age doesn’t have. He trains hard in his craft and seems to have that natural ability at the receiver position. He has some “Dominick Blaylock” to his game. He’s got speed to beat you deep but his ability to run routes and create separation from a defender is what could separate him from other receivers in his class. Look for Lee to be a national name in the recruiting world down the road.
Paulding County is currently home to one of the nation’s top defenders in 2021 linebacker Smael Mondon. The Patriots may have another Mondon-like type of linebacker waiting in the wings in 2023 defender Temidayo Odugbemi. A source close to the situation told Dawg Post the rising sophomore has “A nose for the ball. He’ s strong in the weight room and possesses high-level leadership skills. He has a great work ethic.”
Dawg Post saw Odugbemi in person last month and confirmed his size at 6’1.5 182-pounds. He’s fairly new to the game, only playing 2-3 years of football, but sources say once college coaches can see what he can do in pads more often, that he’ll start reeling in some offers down the road. He stands out physically for a 2023 prospect, and coaches say he’s got the athleticism to his game as well. He can run, he can tackle, and he’ll only get better each time he hits the field. Look for this three-sport athlete to make a name for himself on the recruiting trail once he gets another full year of film.
As always, the Creekside Seminoles have another SEC-caliber player on the roster. This time it’s 2022 CB Dainsus Miller. The 6-foot-0 160-pounder is finally starting to see his recruitment take off, earning an offer from the Auburn Tigers on April 2. Miller has also earned offers from Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia Tech, Kansas, and Pittsburgh. That’s a solid group on its own, but many still think Miller is still one of the most “under the radar” prospects in the state.
As a prospect, Miller’s a rangy DB with good closing speed. He shows good instincts when playing the run and nice ball skills in the secondary. He has good speed, and he’s a threat to take it back for a score with the ball in his hands. He’s naturally athletic and just plays his position the right way. He knows how to cover, and knows how to tackle. He might not be the biggest guy, but he does have some length to him. Look for more schools to jump on board this spring.
Dipping out of Georgia for our final “under the radar” prospect to mention 2022 ATH Quan Lee of F.W. Buchholz (FL). This 5-foot-11 168-pound speedster is a definite deep threat who also changes the game on special teams. In only 7 games last fall, Lee caught 21 passes for 554 yards (26.4 ypc) and four touchdowns. He also added 189 kick-off return yards and 23 rushing yards for a combined 766 all-purpose yards (109.4 ypg). Not bad for any sophomore playing in the state of Florida. Not only can he run, but he shows good ball awareness when tracking the deep ball. He shows good hands and has the ability to catch and turn up-field with ease. If he’s got some open space, Lee is always a threat to make a big play.
Lee also has a brother who played major college football. That would be former Vanderbilt Commodore and current Pittsburgh Steeler running back Ralph Webb. As for his recruitment, Lee earned an offer from Tennessee last summer after sources say he ran a 4.3 40-yard dash in front of the Vols staff. Kentucky is his most recent offer after the Wildcats pulled the trigger on March 22nd. Lee looks to be an ideal slot receiver at the next level due to his size, speed, and ability to create a mismatch in the middle of the field.