314 votes cast: Trevor Lawrence leads coaches' poll for best Georgia high school player

Trevor Lawrence is the best player in Georgia high school football history, according to a survey of state coaches. The AJC Varsity poll asked coaches to name the three best opposing players they had faced or seen, based on their abilities at the time rather than future accomplishments. Lawrence received the most citations in the survey, which gathered 191 votes from coaches across the state.

The Cartersville High School quarterback currently plays for the Jacksonville Jaguars. He led his team to 15-0 records and state championships in 2015 and 2016. During his high school career, Lawrence passed for a state-record 13,902 yards. Coaches cited his dual-threat ability as a key reason for his placement at the top of the list.

Travis Hunter of Collins Hill High School and Eric Berry of Lake County High School received the second and third highest number of votes, respectively. Hunter was named to the AJC all-classification team and later became a college All-American. Berry, a safety, was also a top-five NFL draft pick. Both players led their schools to state titles before entering the professional league.

Coach Todd Holcomb noted that coaches were asked to judge players based on their performance in high school. He explained that the survey aimed to identify athletes who stood out during their time in the state, not those who went on to have long NFL careers. The results reflect the immediate impact these players had on opponents and the game.

Josh Downs, Greg Reid, and Deshaun Watson followed the top three in the voting. Downs, a receiver from South Cobb High School, was a two-time state champion. Reid, a running back from Georgia Southwestern, helped lead his team to titles. Watson, a quarterback from Douglas High School, was a two-time state champion and a top draft pick. All three were recognized for their dominance in high school football.

The poll included players from various regions of Georgia, with votes coming from coaches in Metro Atlanta, North Georgia, South Georgia, and other areas. The AJC compiled the results from the 191 respondents. The top vote-getters all became professional athletes and were selected in the first or second rounds of the NFL Draft. The survey provides a snapshot of the talent that emerged from Georgia high schools over the last two decades.