The recruiting trail is hot around Houston County

HOUSTON COUNTY, Ga. — The question surrounding talent in Central Georgia is how can an athlete get to the next level? There are multiple athletes around the fields at the six schools in Houston County. Many scouts normally do not go places with one person in mind — but those that do often leave with more than they bargained for.

Well, everyone should know the passion for football in Houston County. From strictly a football standpoint, the goals for the six teams are quite similar: Going the post-season distance and getting athletes to the collegiate level.

Houston County and especially Central Georgia are not lacking any talent. The schools within Houston County (both GHSA and GIAA) are considered some of the best programs in the entire state of Georgia.

Victor Burley, Ricardo Jones, Malcolm Brown, Dakarai Anderson, Da’Mare Franklin, Ryan Powers, Hunter Kirkley and Arthur Brown are some of the most talented gridiron athletes from around the Houston County area. On the recruiting trail in Houston County, this week features a few notable area favorites. Caleb Wilson, Antwaan Hill, Chaz Sturn and William Gunnings are this week’s athlete spotlights.

Caleb Wilson is a very versatile defensive back from Perry. He is a member of Coach Kevin Smith’s secondary and has become a household name this summer. Recently in early June, Wilson received his latest offer from a Historically Black College and University (HBCU). Perhaps the number one HBCU, according to USA Today, the Howard University Bison offered Caleb Wilson a chance to continue his career as a student-athlete in our nation’s capitol.

Adding on to Wilson’s list of collegiate offers are Albany State, Samford, Air Force Academy, Army at West Point and Gardner-Webb. Wilson received all six offers this spring. He recorded 83 tackles for the Panthers, averaging six tackles per game, alongside three tackles for loss, 35 solo and 46 assist tackles.

The versatile defensive back can play as a rover and nickel, a free safety and a man-to-man corner. Wilson totaled one interception and two fumble recoveries last fall. The rising senior is a two-sport athlete and has a 4.0 GPA. Caleb Wilson will also play under newly introduced basketball coach Mark Gainous in Perry.

On State Route 96, Houston County quarterback Antwaan Hill, Jr. has received his latest offer from a Florida favorite. The University of Central Florida announced earlier this week that an offer was awarded to Hill. Also in the loop for the gunslinger are: Ohio State, Alabama and Tennessee. Hill has numerous Power-5 and FBS offers, but OSU and others have drawn closer as of recently.

In “War-Town,” Victor Burley recently verbally committed to Clemson, but there are others stealing the spotlight now. Chaz Sturn and William Gunnings III have picked up collegiate football scholarship offers as well. Chaz Sturn is an athlete that will see time on both sides of the ball for the Warner Robins Demons. On June 16, Sturn received an offer from Concord University. The Mountain Lions coaching staff expressed interest in the athlete and awarded Sturn his inaugural scholarship offer.

Tailback and outside linebacker William Gunnings III is a rising junior athlete for the Demons. Gunnings received his first of Division-One offers from Austin Peay State University. The scholarship offer comes after attending their prospect camp on June 18.

There are many good athletes in the Houston County area. Who will be the next hometown hero? Only time will tell the answers.

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