“Georgia’s Future Stars Shine Bright: Four Bulldog Commits Earn Coveted Spots on AJC Super 11 List, Cementing UGA’s Dominance Ahead of High School Football Season”

Every August, as the sweltering southern heat settles over Georgia and high school football stadiums begin to buzz with anticipation, a tradition unfolds that both celebrates individual excellence and sets the tone for the upcoming season—the unveiling of the AJC Super 11. For decades, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution has curated this prestigious list, highlighting the state’s top high school football players, many of whom go on to become household names in college football and beyond. This year, the Georgia Bulldogs had even more reason to celebrate, as four of their highly touted commits were honored with inclusion on the 2025 AJC Super 11 list, a clear sign that Kirby Smart and his recruiting machine are continuing to build an empire rooted deeply in homegrown talent.

For Georgia fans, this announcement was more than just a mid-summer media release—it was a loud, resounding affirmation that the Bulldogs are not only keeping the state’s best players at home, but doing so with an eye toward sustaining national dominance. With every commitment from a Super 11 athlete, Georgia isn’t merely stacking talent; it’s reinforcing a cultural identity built on pride, tradition, and excellence. The 2025 recruiting class, which already ranks among the best in the nation, now has an even more glittering profile, thanks to the inclusion of these four elite players. Each of them not only brings athleticism and potential but also carries the weight of expectation that comes with being labeled one of Georgia’s finest before even taking a college snap.

Among the headliners is Justice Fitzpatrick, a name that’s already drawing national attention. The 6-foot-2, 195-pound cornerback from Buford High School has long been considered one of the top defensive backs in the country, and his inclusion on the AJC Super 11 list was all but a formality. A lockdown corner with elite speed, fluid hips, and the swagger of a future All-American, Fitzpatrick committed to Georgia early in the process, turning down offers from nearly every Power Five program in the country. His decision to stay home was widely viewed as a tone-setting moment for the class. Georgia’s ability to lock in a player of his caliber from a powerhouse program like Buford is the type of recruiting win that echoes through the SEC and beyond.

Joining him on the list is Kamari Hayes, a freakishly athletic edge rusher out of Cedar Grove. Hayes, standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 240 pounds, is the kind of disruptive force that Kirby Smart’s defenses thrive on. With a relentless motor and an uncanny ability to get off the line of scrimmage, Hayes has been terrorizing quarterbacks since his sophomore year. His versatility allows him to drop back in coverage or rush off the edge, and he’s drawn comparisons to former Bulldog greats like Nolan Smith and Leonard Floyd. Hayes has remained rock-solid in his commitment to Georgia, despite increased pressure from rival SEC programs, including Alabama and Florida, who have made late pushes in recent weeks. His loyalty and leadership have made him a cornerstone of this class, and his presence on the AJC Super 11 only further validates his elite status.

Then there’s DeShawn “Tank” Morrison, an interior offensive lineman from Colquitt County who has quickly become a fan favorite among Georgia faithful. With a nickname like “Tank,” it’s no surprise that Morrison plays with the kind of power and aggression that leaves defensive linemen in his wake. Standing at 6-foot-3 and 310 pounds, he has the size, footwork, and technique to anchor the middle of any offensive line. What separates Morrison, however, is his football IQ and his willingness to put in the extra work off the field. Coaches rave about his leadership in the locker room and his ability to rally teammates. His inclusion in the Super 11 is a testament not just to his physical abilities, but also to his character and commitment to excellence. Georgia’s offensive line has become a factory for NFL talent, and Morrison looks poised to be the next great name in that lineage.

Rounding out the quartet is wide receiver Marquez King from Warner Robins. A blur with the ball in his hands, King brings a dynamic, game-changing presence to the Georgia offense. At 6 feet and 185 pounds, he’s not the biggest receiver in the class, but what he lacks in size, he more than makes up for in explosiveness and route-running precision. With sub-4.4 speed and an innate ability to create separation, King has become a nightmare for opposing defenses. His highlight reel is a medley of one-handed grabs, acrobatic sideline catches, and jaw-dropping runs after the catch. Georgia hasn’t traditionally relied on star wideouts to carry the offense, but King represents a new wave of playmakers who could help evolve the passing game and open up new dimensions for the Dawgs’ offensive scheme.

What’s perhaps most impressive about these four commits is not just their individual talent, but the way they’ve embraced the responsibility that comes with being leaders in a class expected to carry the mantle of national championship expectations. Each of them has spoken openly about the bond they’ve formed with one another, their commitment to bringing more titles to Athens, and their desire to keep Georgia talent in Georgia. In an era where name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals and the transfer portal have made recruiting more complex than ever, the Bulldogs’ ability to not only recruit but retain in-state blue-chip talent is a reflection of a well-oiled machine operating at its peak.

The AJC Super 11 recognition also serves as a warning shot to the rest of the SEC—and the nation. While other programs scramble to navigate the chaos of modern recruiting, Georgia is thriving, leveraging in-state relationships, winning on the field, and building a brand that resonates with the next generation of stars. It’s one thing to have a good recruiting class; it’s another to have one anchored by four of the top players in the state, all of whom are among the most coveted prospects in the country.

For Kirby Smart, who has made it a mission to “build a wall” around the state of Georgia, this year’s Super 11 might be one of the most gratifying yet. It reflects years of strategic recruiting, the tireless efforts of the staff, and a culture that not only attracts talent but develops it at an elite level. Georgia has already produced multiple first-round picks and NFL stars in recent years, and the pipeline shows no signs of slowing down. The 2025 class, led by these four Super 11 honorees, could very well be remembered as the group that helped sustain Georgia’s dynasty into the next decade.

For fans, the excitement is palpable. These players aren’t just future Bulldogs—they’re already celebrities in their communities, leaders on their teams, and role models for the next generation of Georgia athletes. Every time they take the field on Friday nights this fall, it won’t just be about winning high school games. It will be about building toward something bigger—developing into the kind of players who can carry the G with pride, and continue Georgia’s reign atop the college football world.

The AJC Super 11 is more than just a list. It’s a tradition that honors excellence, celebrates local heroes, and gives fans a glimpse of tomorrow’s stars. This year, it just so happens that four of those stars are already committed to wearing red and black. And if history is any indication, the road from Friday night lights to Saturdays in Sanford Stadium is one that promises glory, greatness, and perhaps even another national championship parade in Athens.

So as the 2025 high school football season begins, Georgia fans can tune in with even more enthusiasm, knowing they’re watching the next generation of Bulldogs develop in real time. The future isn’t just bright—it’s blazing red and black. And with Fitzpatrick, Hayes, Morrison, and King leading the way, the Dawgs are once again proving that the best players in the country don’t have to look far to find a championship home.