Eye-Catchers: Top performers from Grayson-Milton preseason showdown
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Two of Georgia’s premier high school football programs took the field Thursday night as Grayson traveled to Milton to kick off the 2026 season with a scrimmage.
Weather cut the game short just before halftime, but there was still plenty to take away from a matchup loaded with Power Four talent and future national recruits. From established senior stars to emerging underclassmen, here are the biggest eye-catchers from Thursday night’s action.
Milton
After missing nearly all of last season with an injury suffered in the opener against Buford, quarterback Derrick Baker looked comfortable back under center.
The Tennessee pledge needed a drive to settle in before finding his rhythm. Once he did, he consistently delivered the football on time and with accuracy despite several drops by his receivers.
His best throw of the night never counted. Rolling to his right to escape pressure, Baker uncorked a beautiful deep ball that traveled roughly 40 yards before a holding penalty wiped out the completion.
Even without the statistics, the throw showcased the arm talent and touch that have made him one of Tennessee’s future quarterbacks. If Thursday was any indication, Baker appears ready to lead another championship run for Milton.
Few defenders impacted the game more than Boston College linebacker commit Blaze Battaglia. He opened the night by stuffing Grayson’s run game, followed it with a sack on the next defensive series and consistently directed Milton’s defense from the linebacker position.
Battaglia’s instincts, communication and physicality stood out throughout the scrimmage. He looked every bit like a future college linebacker and should have an opportunity to contribute early once he arrives at Boston College.
Milton’s passing game found another weapon Thursday night. Aedyn Meintzer is a 6-foot-3, 205-pound athlete who lined up at outside receiver, but looks like a future tight end who can make plays down the field.
Meintzer finished with four catches, including a nice back shoulder touchdown catch right before the half. Already holding offers from Georgia State, East Tennessee State, UNLV and others, Meintzer looks like a prospect capable of adding several more schools during his senior season.
Landon Ghea is one of the premier sophomores in the country, and he looked the part. After starting as a freshman, Ghea has added roughly 20 to 25 pounds since last season, and the physical development was obvious Thursday night.
He showed improved strength in the run game while consistently holding up in pass protection with balanced footwork and clean pass sets. College coaches already know about Ghea, and performances like Thursday explain why schools including Georgia, Auburn, Tennessee, Texas A&M and Ohio State are recruiting him so aggressively.
Grayson
Nebraska is getting one of the country’s strongest offensive linemen. Playing right tackle Thursday, Jordan Agbanoma consistently controlled defenders with his power and violent initial punch.
Grayson’s rushing attack found success running behind him, and although he’ll likely slide inside at Nebraska, his strength and physicality suggest he’ll have a chance to compete for playing time early in Lincoln.
Brandon Gray had a few nice runs in this contest. The 5-10, 190-pound 2028 talent showed a nice burst when he bounced the ball outside for a nice gain of around 30 yards. His patience, vision and burst stood out Thursday night.
Stock up for Kansas State commit London Goggans. The 6-2, 200-pound defensive back delivered two punishing hits against the run during the first half while also showing he could hold up in coverage with a pass breakup.
Working primarily at safety and nickel, Goggins displayed the size, physicality and versatility this evening.
Grayson has some young defensive linemen to know. Elijah Tillman is a 6-7, 240-pound junior with national offers and PJ Wilson is a 2029 sophomore to know. Both flashed with their speed to get to the backfield. Tillman has length, and Wilson has versatility.
Notre Dame, Oregon and Tennessee are high on Tillman’s list. Florida State and Georgia, among others have offered Wilson.
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