The Chalk Talk Draft

Most of us are still shaking our heads over the decision last week of the Houston Texans passing up Reggie Bush with the #1 overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft. Honestly, I’m sitting here and cannot remember the name of the young man the Texans did draft with the first pick. What’s that tell ya? If you were to force me to try and remember I’d have to go with Ryan Leaf…no, maybe it sounded more like Brian Bosworth…no, wait a minute…I think it was more like Marcus Dupree. Anyway, if I were the Texans’ Director of Player Personnel, I might get my resume out there on Monster, soon.

Not me Baby. I got skills. I know how to draft to win. In fact, I can recognize a “Hall of Famer” while he or she is still vying for a high school letter jacket. Yep, I’m that good. Pay attention Mr. Blank…you may want me in the war room next year!

Here is the 2006 ChalkTalk Draft…

Chopper Gloer is my first pick. He is the Starr’s Mill Strong Safety whose poster hangs proudly in my son’s bedroom. The poster captures “The Hit” in which Chad tattooed a Brookwood running back so hard his helmet flew off in one direction and his mouthpiece in another. If Kincaid could paint a reproduction of the actual still shot and give life to the stadium lights it would have the potential of hanging in Canton.

Kelley O’Hara, Starr’s Mill soccer. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Kelley is the most gifted athlete in the county.

Brent Brewer, Sandy Creek football and baseball. He’ll be the only guy on campus who can start in football and baseball at Florida State next year.

Bradley Conner, Starr’s Mill football and wrestling. This beef-eater with brains is headed to play football for the Air Force Academy. He won the 5A State Wrestling Championship at 275lbs.

Morganne Campbell, Sandy Creek basketball. Morganne had an incredible year and was rewarded with a full ride to play in the ACC for Clemson.
Brendan Hall, McIntosh football and baseball. Headed to Cal State Fullerton to play baseball for one of the top programs in the nation. Next stop….major league draft.

Ashley Mead, Landmark volleyball. Ashley was the A-AA Player of the Year and is headed to Middle Tennessee University. She brings a new meaning to the word “kill”.

Emily Borsare, McIntosh cross country and track. Emily was the premiere runner in the county and one of the top runners in the state. Dominant. Emily the Energizer.

Jay Bright, Whitewater football and basketball. One of two underclassman to make the top 10 picks. Arguably, the most athletic athlete in the county.

Jordan Strain, Whitewater wrestling. The Georgia State champion in Class 4A. Perfect blend of warrior and skilled hunter.

Raven Moore, Our Lady of Mercy track and basketball. Most folks forget about her basketball ability because she is Fayette County’s fastest thing on two feet. This state champ is only a freshman…scary.

Nicole Roddenberry, McIntosh swimming. Set a new county record this year in the 50 free. I like speed on my roster.

Thomas Lucak, McIntosh swimming. Walked away from the county championships with four 1st place finishes. Not a bad day at the office.

Christian Honeycutt, Landmark basketball and track. Just a junior and a big-time D1 recruit in basketball and a state champion in track.

Lewis Parks, Starr’s Mill football. Headed to Bowling Green to play in the MAC. He was a real force defensively for the Panthers.

Travis Cooper, Sandy Creek wrestler and Olympic Weight Lifter. Travis is one of the top Olympic lifters in the nation in his weight class. He is an outstanding wrestler.

Channing Welch, Fayette County football and basketball. I love this kid. He has one direction only regardless of the sport…straight ahead…full impact. Headed to Furman.

Brandon Henderson, Fayette County football and basketball. A little prettier than Channing but not as smart! Headed to Mississippi State to play football.

Jake Lethbridge, Our Lady of Mercy cross country and track. Freshman phenom. Won the Class A state title last week in the mile with a personal best 4:25. Think about it…three more years of this kid.

Greg Davis, Starr’s Mill football and track. Rushed for over 1,000 yards imitating the bus. A track All-American.

Katie Jacobsen, Starr’s Mill soccer and basketball. Katie was a very solid basketball player during her career. However, her soccer skills won her a state title and a full ride to UGA.

Danielle Crawford, McIntosh volleyball. Danielle was the main force behind the Lady Chiefs’ run at the title in 4A.

Amanda Howett, Starr’s Mill softball. Amanda could bring the heat. Headed to Georgia Southwestern State University to take her place in the winner’s “circle.”

DJ Ward, McIntosh Lacrosse. DJ legally found a way to bring a big stick on campus and get cheered for swinging it at a human target. Nice.

Tyler Betsill, Sandy Creek football and baseball. I thought Tyler was one of the more active linebackers in the county the last couple of years. I was disappointed no one signed him…until the baseball season. He had a stellar season and was rewarded with a scholarship to Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College.

Free Agent Signings

Matt Moody, Landmark football. Must see kid. The War Eagles love to throw and this QB is already getting bombarded with Division 1 offers.

Roby Davis, Starr’ Mill football. Lightning quick and knows the system. Time to let this thoroughbred out of the barn. Definitely going to play at the next level in the right system.

Zack Akins, Grace Christian Academy Skeet. Yep, Skeet. This 15 year-old won the National Skeet Championship with a score of 198 out of 200. I need a body guard like any great coach.

Megan Cheatham, McIntosh volleyball. Megan had over 1,000 assists this season alone. I like unselfish players who set the example. Berry College is getting a great one.

Tavoris Dixon, Whitewater football. Had the Wildcats gotten the chance to play their 10th game Tavoris would have easily broken the 1,000 yard rushing mark. Don’t worry, he’ll definitely get it next year!

Matt Lethbridge, OLM cross country and track. Won the state title in Cross Country as a freshman. Was an impact runner for the track team. His only hurdle in becoming the top long distance runner in all Georgia the next few years will be his brother.

Heather Hayes, Landmark track. Heather won the state title with the best vault in all classifications last year with an 11’2” pole vault. This year she decided to win state titles in the 300 hurdles and the 4 x 400 relay.

Andrew Robinson, Starr’s Mill baseball. It’s like watching art when Andrew pitches. He has as many pitches and locations as Comcast has excuses. Starr’s Mill’s MVP.

Tyler Chapman, Landmark football. Headed to Eastern Kentucky to play football. A walking example of what four years of total commitment to one dream can do.

Trades

I’d like to trade with Creekside for Eric Berry…best football prospect in the state next year. I’m going to work a deal to get Chase Smith and Drew Garner from Northgate. Both kids are role model citizens and have worked their backsides off to become great players. Chase got his scholarship in football (Chase-ing The Dream – my first article) and Drew finished state runner-up in 4A wrestling in the 275lb. weight class. Brandon Bohenna of East Coweta has excelled in three sports every year. I love his versatility and competitive spirit. He’ll play for me. I love this little gal from OLM, Sarah Hohenberger. Again, just a freshman, she won the Class A 800m and 1600m championships. She gets better with each race.

Finally, when it gets down to the last out; when it’s 4th and goal with the game on the line; when it’s do or die I want an intimidator, I want a beast, I want a freak of nature…I want Joey Lewis!!! I think Joey has launched several hundred home runs this season. It is almost disappointing when he rips a double…except for the opposing pitcher. He looks like Urlacher in pin stripes. He is my go-to guy in the clutch. Who needs Barry Bonds…I got Joey.

Well, there ya go. My 2006 Chalk Talk draft picks and free agents. Bring on Fulton County, Gwinnett County, Lowndes County. Go ahead. I’ll beat ‘em all, any time any place.
In fact, bring on the Houston Texans!