From Georgia’s Super 11 to College Gridirons: Quarterbacks Making Their Mark

When you grew up reading the AJC Super 11 list every spring, you learned to expect greatness. That promise isn’t just a badge on a high‑school wall; it’s a springboard. This fall, a handful of those Georgia standouts have taken the next step, showing up in practice rooms and stadiums across the country.

Take Julian Lewis, the former Carrollton quarterback who once dazzled the state’s scouting reports. He’s now the starting signal‑caller for Colorado. In a nerve‑wracking finish against Georgia Tech, Lewis delivered a 20‑yard strike to tight end Charlie Williams in the final minute – a play that will likely be replayed in his hometown for weeks. It wasn’t just a win; it was a reminder that the Super 11 label still means something when you’re lining up against Power‑5 defenses.

Down in the SEC, another Super 11 alum is quietly building a résumé. Aaron Philo, who earned his spot on the list in 2023 while playing for Prince Avenue Christian, is now a backup quarterback for the Florida Gators. He’s not grabbing headlines every Saturday, but his work ethic in fall camp – countless hours with the ball, late‑night film sessions, and a habit of asking “what if?” during drills – has caught the attention of the coaching staff. Philo’s story is the classic “stay ready, opportunity will knock” tale.

South Atlanta’s own Keyjuan Brown, a 2022 selection, is battling for playing time at a Division I program in the Midwest. He’s the kind of player who shows up early, runs the same routes a dozen times, and still manages to smile when a coach calls a trick play. Brown’s perseverance is a quiet reminder that the Super 11 isn’t a guarantee of instant stardom; it’s a promise that hard work can still win you a spot.

Even the less‑publicized names are worth noting. Justice Haynes from Buford, Kayin Lee from Cedar Grove, and Thomas Castellanos from Ware County have all earned roster spots or practice‑squad roles at respectable programs. Their journeys are filled with the same ups and downs any college athlete faces – injuries, academic balancing acts, and the constant pressure to prove they belong.

All told, the 2026 season will be a proving ground for these former Georgia high‑school stars. Whether they’re throwing deep bombs, protecting the pocket, or simply running crisp routes, the Super 11 heritage is following them onto fields far beyond the Peach State. And for the fans who cheered them in high school, it’s a thrill to watch the next chapter unfold, complete with the inevitable “remember when?” moments and the occasional surprise twist.