Carver and Central players represent Columbus area on freshman All-America team
Two Columbus area high school football players have been named to the 2025 MaxPreps Freshman All-America Team.
Carver High School running back Zach Watts is a first-team selection. Watts (5-foot-11, 180 pounds), rushed for 1,037 yards and 17 touchdowns in 2025, helping the Tigers win their second straight Georgia state championship.
Central-Phenix City wide receiver Braylen Averett is a second-team selection. Averett (5-foot-10, 165 pounds) made 49 receptions for 939 yards and nine touchdowns., helping the Red Devils reach the state semifinals.
Watts told the Ledger-Enquirer that this honor feels like his hard work has been rewarded.
“It was actually one of my goals I had in the beginning of the season,” he said, “so accomplishing it felt really good.”
The key to his progress, Watts said, has been and will continue to be “just keep my head down and keep working. I’ve always been known as, like, being real good, but I always need to keep working to stay at the top.”
Reflecting on this past season, Watts said he is most proud of improving his ability to read blocks. For next season, Watts said, he wants to be better at catching passes,/ especially deep balls.
Watts has attracted recruiting attention from some of the nation’s best college football programs. Among the scholarship offers he has received, Watts said, the top three he is considering are from Georgia, Texas and Florida State.
