The Georgia Elite Classic was first introduced in December of 2013 and has provided a stage for many of the state’s top prospects in each year since. For those who are unfamiliar with the event the GEC is an all star game for football athletes in the state of Ga. A selection committee of coaches, high school administrators and recruiting experts are chosen each year to hand pick the best and brightest in Georgia. Players are grouped by graduation year as the Freshman play the Sophomores and the Juniors vs. the Seniors. Invitations are sent out during the summer and again during the fall prior to the game. To say it is an honor to get an invite is an understatement.
The Georgia Elite Classic has provided a unique opportunity to several impact players who go on to attend top college programs. University of Georgia standout and Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb is an excellent example; Chubb was flooded with offers after putting on a dominant showing in the game during his high school tenure. The event has come to mean a lot for coaches in the southeast. Often these coaches will jump on prospects immediately following the game as their stock rises.
We looked back through each of the Georgia Elite Classic rosters of the classes that graduated (2015-2022) and 1,216 individuals that have gone on to play at the next level are listed below. This staggering number also includes current NFL players Darius Slayton and Chuma Edoga, who were featured in the first-ever Classic as well as John Fitzpatrick and Jake Carmada, who were taken in the most recent draft.
FAST worked with Tommy Lafayette intimately to help him prepare for his 2022 season at Lambert High School. Lambert went on an insane run and one of the best in the schools history as they were able to go 10-2 and 4-1 in region play. Tommy hit a career high in almost every statistical category and was super dominate running the ball out of the backfield. Tommy showed tremendous talent this year for Lambert and that talent did not go unnoticed. Lafayette was offered a coveted slot on the Sophomore squad for the 2022 Georgia Elite Classic and he was super excited to showcase his abilities in front of college coaches and scouts.
Throughout the GEC Tommy showed everyone watching why he is one of the best running backs in Georgia. Lafayette rushed for nearly 100 yards on 19 carries and showed real physical toughness as it was very hard for the defense to bring him down after initial contact. Tommy also showed that he is a dual threat player by snagging an unbelievable catch over the wrong shoulder that him laying out near the sidelines. At the end of the game Tommy was awarded The Player of the Game Trophy.
Tommy said this about his experience at FAST and his time playing in the GEC.
"FAST has helped me not only develop as an athlete but has taught me ways of doing exercises and movements the proper way. Injury prevention is vital to me and training with Coach Chris has kept me on the field playing at my peak level. Working with Chris has helped me advance my game tremendously and he is amazing at working around my school lifting regimen. He is in tune with my body and how I am feeling and is not afraid to make adjustments to make sure we are training smart. I really enjoy my time at FAST and it seems like we never do anything twice, lol. Coach Chris is always coming up with new drills that work, and that are fun to do. I am really looking forward to my time at FAST and seeing how much better I can get for my Junior and Senior season. Playing at the D1 level is my ultimate goal and I know Coach Chris and FAST can help get me there."
"Playing in the Georgia Elite Classic was a huge deal for me. It was great being able to play with players top ranked in the nation. The competition was mind blowing and it was fun to see how I stack up with some of the best. I just knew I had to show out and I am super happy with my performance. When I got the ball and saw the hole with a 6' 4" linebacker waiting I didn't run into it scared; I ran in with confidence knowing I have been training for this moment. It seems like I have been preparing for this night my whole life and my confidence is at an all time high knowing my talents are on par with the best in Georgia. All in all it was an amazing night and an amazing experience. I would like to thank my coaches, teammates and trainers for helping me be at my best."
(Tommy Lafayette accepting his player of the game award)
(Tommy rushes for 28 yards on this play)
Check out Tommy's Max Prep highlights from the 2022 season!
FAST Training and Athlete Development / Suwanee, Ga.
Media credits to @jmixtapeproductions