The state of Georgia has always been good at producing excellent talent, particularly on the defensive side of the football (arguably the top four prospects the past two seasons from Georgia have all been on defense). Linebacker Raekwon McMillan figures to be one of those top blue-chippers who could make a big difference.
McMillan is considered a consensus four-star recruit. McMillan weighs in at 236 pounds and stands tall at 6'3. The inside linebacker hails from Hinesville (Ga.) Liberty County High. McMillan reports top offers from Clemson and Ohio State, with schools like Alabama, Georgia, USC, Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Notre Dame, Oregon, Stanford and others also getting into the mix.
As of March 22, McMillan lies right on the border of getting that elusive fifth star. McMillan is ranked as the 16th best overall national prospect by Rivals. 247Sports has McMillan ranked 13th overall and the second-best inside linebacker and the second best recruit in the state of Georgia. Scout has McMillan ranked as the second best middle linebacker on their list and he is also a member of the ESPN Watch List.
Bud Elliott, National Recruiting Analyst: McMillan attacks downhill in a hurry and really gets after the ball carrier. He is adept at quickly reading the play and shooting through the gap before the blocker has a chance to get after him. McMillan is clearly very strong, both in taking on blocks and in exploding through the ball carrier. He brings his legs on contact and gets his man on the ground.
McMillan is probably fairly close to the size at which he will play in college, though he could add 10 or so pounds.
Two questions remain about McMilan. First, I am unsure how long his arms really are. In college, he'll need them to keep blockers off his body. Second, I would like to see him more in pass coverage. McMillan could very well be a good pass defender. But due to the lack of tape, I cannot be sure of this.
McMillan is going to be a dominant starter as a middle linebacker who attacks downhill, and should be so with a quickness. He reminds me some of Reuben Foster and Jeff Luc -- former middle linebacker prospects who were close to their physical peak in high school. Anything else is just gravy.
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