The Macon Telegraph from Macon, Georgia • H4

4H SUNDAY AUGUST 14 2016High Schools THE TELEGRAPH MACON.COM FORSYTH During the early months of 2014, hospi- tals were a shared expe- rience for Malik Herring and his aunt, Neco Da- vis. Herring, then a fresh- man at Mary Persons, had hurt his knee and went through surgery and rehab. His aunt was dealing with something far more serious: breast cancer. Through the experi- ence, Herring and Davis grew close. Davis sup- ported Herring in his quest to return to the football field, while Her- ring became a big ally of Davis as she fought her disease.

I had my ACL surgery, her cancer got really Herring said. it got bad, she make it over to see me, so I had to go to see her after practice. I used to go over there every day after practice to be with her, her family and her son, K.J., just to spend time with them and support her, to make sure she knew that I loved Davis died Aug. 26, 2014, one day after her 42nd birthday. Since then, Herring has carried her memory with him as he worked to become one of the top defensive linemen of the Class of 2017.

Herring, who is ranked seventh nationally among defensive line- men by ESPN and 83rd overall in the ESPN 300, is looking to honor Davis by announcing his col- lege selection on her birthday, Aug. 25. That said, Herring, who measures in at 6- foot-4 and 245 pounds, is looking to balance that special day with the realities of the recruiting process. Although he has announced five finalists Georgia, Alabama, LSU, Clemson and Southern Cal he said this month if he does announce Aug. 25, that decision neces- sarily be locked in.

want to make sure for that position Herring said. schools questioning it a little bit. like to get back on campus soon to make sure which is which. If things go as well, then probably push my date back. percent of the time, going to be with your position coach.

You could be in a two-hour meeting with your position coach. going to be spending most of your TWELVE TO TREASURE Herring aims to keep level head during big senior year BY RON SEIBEL Twelve to treasure Christian Armstrong, OL, Warner Robins: Has emerged in past year as a major recruit, getting scores of top-25 offers; new challenge is performing in completely different offense. Tae Daley, DB, Northside: Vanderbilt commitment and soccer whiz plays taller, is physical; two-time first-team All-Middle Georgia pick. Lyn-J Dixon, RB, Taylor County: The junior rushed for 1,380 yards and caught 460 yards in passes, drawing power conference attention; reportedly offered by Georgia, Alabama and Tennessee. Jake Fromm, QB, Houston County: An average season will put him in top three statewide all-time in a variety of categories; 1,165 yards from 10,000 for career.

Malik Herring, DL, Mary Persons: Consensus top-25 ranking in state; helped last year by a quality defensive line, so fewer double teams; had 87 tackles and 10 sacks. Trey Hill, OL, Houston County: Second-year transfer from Macon County draws eyes away from Fromm; first-team All-Middle Georgia in 2015. Kearis Jackson, ATH, Peach County: Sprinter speed, versatile track athlete; caught 40 passes for 640 yards and four touchdowns while Trojans alternated quarterbacks. Lane, QB, Macon County: Completed 52.6 percent of his passes a year ago for 3,156 yards and 30 touchdowns. Christian Meadows, OL, Macon County: Second-team All-Middle Georgia pick in 2015 is among the top 250 players in Class of 2018 listings.

Tobias Oliver, ATH, Northside: His future is at wideout, and catch some passes this year; smart at quarterback, has the grit of a fullback or linebacker. Jaylan Sandifer, WR, Northside: Multi-sport athlete rising on recruiting charts and getting some SEC and ACC attention. BJ Sharpe, Sr. DL, Southwest: Emerged after last season as a player to watch, and he has continued to earn the attention. SEE HERRING, 5H WOODY MARSHALL Mary Persons defensive end Malik Herring has announced he will choose between Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, LSU and Southern Cal on Aug.

25, his late birthday. A YOU ALSO HAVE TO STAY HUMBLE AND NOT LET IT GET OVER YOUR HEAD AND GET A BIG HEAD. Malik Herring on the recruiting process.