Isaiah MackTUNNEL HILL, Ga. - Northwest Whitfield senior defensive lineman Isaiah Mack turned more than a few heads Monday when he dominated at the annual Georgia Athletic Coaches Association North-South All-Star football game in Columbus.
The future University of Tennessee at Chattanooga player earned North team defensive MVP honors with 15 tackles, including four for loss and two sacks in the North's 27-7 win, according to Northwest coach Josh Robinson. In a game featuring several major college recruits, the two-time Region 7-AAAA defensive player of the year stood out.
"I talked to Sandy Creek coach Chip Walker, who was one of the North coaches, after the game and he said if Isaiah wasn't the best player on the field he was close," Robinson said. "He told me Isaiah dominated a couple of very good linemen and definitely earned some attention."
Could Mack's great showing be bad news for the Mocs? Not if you listen to the player who had nearly 300 tackles and more than 40 tackles for loss the past two seasons.
"The way I see it, UTC has me pretty locked in right now," Mack said. "Monday was a great experience for me and a chance to prove myself against the best of the best. The Sandy Creek coach asked me where I was going to school, and after I told him, he asked why I wasn't going anywhere bigger. I told him I love UTC and he said if they get me they're getting a real steal. To hear that really meant something to me."
It's the second all-star game this year in which Mack has earned MVP honors after starring in the Down Under Bowl in Australia last summer.
Contact Lindsey Young at lyoung@timesfreepress.com or at 423-757-6296.