We add new articles and updates every few weeks. Sometimes we're traveling, often there are some cool moments to share, and occasionally we run into some serious surprises.

The offseason has gone well for Lanier football player Tojuan “T.J.” Peyton Jr.

The 5-foot-9, 195-pound rising senior running back received 23 Division I offers from quality football programs before committing to Memphis in late June. He is ranked as a three-star running back/athlete.

Peyton was dedicated to getting better and stronger during the offseason in order to be even more impactful come the fall.

“Our strength coach (Mike Dunning) has us doing explosive lifts where we can get faster and stronger at the same time, and outside of school lifting I have a speed trainer,” Peyton said. “I’m going to work on my top speed and explosiveness coming out the hole.”

Peyton is a strong, downhill runner with breakaway speed and the ability to make guys miss on the outside. His 40-yard dash time is 4.5 seconds and he has an impressive 275-pound clean press. The impact he has on the game stretches past just being a power back — he also provides a viable option in the receiving game as a go-to option for his quarterback.

“T.J. is a great kid who leads by example and is someone that everyone looks to from a character standpoint and he’s the last one I’m worried about causing trouble in school,” said Lanier head coach Tyler Maloof. “He is such a great representation of our program, and it’s a huge reason why he has put himself in a position to be successful in a lot of things outside of football.”

Peyton also sets the bar extremely high for himself, saying a goal of his is to break the rushing record at Lanier, which was set by Tario Fuller back in 2013. However, numbers-wise he said rushing for over 1,200 yards and a total of 15 touchdowns would be a successful season for him.

The biggest thing Peyton took away from last year and into the offseason was the importance of his team.

“There’s no winning without your teammates being a brotherhood,” Peyton said. “If you don’t have your teammates’ back off the field, how are you going to have it on the field?”

Peyton also added other sports to help on the football field with the addition of track and field this past spring.

“As far as things he does on the field, he’s one of the most versatile running backs that I’ve coached, and he catches the ball as good as anyone on the team, providing a pass-catching option,” Maloof said. “He had nearly 30 catches last year, so just versatility is his biggest weapon.”

Peyton shared time in the backfield last season and still rushed for 714 yards along with 316 receiving yards. He had 10 total TDs.

The 3.4 GPA student’s skill set brought plenty of college interest before deciding on Memphis, which he chose over Connecticut, Georgia State, Georgia Southern and James Madison.

Lanier opens its season August 16 against Norcross.

link to article

Written by Don Johnson 

In the heart of Gwinnett County, football fans are witnessing the emergence of a true talent in junior running back Tojuan Peyton Jr. His electrifying performances on the field for Lanier High School have caught the attention of college recruiters, and his recruitment journey is heating up as offers pour in from Division 1 programs across the nation.

Peyton Jr.'s stats speak volumes about his prowess on the gridiron. With an impressive 714 rushing yards and 316 receiving yards, along with 10 touchdowns, he played a pivotal role in guiding his team to a commendable 9-3 record this season. His explosive speed and elusive moves have earned him an impressive average of 6.3 yards per carry, leaving defenders grasping at air as he dashes towards the end zone.

Off the field, Peyton Jr. is equally dedicated to his academic pursuits, boasting a commendable 3.4 GPA. This balance between athletics and academics underscores his commitment to excellence both on and off the field.

As the buzz around Peyton Jr.'s talent continues to grow, so does his list of suitors. Currently holding 14 Division 1 offers, including prestigious institutions like Liberty University, James Madison University, Navy, Florida Atlantic, and Coastal Carolina, his future in collegiate football looks promising.

To follow Peyton Jr.'s journey and stay updated on his latest achievements, fans can connect with him on Twitter, where he goes by the handle @peytonjr_rb. His social media presence not only showcases his athletic prowess but also provides insight into the dedication and hard work behind his success.

As Peyton Jr.'s star continues to rise, it's clear that he is a name to watch in the world of high school football. With each game, he solidifies his status as a standout athlete with a bright future ahead. Be sure to catch him in action as he takes the field and leaves defenders in his wake, cementing his legacy as one of Gwinnett County's finest football talents.

Evaluation

Written by Connor Jackson in Eval Tracker: 5 GA Prospects With Recent Liberty Offer

Peyton is an electric RB prospect with a dynamic explosiveness/speed profile. Peyton quickly opens up to his top speed in space, allowing him to outlast angles and build away from chasing defenders. He is more of a scat back, getting the ball in space as a receiver and leaking to the outside after handoffs. Around the line of scrimmage, he keeps his feet moving and climbs while searching for running lanes, which prevents defenders from making tackles from the backside. He is more of a bounce-it-outside runner than he is a between-the-tackles runner, but he is not afraid to lower his shoulder and welcome contact in space if needed. Peyton possesses elite speed and is a receiving threat out of the backfield. His 3rd down and big play potential makes him an obvious FBS eval.