Callaway will be formidable up front

Published 12:32 pm Wednesday, August 8, 2018

By KEVIN ECKLEBERRY

Daily News

When Recruit Georgia revealed its Class AA preseason all-state team this week, there were six offensive linemen listed.

Two of those linemen are members of the Callaway football team.

Keiondre Jones, who has committed to Auburn, and fellow senior Keshawn Cameron were both tagged as all-state players.

One of the men who they’ll be blocking for, junior running back Cartavious “Tank” Bigsby, also made the all-state team.

Jones is a four-year starter at Callaway and is one of the state’s most heavily recruited lineman. Earlier this summer he announced his intention to sign with Auburn.

Cameron was an all-region offensive lineman while playing for the Troup Tigers in 2016, and he transferred to Callaway before the 2017 season and was an anchor on the offensive line for a team that went 11-2.

Jones said he and Cameron have a friendly rivalry.

“Keshawn actually beat me in pancakes last year,” Jones said. “That’s why I said if he beats me this year, I’ll take him out to eat. We go at it every day in practice.”

Callaway has had some outstanding offensive linemen over the years, but Jones is the first one who has never been out of the lineup.

“Keiondre Jones is a four-year starter,” Callaway head coach Pete Wiggins said. “I’ve never had someone start all four years. He’s started every game of his high-school career.”

Cameron has been working at center during the summer and preseason practice, and Wiggins said he and Jones “can play anywhere on the offensive line. They help the other guys get better.”

Running behind Jones and Cameron is Bigsby, who ran for more than 1,000 yards last season while splitting time with DJ Atkins, who is now at Western Carolina.

Bigsby will be the featured back this fall, and he could be headed for a massive season.

“Tank Bigsby did well in the spring, and the offseason,” Wiggins said. “He’s gotten bigger. I’ve been really proud of him. I’m looking forward to seeing him tote the ball this season.”