Class A-3A Private Blog: Devon Caldwell dominating the opening weeks of the football season

Devon Caldwell is one of the most underrated players in the state. The 5-foot-9 standout is the prototypical all-purpose back, blending the skill set of a running back and slot receiver. So far this season, he has shown his versatility in both of the first two games of the season.

Through the first two games, Caldwell has dominated, rushing for 455 yards and adding 102 receiving yards while scoring seven touchdowns. His Week 2 performance was one of the most impressive of the young season, as he has accumulated 328 rushing yards, 102 receiving yards, and four touchdowns.

A Mercer commit, Caldwell is one of the top players in the Bears’ 2026 class. While not a traditional running back, he makes up for it with excellent contact balance, great vision, and the ability to score on any play. He can also line up in the slot as a receiver, giving the Lions the flexibility to move from 10, 11, or 12 personnel to 0 personnel without making substitutions. That versatility forces defenses to stay prepared for multiple looks and often play smaller lineups, even when the Lions show heavier sets.

The defending state champion Lions once again look like one of favorites in the private classification. After nearly letting North Atlanta rally in Week 1, they delivered a statement in Week 2 against Fellowship Christian, the same team that had shut out three-time defending Class A-Division II champion Bowdon 26-0 the week before. The Lions dominated, 45-29, in a performance that may have been even more impressive than last year’s 38-18 win over the Paladins.

This week, the Lions continue their gauntlet of a non-region schedule with a matchup against McCallie Tennessee, the defending Class II-AAA champions. The Blue Tornado are coming off a 56-20 win over Lipscomb Academy and will provide another tough test.

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