Rankings analysis: ACC fights over top Georgia talent

<p class="p1">The <a href="https://prepsoccer.com/georgia/rankings/girls/2023-rankings/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Georgia class of the 2023 player rankings were recently updated on PrepSoccer.</a> The rising senior class includes some of the best players in the country and looks to be one of the most promising groups in the history of soccer in the state, which includes some of the top teams in both ECNL and Girls Academy as well as other club and high school teams.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p1">[player_tooltip player_id="29316" first="Evelyn" last="Shores"] is the No. 1 player in the class. She is a verbal commit for the North Carolina class of 2023. She is a member of the U.S. U20 Women's National Team. Shores should contribute immediately at the next level. She is a versatile player, but expect her to be a standout at left back for the Tar Heels.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p1">Shores is just one of the top prospects from the state from the class of 2023. PrepSoccer takes a look at some of the other standouts from the Peach State from this class and their potential at the college level.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p1">[player_tooltip player_id="21745" first="Jordynn" last="Dudley"], Cambridge HS, United Futbol Academy (ECNL), 5'11, Winger/Forward<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p1">Dudley is a two-sport star in the high school ranks. She is the all-time leading scorer for her high school's basketball program, and she is a star on the soccer field as well. She is a verbal commit to Florida State for the class of 2023. Dudley is a winger who is the top forward in the state for this class.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p1">[player_tooltip player_id="21548" first="Aniyah" last="Collier"], Archer HS, GSA (ECNL), Defense/Midfield</p> <p class="p1">Collier is another player bound for the ACC in the class of 2023 from Georgia. The ECNL All-Conference selection in 2020/2021 is heading to Virginia. She plays as outside back for her ECNL team, which is likely where she will play at the next level. She is a shutdown defender and part of the GSA defense that helped the team to the top spot in the conference for this season. Collier has a lot of potential to be a difference-maker for Virginia. She needs to improve on her first touch as time on the ball is limited in the ACC and each bad touch is quickly punished.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p1">[player_tooltip player_id="21795" first="Kiera" last="Staude"], Westminster Schools, Concorde Fire Platinum (ECNL), Defender<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p1">Staude is the only player in the top 20 of the PrepSoccer rankings with a verbal commitment to an in-state school. With a new coach in charge at Georgia, this might be the last year that the Bulldogs only pull in one of the top prospects from the state. Staude plays as a right center back for her club team. Her strength is her passing and composure on the ball. She is a good fit for a style of play that likes to utilize the center backs in the build-up.</p> <p class="p1">[player_tooltip player_id="21530" first="Alexandra" last="Ross"], Westminster Schools, Concorde Fire Platinum (ECNL), Forward<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p1">Ross is another Virginia commit in the top 10 of the rankings for the class of 2023 from Georgia. The forward from Concorde Fire has been a dominant force in the club and high school game this season. When Ross is finding the back of the net, her team is usually rolling to a big win. She has games when she is unstoppable in the attack. She also has games where she can be quiet for long stretches. Ross' ceiling is a lethal finisher inside the 18-yard box who can hold off defenders and use her intelligence to get into the right spots to get the final touch. She is going to a program that is proven to develop those types of players so the potential is very exciting for a few years down the line.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p1">[player_tooltip player_id="21878" first="Mia" last="Riddick"], Eagle's Landing Christian Academy, United Futbol Academy (ECNL), 5'10, Goalkeeper<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p1">Riddick is the top goalkeeper in the class. She is athletic, competitive, and well-trained for the position. She is right-footed with good size. She is an elite prospect thanks to her drive. She has developed into one of the best in the country in the position. She can make the acrobatic save when needed, and has the quick reaction to shut down close chances as well. Riddick is a verbal commit for Arkansas for the 2023 class. Freshman goalkeeper are rare at top division I programs, but there is a path to her getting playing time early in her career with Arkansas.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p1">Check<a href="https://prepsoccer.com/georgia/rankings/girls/2023-rankings/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> out the Georgia rankings for the class of 2023</a>.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>