SAVANNAH, Ga. — Summer football workouts have officially started across the Coastal Empire, but two Savannah-area football players already made major headlines before the 2026 season even kicks off.
Benedictine Military School running back Stanley Smart Jr. committed to Virginia Tech back on April 29, while Effingham County offensive lineman Jordan Dillon announced his commitment Tuesday, June 2nd, to Georgia Tech.
Two local players.
Two ACC schools.
And more proof that the Savannah-area football continues to produce Power 4 talent.
Smart has become one of the most explosive running backs in Georgia high school football. The Benedictine standout rushed for 1,004 yards and 12 touchdowns last season after recording 730 rushing yards during his sophomore year.
But it’s not just football speed.
According to MileSplit and recruiting reports, Smart ran a 10.52 in the 100 meters to earn a GHSA Class 4A state silver medal and also posted a 21.50 in the 200 meters.
Recruiting services have also clocked him at over 22 miles per hour during games.
According to 247Sports and On3 recruiting, Smart chose Virginia Tech over offers from Auburn, Georgia Tech, Texas Tech, Minnesota, and several other Power 4 programs.
Meanwhile, Dillon continues to make a name for himself as one of the top offensive linemen in Georgia.
The 6-foot-4, 305-pound lineman committed to Georgia Tech after holding more than 30 scholarship offers, according to Rivals, 247Sports, and On3 recruiting reports.
Virginia Tech, NC State, and North Carolina were among the final schools heavily involved in his recruitment.
Dillon, who previously played at Savannah Christian before transferring to Effingham County, earned All-State first-team honors from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution along with first-team All-Region recognition.
Known for his physical style and football IQ, Dillon quickly become one of the most recruited linemen in the Class of 2027.
For Savannah-area football fans, both commitments continue to show the level of talent being developed across the Coastal Empire.
And with summer workouts now underway, local football fans already have two major reasons to be excited about the upcoming season.
Know of a Savannah-area athlete who has committed or is about to announce a college commitment? Let the Prep Sports Report know by sending the athlete’s name, school, sport, and commitment information to the Prep Sports Report. Please send the information you want added to kdemasi@prepsportsreport.com or text 912.507.9158.
You gotta love it.
Photos courtesy of the athletes’ social media accounts.
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To share scores, story ideas or corrections, email kdemasi@prepsportsreport.com or text 912.507.9158.
Photos courtesy of athletes social media pages
Prep Sports Report Football Coverage Presented by Optim Orthopedics
Optim Orthopedics wants you in the game.
Keeping Savannah-area athletes healthy and ready for gameday all season long.
Team physicians include Dr. Don Aaron (Bryan County), Dr. David Sedory (Benedictine, Bradwell Institute, Liberty County), Dr. David Palmer (Calvary Day, Richmond Hill, South Effingham), and Dr. Thomas Alexander (Savannah Country Day, St. Vincent’s Academy).
