Top sophomore prospect Guyton transferring to Benedictine

The state’s consensus No. 1 football recruit among sophomores is changing schools.

LaDamion Guyton, a five-star defensive end, is leaving Savannah Christian for Benedictine, another Savannah school, the player confirmed to Dennis Knight of the Savannah Morning News.

Guyton is the nation’s consensus No. 2 overall recruit, according to 247Sports. He was credited with 33 tackles for losses and 16.5 sacks in two high school seasons. This past season, Savannah Christian was 10-1 and ranked No. 1 for 11 weeks before losing to North Cobb Christian 30-27 in the Class 3A-A private quarterfinals.

Guyton told the Savannah newspaper that Benedictine, a Class 4A school, would give him tougher competition. Savannah Christian competes in Class A until the playoffs, when the GHSA puts 3A-A private schools into one bracket separate from the public schools.

Benedictine’s non-region opponents in 2024 included Buford, Rabun Gap and Archbishop Moeller of Ohio. Benedictine competes in Class 4A and has won four state titles since 2014. Benedictine was 7-5 last season and lost to Blessed Trinity in the quarterfinals.

Had Guyton stayed, Savannah Christian might’ve had Georgia’s top-rated prospect twice in three years. Elijah Griffin is No. 1 among seniors and No. 3 nationally. He signed with Georgia last month. Georgia made Guyton an offer before his freshman season.