Redmond ready to play in the Dome

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For the first time in program history Archer High School is headed to the Georgia Dome to compete for a state championship.

Archer, in Lawrenceville, Ga., is led by several talented prospects including class of 2015 three-star tight end and South Carolina commitment Connor Redmond. Class of 2016 four-star wide receiver commitment Kyle Davis also stars for the Tigers.

Archer will take on Colquitt County at 8 p.m. on Saturday.

The 6-foot-4, 220-pound Redmond, who has been committed to South Carolina since June, caught four passes for 38 yards in the contest with recruiter of record G.A. Mangus on hand to watch.

"It meant a lot for him to come all the way down here, I know it's a long drive, I know it's a wet night," Redmond said. "Him being my recruiting coordinator and everything, it just feels good to have him down here."

Redmond and Mangus have developed a close relationship and the tight end prospect was also happy to hear that head coach Steve Spurrier was planning on being around for at least a portion of his career.

"It's huge for me," Redmond said. "My heart was already set on Columbia but just to play for a great coach and great man, I'll always dreamed of that. For him to say I'm definitely saying for a couple of more years that's awesome."

Redmond, who missed most of the season with a back injury, has provided an extra dynamic to the offense of an Archer team that started 0-3 but has found its stride on its journey to the Dome.

"I feel like I've played pretty decently," Redmond said. "Nothing like what I was last year because of the time off [with the injury] but I really want to focus in the offseason to get my strength back up and my speed. I do feel like I've been able to contribute and kind of be that x-factor that we didn't have before I was in here. It just feels good to be back."

With South Carolina likely losing at least two tight ends from its 2014 season, Redmond is looking forward to the opportunity to possibly play early in Columbia.

"I hope so, if I just put in the work and get in the weight room and everything, then I really think I've got a good chance to play an contribute to the team any way I can," Redmond said.

But hopefully after a state championship first.