In December, Rome (Ga.) captured the GHSA Class 5A state championship with a win over Buford (Ga.). But all three-star running back Jalynn Sykes could do was watch from the sideline, as his teammates battled for the victory.

Just four weeks earlier, Sykes’ junior season ended a bit prematurely, when he tore his ACL in the Wolves’ first-round playoff blowout win over Miller Grove (Ga.). Since then, Sykes has been focused on his recovery, though his recruitment has still steadily risen. Sykes has taken a few visits over the past couple of months, but is just now putting more of his focus into his recruitment.

Still, Sykes vividly remembers the moment when his right knee gave out. It happened in the third quarter, with Rome well on its way to a 56-0 win.

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