Stephon Tuitt was a U.S. Army All-American in high school, a Notre Dame All-American in college and a second-round draft pick in the NFL. He's now a defensive lineman with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The most interesting thing about Tuitt's time at Monroe Area was the turnaround of 2010, one of the most remarkable in Georgia history.

As a sophomore and junior, Tuitt suffered with teams that were 0-20. Then in Tuitt's final year, the Purple Hurricanes rewarded his patience and loyalty and soared to an 11-2 finish, losing in the Class AAA quarterfinals to eventual champion Sandy Creek.

Tuitt would become the school's first first-team all-state player in 26 years and helped launch Monroe Area on a 42-7 tear over the next four seasons.

Here are GHSF Daily's choices as the best-ever players from each current Region 8-AAA school.

*East Jackson: Deon Sewell (2009)

*Franklin County: Gary Walker (1990)

*Hart County: Jae Thaxton (2003)

*Jackson County: Odell Collins (1992)

*Monroe Area: Stephon Tuitt (2010)

*Morgan County: Snooks Saye (1956)

Best player in school history series

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