A year ago the eyes of the region were on Millbrook High running back Keith Marshall, whom some college recruiting analysts ranked as the top runner in the country.

Marshall is now at the University of Georgia, and the torch has been passed to Wakefield’s Connor Mitch, a strong-armed quarterback who threw for 3,832 yards and 48 touchdowns during the Wolverines’ 9-3 season in 2011.

Mitch has passed for 7,624 career yards and is 10th on the state’s all-time list. He has a chance to become the third player with more than 10,000 career yards. Chris Leak of Charlotte Independence (1999-2002) is out of reach with 15,593 yards, but Mitch possibly can overtake Burlington Cummings’ Ernest Tinnin, who had 10,836 yards (1990-1993).

Broughton’s Daniel Evans (2001-2003) is third with 9,899 yards.

The guess is that Mitch will overtake Tinnin this season and lead Wakefield deeper in the state playoffs after exiting in the first round last season.