California twins will play for Team USA, Notre Dame

Josh and George Atkinson make their mark on the high school football world
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George Atkinson ran for 1,669 yards and scored 24 total touchdowns last season at Granada-Livermore (Calif.) High School. He and his twin brother, Josh, will represent Team USA on Feb. 2 in Austin, Texas.

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Josh Atkinson defended 11 passes as a cornerback at Granada-Livermore (Calif.) last season. He and his twin brother, George, are part of the USA Football Under-19 National Team that plays Feb. 2 in Austin, Texas.

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Josh Atkinson is a 6-foot, 185-pound cornerback who will play for the USA Football Under-19 National Team in Austin, Texas. He has verbally committed to play at Notre Dame.

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George Atkinson is a 6-foot-1, 194-pound wide receiver and a member of the USA Football Under-19 National Team. He has verbally committed to play at Notre Dame.

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When Josh Atkinson, a senior at Granada High School in Livermore, Calif., was young, he said he always looked up to his father, former Oakland Raiders player George Atkinson Sr.
“I told him when I was younger that I wanted to be better than him,” Josh said.
He hasn’t given up on his dream.
Along with his twin brother, George Jr., the pair has risen to high school football fame. Both were named on The Valley Times‘ “Nor-Cal’s 25 Players to Watch” and have earned spots to play on the USA Football Under-19 U.S. National Team in the Team USA vs. The World game on Feb. 2 in Austin, Texas.
“I’m so proud that they are able to do so well and achieve so much,” George Sr. said. “I’ve given them advice, told them to be respectful, be caring and be responsible, but they have to be given credit for absorbing that advice.”
Tom Silva, head coach of the Granada High School football team, said Josh and George Jr. are young men with a strong work ethic both on and off the field.
“It’s been a pleasure to coach them both,” Silva said. “I’m so fortunate. They’re solid kids and great young men.”
They said their greatest achievement in football so far was helping to take Granada High School to the state playoffs after a long slump.
When both came to the high school as freshmen, the Matadors went 3-7. This season, the team achieved a record of 8-4, including two wins in the North Coast Section playoffs.
“Making it to the playoffs with the team is definitely my greatest memory of football so far,” said George Jr., a three-year varsity letter-winner. “Just being able to help turn around the program has been great.”
George Jr. said having someone on the field who is not just a teammate but a twin gives him extra security knowing they’re always looking out for each other. Josh agreed that playing with a twin is something special.
“We push each other at practice all the time,” Josh said. “(George) is a great teammate, and there is really nothing bad about being able to play on the same team as your twin brother. I just love it.”
Now that the season is over, the pair looks forward to representing the U.S. in the Team USA vs. The World game in Austin, where they will join other top high school football players from around the country.
“Representing the U.S. is a great honor,” George Jr. said. “I’m looking forward to meeting other players from around the country, especially the other guys who have committed to Notre Dame as well.”
Both will attend the University of Notre Dame to play football next fall, a decision they said each came to on his own. They will sign a letter of intent the morning of the game.
“My dad told us to choose schools separately,” Josh said. “After doing visits, we just both loved Notre Dame. It just seemed like a great fit.”
Though the two have played football since childhood and have seen tremendous on-field success, both Josh and George Jr. say the most important factor in their college search was off the field.
“It came down to education,” George Jr. said. “That’s what you go to college for.”
Josh agreed, saying the graduation rate at Notre Dame is one of the biggest draws.
They are both leaning towards a degree in business, though Josh said he also is considering communications.
Their dad said he couldn’t be more proud.
“What I’m looking forward to most is seeing them matriculate,” George Sr. said. “Books and education are the most important.
“I’ve been in and out of football several times, and I always remind them that life goes on after football, so I can’t wait to see how they grow in their football and professional life.”

Emily Newell
January 25, 2011, revised January 25, 2011

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[*]Team USA vs. The World Homepage
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