Meet the 12 best high school football players in Alabama for the 2024 season

Meet the 12 Best High School Football Players in Alabama for the 2024 Season

Alabama has long been a hotbed for producing some of the best high school football talent in the country. From the legendary days of high school powerhouse programs like Hoover, Thompson, and Auburn to the emergence of new dynasties, the state consistently produces elite players who go on to shine in college football and the NFL. As the 2024 high school football season in Alabama looms, the state’s gridiron is again brimming with extraordinary talent.

The 2024 season is shaping up to feature a host of standouts who are primed to leave their mark on the state’s football landscape. Whether they’re dominant offensive playmakers, fearsome defensive forces, or versatile athletes who can do it all, these players are the ones to watch. Below, we’ll meet 12 of the top high school football players in Alabama for the 2024 season, each of whom is expected to be a game-changer for their respective teams.

1. Caden Story – DL, Lanett High School

Caden Story is one of the top defensive line prospects in Alabama, and his disruptive play on the line of scrimmage has made him a key recruit for colleges across the country. The 6-foot-5, 280-pound defensive lineman is a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks and offensive linemen. His combination of size, strength, and quickness has earned him a reputation as one of the top pass rushers in the state. Story’s relentless motor and ability to dominate the trenches make him an absolute game-changer. He’s a multi-sport athlete who excels in both football and track, and his explosive burst off the line of scrimmage sets him apart from other prospects.

2. Jaylen Mbakwe – WR, Thompson High School

Jaylen Mbakwe is a wide receiver whose combination of speed, hands, and route-running ability makes him one of the top playmakers in Alabama’s 2024 class. The 6-foot-1 receiver is known for his ability to make big plays and stretch defenses with his game-breaking speed. Mbakwe has the ability to take the top off any defense, and his versatility allows him to be used in a variety of offensive schemes. His athleticism and explosiveness have made him one of the most highly sought-after recruits in the state. With a dynamic skill set that fits well into both the spread and pro-style systems, Mbakwe is poised for a massive 2024 season and a successful college career ahead.

3. Jelani McDonald – LB, Oak Mountain High School

Jelani McDonald is one of the best linebackers in Alabama’s 2024 class, and his ability to read offenses and make plays sideline to sideline makes him a top-tier prospect. The 6-foot-2, 215-pound McDonald is a versatile linebacker who excels against both the run and the pass. His high football IQ allows him to quickly diagnose plays and put himself in a position to make big hits and game-changing plays. McDonald has the ability to rush the passer, cover tight ends in space, and make crucial tackles at the line of scrimmage. His well-rounded game and leadership on defense make him an invaluable asset for Oak Mountain and one of the top players in Alabama’s 2024 class.

4. Keldric Faulk – DL, Auburn High School

Keldric Faulk is a dominant force along the defensive line, and he’s one of the most physically gifted players in Alabama. The 6-foot-5, 260-pound defensive lineman has exceptional strength, quickness, and athleticism for his size. Faulk is a terror for opposing offensive linemen and quarterbacks, as he can collapse the pocket with his pass-rushing ability or shut down the running game with his stoutness at the line of scrimmage. His ability to disrupt plays in both the passing and running game makes him a complete defensive player. Faulk is a high-priority recruit for many top-tier college programs and could be one of the most dominant defensive players in the country for the 2024 season.

5. James Smith – OL, Carver High School (Montgomery)

James Smith is one of the top offensive linemen in Alabama, and his ability to control the line of scrimmage makes him an integral part of Carver High School’s offense. The 6-foot-6, 320-pound Smith is a physically imposing presence who excels in both the run and pass game. His size and strength allow him to overpower defenders, while his quick feet and athleticism allow him to move fluidly in pass protection. Smith has been a key contributor to Carver’s offensive success, and his leadership and dominance on the field make him one of the most coveted recruits in the state. His ability to play at both tackle and guard gives him versatility at the next level.

6. Jadarian “J.D.” Williams – RB, Thompson High School

Jadarian Williams is one of the most explosive running backs in Alabama, and his ability to make defenders miss in the open field is what sets him apart from others in his class. At 5-foot-11 and 195 pounds, Williams combines speed, power, and vision to create big plays on every touch. He’s known for his ability to break tackles and turn short runs into long touchdowns, and his patience behind the line of scrimmage allows him to find the best running lanes. Williams’ ability to contribute as both a runner and a pass-catcher makes him a versatile weapon in Thompson’s high-powered offense. With his impressive skill set and natural instincts, Williams is set to be one of the top running backs in the state in 2024.

7. Kaine Williams – S, Saraland High School

Kaine Williams is one of the top safety prospects in Alabama’s 2024 class. Known for his ball-hawking ability, Williams has the instincts and awareness to make plays on the back end of the defense. At 6-foot-2, 195 pounds, Williams has the physical tools to cover a lot of ground in the secondary and is a formidable presence in the box. His ability to read the quarterback and react quickly to passes in the air has led to numerous interceptions during his high school career. Williams also excels in run support, using his size and athleticism to make tackles in the open field. His all-around game has made him a priority recruit for many top college programs.

8. Malik Thomas – WR, Central High School (Phenix City)

Malik Thomas is one of the top wide receiver prospects in Alabama for 2024, and his combination of size, speed, and ball skills make him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. Standing at 6-foot-3 and 205 pounds, Thomas is a big, physical receiver who excels at going up and winning contested catches. He’s also a big-play threat, capable of outrunning defenders for long touchdowns. His ability to dominate both short and long-range routes has made him one of the most coveted recruits in the state. Thomas’ ability to stretch the field and create separation from defenders gives him the potential to be one of the top wide receivers in college football.

9. Anthony Rogers – DB, McGill-Toolen Catholic High School

Anthony Rogers is a standout defensive back who has made a name for himself as one of the top cover corners in Alabama. The 6-foot, 185-pound Rogers has the speed, agility, and ball skills to lockdown top receivers and make plays on the ball in the air. He’s also a sure tackler in the open field, using his physicality to shut down running backs and wide receivers alike. Rogers’ ability to read offenses and jump routes makes him a threat to create turnovers, and his ability to cover ground quickly allows him to shut down both short and long passes. Rogers is a dynamic defender who is poised for a big 2024 season.

10. Trey Cunningham – QB, Hoover High School

Trey Cunningham is one of the top quarterbacks in Alabama’s 2024 class, and his ability to lead Hoover’s offense makes him one of the most important players to watch in the state. Standing at 6-foot-2, Cunningham is an intelligent and accurate passer who can make all the throws necessary to succeed at the next level. He has a quick release and a natural feel for the game, allowing him to make precise passes even under pressure. Cunningham also possesses solid mobility, allowing him to extend plays with his legs when necessary. With his arm strength, decision-making, and leadership, Cunningham is set to have a standout senior season at Hoover.

11. Derrick Wright – LB, Mountain Brook High School

Derrick Wright is a standout linebacker with the ability to make plays all over the field. Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 220 pounds, Wright has the size and athleticism to be an impact player in both pass coverage and run defense. His ability to read plays and make quick decisions has made him one of the top linebackers in Alabama. Wright excels in coverage, allowing him to cover tight ends and running backs in the passing game, while his physicality and tackling ability make him a force in run support. His leadership and instincts will be key for Mountain Brook in 2024.

12. Marcus Harris – DL, Benjamin Russell High School

Marcus Harris is a dominant force on the defensive line, and his ability to disrupt offenses makes him one of the top players in the state. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 275 pounds, Harris has the size and strength to overpower offensive linemen and the agility to chase down quarterbacks and ball carriers. Harris is a consistent pass rusher and has developed into a complete defensive lineman who can stop the run and rush the passer with equal effectiveness. With his combination of power and quickness, Harris is poised for a breakout 2024 season