Alabama high school football is just around the corner and The Tuscaloosa News will be ranking the top 25 juniors in the Tuscaloosa area ahead of the 2024 AHSAA season.
This season’s top juniors include the region’s leading tackler and some of the area’s best dual-threat athletes.
Here is the Tuscaloosa News ranking of the region’s best juniors in alphabetical order:
Best high school football juniors from the Tuscaloosa, Alabama area in 2024
Michael Billups
Pickens County, Jr.
Why selected: Billups, 6’1″ and 175 pounds, was responsible for 29 total tackles, six tackles for loss and one interception last season.
MichaelJackson
Central, Jr.
Why selected: The 6-foot-3, 275-pound lineman returns as a veteran member of Central’s defensive line and currently has an offer from Troy.
AJ Cockrell
Holt, Jr.
Why selected: Cockrell, 6-foot-1 and 175 pounds, started every game for Holt last season at cornerback and wide receiver and will have an impactful season in 2024.
Christian Davis
American Christian Academy, Jr.
Why selected: According to coach Cody Martin, the 5’10” and 175lb athlete will be a lightning bolt all over the field and will add momentum to the offense from multiple spots.
Keilyn Edwards
Linden, Jr.
Why selected: Edwards rushed for 857 yards and 11 touchdowns last season, as well as rushing for 357 yards and three scores.
Mayson Elam
Northridge, Fr.
Why selected: The wide receiver had 29 pass catches for 428 yards last season.
Hayes Formby
Northridge, Jr.
Why selected: The 6-foot-4, 230-pound Formby returns to the Jaguars’ offensive line as a versatile and experienced member.
Kalix Grisby
Holt, Jr.
Why selected: Grisby is a versatile player for Holt, playing quarterback and safety. The 6-foot-3, 175-pound Grisby started every game at quarterback last season and is poised to have a great junior year.
Zay Hall
Hillcrest, Jr.
Why selected: The linebacker contributed 87 tackles, six tackles for loss and two sacks last season.
CJ Hutchins
Tuscaloosa County, Jr.
Why selected: The 5’10” and 180lb athlete carried the ball 120 times for 768 yards and scored seven touchdowns in 2023, while also catching six passes for 100 yards.
Orion Jackson
Holt, Jr.
Why selected: The 6’3″ and 285lb left tackle will be a driving force in the Ironmen’s offensive line this season with his experience.
Javarski Lanier
Hillcrest, Jr.
Why selected: The 6’0″, 175-pound defensive back has only been playing the position for a few months, but is poised for a great junior season with the Patriots.
Parker Lindsay
Fayette County, Jr.
Why selected: The 6’2″ and 260-pound Lindsay recorded 31 knockdown blocks and a 90% rating in 2023, making him a valuable returning member for the Tigers.
AJ Love
Hillcrest, Jr.
Why selected: The defensive player recorded eight tackles for loss and three sacks last season and currently has several offers, according to coaches.
AD McClain
Tuscaloosa County, Fr.
Why selected: McClain, a 6-foot-4, 220-pound edge rusher, played in nine games for the Wildcats last season, recording 26 tackles, five tackles for loss and two sacks.
Jashaun Moten
Tuscaloosa County, Jr.
Why selected: The 6-foot-4, 195-pound Moten returns to the Wildcats for his junior season after catching seven passes for 69 yards in four games last season.
Jamarcus O’Neil
West Blocton, Jr.
Why selected: O’Neil, 6’11” and 135 pounds, collected 46 solo tackles, two sacks and two fumble recoveries in 2023.
BROOKWOOD FOOTBALL: “A homecoming of sorts”: Chris Foster returns to Brookwood, this time as head coach
FOOTBALL IN TUSCALOOSA COUNTY: Coaches Corner: Miles Holcomb talks about his journey to the Tuscaloosa County football team
Hudson-Powell
Tuscaloosa Academy, Jr.
Why selected: The strong safety recorded a total of 95 tackles and four interceptions for the Knights last season.
Jasiua Rainer
Central, Jr.
Why selected: The 6’1″ and 185lb defensive back played 10 games for the Falcons last season and was responsible for 65 solo tackles, five tackles for loss and one sack.
Ryder Robertson
Gordo, Fr.
Why selected: The 6’1″ and 175lb defensive back appeared in 10 games last season and recorded a total of 51 tackles, four tackles for loss, four interceptions and two sacks.
Kahden Smith
Hillcrest, Jr.
Why selected: Smith had 26 catches for over 500 yards and six touchdowns last season, along with 328 rushing yards and four touchdowns. The junior already has multiple SEC offers and just won a Class 6A baseball state championship.
Patrick Stell
Tuscaloosa Academy, Jr.
Why selected: Stell, a 6’4″, 220-pound offensive line/defensive end, posted an 88% rating on the Knights’ offensive line last year and had 22 tackles, including three for loss. He has great potential and is expected to be a leader on the Knights’ offensive line.
Emory Virden
Sipsey Valley, Jr.
Why selected: The 6-foot-1, 175-pound Virden is a returning starter on the Bears’ offensive line.
Ronald Wilder Jr.
Greene County, Jr.
Why selected: Wilder Jr., 6’1″ and 195 pounds, ran for 1,000 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2023.
Nick Witherspoon
Central, Jr.
Why selected: The 6-foot-3, 295-pound junior offensive/defensive lineman is a returning member of the Falcons team. Witherspoon currently has two Division I offers: UAB and Arkansas State.
