Ranking the most outstanding Alabama high school football players in the current college football season

In the past, the majority of the exceptional high school football recruits in Alabama went on to play for either the Auburn Tigers or the Alabama Crimson Tide. That is no longer accurate.

Alabama is currently a robust recruiting ground for all of the nation’s top football programs.

This is undoubtedly reflected in our compilation of the most outstanding current college football players from Alabama high schools. National powers from across the nation are represented, in addition to Auburn and Alabama.

The following is AL.com’s compilation of the most outstanding contemporary college football players from Alabama high schools.

We trust that you will review our list and provide your feedback by sending an email to rkennedy1207@gmail.com. Who was overlooked on the list? We would appreciate your input as our readers nominate the most outstanding current college football players from Alabama high schools on Tuesday.

As always, I appreciate your reading and response.

We are now ready to proceed.

South Alabama quarterback Gio Lopez passes against Louisiana-Monroe in the first half of a NCAA football game Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, at Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile, Ala. (Mike Kittrell/AL.com) Mike Kittrell/AL.com

7. James Clemens, Gio Lopez

For those who are unfamiliar with Lopez, this serves as a wake-up call. One of the most dynamic playmakers in the country is the true freshman quarterback for the South Alabama Jaguars. His recruitment would have likely been different had he not sustained an injury during his senior season at James Clemens. Lopez, who is left-handed, is an accomplished runner and a talented passer. Lopez has thrown 14 touchdown passes and only one interception thus far this season. The Jaguars are currently in pursuit of a Sun Belt Conference championship under his leadership.

6. Riley Leonard, Fairhope

David Cutcliffe, a college recruiter at Duke, was one of the few individuals who believed in Leonard’s potential after he graduated from Fairhope High School. Leonard, who was also a highly accomplished basketball player, demonstrated his appreciation for his coach by guiding the Blue Devils to nine victories in his inaugural season as a full-time starter. Leonard was one of the most prominent players in the transfer portal following the previous season, and he ultimately decided to enroll with Notre Dame. At Texas A&M, the Fighting Irish secured a significant victory in Leonard’s inaugural contest of the season. This season, he has accumulated 979 yards through passing and 405 yards through rushing. Leonard and the Fighting Irish would be included if the semifinals were to commence today.

5. Quinshon Judkins, Pike Road

The in-state SEC schools that emerged from Pike Road High School generally disregarded Judkins. Auburn’s previous coaching staff notoriously selected Damari Alston, a talented player in his own right, over Judkins. Lane Kiffin acquired Judkins for Ole Miss and was promptly rewarded when Judkins emerged as one of the most prolific running backs in the Southeastern Conference. He was awarded the SEC Freshman of the Year and was named first-team All-SEC on two separate occasions, following seasons in which he accumulated 1,567 and 1,153 yards. Before this season, Judkins transferred to Ohio State, where he has amassed 336 yards on 36 carries for the Buckeyes.

4. Ryan Williams, Saraland

This is the lowest position Williams has ever occupied on any football player’s list. He is the sole individual to have won Mr. Football in Alabama twice, and this achievement was achieved without the benefit of playing for the Spartans during his senior year. There were those who questioned the rapidity with which a 17-year-old player could adjust to collegiate football; however, these concerns have since been resolved. Williams has already established himself as the primary receiver for an Alabama squad that is currently in pursuit of the College Football Playoffs. He has accumulated more receiving yards than the next two leading Alabama receivers combined.

3. Thompson, Peter Woods

Woods has been plagued by injuries this season; however, when he is on the field, he has the ability to derail a game. Woods has been employed as both a defensive end and defensive tackle, despite his height of 6 feet 3 inches and weight of 315 pounds. His performance at the collegiate level is not surprising to those who witnessed him dominate at Thompson High School.

2. Deonte Lawson, Mobile Christian

Lawson is an undisputed leader on and off the field for Alabama, and he is one of four permanent team captains. The senior linebacker from Mobile Christian is the team’s top tackler, with 66. Additionally, he has two pressures and a forced fumble.

1. Highland Home, Keldric Faulk

The player at the summit of this list is from the smallest high school. The current Auburn pass rusher was a legend while playing for the Highland Home Flying Squadron. Faulk has developed into a standout for Auburn as a college sophomore. Faulk has demonstrated the capacity to dominate a game, as evidenced by his two tackles against Kentucky last week. Additionally, Georgia was the site of two of his seven sacks this season. At present, Faulk is the most accomplished college football player from a secondary school in Alabama.