Swiss Army Knives: Alabama ATHs!

Some guys are just plain unstoppable on the field. So much so, that their coaches will line them up in as many positions as possible to benefit their team. We checked out some of the state’s most versatile athletes, and there is a ton to be excited about when it comes to these guys! <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="125522" first="AJ" last="Harris"]-</strong> 2023 |CB, WR, KR| Glenwood High School [player_tooltip player_id="125522" first="AJ" last="Harris"] is one of the most talented prospects in the country. Standing at 6’2 and 185, Harris has the prototypical size for a defensive back and wide receiver, which definitely proves its advantages on film. Harris is a fantastic man-to-man corner, he plays very aggressively off the line of scrimmage and uses his long frame to break up passes nearly every time he's thrown to. If it's not a pass breakup, Harris has great hands that have helped him get tons of interceptions as well as receptions on the offensive side of the ball. Harris is just as good a wide receiver as he is cornerback. Using his size, speed, and hands, Harris has a great ability to gain separation, make difficult catches, and take plays the distance. Harris has offers from nearly every school in the country and will definitely continue to pick up more as he heads into his junior season. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="127801" first="Sawyer" last="Deerman"]- </strong>2023 |<span style="font-size: 1rem;">QB, </span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">RB, WR, PR| American Christian Academy</span> In just his sophomore season, Deerman was the offensive centerpiece, passing for five touchdowns, rushing for six, receiving eight, and brought in a return for a TD as well. Deerman possesses great speed and vision, which helps immensely with his ability to navigate through defenses so efficiently as a running back and kick returner. Deerman demonstrates his receiving ability with his quick feet and good hands; allowing him to gain separation and make impressive catches. On top of all that, Deerman has the confidence you need at the QB position. Deerman stands high in the pocket and evades pressure with ease, makes good plays on the run, and can make the necessary throws to help his offense out in whatever way he can. With offers from Ole Miss, Tennessee, Georgia Tech, and more, Deerman looks to continue his offensive dominance this season and will definitely see more offers come his way. <strong>Kendarious Shepherd- </strong>2023 |OLB, WR, KR| Highland Home High School As a sophomore, Shepherd saw a lot of playing time in all three phases of the game. Although mostly starting on offense at wide receiver, when lined up at outside linebacker Shepherd was able to shed through blocks and make some key tackles. At 6'2 190, Shepherd is a great route runner that is also able to catch over many of the defensive backs he faces. Once getting into the open field, Shepherd is near unstoppable. He is able to either plow through defenders or use his long stride to his advantage and just plain outrun the defense. On kick returns, he has been able to get his team out of their own territory just due to his natural feel of where defenders are coming from. As Shepherd continues to perform well at camps and on the field, it should be no surprise to see him gain some traction on the recruiting trail this fall. <b>[player_tooltip player_id="125515" first="BJ" last="Diakite"]- </b>2022 |WR, EDGE, KR,| Pinson Valley High School It's extremely rare to find a player that plays both defensive line and wide receiver, but [player_tooltip player_id="125515" first="BJ" last="Diakite"] manages to do both very well. Diakite is 6’3 and 210 pounds which helps tremendously with the positions he plays at. Defensively, Diakite has great burst and acceleration off the line of scrimmage, helping him generate pressure fast. In addition to that, Diakite uses his speed and length to his advantage when tackling or while rushing the passer. It is very hard to slow this guy down, he has a great motor that allows him to constantly pursue the ball carrier. Offensively, Diakite usually lines up at outside receiver. Playing on the outside, Diakite is a physical threat in the passing game. With his build and speed, it is a task for a cornerback to cover him, he is hard to tackle and has the reach to make some high-up grabs outside the defenders' vicinity. Currently, a 2022 Vanderbilt commit, Diakite looks to finish up his career at Pinson Valley to then join the Commodores next year.