Here we compiled this year’s best players from the 7A on our 2021 7A All-State Offensive Team!
<em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>QUARTERBACKS</strong></span></span></em>
<strong>[player_tooltip player_id="125933" first="Conner" last="Harrell"]- </strong>|Thompson| |6’1 189|
[player_tooltip player_id="125933" first="Conner" last="Harrell"] finished off his high school career at Thompson in a phenomenal way. Harrell put up some staggering numbers last season, throwing for 2804 yards and 41 touchdowns with only three interceptions. In addition to his passing, Harrell also rushed for 367 yards, and 5 touchdowns, providing a dual-threat attack that tortured opposing defenses. Thompson was once again unstoppable this year with Harrell at the wheel, as he helped lead his team to 13-1 record featuring a second straight 7A state championship title. Harrell, a North Carolina signee, is going to make a huge splash in Chapel Hill soon and we can’t wait to watch!
<strong>[player_tooltip player_id="125939" first="Bennett" last="Meredith"]- </strong>|Hoover| |6’3 190|
[player_tooltip player_id="125939" first="Bennett" last="Meredith"] put together a great year for Hoover and was also able to turn some heads at the collegiate level as well. Meredith was able to deliver the football extremely accurately and efficiently last fall, throwing for 2212 yards, 23 touchdowns with only 6 interceptions while also rushing for 77 yards and 4 touchdowns. Meredith was a terrific leader for Hoover, leading them to a 12-1 record with some outstanding wins in the 7A over programs such as Thompson, Hewitt Trussville, and more. Meredith recently signed with Arizona State and will be heading out west to Tempe soon!
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>RUNNING BACKS</strong></span></em></span>
<strong>[player_tooltip player_id="126063" first="CJ" last="Miller"]- </strong>|Gadsden City| |5’11 235|
[player_tooltip player_id="126063" first="CJ" last="Miller"] was an explosive back in his final season at Gadsden City, constantly gaining consistent yardage and first downs for his offense. Miller has evolved greatly over the course of his career, as he has been able to now become a reliable option in the passing game as well, taking routine check down passes great distances as well. Miller received offers from Army and Kennesaw State but decided to commit to Mercer recently. Keep an eye on Miller as he will definitely be a great contributor to the Bears this upcoming fall!
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>WIDE RECEIVERS</strong></span></em></span>
<strong>[player_tooltip player_id="127511" first="Ryan" last="Peppins"]- </strong>|Thompson| |5’9 170|
[player_tooltip player_id="127511" first="Ryan" last="Peppins"] was an absolute star this year in the 7A, creating electric, game-breaking plays every week. Peppins is the definition of a deep threat, as he used his speed and athleticism to catch 80 passes for 1,379 yards and 23 touchdowns from previously mentioned All State quarterback [player_tooltip player_id="125933" first="Conner" last="Harrell"]. Peppins was an huge asset to Thompson’s offense as he opened up the passing game downfield extremely well. Due to his play, Peppins exploded on the recruiting trail recently, and ultimately decided to sign with Utah, and soon will be a massive receiving threat for the recent PAC-12 Champions.
<strong>[player_tooltip player_id="126083" first="Omari" last="Kelly"]-</strong> |Hewitt-Trussville| |6’2 175|
[player_tooltip player_id="126083" first="Omari" last="Kelly"] was terrific his whole career at Hewitt-Trussville but truly found his home at wide receiver last fall. Kelly is an all-around offensive weapon that went and caught 84 passes for 1,335 yards and 13 touchdowns while also rushing for 117 yards and a touchdown. After compiling those numbers and helping Hewitt-Trussville to a 9-3 season, Kelly decided to stay instate and signed with Auburn last month. Expect to see Kelly used in a variety of ways at Auburn likely sooner than later, as that is what kind of talent Kelly is bringing to the Tigers.
<strong>[player_tooltip player_id="235361" first="Karmello" last="English"]- </strong>|Central| |6’1 175|
[player_tooltip player_id="235361" first="Karmello" last="English"] might be one of the best overall receivers in the 2023 class, and he showed why on countless occasions last year. After an extremely productive junior season that featured Central making it all the way to the state championship game, English was able to total up 70 receptions for 1,059 yards and 18 touchdowns. English has received loads of collegiate attention from nearly everyone, with teams like Alabama, Auburn, Florida, and more lining up in hopes of adding him to their 2023 class. Keep an eye on English as he heads into his final season at Central next fall, as he will continue to be an awesome prospect to watch.
<strong>[player_tooltip player_id="127508" first="Jaylen" last="Ward"]-</strong> |Thompson| |6’2 190|
[player_tooltip player_id="127508" first="Jaylen" last="Ward"] was another terrific member of Thompson’s receiving corp and a monster when it came to yards after the catch. Ward is a physical wide receiver that often humiliated defensive backs lined up against him with his size and strength. Ward was able to total up 36 receptions for 820 yards and 11 touchdowns and was another large reason as to why Harrell and Thompson’s offense overall was able to be so dominant throughout the entire season. Recently, Ward ended up signing with Middle Tennessee State, and will soon be looking to compete with the Blue Raiders!
<em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">OFFENSIVE LINE</span></strong></span></em>
<strong>[player_tooltip player_id="240436" first="Stanton" last="Ramil"]-</strong> |Thompson| |6’7 310|
[player_tooltip player_id="240436" first="Stanton" last="Ramil"] is a 2023 prospect who rose up into becoming one of the best tackles in the state this last season. Ramil is a massive guy that features great strength, footwork, and technique that provided great protection for [player_tooltip player_id="125933" first="Conner" last="Harrell"] all season long. In addition to the passing game, Ramil uses his size and power against defenders in the run game to open wide lanes and allow his running backs to produce well. Ramil’s play has not gone unnoticed, as he has received offers from West Virginia, Colorado, Pittsburgh, and more over just the last few months. Heading into his senior season, expect to see Ramil gain more traction on the recruiting trail!
<strong>Eston Harris-</strong> |Auburn| |6’5 287|
Eston Harris has been the anchor of Auburn’s offensive line the past several seasons and has only gotten better and better since the start of his career. Harris has great size and strength and has been able to assist his quarterbacks and runningbacks greatly over the years. Harris was a national recruit, with offers from countless programs, but ultimately decided to stay home and sign with the Auburn Tigers. Expect to see Harris make a great impact at Auburn over the course of the next few years, as he has the talent to be an instant contributor.
<strong>[player_tooltip player_id="128276" first="Bradyn" last="Joiner"]- </strong>|Auburn| |6’1 334|
[player_tooltip player_id="128276" first="Bradyn" last="Joiner"] is another 2023 offensive lineman that has exploded in the recruiting world over the last year or so. Regarded as one of the best offensive linemen overall in his class, Joiner is an extremely versatile player that has been able to line up and contribute greatly at both guard and center for Auburn High. Although receiving offers from just about everyone Joiner recently decided to stay in Lee County with his commitment to Auburn at the beginning of the month. Although he is sure to have a fantastic season next fall, it will be exciting to see Joiner reunited with former Auburn standout and All-State selection Eston Harris in blue and orange!
<strong>[player_tooltip player_id="129491" first="Riley" last="Quick"]- </strong>|Hewitt Trussville| |6’5 260|
[player_tooltip player_id="129491" first="Riley" last="Quick"] put together a fantastic career with Hewitt Trussville, consistently being an impossible blocker for defenders to beat week in and week out. Quick is a massive prospect with a ton of strength that rarely if ever allowed any contact on his quarterback and running backs as well. Although receiving offers from Auburn, Mississippi State, Alabama, and more, Quick made the decision to go play his second sport, baseball, at Alabama next year. No matter what sport he plays, Quick is a great athlete that will contribute greatly to his team!
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