2024 National Sleepers in Alabama

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Alabama is one of the more underrated states in the country when it comes to high school football talent. There are numerous prospects across the state that might not get the attention they deserve nationally. Here, we uncover some of the best national sleepers that the 2024 class in Alabama has to offer. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Gabriel Benton</em></strong> - QB - Benjamin Russell </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Highly productive QB as a junior that somehow hasn't picked up a whole lot of traction on the recruiting trail. With another big season, he should receive plenty of attention on the recruiting trail. Not only is Benton productive, but he also checks a lot of physical boxes. He has good size at 6'3 205 and carries his weight well. He has a big arm and can throw off platform, often launching the ball downfield while on the move or off-balanced. Passer first, but he shows good evasiveness in the pocket and is fast enough to pick up some yards once the play breaks down. All in all, Benton is a strong-armed QB prospect that played well during his junior season and is worthy of way more attention on the trail. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/GabrielBenton15/status/1631389315174375435?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/GabrielBenton15/status/1631389315174375435?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='353152' first='Peyton' last='Floyd']</em></strong> - QB - Hewitt-Trussville</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dynamic signal-caller that lit up the stat sheet both in the air and on the ground. Such a good athlete that he could likely play a number of spots on the field at the next level. Good mobility in and around the pocket, evading pressure as he scans down the field for open receivers. Has decent arm strength and can rip the ball into tight windows. Looks like he is best when making anticipatory throws and allowing his receivers to go up and make a play. His game ultimately elevates when he runs the ball. He is not afraid of contact and his low center of gravity allows him to plow through defenders for extra yards. He also has good enough speed and acceleration to hit a hole and run by the rest of the defense. Floyd is a gifted athlete that performed well across the board against good competition, that alone is worthy of notable attention on the trail. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/peyton_floyd7/status/1639379615650127873?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/peyton_floyd7/status/1639379615650127873?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Ashton Ashford</em></strong> - RB - Ramsay </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Elusive runner, ended up being one of the most productive rushers in the state during his junior season. Has outstanding vision and can pick out running lanes both at the line of scrimmage and once he gets into the second level. Smooth runner that glides across the turf effortlessly. Can break down defenders with his quick feet and twitchiness and can also drop his shoulder and drive through defenders. His suddenness is perhaps his most noteworthy skill set. With his combination of speed, elusiveness, and make-miss ability, Ashford is a touchdown threat on every play and has received a lot of FBS buzz as a result. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/AshfordAshton2/status/1600868179504697346?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/AshfordAshton2/status/1600868179504697346?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em> Nate Rogers</em></strong> - QB/ATH - Wetumpka </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rogers is the perfect example of a big-time athlete playing QB. Made plays all season with his arm and legs and proved to be a dynamic playmaker regardless of what he is doing with the ball in his hands. Shows some promise as a passer, has good arm strength, and can hit the deep ball. However, he is most impressive when he gets to run the ball. A smooth runner with good speed, has good vision, and does a good job of setting up blocks for himself. Rogers is a standout on the basketball court and his athleticism and agility from the hardwood certainly translate to the gridiron. Reminds me of UCF WR Kobe Hudson, who also played QB in high school at Troup County (Ga.) Should he stick with football, his experience as a basketball player and a QB will prove beneficial to his development regardless of what position he decides to play. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/wristtapewondey/status/1590141115067662336?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/wristtapewondey/status/1590141115067662336?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='237806' first='Reese' last='Baker']</em></strong> - OT - Madison Academy</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Energetic OL prospect that is picking up some FBS-level buzz. High upside player with a good frame at 6'5 260. He has plenty of room to grow and become an even stronger and more formidable prospect. Has good speed and twitchiness for a big man, likely projects at one of the tackle spots. Plays with good pad level and has heavy hands, slapping and pushing defenders off-balanced and out of the picture. He also shows the ability to pull and get downfield as a lead blocker, where he frequently knocks defenders to the ground with ease and then gets his eyes up to find another player to get his hands on. Active, instinctual big man that happens to be a really good athlete. Would not shock me at all if Baker started to pick up some P5-level buzz by the time his senior season rolls around. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Reese_Baker77/status/1595522522908446720?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Reese_Baker77/status/1595522522908446720?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed -->