5 Future Names To Know in Alabama

Connor Jackson January 2, 2024 @ 07:40 PM

There are several prospects in Alabama starting to sizzle on the varsity scene. These youngsters had productive years and are on the brink of turning the corner in their recruitment. Here are 5 names in Alabama to file away for future notice.   [player_tooltip player_id='1603640' first='Sammy' last='Dunn'] - 2026 - QB - Bayside Academy   Dunn is a reliable passer who flashed excellent playmaking ability and upside as a Sophomore. He is a lean, athletic 6'0 170 with room to grow. Dunn possesses a long, elastic throwing motion and quickly rips through the ball to create velocity. When under duress, he creates while under control and quickly sets his feet before he rifles the ball downfield. You'll have to remain disciplined in your lanes and get pressure in his face because if you run by him, he can quickly become a runner and pick apart defenses with his speed. Dunn should continue improving and will generate some real D1 recruiting buzz as soon as this offseason.   [player_tooltip player_id='1006484' first='Cameron' last='Phinizee'] - 2026 - RB - Russellville   Unbelievably productive runner, breaking the 2000-yard and 40 TD mark on the year. Already well-developed, coming in at 6'0 190. Not the fastest runner, but has enough drive in his legs to power through running lanes and beat weak tackling angles by defenders. He has the potential to develop into an even faster runner. Violent runner at the point of attack, speeds up to initiate contact, pops with his shoulders low, and keeps his feet moving to move through tackles. Flashes excellent vision and patience on zone run schemes, pinpoints cut-back lanes and quickly changes direction to take advantage. Phinizee can find space and is hard to tackle 1 on 1. He should pick up FBS recruiting attention, and maybe P5.   [player_tooltip player_id='1631178' first='Jay' last='Ragland'] - 2026 - LB - Ashford   Stout 6'1 200 two-way player with reps at RB and LB. Will likely project as a defender. Can play off the ball and be attached to the line. Aggressively clicks downhill and closes to the football in a hurry. At impact, he can jar ball carriers and generate the power needed to separate ball from ball carrier. He is sudden enough to react to misdirection from the RB, quickly repositioning himself on a path to the ball. When lined up on the edge, he does an excellent job of using his legs and strength to continue firing his feet and work off blockers. Once clear, he begins his pursuit. With his frame, he likely projects best as an ILB where he can come downhill to meet RBs in the gaps. His ability to rush the passer both as a blitzer and as an EDGE should help keep him on the field on 3rd down.   CJ Gardner - 2026 - WR - Daphne   Gardner is a highly regarded basketball prospect with some upside on the gridiron as well. He comes in at a long, very lanky 6'2 162. He possesses the frame to easily get to 200 should he find that beneficial. Gardner flashes the ability to go up and get the ball on the outside, something consistent in basketball prospects. Right now, his athleticism and speed alone are enough to handle DBs at the level he plays at. However, he is threatening enough in the vertical game to stem off simple underneath route concepts with separation. There is some YAC potential with his speed, he is also loose enough in space to wiggle in and out of running lanes. He catches the ball away from his hands, showing natural pass-catching abilities. Gardner should be considered a hidden gem and will be interesting to watch as an upperclassman.   [player_tooltip player_id='1137057' first='Corde' last='Jefferson'] - 2027 - ATH - Dadeville   Jefferson was a highly productive tackler and runner as a freshman. He comes in at 5'8 165 and seems to be a tweener, but could settle in at RB or as a N/S hybrid in the future. Jefferson is still developing some speed, but he is a crafty runner who can stack moves to jump in and out of running lanes. As a returner, he pinpoints cutback lanes nicely and is able to slow down his feet to reach them. I like his upside as a defender. When playing in the box, he reacts to the run well and gets to the ball in a hurry. He can adjust to last-minute juke attempts from the ball carrier and tackles with good pad level. He was one of the most productive tacklers in the state as a freshman.

There are several prospects in Alabama starting to sizzle on the varsity scene. These youngsters had productive years and are on the brink of turning the corner in their recruitment. Here are 5 names in Alabama to file away for future notice.