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Hidden Gems: Ballers in Alabama You Need to Know – Part II

Hidden Gems: Ballers in Alabama You Need to Know – Part II
CJ Marable
CJ Marable August 14, 2024 @ 10:56 AM
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James Kelly
James Kelly 6'0" | 215 lbs | RB/WR | 2026
AL
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Amidst the well-known prospects, there are numerous hidden gems—talented players who may not yet have garnered significant attention but possess the skills and potential to make a substantial impact on the field. This scouting report aims to highlight five such players from Alabama's high school football scene, showcasing their unique abilities and contributions to their teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Jaden Peterson","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'9u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"230","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2406","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":" Hillcrest High School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66bcd3bc712b3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jaden Peterson is a rising star in the defensive line position, showcasing impressive agility and strength for his size. Standing at 5'9” and weighing around 230 pounds, he possesses a rare combination of speed and power that allows him to penetrate offensive lines effectively. His ability to read plays quickly makes him a formidable opponent, as he can disrupt both the run and pass game. Coaches have noted his relentless motor and work ethic, which sets him apart from many of his peers. With multiple college scouts already showing interest, Peterson is definitely a player to watch in the upcoming season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1669322' first='James' last='Kelly']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"195","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2408","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Hewitt Trussville","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66bcd3bc713ec"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1669322' first='James' last='Kelly'] is another hidden gem in Alabama's high school football landscape known for his relentless playing style and determination on every play. Standing at 6'0” and weighing around 190 pounds, he combines size with impressive speed that makes him difficult to bring down once he gets going downhill. Kelly excels at breaking tackles due to his low center of gravity and powerful legs that drive through contact effectively; this results in consistent yardage gains throughout games. His versatility allows coaches to utilize him not just as a traditional running back but also in various formations where he can exploit mismatches against smaller defenders or linebackers. As college scouts begin their evaluations this season, Kelly's name will likely rise on many recruiting boards.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Jared Fikes","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'7u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"280","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2405","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Tuscaloosa County High School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66bcd3bc7151a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jared Fikes is an offensive lineman who has been turning heads with his size and agility on the field. Standing at 6'7” and weighing over 270 pounds, he combines physicality with surprising footwork that allows him to excel in both run blocking and pass protection. His understanding of defensive schemes enables him to make effective adjustments during games, contributing significantly to his team's offensive success. Coaches praise his tenacity and commitment to improving every practice session. As a junior, he is already attracting attention from several college programs looking for future stars on their offensive line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Carter Jenkins","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2410","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Gardendale High School ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66bcd3bc71636"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Carter Jenkins is a dynamic wide receiver known for his exceptional speed and agility on the field. He possesses the physical attributes that make him a threat to any secondary. His ability to create separation from defenders is complemented by reliable hands, allowing him to make tough catches in traffic. Jenkins has showcased his versatility by excelling in both short and deep routes, making him a valuable asset in various offensive schemes. With several colleges already showing interest, he is poised for a breakout senior season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Jackson Gohn","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'11u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"220","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2406","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Mortimer Jordan ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66bcd3bc7174b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jackson Gohn has emerged as one of the most promising defensive linemen in Alabama high school football. At 5'11” and 220 pounds, he combines size with exceptional quickness off the line, making him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. His technique is refined for his age, allowing him to shed blocks efficiently and make tackles behind the line of scrimmage. Gohn's versatility enables him to play both defensive end and tackle, providing valuable flexibility for his team's defensive schemes. As he continues to develop physically and mentally, expect his recruitment to heat up significantly.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->

Amidst the well-known prospects, there are numerous hidden gems—talented players who may not yet have garnered significant attention but possess the skills and potential to make a substantial impact on the field. This scouting report aims to highlight five such players from Alabama's high school football scene, showcasing their unique abilities and contributions to their teams.

Jaden Peterson

Jaden Peterson

HEIGHT 5'9"
WEIGHT 230
POS DL
CLASS 2027

Jaden Peterson

School: Hillcrest High School
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<span class="pn-tooltip pn-player-link">
        <span class="name-pointer">Hidden Gems: Ballers in Alabama You Need to Know – Part II</span>
        <span class="info-box not-prose" style="background: linear-gradient(to bottom, rgba(193,25,32, 0.95) 0%,rgba(193,25,32, 1) 100%)">
            <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/08/hidden-gems-ballers-in-alabama-you-need-to-know-part-ii/" class="link-wrap">
                                    <span class="player-img"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/SCSBzBy3_400x400.jpg?w=150&h=150&crop=1" alt="Hidden Gems: Ballers in Alabama You Need to Know – Part II"></span>
                
                <span class="player-details">
                    <span class="first-name">Hidden</span>
                    <span class="last-name">Gems: Ballers in Alabama You Need to Know – Part II</span>
                    <span class="measurables">
                                            </span>
                                    </span>
                <span class="player-rank">
                                                        </span>
                                    <span class="state-abbr"></span>
                            </a>

                    </span>
    </span>

James Kelly James Kelly 6'0" | 215 lbs | RB/WR Hewitt-Trussville | 2026 State AL

HEIGHT 6'0"
WEIGHT 195
POS RB
CLASS 2026

James Kelly James Kelly 6'0" | 215 lbs | RB/WR Hewitt-Trussville | 2026 State AL

School: Hewitt Trussville
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Jared Fikes

Jared Fikes

HEIGHT 6'7"
WEIGHT 280
POS OL
CLASS 2026

Jared Fikes

School: Tuscaloosa County High School
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Carter Jenkins

Carter Jenkins

POS WR
CLASS 2025

Carter Jenkins

School: Gardendale High School
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Jackson Gohn

Jackson Gohn

HEIGHT 5'11"
WEIGHT 220
POS DL
CLASS 2025

Jackson Gohn

School: Mortimer Jordan
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