Login Subscribe
    • Players/Parents
    • College Coaches
  • Choose Your State Middle School Coverage
    Alabama
    Arizona
    Arkansas
    California
    Canada
    Colorado
    Dakotas
    Florida
    Georgia
    Idaho
    Illinois
    Indiana
    Iowa
    Kansas
    Kentucky
    Louisiana
    Maryland
    Michigan
    Minnesota
    Mississippi
    Missouri
    Nebraska
    Nevada
    New England
    New Jersey
    New Mexico
    New York
    North Carolina
    Ohio
    Oklahoma
    Oregon
    Pennsylvania
    South Carolina
    Tennessee
    Texas
    Utah
    Virginia
    Washington
    West Virginia
    Wisconsin
  • Loading...
  • Loading...
  • Tournaments
    • 7 on 7 7 on 7
    Showcases
    • Combine Series Combine Series
    About Our Events
  • Prep Redzone for
    • Players
    • Parents
    • Club Coaches
    • High School Coaches
    • College Coaches
    • Fans
    View All Features
    • Coverage Access Prep Redzone articles year-round without ads.
    • Rankings See how players stack up in each state.
    • Player Profiles Build your own profile and join the Prep Redzone database.
    • Coach Views Get notified when a college coach views your profile.
    • Profile Trends Track your Player Profile views over time.
    • Recruiting Tasks Stay on-track in the recruiting process
    • Recruiting Dashboard All your recruiting tools in a single place.
    • College Match Recommends colleges that match with your profile.
    • Coach Contacts Contact any program in the country.
    • Event Credits Save $25 on all Prep Redzone combines.
    • Recruiting Tips Become an expert on the recruiting process.
    • College Email Templates Send customized emails directly to college coaches.
    • Scouts
    • How We Rank
    • About Us
  • Alabama
  • Rankings
    • How We Rank

    • Archived Rankings

    • 2026 Rankings

    • 2027 Rankings

    • 2028 Rankings

  • Player Database
  • Team Rankings
  • Scores
  • Scouts
  • Home
  • Coverage
      Choose Your State Middle School Coverage
      Alabama
      Arizona
      Arkansas
      California
      Canada
      Colorado
      Dakotas
      Florida
      Georgia
      Idaho
      Illinois
      Indiana
      Iowa
      Kansas
      Kentucky
      Louisiana
      Maryland
      Michigan
      Minnesota
      Mississippi
      Missouri
      Nebraska
      Nevada
      New England
      New Jersey
      New Mexico
      New York
      North Carolina
      Ohio
      Oklahoma
      Oregon
      Pennsylvania
      South Carolina
      Tennessee
      Texas
      Utah
      Virginia
      Washington
      West Virginia
      Wisconsin
  • Events
      Tournaments
      • 7 on 7 7 on 7
      Showcases
      • Combine Series Combine Series
      About Our Events
  • Rankings
      Loading...
  • Scores
      Loading...
  • Features
      Prep Redzone for
      • Players
      • Parents
      • Club Coaches
      • High School Coaches
      • College Coaches
      • Fans
      View All Features
      • Coverage Access Prep Redzone articles year-round without ads.
      • Rankings See how players stack up in each state.
      • Player Profiles Build your own profile and join the Prep Redzone database.
      • Coach Views Get notified when a college coach views your profile.
      • Profile Trends Track your Player Profile views over time.
      • Recruiting Tasks Stay on-track in the recruiting process
      • Recruiting Dashboard All your recruiting tools in a single place.
      • College Match Recommends colleges that match with your profile.
      • Coach Contacts Contact any program in the country.
      • Event Credits Save $25 on all Prep Redzone combines.
      • Recruiting Tips Become an expert on the recruiting process.
      • College Email Templates Send customized emails directly to college coaches.
  • About Us
      • Scouts
      • How We Rank
      • About Us
  • Support
Login Subscribe

Hidden Gems: Underrated Prospects in Alabama You Need to Know

Hidden Gems: Underrated Prospects in Alabama You Need to Know
CJ Marable
CJ Marable August 13, 2024 @ 02:43 PM
Facebook
X (Formerly Twitter)

In this article:

Caiden Brown
Caiden Brown 6'0" | 290 lbs | DL | 2026
AL
Devin Brown
Devin Brown 5'11" | 185 lbs | RB | 2025
AL
Elias Holtzclaw
Elias Holtzclaw 5'10" | 150 lbs | WR | 2027
AL
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Amidst the spotlight on high-profile recruits, there are numerous underrated prospects who possess immense potential and could make significant impacts at the collegiate level and beyond. This scouting report aims to highlight five hidden gems in Alabama high school football players who may not yet be household names but have the skills, work ethic, and determination to excel.</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":"[player_tooltip player_id='1596372' first='Devin' last='Brown']","_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":"185","_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":"Russell County HS","_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-66bbb7644b2be"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1596372' first='Devin' last='Brown'] is a dynamic running back who has flown under the radar despite his impressive skill set. Standing at 5'11” and weighing around 190 pounds, he combines speed with agility, making him a threat both in the open field and between the tackles. His vision allows him to find gaps quickly, and he possesses the ability to break tackles, which makes him difficult to bring down. In addition to his rushing capabilities, Brown is also a reliable receiver out of the backfield, showcasing versatility that college scouts often seek. With a strong work ethic and leadership qualities, he has the potential to make an impact at the next level.</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":"Dezmond Barnes","_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":"6'2u0022","_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":"2406","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Stanhope Elmore 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-66bbb7644b3ae"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Dezmond Barnes is a 6'2”, defensive lineman who has been flying under the radar despite his impressive skill set. His ability to disrupt plays in the backfield is complemented by his quick first step and agility, making him a formidable presence on the line. Barnes showcases excellent technique, particularly in his hand placement and leverage, allowing him to shed blocks effectively. Coaches have noted his high football IQ, which enables him to read plays and react swiftly. With continued development, he has the potential to become a standout player at the collegiate level.</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":"Dominic Sager","_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":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"251","_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":"Stanhope Elmore 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-66bbb7644b48b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Dominic Sager stands at 5'10” and weighs around 250 pounds, boasting an athletic frame that allows him to excel both as a pass rusher and run stopper. His versatility is one of his greatest assets; he can play multiple positions along the defensive line, adapting to various schemes. Sager's relentless motor ensures that he remains active throughout plays, often making tackles well downfield. He possesses a strong work ethic and is known for his leadership qualities on and off the field, earning respect from teammates and coaches alike. As he refines his skills further, expect him to attract attention from college scouts.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1127665"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66bbb7644b505"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1127665' first='Elias' last='Holtzclaw'] is a dynamic wide receiver who has flown under the radar despite his impressive skill set. Standing at 5'10” and weighing around 150 pounds, he possesses a blend of speed and agility that makes him a nightmare for defenders. His ability to create separation off the line of scrimmage is complemented by reliable hands, allowing him to make contested catches in traffic. Holtzclaw's versatility also enables him to contribute on special teams, where he showcases his explosive playmaking ability. With continued development and exposure, he could easily become a sought-after prospect in the recruiting landscape.</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='1678542' first='Caiden' last='Brown']","_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":"","_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":"BB Comer 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-66bbb7644b5d0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1678542' first='Caiden' last='Brown'] is another hidden gem known for his explosive power and tenacity on the field. His ability to penetrate offensive lines makes him a disruptive force during games, often leading to tackles for loss or quarterback pressures. Brown has shown significant improvement in his conditioning over the past year, which has enhanced his stamina during long drives. His coach praises his dedication to improving technique, particularly in pass-rushing moves like spin moves and bull rushes. With more exposure this season, he could easily rise through recruiting rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->

Amidst the spotlight on high-profile recruits, there are numerous underrated prospects who possess immense potential and could make significant impacts at the collegiate level and beyond. This scouting report aims to highlight five hidden gems in Alabama high school football players who may not yet be household names but have the skills, work ethic, and determination to excel.

<span class="pn-tooltip pn-player-link">
        <span class="name-pointer">Hidden Gems: Underrated Prospects in Alabama You Need to Know</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-underrated-prospects-in-alabama-you-need-to-know/" class="link-wrap">
                                    <span class="player-img"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/71091166007-prpc-01-1.webp?w=150&h=150&crop=1" alt="Hidden Gems: Underrated Prospects in Alabama You Need to Know"></span>
                
                <span class="player-details">
                    <span class="first-name">Hidden</span>
                    <span class="last-name">Gems: Underrated Prospects in Alabama You Need to Know</span>
                    <span class="measurables">
                                            </span>
                                    </span>
                <span class="player-rank">
                                                        </span>
                                    <span class="state-abbr"></span>
                            </a>

            
        </span>
    </span>

Devin Brown Devin Brown 5'11" | 185 lbs | RB Russell County | 2025 State AL

HEIGHT 5'11"
WEIGHT 185
POS RB
CLASS 2025

Devin Brown Devin Brown 5'11" | 185 lbs | RB Russell County | 2025 State AL

School: Russell County HS
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Dezmond Barnes

Dezmond Barnes

HEIGHT 6'2"
POS DL
CLASS 2025

Dezmond Barnes

School: Stanhope Elmore High School
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Dominic Sager

Dominic Sager

HEIGHT 5'10"
WEIGHT 251
POS DL
CLASS 2025

Dominic Sager

School: Stanhope Elmore High School
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Elias Holtzclaw

Elias Holtzclaw

AL
WR
HEIGHT 5'10"
WEIGHT 150
POS WR
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Elias
Holtzclaw WR
Class
2027
Height
5'10"
Weight
150
HS
Pike Road
|
AL
Hidden Gems: Underrated Prospects in Alabama You Need to Know
Elias Holtzclaw is a dynamic wide receiver who has flown under the radar despite his impressive skill set....
Written by CJ Marable
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Elias Holtzclaw

State: Alabama
School: Pike Road
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
 <span class="pn-tooltip pn-player-link">
        <span class="name-pointer">Hidden Gems: Underrated Prospects in Alabama You Need to Know</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-underrated-prospects-in-alabama-you-need-to-know/" class="link-wrap">
                                    <span class="player-img"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/08/71091166007-prpc-01-1.webp?w=150&h=150&crop=1" alt="Hidden Gems: Underrated Prospects in Alabama You Need to Know"></span>
                
                <span class="player-details">
                    <span class="first-name">Hidden</span>
                    <span class="last-name">Gems: Underrated Prospects in Alabama You Need to Know</span>
                    <span class="measurables">
                                            </span>
                                    </span>
                <span class="player-rank">
                                                        </span>
                                    <span class="state-abbr"></span>
                            </a>

            
        </span>
    </span>

Caiden Brown Caiden Brown Caiden Brown 6'0" | 290 lbs | DL B.B Comer | 2026 State AL

HEIGHT 5'11"
POS DL
CLASS 2025

Caiden Brown Caiden Brown Caiden Brown 6'0" | 290 lbs | DL B.B Comer | 2026 State AL

School: BB Comer High School
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Prep Redzone

Access all of Prep Redzone

Continue reading this article and more.

Continue Reading
Already a subscriber? Log in

Rankings

343 Players Ranked

  • 1
    Cederian Morgan

    Cederian Morgan

    Benjamin Russell

  • 2
    Ezavier Crowell

    Ezavier Crowell

    Jackson

  • 3
    Landon Duckworth

    Landon Duckworth

    Jackson

    South Carolina
  • 4
    Anthony Jones

    Anthony Jones

    Saint Paul Episcopal

  • 5
    Kamhariyan Johnson

    Kamhariyan Johnson

    Muscle Shoals

View Full Rankings

Related Articles

  • Film Room Fridays (9/19)- Top Defensive Submissions of the Week

    Film Room Fridays (9/19)- Top Defensive Submissions of the Week

    Cooper Morreale • September 19

  • PRZCJ 2026 Team Watch List: RBs

    PRZCJ 2026 Team Watch List: RBs

    Connor Jackson • September 19

  • Film Room Fridays (9/19)- Top Offensive Submissions of the Week

    Film Room Fridays (9/19)- Top Offensive Submissions of the Week

    Cooper Morreale • September 19

  • Early Season Stock Risers: Receivers

    Early Season Stock Risers: Receivers

    Josh White • September 19

  • Alabama Check In: 3 New RB Names

    Alabama Check In: 3 New RB Names

    Connor Jackson • September 18

Follow Us

  • Rion Young

    Rion Young

    @MacCorleone74

  • CJ Marable

    CJ Marable

    @TorranceMarable

  • Cooper Morreale

    Cooper Morreale

    @CooperMorreale

  • Austin Butler

    Austin Butler

    @__AustinButler

  • Josh White

    Josh White

    @ceojxsh_

  • Cole Dobbins

    Cole Dobbins

    @ColeDobbinsPRZ

Loading...
Home Alabama Hidden Gems: Underrated Prospects in Alabama You Need to Know

Prep Network

  • Prep Network
  • Prep Dig
  • Prep Girls Hoops
  • Prep Hoops
  • Prep Lacrosse
  • Prep Redzone
  • Prep Soccer
  • Prep Softball

Company

  • News
  • About
  • Careers
  • Store
  • Partner Interest Form

Resources

  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • Cookie Policy
  • NCSA College Recruiting
  • Recruiting Tips
  • Student Loan Resources
  • College Scholarship Search

Support

  • My Account
  • Contact
  • Sitemap

© 2025 Prep Redzone. All rights reserved.