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Stud Machines: Playmakers in Alabama You Need to Know

Stud Machines: Playmakers in Alabama You Need to Know
CJ Marable
CJ Marable August 16, 2024 @ 10:00 PM
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In this article:

E’Mauri Smiley
E’Mauri Smiley 6'3" | 235 lbs | DL | 2025
AL
Hugh Bodiford
Hugh Bodiford 6'3" | 330 lbs | OL | 2025
AL
Zion Grady
Zion Grady 6'4" | 235 lbs | EDGE | 2025
AL
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Alabama high school football is a hotbed of talent, producing some of the most electrifying playmakers in the nation. Each year, scouts and coaches alike keep a keen eye on emerging stars who have the potential to make significant impacts at the collegiate level and beyond. This scouting report highlights five standout players from Alabama's high school football scene—individuals who possess unique skills, athleticism, and game-changing abilities that set them apart from their peers.</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":"Ezekiel Scott","_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":"218","_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":"Dothan","_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-66c0123dc57bc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ezekiel Scott is a standout defensive end known for his explosive first step and relentless pursuit of the quarterback. Standing at 6'2” and weighing around 220 pounds, he possesses a rare combination of size and speed that makes him a nightmare for opposing offenses. His ability to shed blocks and disrupt plays in the backfield has garnered attention from several major college programs. In addition to his pass-rushing skills, Scott is also effective against the run, demonstrating strong tackling abilities and awareness on the field. With his work ethic and athleticism, he is poised to make an immediate impact at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["216875"],"_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-66c0123dc581f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='216875' first='Zion' last='Grady'] is one of the most highly regarded defensive ends in Alabama high school football. Standing at 6'4” and weighing around 235 pounds, he possesses explosive speed off the edge combined with powerful tackling ability. His relentless pursuit of quarterbacks has resulted in numerous sacks throughout his high school career, showcasing his knack for disrupting opposing offenses. Grady's football IQ allows him to read plays quickly and adjust accordingly, making him a versatile asset on defense. As a top recruit nationally, he has drawn interest from several prestigious college programs looking to bolster their defensive lines.</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":"Jacobi Freeman","_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":"5'8u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"169","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2495","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Carver 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-66c0123dc589f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jacobi Freeman is a standout defensive back known for his exceptional speed and agility on the field. He possesses the physical attributes that make him a formidable opponent in coverage. His ability to read quarterbacks and anticipate plays allows him to make crucial interceptions and break up passes effectively. Freeman's versatility enables him to play both cornerback and safety, showcasing his adaptability in various defensive schemes. With several college programs already showing interest, he is poised to be a significant contributor at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["317156"],"_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-66c0123dc58e1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='317156' first='Hugh' last='Bodiford'] is an offensive lineman who has garnered attention for his impressive size and technique. At 6'3” and approximately 330 pounds, he combines strength with agility, making him a key player in both run blocking and pass protection. His footwork is exceptional for a player of his size, allowing him to engage defenders effectively while maintaining balance. Coaches praise his work ethic and leadership qualities on the field, making him not just a player but also a mentor for younger teammates. Bodiford is expected to make an immediate impact at the collegiate level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["790717"],"_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-66c0123dc591a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='790717' first='E'Mauri' last='Smiley'] stands out as an elite defensive lineman with remarkable size and athleticism at 6'3” and approximately 235 pounds. His strength allows him to dominate against both the run and pass game, often requiring double teams from opposing offensive lines. Smiley's quick first step off the line gives him an advantage in penetrating backfields and disrupting plays before they develop fully. Coaches commend his relentless motor and ability to maintain pressure throughout the game, making him a constant threat on every snap. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->

Alabama high school football is a hotbed of talent, producing some of the most electrifying playmakers in the nation. Each year, scouts and coaches alike keep a keen eye on emerging stars who have the potential to make significant impacts at the collegiate level and beyond. This scouting report highlights five standout players from Alabama's high school football scene—individuals who possess unique skills, athleticism, and game-changing abilities that set them apart from their peers.

Ezekiel Scott

Ezekiel Scott

HEIGHT 6'2"
WEIGHT 218
POS DL
CLASS 2025

Ezekiel Scott

School: Dothan
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Ohio State
Zion Grady

Zion Grady

AL
EDGE
HEIGHT 6'4"
WEIGHT 235
POS EDGE
CLASS 2025
View Player
​
Zion
Grady EDGE
Class
2025
Height
6'4"
Weight
235
HS
Enterprise
|
AL
Stud Machines: Playmakers in Alabama You Need to Know
Zion Grady is one of the most highly regarded defensive ends in Alabama high school football. Standing at...
Written by CJ Marable
Ohio State
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Zion Grady

Twitter
State: Alabama
School: Enterprise
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Jacobi Freeman

Jacobi Freeman

HEIGHT 5'8"
WEIGHT 169
POS DB
CLASS 2025

Jacobi Freeman

School: Carver High School
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Virginia-Wise
Hugh Bodiford

Hugh Bodiford

AL
OL
HEIGHT 6'3"
WEIGHT 330
POS OL
CLASS 2025
View Player
​
Hugh
Bodiford OL
Class
2025
Height
6'3"
Weight
330
HS
Auburn
|
AL
Stud Machines: Playmakers in Alabama You Need to Know
Hugh Bodiford is an offensive lineman who has garnered attention for his impressive size and technique. At 6’3”...
Written by CJ Marable
Virginia-Wise
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Hugh Bodiford

Instagram Twitter
State: Alabama
School: Auburn
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

E&#8217;Mauri Smiley

E’Mauri Smiley

AL
DL
HEIGHT 6'3"
WEIGHT 235
POS DL
CLASS 2025
View Player
​
E’Mauri
Smiley DL
Class
2025
Height
6'3"
Weight
235
HS
Opelika
|
AL
Stud Machines: Playmakers in Alabama You Need to Know
E’Mauri Smiley stands out as an elite defensive lineman with remarkable size and athleticism at 6’3” and approximately...
Written by CJ Marable
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

E’Mauri Smiley

State: Alabama
School: Opelika
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Prep Redzone

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