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Rising Stars: Impressive Underclassmen to Keep Your Eye On 

Rising Stars: Impressive Underclassmen to Keep Your Eye On 
Photo: @mcgaskin_ellis on Twitter
CJ Marable
CJ Marable September 16, 2024 @ 08:37 AM
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In this article:

Keifer Hallmark
Keifer Hallmark 6'0" | 180 lbs | LB | 2027
AL
Harwood Beeker
Harwood Beeker 5'10" | 190 lbs | LB | 2027
AL
Ellis McGaskin
Ellis McGaskin LB | 2027
AL
Demarcus Dale Brown
Demarcus Dale Brown 6'0" | 200 lbs | DL | 2028
AL
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the competitive landscape of Alabama high school football continues to evolve, a new crop of underclassmen is making waves on the field. These young athletes are demonstrating extraordinary potential and athleticism, catching the attention of scouts, coaches, and fans alike. In this scouting report, we dive deep into the rising stars of Alabama high school football—the underclassmen who have shown they have what it takes to excel at the next level. These players are already proving they have the talent and work ethic to become the future faces of Alabama football. Here are the top underclassmen you need to keep an eye on this season.</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":"Sam Stidham","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2028","_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":"2495","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Appalachian","_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-66e83494d55da"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Sam Stidham is a versatile safety known for his instinctive play in the secondary. He excels in reading the quarterback's eyes and making crucial interceptions. His tackling is precise, rarely missing in open-field situations. He demonstrates excellent lateral quickness, closing in on receivers and ball carriers with ease. His football IQ allows him to anticipate plays and disrupt offenses effectively.</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":"Lj Strong","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2028","_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":"180","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2496","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"HATTON 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-66e83494d5691"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lj Strong is an aggressive linebacker with a nose for the football, always finding his way into the backfield. He's a heavy hitter, delivering punishing tackles that stop opponents in their tracks. His coverage skills are impressive, able to track tight ends and running backs with solid ball awareness. He shows great closing speed, making him a constant threat on blitz packages. Strong's work ethic and football instincts set him apart as a rising defensive leader.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1075805"],"_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-66e83494d56e7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/demarcus-dale-brown/">[player_tooltip player_id='1075805' first='Demarcus' last='Dale Brown']</a> is a disruptive defensive end with a knack for getting into the backfield and making plays. He's an excellent edge setter, using his size and speed to stop the run and collapse the pocket. His tackling is aggressive and consistent, often leading to tackles for loss. Brown's ball skills are impressive for a lineman, frequently batting down passes at the line of scrimmage. His quick hands and explosive get-off make him a constant threat to quarterbacks and offensive linemen alike.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1127636"],"_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-66e83494d572e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/ellis-mcgaskin/">[player_tooltip player_id='1127636' first='Ellis' last='McGaskin']</a>is an athletic linebacker with an explosive first step, often getting to the quarterback on blitzes. He's a sure tackler, wrapping up ball carriers with precision and force. His coverage skills are developing well, showing good anticipation in zone coverage. He uses his speed and agility to close in on plays, limiting yards after contact. McGaskin's versatility allows him to be effective in both run defense and pass coverage.</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='1610249' first='Keifer' last='Hallmark']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2028","_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":"180","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2496","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Russellville ","_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-66e83494d57cf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1610249' first='Keifer' last='Hallmark'] is a physical linebacker with a relentless motor, known for making crucial tackles in high-pressure situations. He's excellent at reading the offensive line and filling gaps quickly, making him a key run-stopper. His ball skills in coverage are improving, allowing him to stay step-for-step with receivers and tight ends. Isaiah excels in making open-field tackles, rarely letting opponents break free. His leadership and intensity on the field inspire his teammates.</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='1610243' first='Harwood' last='Beeker']","_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":"5'8u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"144","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2496","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Tuscaloosa Academy","_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-66e83494d5862"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1610243' first='Harwood' last='Beeker'] is known for his sideline-to-sideline range and ability to shed blockers. His tackling form is textbook, wrapping up runners with power and technique. He's a cerebral player, using his knowledge of the game to anticipate run and pass plays. Beeker's ability to read the quarterback's eyes makes him a threat in pass coverage, often disrupting screens and short passes. His quickness and physicality make him a standout in both run-stopping and pass-rushing situations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->

As the competitive landscape of Alabama high school football continues to evolve, a new crop of underclassmen is making waves on the field. These young athletes are demonstrating extraordinary potential and athleticism, catching the attention of scouts, coaches, and fans alike. In this scouting report, we dive deep into the rising stars of Alabama high school football—the underclassmen who have shown they have what it takes to excel at the next level. These players are already proving they have the talent and work ethic to become the future faces of Alabama football. Here are the top underclassmen you need to keep an eye on this season.

Sam Stidham

Sam Stidham

POS DB
CLASS 2028

Sam Stidham

School: Appalachian
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Lj Strong

Lj Strong

HEIGHT 6'0"
WEIGHT 180
POS LB
CLASS 2028

Lj Strong

School: HATTON HIGH SCHOOL
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Demarcus Dale Brown

Demarcus Dale Brown

AL
DL
HEIGHT 6'0"
WEIGHT 200
POS DL
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Demarcus
Dale Brown DL
Class
2028
Height
6'0"
Weight
200
HS
Williamson
|
AL
Rising Stars: Impressive Underclassmen to Keep Your Eye On 
Demarcus Dale Brown is a disruptive defensive end with a knack for getting into the backfield and making...
Written by CJ Marable
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Demarcus Dale Brown

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

Highlights

Ellis McGaskin

Ellis McGaskin

AL
LB
POS LB
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Ellis
McGaskin LB
Class
2027
HS
Williamson
|
AL
Rising Stars: Impressive Underclassmen to Keep Your Eye On 
Ellis McGaskin is an athletic linebacker with an explosive first step, often getting to the quarterback on blitzes....
Written by CJ Marable
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Ellis McGaskin

State: Alabama
School: Williamson
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
<span class="pn-tooltip pn-player-link">
        <span class="name-pointer">Rising Stars: Impressive Underclassmen to Keep Your Eye On </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/2024/09/rising-stars-impressive-underclassmen-to-keep-your-eye-on/" class="link-wrap">
                                    <span class="player-img"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/Ellis-McGaskin.jpg?w=150&h=150&crop=1" alt="Rising Stars: Impressive Underclassmen to Keep Your Eye On "></span>
                
                <span class="player-details">
                    <span class="first-name">Rising</span>
                    <span class="last-name">Stars: Impressive Underclassmen to Keep Your Eye On </span>
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        </span>
    </span>

Keifer Hallmark Keifer Hallmark 6'0" | 180 lbs | LB Russellville | 2027 State AL

HEIGHT 6'0"
WEIGHT 180
POS LB
CLASS 2028

Keifer Hallmark Keifer Hallmark 6'0" | 180 lbs | LB Russellville | 2027 State AL

School: Russellville
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
<span class="pn-tooltip pn-player-link">
        <span class="name-pointer">Rising Stars: Impressive Underclassmen to Keep Your Eye On </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/2024/09/rising-stars-impressive-underclassmen-to-keep-your-eye-on/" class="link-wrap">
                                    <span class="player-img"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/Ellis-McGaskin.jpg?w=150&h=150&crop=1" alt="Rising Stars: Impressive Underclassmen to Keep Your Eye On "></span>
                
                <span class="player-details">
                    <span class="first-name">Rising</span>
                    <span class="last-name">Stars: Impressive Underclassmen to Keep Your Eye On </span>
                    <span class="measurables">
                                            </span>
                                    </span>
                <span class="player-rank">
                                                        </span>
                                    <span class="state-abbr"></span>
                            </a>

            
        </span>
    </span>

Harwood Beeker Harwood Beeker 5'10" | 190 lbs | LB Tuscaloosa Academy | 2027 State AL

HEIGHT 5'8"
WEIGHT 144
POS LB
CLASS 2027

Harwood Beeker Harwood Beeker 5'10" | 190 lbs | LB Tuscaloosa Academy | 2027 State AL

School: Tuscaloosa Academy
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