Alabama WRs/RBs with High D1 Potential

Alabama has long been a hotbed for high school football talent, consistently producing athletes who go on to make a name for themselves at the collegiate and even professional levels. The class of 2026 is no exception, showcasing a crop of wide receivers (WRs) and running backs (RBs) with the skills and athleticism to compete at the highest level of college football. These young playmakers have already started turning heads with their explosive speed, reliable hands, and football IQ well beyond their years. In this report, we'll highlight the top WR and RB prospects in Alabama's 2026 class who are showing high D1 potential. From game-breaking agility to advanced route-running abilities, these athletes are the ones to watch as they develop into the state's next generation of elite talent.    [player_tooltip player_id='1349516' first='JJ' last='Williams'] stands out with a combination of speed and agility that makes him a nightmare for defenders. His ability to create separation off the line is impressive for a 2026 prospect, showing maturity in his route-running technique. Williams is known for his reliable hands, making tough catches look easy, even in double coverage. He's also a versatile receiver who can stretch the field on deep routes or find openings on short slants, making him a consistent playmaker. With continued development, he has the potential to be a highly sought-after D1 recruit.     Marco Simon brings a unique blend of height and athleticism to the wide receiver position, giving him a natural edge in contested catches. His footwork is already polished, enabling him to run crisp, efficient routes and lose defenders with quick cuts. Simon has a high football IQ, reading defensive coverage well and adjusting his routes to maximize gains. His physicality also sets him apart, as he fights through tackles for extra yardage. Simon's skillset and game sense make him an exciting D1 prospect who can elevate any offensive unit.     [player_tooltip player_id='212199' first='Markevious' last='Yancie'] is a true speedster who can take the top off any defense with his explosive acceleration. His straight-line speed makes him a dangerous deep-threat option, but he's also quick in the open field, turning short passes into big gains. Yancie displays strong ball-tracking skills, allowing him to adjust mid-route and haul in difficult catches. His agility and body control make him particularly dangerous in red-zone situations. With continued strength training and technical refinement, he could become a standout D1 receiver.     Caleb Metzner is a precise route-runner with excellent hands, making him a reliable target in both short and long passing situations. He has a natural feel for finding soft spots in coverage and presents a big target for quarterbacks with his impressive catch radius. Metzner demonstrates strong field awareness and rarely drops passes, showing advanced consistency for his age. He's also a disciplined player, committed to improving his craft, which could help him become a key asset to any D1 program. His well-rounded skills and work ethic make him a highly promising receiver.     [player_tooltip player_id='1408965' first='PJ' last='Brown'] combines agility and speed to be a dynamic playmaker out of the backfield. His lateral quickness allows him to make defenders miss in tight spaces, making him especially effective on outside runs and screen passes. Brown possesses strong vision, enabling him to find gaps and hit them at full speed, often resulting in explosive plays. He's also a capable receiver, adding versatility to his game and making him a dual-threat. As he continues to develop his strength, Brown could be a highly valuable addition to a D1 roster.     [player_tooltip player_id='1707174' first='Anthony' last='Hayes'] is a powerful, downhill runner who excels at breaking tackles and pushing through defenses for extra yards. His low center of gravity gives him balance and makes it difficult for defenders to bring him down on first contact. Hayes has surprising quickness for his size, allowing him to bounce outside and exploit openings on the perimeter. His vision and patience in finding holes are mature for his age, making him a reliable ground-gainer. Anthony has high potential to attract D1 programs as he continues refining his speed and versatility.     [player_tooltip player_id='1046451' first='Braylon' last='Outlaw'] has the size and strength that makes him a challenging running back to tackle, often dragging defenders with him for extra yards. His burst off the snap allows him to reach top speed quickly, giving him an advantage in beating defenders to the hole. Outlaw demonstrates patience and intelligence in following his blockers and finding cutback lanes. He's also a natural leader, rallying his teammates and bringing energy to the field. With his strong build and well-rounded skills, Outlaw has promising D1 potential as both a rusher and a leader.

Alabama has long been a hotbed for high school football talent, consistently producing athletes who go on to make a name for themselves at the collegiate and even professional levels. The class of 2026 is no exception, showcasing a crop of wide receivers (WRs) and running backs (RBs) with the skills and athleticism to compete at the highest level of college football. These young playmakers have already started turning heads with their explosive speed, reliable hands, and football IQ well beyond their years. In this report, we'll highlight the top WR and RB prospects in Alabama's 2026 class who are showing high D1 potential. From game-breaking agility to advanced route-running abilities, these athletes are the ones to watch as they develop into the state's next generation of elite talent.