2027 Rankings Update- Alabama's Most Explosive ATHs

With our new 2027 Rankings Update dropping this week, it's only right that we look at some of our most versatile ATHs here in Alabama!   We were super impressed watching these guys film – they have so much talent and potential at the next level, it'll be exciting watching them in their junior seasons this fall.   As always, make sure you watch some of their tape below!    [player_tooltip player_id='1610217' first='Braden' last='Gordon'] is a dominant ATH out of Montgomery who is our #1 ATH and #11 player in the state.   "At 6'4 200, Gordon is excellent at using his size and speed to his advantage on both sides of the ball. As a WR/RB, he consistently outmatches opposing DBs in the secondary, easily gets open, and can create a ton after the catch and out of the backfield with how fast he is in the open field.   Defensively, Gordon completely overwhelms OL off the edge to create huge stops in the backfield. He uses his speed to his advantage and consistently pursues the ball carrier/quarterback to make impressive hustle plays nearly every snap."   Gordon ended his sophomore season with 41 carries for 288 yards and 6 TDs on the ground, 46 receptions for 749 yards and 8 TDs through the air, and 50 total tackles (37 solo, 14 for loss), 11 sacks, and one FF.   With how dominant he's been, Gordon has picked up offers from Alabama, Ohio State, Michigan, and many other top-tier programs.   Check out some of Gordon's film below:      [player_tooltip player_id='1536089' first='Joshua' last='Douthard'] rose up our ranks this update to become our #2 ATH and #15 overall prospect in the state.   "On offense, Douthard is a dominant WR/RB who can come up with explosive plays wherever he lines up. At WR, Douthard plays with a ton of speed, runs impressive routes, and consistently takes the top off of defenses for huge plays in the passing game. Douthard uses the same game-breaking speed out of the backfield- he has great vision and breakaway speed that he uses to turn up and make huge plays in the open field.   Defensively, Douthard is a dominant DB with great ball skills who can make a ton of plays on the ball out in coverage. I'm impressed with his instincts and timing out in the secondary- he flies around the field and puts himself in great position to come up with stops against the run and pass."   Since the end of last season, Douthard has blown up in the recruiting world, picking up offers from Notre Dame, South Carolina, Pitt, and many others.   Check out some of Douthard's film below:      [player_tooltip player_id='1127591' first='Sye' last='Byrd'] is an explosive two-way player who's coming in as our #3 ATH, and #53 overall prospect in the state.   "At WR, Byrd is a talented route runner who uses his size and catch radius to dominate DBs downfield for huge receptions. He can gain tons of separation off of his routes and has a reliable set of hands he uses to haul in passes through coverage and contact, consistently making some highlight reel catches all throughout the year.   Defensively, Byrd lines up at EDGE and is constantly in the backfield making plays. Byrd is explosive off the snap, can work his way around OL with his speed and strength, and is a productive pass rusher who racks up tons of pressures/sacks and consistently uses his hands to bat down passes."   Byrd has been generating D1 interest and recently picked up an offer from North Alabama a few weeks ago. With his talent, more will be heading his way soon- he's a dominant playmaker set up for a huge year at Saraland.   Check out some of Byrd's tape below:      [player_tooltip player_id='1544159' first='Jaxson' last='Dixon'] is a WR/DB out of Foley who has landed as our #4 ATH and #64 overall prospect in the state.   "Dixon has game-changing speed everywhere he lines up. He can completely flip the field in a moment's notice, and it's not hard to see on tape. Dixon can take short passes to the house and burn defenses over the top for huge gains as well. Dixon also gains terrific separation in the passing game- he's quick on his feet, runs great routes, and can beat DBs anywhere on the field.   Dixon utilizes his athleticism similarly on defense. He can cover a wide variety of WRs and has a great set of hands he uses to make plays on the ball in coverage."   I think Dixon has a big year in store for Foley this fall. He has some serious speed and quickness to his game that'll separate him on both sides of the ball- we'll be on the lookout for him.   Check out some of his tape below:      [player_tooltip player_id='1668199' first='Carter' last='Castleberry'] is a talented ATH out of Winterboro who is our #5 ATH and #95 overall prospect in the state.   Castleberry really caught my eye on the offensive side of the ball- he's a well-rounded WR who can be played in a variety of creative ways. He's quick, has great size and speed, and can attack multiple levels of the field with his route running.   I'm really impressed by how explosive of a prospect Castleberry is- he can take screens and jet passes the distance while also having the receiving skills to get out wide and create big plays downfield. He's got a good set of hands and some terrific run-after-the-catch skills he uses to outrun and evade defenses."   About a month ago, Castleberry picked up his first offer from West Alabama. With his talent, I'm sure more opportunities will come his way soon - he's a talented prospect with a ton of big things ahead.   Check out some of his sophomore tape:

With our new 2027 Rankings Update dropping this week, it's only right that we look at some of our most versatile ATHs here in Alabama!