4A Stars to Watch as They Head to Protective Stadium

As the 4A playoff race intensifies, a handful of elite prospects are emerging as must-watch talents on the road to Birmingham. These players have been the engine behind their teams' success, playmakers who bring speed, physicality, leadership, and consistency to the field every week. Whether it's a shutdown defensive back, a dynamic quarterback, or a powerful running back, this group has shown they can tilt momentum in big moments. With the atmosphere at Protective Stadium serving as the ultimate stage, these athletes are poised to elevate their performances even further. Their talent, competitive mindset, and ability to deliver under pressure make them some of the most dangerous threats in 4A football. Here are the top players to watch as the path to Birmingham narrows.    [player_tooltip player_id='1051656' first='Ezavier' last='Crowell'] is a powerful running back who thrives on contact and finishes every carry with authority. His lower-body strength allows him to break tackles and push piles for extra yards. Crowell has impressive burst through the first level, turning small creases into big gains. His vision continues to improve, and he shows patience when reading blocks. He's also a strong pass protector, giving his quarterback time to operate. Crowell's physical, workhorse style makes him a key offensive weapon as games get tougher.     [player_tooltip player_id='350449' first='Landon' last='Duckworth'] is an electric quarterback with a dynamic dual-threat skill set. He throws with outstanding velocity and touch, showing the ability to make every throw on the field. Duckworth's athleticism creates constant stress for defenses, as he can escape pressure and turn broken plays into explosive gains. His leadership is evident—teammates rally around his confidence and composure. He processes defenses quickly, often making the right read before the play fully develops. Duckworth's ceiling is incredibly high, and he's one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in Alabama.     [player_tooltip player_id='401109' first='Jamarrion' last='Gordon'] is a versatile game-changer who impacts the field as both a defensive back and return specialist. In coverage, he shows smooth hips and fluid transitions that allow him to mirror receivers. Gordon's speed makes him a true deep-ball eraser, and he recovers quickly even when initially beat. As a kick returner, he's explosive—capable of flipping field position or taking it all the way at any moment. His competitiveness jumps off the tape, especially in big-game environments. Gordon's multi-phase impact makes him one of the most valuable players in 4A.     [player_tooltip player_id='1649063' first='Laquon' last='Whisenhunt'] is a physical linebacker with excellent pursuit habits and downhill aggression. He's quick to shed blocks, using strong hands and leverage to stay clean. Whisenhunt tackles with real purpose, driving through ball carriers and eliminating yards after contact. His sideline-to-sideline range continues to improve as he grows into his frame. In coverage, he plays with discipline and understands his zone responsibilities. Whisenhunt's toughness and instincts make him a centerpiece of any defensive game plan.     [player_tooltip player_id='1640392' first='Damon' last='Pope'] is a confident, high-level quarterback with the arm talent to challenge defenses vertically and horizontally. His poise in the pocket stands out, even when facing pressure. Pope delivers the ball with accuracy and timing, consistently placing passes where only his receivers can make a play. He extends plays with controlled mobility, keeping his eyes downfield while avoiding unnecessary risks. As a leader, he commands the offense with maturity beyond his age. Pope's blend of decision-making and arm strength makes him a major threat on the path to Birmingham.     Dariontae Brooks Jr is a physical, downhill linebacker who plays the game with relentless energy. His ability to diagnose run plays quickly allows him to shoot gaps before blockers can react. Brooks Jr hits with real force, setting the tone for his defense on every drive. He moves well laterally, giving him the range to chase down plays at the sideline. In coverage, he shows growth and comfort dropping into zones and reading the quarterback. His toughness and motor make him one of the most dependable linebackers in 4A.     [player_tooltip player_id='1642079' first='Kyree' last='Lewis'] brings a rare combination of speed, length, and playmaking ability to the secondary. He closes space extremely well, breaking on the ball with confidence and precision. Lewis has strong ball skills, consistently turning pass breakups into turnovers. His technique allows him to stay patient at the line while still matching release moves. He's also a willing tackler, stepping up in the alley to stop big plays before they happen. Lewis's upside and natural instincts make him a high-impact defensive threat.     Elijah Lanier is a true lockdown defensive back with elite instincts in coverage. He reads route concepts quickly and consistently jumps throws before receivers can react. Lanier plays with excellent balance and footwork, allowing him to stay in-phase with top wideouts. His physicality at the catch point makes him a nightmare for receivers trying to win contested plays. He also contributes in run support, tackling with great form and aggression. With his versatility and coverage discipline, Lanier projects as one of the most disruptive DBs in 4A.

As the 4A playoff race intensifies, a handful of elite prospects are emerging as must-watch talents on the road to Birmingham. These players have been the engine behind their teams' success, playmakers who bring speed, physicality, leadership, and consistency to the field every week. Whether it's a shutdown defensive back, a dynamic quarterback, or a powerful running back, this group has shown they can tilt momentum in big moments. With the atmosphere at Protective Stadium serving as the ultimate stage, these athletes are poised to elevate their performances even further. Their talent, competitive mindset, and ability to deliver under pressure make them some of the most dangerous threats in 4A football. Here are the top players to watch as the path to Birmingham narrows.