The city of Jackson sits on the east bank of the Tombigbee River in Clarke County and is home to only 1,112 families, according to the latest U.S. census.

Class 4A Jackson High School has 420 students in grades 9-12. Simple math says that’s 105 students per grade, with roughly 53 of those being boys.

Then how is it possible that four of the 15 players on AL.com’s A-List ranking of the best senior football prospects in the state are all from this one small town?

It’s because the state champion Aggies are experiencing an influx of talent that per capita might be the most impressive in state history. They could have as many as 12 players sign major scholarships this year.

“It’s an unbelievable class,” Jackson coach Cody Flournoy said. “When you’re a high school football coach, this is a class you dream of. It’s not like we just put this team together. I’ve been here six years, and these are the same guys we watched playing pee wee ball together when I got here. It’s a credit to Jackson. These guys’ dads and granddads played for Jackson. Their moms cheered for Jackson. These are our kids who grew up here.”

The Jackson contingent on the A-List is led by running back EJ Crowell (pronounced CROW-ell), who reclassified from the Class of 2027 and has already committed to Alabama. Crowell rushed for 1,964 yards and 31 touchdowns on 168 carries last season in helping the Aggies to 14 straight wins after a season-opening loss to Saraland.

“Alabama is Alabama,” Crowell said on the day of his commitment ceremony. “Since growing up, I’ve been watching them and felt like I wanted to be a part of it. I got the offer my freshman year and really knew I was going there. It’s just a dream come true, committing to the University of Alabama. I’m just living out my dream.”

Nine members of the A-List have already committed to play in the SEC. Of the other six, two are committed to North Carolina and one is committed to Duke, while the other three are expected to sign with an SEC or Big Ten team.

Three of the players are committed to Alabama and two are pledged to North Carolina, while Florida, Georgia, Auburn, LSU, Texas, Arkansas and Duke have one each.

Here is AL.com’s A-List of the best Class of 2026 high school football prospects. Each player will be featured in August leading up to the first games of the season Aug. 21 and 22. The list also will be re-evaluated on several occasions during and after the season.

15. Jamarrion Gordon, Jackson, CB, North Carolina

Gordon, who was once committed to Alabama, became one of the first players to commit to legendary coach Bill Belichick at North Carolina.

14. DeShawn Spencer, Saraland, WR, Duke

Don’t be surprised if Auburn tries to make a late push for the star receiver from one of the state’s powerhouse high school programs.

13. JJ Bush, Theodore, LB, Arkansas

Bush has proven to be productive at running back, quarterback, defensive back and edge rusher but his future is as a linebacker.

12. Vodney Cleveland, Parker, DL, Texas

Cleveland, who was committed to Alabama as a junior, was a key member of the historic Parker state championship team last season.

11. Keeyun Chapman, Jackson, WR, North Carolina

The 6-foot-4 Chapman is a nightmare for defensive backs on jump ball throws. His brother Keagan, a defensive back, is also committed to North Carolina.

10. Dylan Purter, Booker T. Washington-Tuskegee, CB, LSU

Purter has the cover skills to play cornerback but his ball-hawking ability makes him a strong candidate to play safety.

9. Shadarius Toodle, Cottage Hill Christian-Mobile, LB, Georgia

At 6-foot-3 and projected to be more than 230 pounds, Toodle is an ideal sideline-to-sideline linebacker.

8. Hezekiah Harris, Mae Jemison-Huntsville, LB, Auburn

A 6-foot-5 edge rusher, Harris is the highest-rated recruit in Auburn’s 2026 class.

7. Zyan Gibson, Gadsden City, CB, Alabama

Gibson was one of the first commits to Alabama in the Class of 2026. He has the skills to be a true man-to-man cornerback.

6. Jaquez Wilkes, Wadley, LB, Undecided

At 6-foot-4, Wilkes stands above the crowd playing for Class 1A state champion Wadley. He has strong family ties to nearby Auburn.

5. Landon Duckworth, Jackson, QB, Undecided

Duckworth has led Jackson to state championships in football and basketball as well as being part of a state-champion relay team. He was an early commit to South Carolina, and the Gamecocks appear to be the favorites to earn his signature.

4. Marquez Daniel, Booker T. Washington-Tuskegee, WR, Florida

Daniel is often overshadowed by 5-star prospect CD Morgan at nearby Benjamin Russell, but his skills are not secondary to anyone. At 6-foot-5, Daniel is adept at making contested catches.

3. CD Morgan, Benjamin Russell-Alexander City, WR, Alabama

Morgan is regarded by most recruiting services as one of the top two receivers in the country. He comes from the same high school program that produced Hall of Fame receiver Terrell Owens and current Auburn receiver Malcolm Simmons.

2. Tank Jones, St. Paul’s-Mobile, DE, Undecided

Jones is among the top uncommitted players in the country. He could easily be a star at tight end, running back, linebacker or defensive tackle. For now, he’s projected as an edge rusher. Alabama, Texas A&M and Oregon are his finalists.

1. EJ Crowell, Jackson RB, Alabama

Crowell possesses a combination of speed and power that makes him a home run threat as well as a between-the-tackles bruiser.

https://www.al.com/highschoolsports/2025/06/jackson-5-star-rb-ezavier-ej-crowell-commits-to-alabama.html