Leading up to the 2025 season, AL.com is highlighting the top high school football players in Alabama.

Our first statewide list focused on the best running backs in 6A. Our second list focuses on the best defensive linemen in 6A.

We contacted coaches across the state and asked them to fill out a survey requesting information about their team. These lists were compiled primarily based on the information provided by the coaches who chose to respond.

If you are an Alabama high school football coach who did not receive the survey, email [email protected] or [email protected]. We will continue to add to these lists throughout the summer.

BEST DEFENSIVE LINEMEN, ALABAMA 6A

Courtney Acoff, jr., Bessemer City

A funny thing would happen last year when college scouts would come to Tigers games to watch highly touted class of 2026 prospect Emanuel Ruffin: They would leave with just as much interest in another defensive lineman whose name was unknown to them when they arrived. “Everybody was coming to look at Emanuel, but then they’d see Courtney, and they’d be like, ‘This kid here can really go! What grade is he in? This kid is different,’” Bessemer City coach Antonio Nelson said. Acoff is a nose tackle with impressive speed for his size. “He’s just one of those kids who has a motor,” Nelson said. “He’s exceptionally fast off the ball. And he can actually run. He’s fast and he can move. That’s what they really like about him.” What else does Nelson really like about him? “He’s got a great attitude, but he doesn’t really talk,” the coach said with a laugh. “He just puts his helmet on and goes to work. Every time I say something to him, he just nods his head up and down.”

Carson Ashley, sr., Gadsden City

Ashley plays left guard on offense and defensive tackle on defense. “He’s one of those high-energy guys who loves to compete and loves to do the dirty work,” Titans senior quarterback Kai Franklin said. “He just loves to get after it. He’s going to be a big impact player for us this year.”

Uriah Barginere, sr., Pelham

At 6 feet, 255 pounds, Barginere is a dominant force in the middle of the Panthers’ defense. “I don’t believe any lineman can handle him 1-on-1,” Pelham senior linebacker Joe Hampton said. “Strongest guy on the team with quick feet like a linebacker.” Equally impressive is his 4.5 GPA. “Definitely going to make a college team happy to have him on their roster,” Hampton added.

Dalton Buntain, sr., Hartselle

Buntain had a breakthrough junior season as the nose tackle for a defense that allowed 12.7 point per game (fifth in 6A) and recorded five shutouts. “He can eat up double teams and makes it hard to run in the middle,” Tigers coach Bert Newton said.

Kenderious Byrd, jr., Benjamin Russell

Byrd started for the Wildcats as a freshman and sophomore. “Very explosive defensive lineman,” Benjamin Russell coach Kirk Johnson said. “His 6-foot, 250-pound frame has brought the big schools in.” Wildcats sophomore quarterback Kingston Preyear said Byrd’s combination of speed and strength sets him apart. “He can play anywhere on the defensive line and cause problems,” Preyear said. “He has a motor that runs all game long.”

Jackson Carlisle, sr., Central (Tuscaloosa)

Few defensive linemen in the state can match Carlisle’s explosiveness. He prides himself in being quick off the snap. “As far as my game, I base it solely on my get-off, because I believe that if I’m already in your face before you can get set, then I shouldn’t be blocked at all,” he said. Carlisle has gotten stronger this offseason and said he wants to implement “more power” in his game. He visited Boston College late in June and committed to the Eagles a few days later.

Mason Chandler, sr., Fort Payne

Chandler, a defensive end, set a Wildcats program single-season record with eight sacks last year. After an offseason in which he improved his speed by running track and was busy on the camp circuit, it seems likely he’ll re-set the record as a senior.

Vodney Cleveland, sr., Parker

The 6-foot-4, 308-pound defensive tackle recently announced his commitment to Texas. He is the No. 5 class of 2026 defensive lineman in the nation according to 247Sports and was recruited by just about every major college program. “He is super chill and quiet off the field, but man — he is a monster on the field!” Thundering Herd senior running back Chancellor Sparks said. “Texas is getting a dude — for real!”

Boyd Cooper, sr., Mountain Brook

Cooper received honorable mention all-region from the Birmingham News last year after recording 47 tackles and three sacks as a versatile defender. “Boyd is an elite defensive lineman that could play anywhere on the field if he wanted to,” Spartans senior center Rocco Gray said. “He has a great combination of speed and strength that has given the offense great looks in practice to prepare for other great talent we will see throughout the year.” Cooper also does it all on the baseball field (pitcher/infielder/outfielder) and in the classroom (4.34 GPA).

Char-zale Davis, so., Benjamin Russell

“He’s just a sophomore!” Wildcats quarterback Kingston Preyear raves. Davis’ 6-foot-2, 285-pound frame helps make him a top recruit in the class of 2028. He already has several Division I offers, and Benjamin Russell coach Kirk Johnson said 2025 will be his true breakthrough season. “He’s a strong and fast guy that can control your offensive linemen,” Preyear said. “He plays with a chip on his shoulder every play.”

Kristopher Dotson, sr., St. Paul’s Episcopal

It’s easy to get overshadowed playing alongside a 5-star prospect, but Anthony “Tank” Jones isn’t the only dominant player in the Saints’ defensive front. Dotson, a nose tackle, had 52 tackles and seven sacks as a junior. “He leads by example and is a force in the middle of the defense,” St. Paul’s Episcopal coach Ham Barnett said.

Blair Evans, sr., Saraland

Evans holds the second-best discus mark and the No. 3 javelin and shot put throws in Spartans track and field history. “Blair has great length and a motor that doesn’t stop,” Saraland coach Jeff Kelly said. He’s also done some punting for the Spartans, who reached the 6A state final last season.

Elijah Foreman, jr., Woodlawn

Foreman is a rising junior who has five Division I offers. He’s a two-way lineman who recorded the most tackles for loss and pancake blocks last season among returning Colonels players. Woodlawn coach Clarence Williams predicts Foreman will be an all-state honoree in 2025.

Keegan Horn, sr., Hueytown

Horn racked up 76 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, seven sacks and three fumble recoveries last year en route to second-team Birmingham News all-region honors. “Keegan is a long, rangy athlete that plays with a motor that coaches rave over,” Golden Gophers coach Greg Patterson said. “His closing speed and violence when he reaches the football scream next level.” Sure enough, Horn has more than 15 college offers, including from Arkansas State, Cincinnati, Troy, UAB, Wake Forest and West Virginia. College coaches no doubt will appreciate Horn’s versatility. “He is what we call an adjuster,” Patterson said. “He can stay on the field in different personnel sets and adjust to play different positions.”

Kamhariyan “Mhari” Johnson, sr., Muscle Shoals

Johnson is No. 16 in 247Sports’ composite rankings for the state’s 2026 class. He committed to Alabama in April. “His strengths are setting the edge, ripping through the offensive line’s hands and putting pressure on the quarterback, making it easier for us DB’s to cover the wide receivers,” Trojans senior cornerback Cam Hogans said. Johnson did plenty of that as a junior, finishing the season with 47 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and 10 sacks. He was a second-team all-state selection by the Alabama Sports Writers Association. This season? “I expect Mhari to get the Mr. Football award this year,” Hogans said.

Anthony “Tank” Jones, sr., St. Paul’s Episcopal

Jones is the No. 16 player nationally in 247Sports’ class of 2026 composite rankings. He’s No. 2 in Alabama behind Benjamin Russell wide receiver Cederian Morgan, a recent commit to the Crimson Tide. Will the state’s other 5-star prospect be joining Morgan in Tuscaloosa? Jones announced last week that he’s narrowed his college choice to Alabama, Oregon and Texas A&M. The 6-foot-4, 254-pound edge rusher finished the 2024 season with 84 solo tackles, 38 assists, 18 tackles for loss, 16 sacks and two interceptions. He was an easy pick for the all-state first team by the Alabama Sports Writers Association. Saints coach Ham Barnett is just as impressed with Jones’ character as he is with the fourth-year starter’s play. “I expect him to be the leader of the defense and help the young guys,” Barnett said. “He is humble and always willing to work.” Jones needs 30 tackles and three sacks to have the school record in both categories.

Jaylon Lee, sr., Calera

“Quickness off the ball” is the first thing Eagles coach Scott Rials says when asked about Lee. He can play tackle or end, and Rials said there’s “good upside” for Lee in his senior season.

Jamaine Lewis, jr., Hueytown

Lewis started at defensive end as a sophomore and recorded 55 tackles (nine for loss), but his future likely is in the interior of the defensive line. “He plays really well with his hands and has a very powerful strike-and-shed,” Golden Gophers coach Greg Patterson said. He is a smart player and a strong student with a 3.9 GPA. He’s picked up five college offers recently, including one from South Carolina. “Jamaine hasn’t scratched the surface of his potential and will continue to grow physically and as a leader in our program,” Patterson said.

Logan McDowell, sr., Spanish Fort

McDowell is the veteran on the Toros’ standout defensive line. “He’s a good teammate and a leader,” Spanish Fort junior defensive end Brandon Marinho said. “He’s communicative and always making sure everybody is doing the right thing.”

Colton McIntyre, jr., Clay-Chalkville

McIntyre was a second-team all-state selection by the Alabama Sports Writers Association after his sophomore season. Cougars senior quarterback Aaron Frye describes him as “scary strong” — he bench-presses 400 pounds — but “surprisingly fast.” He has received multiple Division I offers after tallying 45 tackles, eight sacks and seven tackles for loss last year. “He can take on any block and double teams,” Frye said. McIntyre also is a standout wrestler.

Donivan Moore, jr., Hueytown

Moore joins Keegan Horn and Jamaine Lewis on a loaded Golden Gophers defensive line. He is No. 2 in 247Sports’ class of 2027 composite rankings for Alabama and the No. 4 defensive lineman nationally. Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Mississippi, Notre Dame, Ohio State and Texas are among the many big-time college programs that have made him an offer. “Donivan is a physical and violent player who is young and still has a ton of room to grow,” Hueytown coach Greg Patterson said. He is equally dominant at defensive tackle and defensive end.

James Newby, jr., Athens

Newby took over a starting job on offense as a sophomore, and he’ll enter the starting lineup on defense this season, adding defensive end to his tight end duties. “Great athlete; jumps and runs extremely well,” Golden Eagles coach Cody Gross said.

Avrian “AJ” Pauley Jr., jr., McGill-Toolen

Pauley could play defensive end or defensive tackle at the next level. He has received several college offers this offseason, including from Eastern Kentucky, North Alabama, Tennessee-Martin and Troy. “My strength as a D-lineman is that I’m aggressive but also technically sound,” he said. Pauley added that he’s been working to improve “my pass rush and ball get-off” and that his goal is to make the all-state team this year.

Keith Richmond, jr., Clay-Chalkville

Richmond played a little last season. He’ll play a lot this season. “He is going to put everyone on notice,” Cougars senior quarterback Aaron Frye said. “Keith is a crazy-athletic D-end who has 4.5 speed and is up there with Colton (McIntyre) in the weight room.” Teammates notice his nonstop motor. “He is always 100 percent. Nothing less — ever,” Frye said.

Gavin Rodriguez, sr., Athens

Rodriguez can play any position in the defensive front. He’ll be a third-year starter for the Golden Eagles. “Great motor and quiet leader,” Athens coach Cody Gross said of Rodriguez, who recorded 11 tackles for loss and three sacks last season. He’s also a 4.0 student.

Emanuel Ruffin, sr., Bessemer City

Tigers coach Antonio Nelson said Ruffin loves watching film, loves breaking down opponents. And then on game day? “You never know what you’re going to get from him on Friday night,” the coach said, laughing. “He prides himself on being kind of finesse but having power behind it as well. He has different moves he likes to do. He digs into that bag, and he definitely pulls something out when he needs to.” Ruffin is the No. 9 prospect in 247Sports’ class of 2026 state rankings. He has offers from most of the major college programs; he visited Alabama, LSU and Ohio State last month. “Whoever he commits to, they’re going to get a good athlete and a good kid who’s very coachable,” Nelson said.

Devin Smith, sr., Muscle Shoals

Quarterbacks facing the Trojans must contend with Alabama commit Kamhariyan Johnson at one defensive end spot and Smith on the other side. Good luck. “His strengths are his get-off-the-ball speed and his strength,” Muscle Shoals senior cornerback Cam Hogans said. Smith recorded 30 tackles, seven tackles for loss and three sacks as a junior. “I grew up with him, and he’s always been the type to go get what he wants and deserves,” Hogans added. “I expect him to play in the SEC one day with our teammates Mhari Johnson and (safety) Keivay Foster.”

Keoni Snipes, so., Saraland

The 6A finalist Spartans had an elite defensive lineman last season in Antonio Coleman, a first-team Alabama Sports Writers Association all-state pick who signed with Auburn. One of the youngsters poised to help fill those mighty shoes is Snipes, who was 6-foot-5, 240 pounds by the time he finished the ninth grade. “He has shown great promise and looks to burst onto the scene this year,” Saraland coach Jeff Kelly said. Maybe he’ll follow Coleman to Auburn — Snipes also has an offer from the Tigers.

Robert Taylor III, jr., Parker

The Thundering Herd won the 6A state title in 2024 and bring back three explosive players on the defensive line in Taylor, classmate Demetrius Terrell and 4-star senior Vodney Cleveland. As a sophomore defensive end, Taylor led the classifications in sacks with 18 and received first-team all-state honors by the Alabama Sports Writers Association. “He’s young, but he plays like a veteran,” Parker senior running back Chancellor Sparks said. That’s no surprise — Taylor was playing for the varsity team as an eighth-grader. He has more than a dozen college offers, including from Georgia Tech, Missouri and Washington.

Demetrius Terrell, jr., Parker

Terrell was the highest-graded offensive lineman for the 6A champion Thundering Herd in 2024. He makes his mark on defense, too. “Demetrius is one of our most energetic teammates,” Parker senior running back Chancellor Sparks said. “He is a nasty lineman on both sides of the ball.”

Isaiah Thomas, sr., Russell County

As a junior, Thomas led the Warriors in sacks with 11.5. “He has had a great offseason and has grown and matured into a dominant every-down defensive lineman,” Russell County coach Dillon Griggs said. Thomas has offers from Alabama State and Gardner-Webb.

Steven “Stevo” Thomas, jr., Gadsden City

Titans senior quarterback Kai Franklin identified Thomas as one of the team’s major breakthrough candidates in 2025. “He’s probably the strongest guy on our team,” Franklin said of Thomas, who squats 615 pounds and bench-presses 405. “But he’s also really athletic and agile. He’s very quick. His D-line moves to get off the line are like A1.”

Keldin Tinkerhayes, sr., Brookwood

Tinkerhayes has spent time throwing for the Panthers’ track and field team, and his top marks in the discus and shot put rank among the best in program history. On the football field, he plays guard on offense and defensive tackle on defense. “Expect him to anchor the defensive line,” Brookwood coach Chris Foster said.

Jordan Woods, sr., Pell City

Woods is a defensive end/outside linebacker who recently committed to Jacksonville State, picking the Gamecocks from among more than 15 college offers. “Very lengthy, very competitive, also very athletic — I think he will do big things this year,” Panthers junior quarterback Brody Gossett said. “I think this is his season to show all the people who he is and what he is capable of.”

Davon Young, sr., Theodore

Young is a dominant and versatile defensive lineman who committed to Mississippi State in June. “He is a very technical player with great size,” Bobcats junior running back Kendrick Able Jr. said. “He is able to make plays from anywhere. A true unstoppable force.” Able also appreciates Young’s role in keeping the rest of the team in line. “His character is great,” Able said. “He’s always doing what he’s supposed to and takes accountability when he is wrong.”

Bryson Brooks and Jhaylon Smith, jrs., Pike Road

The Patriots reached the 6A semifinals last season, and to go on a similar run this fall, they’ll likely need several less experienced players to thrive in larger roles. Pike Road coach Granger Shook is expecting these two to make “big impacts” on the defensive line. They’ll be joined by junior Vincent Savage, a transfer from Greenville who has an offer from West Alabama.

Brandon Marinho and Sam Wilder, jrs., Spanish Fort

Marinho is known as an excellent pass-rusher, and Wilder excels against the run. The classmates combined for 113 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, 30 quarterback hits and 8.5 sacks during their sophomore season. They’re both 6-foot-3 and 230 pounds. They also both have an offer from North Alabama. Might they be teammates again after high school? “That’s definitely possible,” Marinho said. “We’ve talked about playing four years here together and then going to college and doing it again.”

For complete coverage of Alabama high school football, including schedules, scores, recruiting news and additional player spotlights, visit AL.com’s high school sports section throughout the season.