Alabama, Auburn signees dominate A-List of top recruits in the state

Alabama, Auburn signees dominate A-List of top recruits in the state

Alabama signed six of the top players on AL.com’s A-list of senior prospects in the state on Wednesday.

The Crimson Tide is expected to add a seventh in February when Saraland 5-star wide receiver Ryan Williams signs on his birthday, Feb. 9, though Auburn and others are still pushing for the reigning Mr. Football.

RELATED: In-state recruiting notebook

Auburn signed four members of the A-List on Wednesday, while Arkansas, Tennessee, Miami and N.C. State signed one each.

Here is a look at the A-List – revamped after Williams’ reclassification announcement last week – and where they will start their college careers.

1. Ryan Williams, WR, Saraland

College: Committed to Alabama. Plans to sign Feb. 9.

The Skinny: Williams, the state’s reigning Mr. Football, announced last week he was reclassifying into the 2024 class. Williams caught 72 passes for 1,324 yards and 19 touchdowns in 2023. He also rushed for 261 yards and seven scores, threw a TD pass and returned two kickoffs and one punt for TDs. He was the Alabama MVP of the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic.

Randy Kennedy analysis: I’ve been covering high school football in Alabama for more than 40 years. I never thought I’d see a high school player as good as David Palmer, but then came Ryan Williams. Williams is as quick as he is fast. Barring injury, he is destined for stardom in college and beyond.

2. Cam Coleman, WR, Central-Phenix City

College: Signed with Auburn

The skinny: Coleman was sensational in leading the Red Devils to the Class 7A state title. He was named MVP of the championship game after hauling in five passes for 143 yards, including a key 73-yard TD in the second half. He finished the season with 61 receptions for 1,372 yards and 18 TDs.

Randy Kennedy analysis: Cam Coleman proved in the Class 7A state championship game why he is considered one of the top 10 recruits in the entire country. He’s not only fast but he’s also outstanding on contested catches down the field.

3. Jaylen Mbakwe, ATH/DB, Clay-Chakville

College: Signed with Alabama

The skinny: The longtime Tide commit, who will play defensive back at Alabama, moved to QB for the Cougars this year and led them to an undefeated season and the Class 6A state title. He was named MVP of the championship game when he ran for 130 yards and three touchdowns on 26 carries and completed 9-of-17 passes for 142 yards and a TD. He also played defense on Clay’s final series as they held No. 1 Saraland out of the end zone. He finished the season with 1,065 yards rushing and 23 TDs on 148 carries and 2,007 yards passing and 20 TDs.

Randy Kennedy analysis: Jaylen Mbakwe was surprisingly efficient as a quarterback this season, which shows what an incredibly versatile athlete he is. Mbakwe has the kind of speed and change of direction that is reserved for only the most elite prospects.

4. Jeremiah Beaman, DL, Parker

College: Signed with Alabama

The skinny: Beaman finished with 56 tackles, nine tackles for a loss and 11 sacks. He played in the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic.

Randy Kennedy analysis: Jeremiah Beaman is not just a space-eater who can keep blockers off linebackers. Beaman is a playmaker who has surprisingly good ball skills for a big man.

5. Sterling Dixon, LB/EDGE, Spanish Fort

College: Signed with Alabama

The skinny: Dixon made a surprise return from an early-season shoulder injury and didn’t miss a step. He finished with 128 tackles, 32 tackles for a loss, 15 sacks and 32 QB hurries. He also intercepted four passes.

Randy Kennedy analysis: Sterling Dixon may eventually make the permanent move to inside linebacker like his mentor and former teammate, Deontae Lawson. For now, his best skill is still as a clever and relentless pass-rusher off the edge.

6. Perry Thompson, WR, Foley

College: Signed with Auburn

The skinny: The 5-star played on offense, defense and special teams for the Lions. On offense, he completed 5-of-6 passes for 93 yards and 2 TDs, rushed for 102 yards and a TD and caught 53 passes for 718 yards and 7 TDs.

Randy Kennedy analysis: Perry Thompson has every skill needed to be a superstar receiver on the college level. The next step in his evolution is to be a player who has to be accounted for by the defense on every play.

7. Joseph Phillips, LB, B.T. Washington

College: Signed with Auburn

The skinny: Phillips played a big role on offense and defense in leading B.T. Washington on a surprise run to the Class 4A semifinals. He finished the season with 130 tackles, including 33 for a loss, 9 sacks and 25 QB hurries. On offense, he rushed for 450 yards and 5 TDs on 53 carries and caught nine passes for 194 yards and three touchdowns.

Randy Kennedy analysis: Joseph Phillips is a disruptive defensive player who has the versatility to play any position on the front seven. It will be interesting to see how the Auburn staff chooses to utilize Phillips and his consistently high-energy skills.

8. Demarcus Riddick, LB, Chilton County

College: Signed with Auburn

The skinny: Finished with 92 tackles (48 solo), 12 TFL, 3 sacks, 1 INT, 1 defensive touchdown. One of 12 semifinalists for high school Butkus Award.

Randy Kennedy analysis: Demarcus Riddick was athletic enough to be an outstanding punt returner during his career at Chilton County. His coverage skills are as impressive as his play at the line of scrimmage, leading to the thought that he could be effective at more than one position in college.

9. Isaia Faga, DL, Central-Phenix City

College: Signed with Alabama

The skinny: Through 13 games, Faga had 83 tackles, 29 tackles for a loss, 12 sacks and 20 QB hurries. He helped the Red Devils to the Class 7A state title.

Randy Kennedy analysis: It’s hard to find a playmaker who is also comfortable with all the responsibilities of a true noseguard. That’s what makes Isaia Faga such a special prospect.

10. KJ Jackson, QB, St. James

College: Signed with Arkansas

The skinny: Completed 144-of-229 passes for 2,922 yards and 43 TDs. He was intercepted just five times. He also rushed for 488 yards and 12 TDs on 104 carries. Jackson finished his career with 9,058 passing yards and 131 touchdowns. He also had 27 rushing TDs.

Randy Kennedy analysis: KJ Jackson could be the SEC’s next great left-handed quarterback. He has the perfect combination for a modern-day quarterback – he is a capable runner, but his best production comes from inside the pocket.

11. Jordan Ross, DE, Vestavia Hills

College: Signed with Tennessee

The skinny: Ross finished with 72 tackles, 23 tackles for a loss, 12.5 sacks and 10 QB hurries. He also had 6 pass deflections and a blocked field goal.

Randy Kennedy analysis: Everyone is looking for prospects like Jordan Ross, who looks like a basketball forward but has the mentality of a pass-rusher off the edge.

12. William Sanders, OL, Brookwood

College: Signed with Alabama

The skinny: Dominant 4-star offensive lineman

Randy Kennedy analysis: William Sanders is smart and incredibly athletic. It’s easy to see him as an effective leader and pulling guard at Alabama.

13. Kevin Riley, RB, Tuscaloosa County

College: Signed with Alabama after flipping from Miami

The skinny: Riley rushed for 764 yards and 7 TDs on 124 carries and caught 8 passes for 145 yards and a TD. He missed 2.5 games.

Randy Kennedy analysis: Kevin Riley is the prototypical modern back who is as comfortable as a pass catcher as he is running the ball.

14. Cole McConathy, DE, Spanish Fort

College: Signed with Miami

The skinny: McConathy finished the season with 111 tackles, including 36.5 tackles for loss. He also had 24.5 sacks and 38 QB hurries.

Randy Kennedy analysis: He’s not a tight end, as some recruiting him want to say he is. He’s not a late bloomer or an overachiever. Cole McConathy is simply one of the best football players and prospects in the state. When he’s playing in the NFL, a lot of fans are going to be wondering why he didn’t play his college football in the SEC, specifically at Alabama or Auburn.

15. Ronnie Royal III, ATH, Gulf Shores

Colleges: Signed with N.C. State

The skinny: Royal was the MVP of the Class 5A title game. He ran for 188 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries, caught three passes for 39 yards and made a highlight-reel, 1-handed interception. He finished the season with 1,069 yards rushing and 17 touchdowns and 473 yards receiving and a score. He had 49 tackles and five interceptions on defense. He returned two interceptions and two kickoffs for touchdowns and returned four punts for scores. He finished his senior season with 2,749 all-purpose yards and 27 TDs.

Randy Kennedy analysis: Ronnie Royal was a star all season in leading Gulf Shores to its first state championship. Royal is projected as a defensive back at North Carolina State, but he could also contribute on offense and special teams.