One of the state’s top running backs will stay in the state of Alabama for his collegiate career.

Dothan High running back AJ Alexander announced his commitment to North Alabama and head coach Brent Dearmon on Sunday, adding to a growing recruiting class for the Lions.

The rising senior picked UNA over other offers from Jacksonville State, Appalachian State, Georgia Southern and Liberty.

A first team all-state pick last season, he ran for 1,516 yards and 18 touchdowns on 216 carries for the Wolves as a junior. He also hauled in four catches for 57 yards and a touchdown in the air.

His rushing mark last season was a Dothan High record, topping former Wolf Raymon Blackmon’s 1,506 rushing yards in 2022.

In other recruiting news…

Commitments

Wadley standout Jaquez Wilkes committed to Auburn over a final group that also included Alabama, Florida State, Texas A&M and Miami.

Two in-state athletes announced their commitments to Division I Alcorn State on Tuesday. Saraland defender also held an offer from Tuskegee.

Jackson athlete LaQuon Wisenhunt picked the Braves over offers from UCF, Samford, North Alabama and West Alabama. The two will face off in the first game of the season when Jackson hosts Saraland on Friday, Aug. 22.

Lannett defensive end Jeramiah McGillberry committed to Alabama A&M.

In basketball, Hayden High standout and 6-foot-7 guard Tucker Hyatt committed to UAH. He averaged 15.7 points, 7.1 rebounds and 3.2 assists last season.

Offers

Hewitt-Trussville defender D’Ante Seals added an offer from Liberty. He also holds offers from Georgia, Mississippi State, South Carolina, Arkansas, Ole Miss, UAB, Troy and more.

In volleyball, Oxford’s Ava Thomas and Fort Payne’s Lydie Varnadore both picked up offers from South Alabama.

In basketball, Hale County star added an SEC offer from Oklahoma. He has also picked up offers from Alabama, Auburn, Kansas, LSU, Tennessee, Michigan, Miami and Florida State this offseason.

Oxford High guard Jaylen Alexander picked up an offer from East Tennessee State. He also holds offers from Auburn, UAB, Jacksonville State, Samford, Louisiana and more.

Bob Jones standout Jae Smith picked up offers from North Alabama and Louisiana Tech. She also holds offers from Auburn, Alabama A&M, UAB, South Alabama and Jackson State.

Patriots teammates also added offers;Elise McClain picked up Division I offers from Norfolk State and Jackson State, while Jael Robinson was offered by Alaska-Anchorage.