Alabama's high school football scene is a hotbed of talent, and the quarterbacks in the Double-A Private league are no exception. These young athletes are not just throwing the ball around; they're shaping the future of the sport in the state. Let's dive into the stories and prospects of these standout quarterbacks, each with their own unique journey and potential.
The Rising Stars
Jamison Barnes, Briarwood Christian
Jamison Barnes is a force to be reckoned with. With a 4.63 GPA, he's a top student, and on the baseball field, he's a top prospect as a catcher. But it's on the football field where he truly shines. As a junior, Barnes is taking over as the starting quarterback, and his efficiency with the football is already evident. His ability to balance academics and sports is impressive, and his potential to lead the Briarwood offense is exciting to watch. Personally, I think Barnes' dual-sport prowess and academic excellence make him a standout, and his impact on the field will only grow as he develops.
Will Blackwell, Montgomery Catholic
Will Blackwell is a multisport athlete, excelling in baseball as a pitcher and catcher. But on the football field, he's a 6-foot-1, 195-pound quarterback with arm strength and a handle on his dad's offense. Blackwell's understanding of the game and his competitive spirit make him a formidable player. His ability to lead the team and make tough decisions is a testament to his maturity. What makes this particularly fascinating is the influence of his father, who has been a multisport varsity athlete since the eighth grade. Blackwell's journey is a reflection of the legacy of family in sports.
Trey Claridy, Glenwood
Trey Claridy is a natural leader and a talented quarterback. His athletic ability and strong arm make him a force to be reckoned with. After leading the team to a thrilling comeback and the quarterfinals, Claridy is poised for a breakout season. What makes this interesting is his dual role as a top shortstop and right-handed pitcher for the school's baseball team. His ability to balance sports and academics with a 4.5 GPA is impressive. Claridy's leadership and versatility make him a standout, and his impact on the field will only grow as he develops.
Mattox Diard, Faith Academy
Mattox Diard is a versatile athlete with excellent athletic ability and a strong arm. His leadership qualities and understanding of the game make him a valuable asset to the Rams. Diard's ability to impact the game on both sides of the ball, as a free safety and quarterback, is impressive. His work ethic and commitment to his teammates make him a leader on and off the field. What makes this interesting is his dual role as a college baseball prospect, showcasing his versatility and potential.
Hayden Fincher, St. Paul’s Episcopal
Hayden Fincher is a dynamic quarterback with a 4.0 GPA. His ability to throw for 1,800 yards and 21 touchdowns as a sophomore is impressive, and coach Ham Barnett envisions even bigger things for him. Fincher's leadership and potential to use his legs more make him a force to be reckoned with. What makes this interesting is his ability to balance academics and sports, and his potential to lead the offense and team.
The Veterans
Max Fowler, UMS-Wright
Max Fowler is a veteran quarterback with an offer from North Alabama. As a junior, he passed for 2,219 yards and accounted for 24 touchdowns. His leadership and ability to lead the team make him a standout. Fowler's expectations for a breakout year are high, and his potential to excel with both arms and legs is exciting. What makes this interesting is his ability to balance sports and academics, and his potential to lead the team to success.
Drew Jackson III, American Christian Academy
Drew Jackson III is an incredible athlete with a great arm. As a sophomore, he threw for 1,925 yards and 21 touchdowns, and rushed for 728 yards and 13 scores. His dual role as a quarterback and safety, along with his elite baseball prospects, make him a versatile athlete. What makes this interesting is his ability to balance sports and academics, and his potential to lead the team to success.
Landon Leo, Randolph
Landon Leo is a standout quarterback entering his second season as the starting quarterback for the Raiders. His growth and attack on the offseason program make him a force to be reckoned with. Leo's ability to throw the ball with confidence and lead the team is impressive. What makes this interesting is his dual role as a standout guard for the school's basketball team, showcasing his versatility and potential.
Charleston Owens, Madison Academy
Charleston Owens is a dynamic quarterback who really broke through last season. With 2,588 passing yards, 863 rushing yards, and 28 touchdowns, he led the team to a 9-3 record. His ability to balance sports and academics, along with his basketball prowess as a point guard, make him a versatile athlete. What makes this interesting is his ability to overcome challenges and his potential to lead the team to success.
The Freshmen
Tucker Richardson, Faith Academy
Tucker Richardson is a talented young quarterback with a strong arm, great field vision, and the ability to make plays under pressure. His experience as an eighth-grader and his maturity beyond his age make him a standout. Richardson's competitiveness and athletic ability make him a force to be reckoned with. What makes this interesting is his potential to lead the team and his dual role as a top baseball prospect, showcasing his versatility and potential.
Gunner Rivers, St. Michael Catholic
Gunner Rivers is a rising star, ranked as 247Sports' No. 1 player in Alabama's class of 2027. His ability to pass for 3,176 yards and 46 touchdowns as a junior is impressive, and his commitment to N.C. State is a testament to his potential. Rivers' leadership and ability to lead the team make him a standout. What makes this interesting is his family legacy and his potential to continue the tradition of his father, Philip Rivers.
The Legacy
Harrison White, John Carroll Catholic
Harrison White is a great leader with a high football IQ. His father, Stan White, played quarterback for the Auburn Tigers and in the NFL, setting a high bar for his son. White's ability to lead the team and his recent offers from Georgia Southern, Georgia State, and Jacksonville State are impressive. What makes this interesting is his family legacy and his potential to continue the tradition of his father.
The Takeaway
Alabama's high school football scene is a hotbed of talent, and these quarterbacks are no exception. From the rising stars to the veterans, each has their own unique journey and potential. As we look to the future, these young athletes will shape the sport in the state, and their impact will only grow as they develop. What makes this particularly fascinating is the diversity of their stories and the potential for each to make a lasting impact on the field.
