Top 10 Alabama high school running backs tearing it up in 2023
We're a quarter of the way through the 2023 Alabama high school football season, and it's time to recognize some of the players who have set the state on fire through the first four games.
Today, we'll take a look at the top 10 running backs to watch. Players on this list are either highly touted college recruits or have been incredibly productive for their respective team so far this season. (This list is in alphabetical order)
Top 10 Alabama Running Backs to Watch
J’marion Burnette, SR, Andalusia Bulldogs
Few tailback prospects in Alabama come as highly touted as the 6-foot-1, 220-pound Auburn commit. The four-star prospect (according to 247sports) has picked up right where he left off in his sophomore and junior year, when he rushed for nearly 3,500 yards.
Jayden Gilbert, SR, Clements Colts
The 5-foot-10, 180-pound Gilbert was dynamite in the first two games of the season for Clements, rushing for 645 yards and eight touchdowns. Don’t let his size fool you, either: Gilbert was an elite defensive back last year, and still plays both ways when Clements needs him.
Alvin Henderson, JR, Elba Tigers
It would be hard to keep up the kind of production Elba’s 5-foot-10, 200-pound back has accounted for through the first quarter of the season, but even harder to argue with the results. His worst performance in four games? Rushing for 191 yards on 18 carries with four touchdowns in a Week 1 win over New Brockton.
Kamore Harris, SR, B.B. Comer Tigers
There’s not much to dislike about Harris as a college prospect. He’s a 6-foot and 235 pounds between-the-tackles runner who is currently rated as a three-star player by 247sports.com. He hasn’t been asked to carry a big load during the 4-0 start for the Tigers, averaging just 10 carries a game. But he’s averaging 13.7 yards on those 40 carries, and has accounted for 13 total touchdowns. He’s currently committed to the University of Memphis.
A.J. Lowe, JR, Sulligent Blue Devils
The Blue Devils are off to a 4-0 start, and their explosive, 6-foot 205-pound back has been a key piece of their early success. In the first quarter of the season, he’s rushed for 687 yards and eight touchdowns, averaging better than 11.1 yards per carry.
Kolton Nero, SR, Foley Lions
Foley’s 6-foot-1, 215-pound back has lit up opposing defenses through the first four games of the season. Despite a 2-2 start for Foley, he’s averaging 241 yards and three touchdowns a game. He recently received a scholarship offer from UAB.
Cameron Phinizee, SO, Russellville Golden Tigers
The only sophomore on our list is also one of the most dynamic backs. At 6-foot and 190 pounds, Russellville’s rising star has piled up 862 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns through four games, averaging better than 12 yards a carry for the 4-0 Golden Tigers.
Kevin Riley, SR, Tuscaloosa County Wildcats
The Miami Hurricanes got a commitment from the Class of 2024, four-star prospect back in June, and they will be lucky to keep him. At 5-11 and 195 pounds, Riley is currently ranked as the ninth-best prospect at any position in the state by 247sports.com.
Mason Teague, SR, Southside (Gadsden) Panthers
He may not have the big-time scholarship offers some of these other guys have, but the production is undeniable. Through four games, the 5-foot-10, 190-pound senior has amassed more than 800 rushing yards and nine touchdowns.
T.J. Worthy, JR, Gadsden City Titans
Gadsden City has an emerging star with its 5-foot-10, 175-pound feature back. Through three games, Worthy had already amassed 453 yards on 49 carries (a 9.2-yard average) with nine touchdowns.
