When taking a look ahead to the returning talent for the upcoming 2022 Alabama high school football season, there are four running backs from the Class of 2023 who are currently rated among the state’s top overall recruits (rankings according to the Top247). Here is a look at those four names, along with where they stand among the state’s top 2023 recruits overall.
Jeremiah Cobb – Montgomery Catholic
The state’s top running back recruit is Cobb, a four-star from Montgomery Catholic who has rushed for 2,000 plus yards each of the past two seasons, as well as 2,163 yards and 30 touchdowns a year ago. Ranking among Alabama high school football’s leaders each of the last two years in rushing, Cobb is currently rated as the No. 18 overall player in the state, as well as the No. 18 running back nationally. A player who has offers from schools such as Louisville, LSU, North Carolina, and Tennessee, Cobb is also the likely favorite to lead the state in rushing in 2022.
Drew Pickett – Russell County
After an impressive 2020 season at Holtville, Pickett transferred to Russell County a year ago where he added yet another strong campaign with the Warriors, rushing for 835 yards and seven touchdowns. A three-star recruit, Pickett is also rated as the No. 28 overall player in the state, as well as the No. 31 running back nationally. Holding offers from schools such as Arkansas, Georgia Tech, Kansas, Michigan State, and Ole Miss, Pickett is likely set for a massive senior season.
Sawyer Deerman – American Christian
A standout at American Christian, Deerman is a player who can play almost anywhere on the field, and is an impressive playmaker with the ball in his hands. A three-star recruit, Deerman is currently rated as the No. 45 overall player in the state, as well as the No. 64 running back nationally. Holding offers from the likes of Georgia Tech, Maryland, Michigan State, Ole Miss, Tennessee, and more, Deerman is one of the most exciting overall players in the state returning in 2022.
Nic Strong – Randolph School
A two-star recruit from Randolph School, Strong might be one of the most underrated running backs in the state. Similar to Deerman previously, Strong can play multiple positions on the field, something the rising senior turned into a combined 1,187 yards with 18 total touchdowns as a junior. Holding an offer from Tennessee, Strong will only continue to rise as the 2022 season draws near.
With these 2023 running backs returning next season, it’s safe to say that Alabama high school football has some of the best talent in the country.
