Alabama high school football saw some dominant players at every position during the 2010s. From 2010-2014 however, there were five players who set themselves apart from the rest with their play on the field that caused them to be ranked the best recruit in the state of Alabama for that year. Let’s take a look back at the best football recruits in Alabama from 2010-2014, and find out where they are now.
2010 – Dee Milliner (Stanhope Elmore, CB)
The lone five-star out of Alabama in the Class of 2010, Milliner was one of the top corners in high school football before he committed to play at Alabama. Milliner was a standout corner for the Crimson Tide where he totaled 81 tackles and six INTs during his three seasons in Tuscaloosa. Milliner would be selected ninth overall in the 2013 NFL Draft by the New York Jets, but would only play in the NFL for three seasons with injuries playing a role.
2011 – Marvin Shinn (Vigor, WR)
A four-star out of high school, Shinn only played at Alabama for one season, and then transferred to South Alabama where he played two more seasons. Shinn finished his college career with 32 catches for 550 yards and 1 TD.
2012 – Jameis Winston (Hueytown, QB)
Arguably the greatest Alabama high school football player from the 2010s, Winston was rated as the top QB in the country in the Class of 2012. Winston committed to Florida State where he shined for the Seminoles throwing for almost 8,000 yards and 65 TDs, and winning the 2013 Heisman Trophy among many other awards. Winston was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the first overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft where he threw for over 19,000 yards and 121 TDs during his five seasons in Tampa Bay. Winston played this past season as a backup QB for the New Orleans Saints.
2013 – Reuben Foster (Auburn, LB)
Arguably one of the most talented linebackers to play high school football in recent memory, Foster dominated high school football in both Alabama and Georgia before choosing to play at Alabama. Foster starred on the Alabama defense and special teams for four years totaling over 200+ tackles and seven sacks. Foster was selected by the San Francisco 49ers at the end of the first round in the 2017 NFL Draft, and has played for the 49ers and Washington during his NFL career.
2014 – Marlon Humphrey (Hoover, CB)
One of the top corners out of the Class of 2014, Humphrey was dominant then and is still dominant today. Humphrey went to Alabama where he starred totaling 81 tackles and five INTs before he was selected with the 16th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens. Humphrey is one of the top defensive backs in the NFL today as he has totaled 218 tackles, eight INTs, and 11 FFs during his first four seasons in Baltimore while also making the 2019 and 2020 Pro Bowl.
Written by: Matt Melton
