The talent within Alabama high school football in the 2023 class has become known for two positions in particular: defensive line and cornerback. Having already looked at some of the state’s top returning defensive linemen, let’s now turn our attention to the top Alabama high school cornerbacks returning in 2022.
1. Tony Mitchell (Thompson)
The No. 1 spot could honestly go to any of the first three options on this list, but if we have to make a case for one name, we’re making the argument for Tony Mitchell. A versatile defensive back at 6-foot-2, the five-star prospect is a multi-year starter for three-time defending 7A state champion Thompson, and he’s coming off a junior season that included 55 tackles and 11 PBUs.
2. Jahlil Hurley (Florence)
A five-star prospect in the 2023 class, Jahlil Hurley is another prominent cornerback returning this season in Class 7A. The Alabama commit is coming off a 2021 season that included 43 tackles and five interceptions on the defensive side of the ball.
3. AJ Harris (Central-Phenix City)
Alabama high school football’s final five-star cornerback in the 2023 class, AJ Harris transferred to 2021 Class 7A runner-up Central-Phenix City during the offseason from Glenwood, where he spent the last two seasons. A do-it-all type player for the Gators, the Georgia commit totaled 31 tackles on the defensive side of the ball a year ago.
4. Jaylen Mbakwe (Clay-Chalkville)
While the state’s cornerback talent in the 2023 class is the arguable headliner, 2024 is absolutely not lacking for elite-level talent either, and that group is led by Jaylen Mbakwe. A two-way standout for defending Class 6A state champion Clay-Chalkville, the five-star prospect is the state’s top player in the 2024 class, as well as one of the top cornerbacks nationally.
5. Dallas Young (Gardendale)
A three-star prospect in the 2023 class, Dallas Young returns in 2022 as one of the top names on a Gardendale defense that also includes four-star edge rusher Kelby Collins. Young, an Arkansas commit, is likely set for a big senior season as the leader of the Rockets secondary.
6. Jayden Lewis (Anniston)
Behind Mbakwe, there are multiple names to choose from as the state’s No. 2 cornerback in the 2024 class, with Jayden Lewis sitting around the top of that list. A four-star prospect from Anniston, Lewis is considered as one of the top 10 players in Alabama in the 2024 class.
7. A’Mon Lane (Moody)
Another top cornerback in the 2024 class, A’Mon Lane is likely set for a breakout 2022 season. A four-star prospect, Lane transferred in the offseason to Moody from Thompson, where he collected 12 tackles and an interception a year ago.
8. Travaris Banks (Northridge)
Arguably, the final name battling it out for the No. 2 spot among cornerbacks in the 2024 class is Travaris Banks, a four-star prospect. One of the top defensive names in Class 6A, Banks returns for his junior season as one of the leaders of the Northridge defense.
9. Rickey Gibson (Hewitt-Trussville)
While the five-star trio of Mitchell, Hurley, and Harris may grab a majority of the attention in Class 7A this season, and rightfully so, Rickey Gibson is also a name to know entering the year. A three-star prospect, Gibson is coming off a junior season that included 33 tackles and three interceptions.
10. Jayden Coleman (Central-Phenix City)
The top 10 concludes here with Jayden Coleman, Central-Phenix City’s second cornerback on this list. A three-star prospect in the 2024 class, Coleman is coming off a sophomore season in which he collected upwards of 20 tackles for the Red Devils.
Honorable Mention:
Jamal Miles (Pelham), Christopher Bracy (St. Paul’s Episcopal), Quintavious Billingsley (Central-Phenix City), Will James (Theodore)
