Top Alabama High School Football Recruits 2015-2019: Where Are They Now?
Being a top recruit comes with a lot of expectations about what you will do at the next level. Yes, you are one of the top overall players in high school football, but how will that translate to the next level? Let’s take a look at the top Alabama high school football recruits from 2015 to 2019 and see where they are now.
2015: Daron Payne (Shades Valley – DT)
The lone five-star from Alabama in the Class of 2015, Daron Payne was a dominant defensive tackle for Shades Valley.
Payne was regarded as one of the top 50 overall players in the Class of 2015 before he committed to Alabama, where he totaled 100+ tackles for the Crimson Tide in three seasons.
Payne was selected with the 13th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft by Washington, where he has totaled 166 tackles and 10 sacks during his first three seasons. Payne is still with Washington and is entering his fourth NFL season.
2016: Ben Davis (Gordo – LB)
Gordo’s Ben Davis was the top recruit from Alabama in a class that included Mack Wilson, Quinnen Williams, and Marlon Davidson. Davis was a five-star LB who was regarded as one of the top 10 players in the country in the Class of 2016.
Davis went on to Alabama where he didn’t see the field much, only recording seven tackles in four seasons. Davis entered the NCAA Transfer Portal and has yet to announce where he is transferring.
2017: LaBryan Ray (James Clemens – DE)
The lone five-star in the Class of 2017, LaBryan Ray was one of the top 30 players in the country before he went to Alabama. Ray has only appeared in 31 games for the Crimson Tide in four seasons due to injuries, but has 65 tackles and five sacks during that time. Ray is still at Alabama entering his redshirt senior season.
2018: Justyn Ross (Central-Phenix City – WR)
The top player from Alabama by far in the Class of 2018, Justyn Ross was a phenomenal receiver for Central-Phenix City, making highlight-reel catches every Friday night.
Ross went to Clemson as one of the top receivers in the country and shined for the Tigers from day one. Ross has over 1,800+ receiving yards and 17 TDs during his time with the Tigers and will return for his senior season this year.
2019: George Pickens (Hoover – WR)
In a loaded class in 2019, George Pickens stood out as one of the best in Alabama. Pickens was a star receiver for Hoover before he committed to Georgia.
Pickens has reeled in over 1,200+ receiving yards and 14 TDs during his two seasons for the Bulldogs and will return as one of the better receivers in the SEC this season.
Written by: Matthew Melton
