Looking back at some of the stat leaders from across Alabama high school football from the 2021 season, there are a few names who will return in 2022, while a few others have since moved on. Using this information to take a way-too-early look at who might top the state’s statistical categories during the 2022 season, who are some names that come to mind when making predictions?
Here are some way-too-early predictions for the Alabama high school football 2022 season’s stat leaders, as well as a few other names to watch for that could end up leading the state’s statistical categories.
Passing: Earl Woods, Hueytown
One of Alabama High School Football’s top quarterbacks returning in 2022, Earl Woods is coming off a phenomenal junior season in which he threw for 3,071 yards and 32 touchdowns for Class 6A runner-up Hueytown. Winning Alabama High School Gatorade Player of the Year honors, Woods is certainly a lock to rank among the state’s leaders in passing, as well as likely the way-too-early favorite to lead that group.
Other Names to Watch For: Andrew Hunter (Randolph School), Christopher Vizzina (Briarwood Christian), Stone Lawless (Huntsville)
Rushing: Jeremiah Cobb, Montgomery Catholic
The state’s top running back recruit in the 2023 class, Jeremiah Cobb is coming off his second consecutive 2,000+ yards season at Montgomery Catholic where the junior rushed for 2,163 yards and 30 touchdowns a year ago. Having ranked among Alabama High School Football’s leaders in rushing each of the past two seasons, Cobb is the likely favorite to lead the state in 2022, while also likely to eclipse the 40-touchdown mark after adding 38 a year ago.
Other Names to Watch For: Earl Woods (Hueytown), J’marion Burnette (Andalusia), Kamore Harris (Comer)
Receiving: Karmello English, Central-Phenix City
The state’s top wide receiver recruit, Karmello English will return for Class 7A runner-up Central-Phenix City in 2022 coming off a 2021 season in which the junior hauled in a total of 70 passes for 1,059 yards and 18 touchdowns. For what will be yet another high-powered Red Devils offense, you won’t find many wideouts across the state better than English.
Other Names to Watch For: Derick Smith (Southside-Selma), Ben Hall (Southeastern), Mario Craver (Clay-Chalkville)
Total Touchdowns: Earl Woods, Hueytown
When making the way-too-early prediction for the state’s leader in touchdowns, it certainly feels like Earl Woods could be a lock to lead this group. The dual-threat Hueytown quarterback accounted for 67 total scores a year ago, and will likely post a similar number, if not more, in 2022.
Other Names to Watch For: Andrew Hunter (Randolph School), Jeremiah Cobb (Montgomery Catholic), Caleb McCreary (Montgomery Catholic)
Tackles: Jalen Pickens, Jackson
A Class 4A Second Team All-State selection last season, Jalen Pickens is coming off a phenomenal year in which the junior collected 190 total tackles for Jackson, 104 of which were solo. If not the state’s leader in tackles next season, Pickens will 100% rank among the top names in tackles as one of the most-talented linebackers in the state.
Other Names to Watch For: Malachi Jones (Sparkman), Michael Banks-Mason (Calera), Martin McDonald (Grissom)
Sacks: Tomarrion Parker, Central-Phenix City
While there are many options that you make an argument for here, there are few who stick out more than Tomarrion Parker. One of the state’s top recruits, as well as a Top 100 player nationally, Parker is coming off a phenomenal season in which he collected 15 sacks a year ago as a junior, a number he will likely top during his senior season.
Other Names to Watch For: Kelby Collins (Gardendale), Peter Woods (Thompson), Keldric Faulk (Highland Home)
Interceptions: Derick Smith, Southside-Selma
A two-way standout for Southside-Selma, Derick Smith was actually a Class 3A First Team All-State selection at the wide receiver position, but also was among the state’s leaders a year ago with an impressive 13 interceptions. With many of the state’s top names having since moved on, Smith is likely the favorite to lead the state in interceptions this season.
Other Names to Watch For: Elijah Richardson (Central-Coosa County), Jamal Mayers (James Clemens), DJ Tolliver (Pike Road)
