Rising Stars to Watch
The Montgomery Advertiser has released its eagerly anticipated ranking of the top 10 Montgomery‑area high school football players as the state prepares for Week 0 of the 2026 AHSAA season.
Leading the list is Deshawn Hall of Prattville, a four‑star recruit who has pledged to Auburn and recently attended a wide‑receiver camp organized by NFL star Justin Jefferson.
Close behind at No. 2 is Jayden Aparicio‑Bailey, also from Prattville, who earned four‑star status and announced his commitment to Clemson after a series of national visits.
Elijah Brown, another Prattville standout, slides in at No. 3 as a defensive lineman headed to Kentucky, where analysts see SEC potential as a true freshman.
Braden Gordon of Montgomery Academy, a private‑school prospect, occupies the No. 4 slot after committing to Georgia Tech.
Jason Crenshaw, a three‑star defender from Prattville, rounds out the top five with his own pledge to Georgia Tech and a reputation as a defensive leader.
Ricardo Parker, also a three‑star recruit from Prattville, is ranked No. 6 and will join Troy, where he is expected to anchor the defensive line alongside Elijah Brown.
Kaleb Ballard from Wetumpka climbs to No. 7, a four‑star junior who boasts 24 Division I offers, including multiple SEC programs, and is currently the fifth‑ranked player in the Class of 2028.
Damarrian Barnes of Stanhope Elmore earns the No. 8 position after a senior season that saw him surpass 2,000 rushing yards and earn ASWA First Team honors, drawing four Division I scholarship offers.
Elijah Tarver from Carver‑Montgomery, a senior running back committed to Navy, logged over 1,000 yards in a challenging region last year.
Tyler Grant of Carver‑Montgomery rounds out the top ten, an under‑the‑radar senior who caught 12 touchdowns in 2025 and has already secured several Division I offers.
The Advertiser notes that additional names such as Braylon Jackson, Will McKay, Tommie Blythe, Gunner Gibbs, Quinton Robinson, Brycen Purdue, KB Simmons, AJ Dottery, Tymori Player, Fred Lewis, Reid McBride, Jarrett Friendly and Natorian Green from Prattville, Wetumpka, Pike Road and Montgomery Catholic schools also deserve mention.
Rankings will be revisited throughout the 2026 season as performances shape the final order.