The excitement is building in Alabama as the Alabama Sports Writers Association (ASWA) gets ready to announce the winner of the 2024 Mr. Football award next week. This prestigious award honors the best high school football player in the state, and this year, there are several strong contenders.
The winner will be chosen from a group of 48 finalists, all of whom were selected by the ASWA. These finalists include players from various high school football teams across Alabama, with 16 of them receiving special recognition as the top players in their respective classes.
The ASWA has been honoring outstanding high school athletes for many years, and this year’s selection is full of talent. Here are the top 10 players who are in the running for the title of Mr. Football:
1. Jourdin Crawford
Jourdin Crawford is a standout defensive lineman from Parker High School in Birmingham. He has been a dominant force on defense and played a key role in helping Parker win the 6A state championship. Crawford finished the season with 90 tackles, 16 tackles for loss (TFL), and 6 sacks. His performance in the state championship game earned him the MVP title. Crawford, who has committed to Auburn, is hoping to become the first defensive lineman ever to win the Mr. Football award.
2. Landon Duckworth
Landon Duckworth led Jackson High School to the 4A state title. He was a dual-threat quarterback, passing for 3,439 yards and 39 touchdowns while rushing for 648 yards and 12 touchdowns. Duckworth has already shown his skill in other sports as well, helping his school’s basketball team win the state title in 2024. As a junior, Duckworth’s future looks bright.
3. Anquon Fegans
Anquon Fegans is a talented defensive back from Thompson High School. He has been a finalist for the 7A Back of the Year award for three consecutive years and played a key role in Thompson’s return to the state championship this season. Fegans finished the season with 81 tackles, 9 TFL, and 6 interceptions. Fegans has committed to Auburn and is known for his versatility and leadership on defense.
4. Alvin Henderson
Alvin Henderson from Elba High School made history this season by becoming Alabama’s all-time leading rusher, with a career total of 10,894 yards. Henderson broke a major record and is now the only player in the state’s history to rush for more than 10,000 yards. He has already been named the Gatorade Alabama Player of the Year. Henderson will play for Auburn next season.
5. KJ Lacey
KJ Lacey is a quarterback from Saraland High School and one of the top players in the state. Lacey led Saraland to the 6A state title game for the third year in a row, completing 62% of his passes for 3,042 yards and 40 touchdowns. He is a Texas commit and has been one of the most consistent players in Alabama high school football over the past few years.
6. Preston Lancaster
Preston Lancaster, the quarterback for Tuscaloosa Academy, has had an incredible season. He passed for 4,293 yards and 47 touchdowns while also rushing for 426 yards and 11 touchdowns. Lancaster was named the Player of the Year by AL.com’s fans and is the reigning 2A Back of the Year. He is one of the most explosive quarterbacks in the state.
7. Conner Nelson
Conner Nelson from Leeds High School is known for his powerful running game. He rushed for 1,818 yards and 35 touchdowns, and he also passed for 1,224 yards and 11 touchdowns. Nelson is a dynamic player who can make plays both in the air and on the ground, making him one of the top contenders for Mr. Football.
8. Na’eem Offord
Na’eem Offord is a versatile player from Parker High School who has impressed both on offense and defense. Offord helped his team win the 6A state championship while contributing 50 tackles and 2 interceptions on defense. On offense, he rushed for 629 yards and 13 touchdowns. Offord is committed to Oregon and is considered one of the top recruits in the state.
9. Cam Phinizee
Cam Phinizee from Russellville High School had an outstanding season, rushing for 2,331 yards and 28 touchdowns. He was also a key contributor in the passing game, catching 17 passes for 175 yards. Phinizee’s ability to dominate both in the backfield and as a receiver makes him a dangerous player.
10. Jaquez Wilkes
Jaquez Wilkes is a junior running back from Wadley High School. He led his team to the 1A state title, rushing for 312 yards and 5 touchdowns in the championship game. Wilkes finished the season with a total of 2,582 yards rushing and 37 touchdowns. His impressive all-around performance has made him one of the top candidates for the award.
The Mr. Football winner will be announced next week in Montgomery, and it will be interesting to see who joins the exclusive list of past winners, including famous names like David Palmer, Freddie Kitchens, Julio Jones, and Bo Nix.
(Source : al.com)
