Alabama's Recruiting Class of 2020 Hoping to Continue State-Playoff Runs
You get remembered for what you do in November.
At least that's what every high school player hopes during this time.
State playoffs are gearing up, giving players opportunities to etch their names into high school lore. The next few weeks will provide either heartbreak or immense joy for teams across the nation.
Some of the University of Alabama’s Class of 2020 commits have already concluded their high school careers. But for others, the postseason is a new beginning.
Here is a look at how a few of the Crimson Tide’s Class of 2020 pledges are faring in the postseason:
Four-star ATH Kristian Story (Lannett High School - Lannett, Ala.)
Story is on the brink of making history.
He has 155 touchdowns, which is six away from tying, current Auburn quarterback Bo Nix, who holds the record for total touchdowns in a career. If he can lead the Panthers on a deep run in the AHSAA Class 1A playoffs, Story might have a chance to break Nix’s record of total yards of offense, too. Story has racked up 11,986 total yards during his four-year career, of which 8,157 were through the air, 3,299 on the ground, and 530 receiving.
He plays both sides of the ball for the Panthers and has dazzled during his senior season. Through the first 10 games of the year, he threw for 1,952 yards and 21 touchdowns, while running for another 832 yards and nine scores. On defense, he's played safety and has helped a Panther defense that has allowed less than seven points a game. Story will look to improve on his numbers when the Panthers take on Elba in the second round on Friday night.
Five-star QB Bryce Young (Mater Dei - Santa Ana, Calif.)
Young leads the undefeated Mater Dei Monarchs into the first round of the CIF Southern Section Division 1 playoffs against Bishop Amat on Friday. He recently earned a coveted fifth star from 247Sports and rightfully so, as he has thrown for 3,210 yards, 39 touchdowns, and only three interceptions during his senior campaign.
ESPN, Rivals, and 247sports all list Young as the No. 1 dual-threat signal caller in the nation. He has run for 340 yards and nine touchdowns on 59 carries. Before the bye last week, in his regular season finale against JSerra Catholic, he completed all 17 of his passes for 373 yards and five touchdowns.
Five-star ATH Drew Sanders (Ryan - Denton, Texas)
Sanders helped Ryan get off to a hot start in its 56-19 win over Granbury in the first round of the Class 5A Division 1 playoffs on Thursday night. The Denton, Texas native grabbed three passes for 128 yards and two touchdowns in the first half.
This year, Sanders has played everywhere for the Raiders. He's lined up at linebacker, quarterback, running back and tight end. His versatility led to standout performances on both sides of the ball.
Defensively, he has three interceptions, 119 total tackles, 10 and a half for loss, and eight sacks. As a receiver, he has 411 yards and nine touchdowns on 27 catches.
Four-star WR Javon Baker and Four-star DT Jamil Burroughs (McEachern - Powder Springs, Ga.)
Both Baker and Burroughs have played pivotal roles in McEachern’s undefeated regular season. Burroughs contributed eight sacks, nine tackles for loss, and 28 solo tackles. On offense, Baker has 52 receptions for 567 yards and nine touchdowns.
The talented wideout has made a few spectacular catches this year like these two here:
After a bye last weekend, Baker and Burroughs will lead the Indians against North Paulding on Friday night in the first round of the GHSAA Class 7A playoffs.
Four-star ILB Jackson Bratton (Muscle Shoals - Muscle Shoals, AL)
Bratton is the leader of a Muscle Shoals defense that has allowed only 10 points a game and pitched two shutouts in 11 games. On the year, he has 93 total tackles, 12 for a loss, five sacks, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble. One of the best performances of his career came during the Trojans’ game against Florence, when he accumulated 21 tackles, two for loss and two quarterback hurries.
Earlier this month, Bratton was named one of 15 national semifinalists for the Butkus Award, which highlights the best linebacker at the high school level. Current Crimson Tide linebacker Dylan Moses won the award in 2016.
After beating Albertville 61-20 last week and advancing through to the second round, Bratton and the Trojans will now face Gardendale in the AHSAA Class 6A playoffs on Friday evening.
