Alabama's best high school football players: Top 15 tight ends in the state

SBLive is taking a closer look at the best high school football players in Alabama, position by position

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be taking a position-by-position look at some of the top players in Alabama high school football. Our next list focuses on tight ends.

There are hundreds of standout football players in Alabama and these lists are not intended to be comprehensive. Let us know about any other tight ends worthy of fans’ attention in 2022.

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TOP 15 TIGHT ENDS IN ALABAMA

(The list is in alphabetical order)

Timothy Barron, 6-2, 215, junior, Brookwood

Barron showed a nose for the end zone as a sophomore, catching eight passes for 112 yards and three scores. His role should continue to expand during his junior season.

Logan Crider, 6-3, 200, senior, Sand Rock

Crider was a big part of Sand Rock’s offense as a junior, and that shouldn’t change in 2022. Crider caught 28 passes for 388 yards and five touchdowns last season while also adding 143 yards as a rusher.

Conner Goodson, 6-0, 170, senior, Randolph

Goodson was named to the all-state second team as a safety last season, but he also plays tight end and H-Back for Randolph on the offensive side of the ball.

Preston Hicks, 5-11, 185, senior, Alabama Christian Academy

Hicks has led Alabama Christian Academy in receiving each of the past two seasons as a hybrid receiver and tight end. As a junior, he caught 33 passes for 363 yards and five touchdowns.

Keylon Higgins, 6-4, 210, senior, Gaylesville

Higgins will line up all over the formation for Gaylesville, at running back, H-Back and tight end — not to mention defensive end on the other side of the football. As a result of his versatility, Higgins earned first team all-state honors in Class 1A as an athlete last season.

Kamrean Johnson, 6-5, 215, senior, Theodore

The 6-foot-5 Johnson can both play on the end of the line of scrimmage and split out wide as a receiver. Originally committed to Georgia Southern, he flipped his pledge to Vanderbilt after picking up an offer from the Commodores during the summer.

Braeden Mizusawa, 6-2, 195, senior, Marbury

Mizusawa starts at both linebacker and tight end for Marbury. While he might be more renowned for his production on the defensive side of the ball, where he logged 33 tackles last season, he’s also a threat with the ball in his hands. Mizusawa gained 259 all-purpose yards as a junior.

Jaden Moore, 6-4, 190, sophomore, Central

Moore played sparingly as a freshman, but given his size, there should be a role for him in the Central offense this season.

Eli Morton, 6-4, 175, junior, Sardis

Morton caught 30 passes for 313 yards and three touchdowns as a sophomore, which earned him first-team all-Etowah County honors.

Josh Palmer, 6-5, 215, senior, Montgomery Catholic

After a productive junior season at Autauga, Palmer has relocated to Montgomery Catholic, where he will help the Knights try to return to the state championship game even as they move up to Class 4A. Palmer caught 42 passes for 768 yards and 13 touchdowns a season ago. The 6-foot-5 prospect has garnered quite a few Division I offers on the recruiting trail, with Minnesota, Louisville, Nebraska and South Carolina representing some of his notable suitors.

Christian Ross, 6-4, 215, senior, Dale County

Ross is a versatile athlete. Not only does he start at both tight end and defensive end for the Dale County football team, he’s a key member of the basketball squad, as well. On offense, Ross caught 30 passes for 478 yards and three touchdowns as a junior. He has committed to play his college football at Memphis.

Kamron Sandlin, 6-4, 220, senior, Anniston

Thus far, Sandlin has spent his high school career playing quarterback, but the 6-foot-4, 220-pound specimen projects as a tight end at the college level. He committed to South Carolina as a tight end in June. He may still play some quarterback for Anniston as a senior, but we should also get a glimpse of him at his long-term home.

Josiah Scott, 6-4, 210, senior, Stanhope Elmore

After playing quarterback for the Mustangs for the past couple seasons, Scott has moved to tight end, and the early returns have been positive. He reportedly logged more than 100 yards and two touchdowns in the team’s spring game.

Brennan Tormey, 6-7, 228, senior, Pike Road

Given his size, Tormey presents a difficult matchup for opposing defenses. He will look to use his length and receiving ability to help Pike Road continue its winning ways in Class 6A. The Patriots went 14-0 last season en route to a 5A state title. Tormey has attracted a few offers on the recruiting front, with Alabama State, Furman, Georgia Southern, Georgia State and Jackson State all jumping into the mix.

JaCorey Whitted, 6-6, 250, junior, McAdory

A two-sport athlete who also stars on the basketball court, Whitted has attracted the attention of several Power Five coaching staffs thanks to his size and athleticism. The rising junior already has offers from Auburn, Michigan State, Mississippi State and Tennessee.