Meet the Alabama high school football Dandy Dozen, the top in-state class of 2023 recruits
The Alabama high school football season features class of 2023 recruits coveted by college programs throughout the country. The historic in-state class features the most five-stars, seven, and four-stars in the recruiting service era.
Meet the USA Today Network-Alabama's Dandy Dozen, the top 12 college prospects in the state.
1. Peter Woods, Thompson
Committed: Clemson
The five-star defensive lineman combines an elite first step with hard hitting. Woods is the No. 3 defensive lineman in the country according to the 247Sports Composite, and a problem on the edge or inside at 6-foot-3 and 270 pounds.
2021 stats: 92 tackles, 26 tackles for loss, 30 hurries, 11 sacks, 1 interception return touchdown, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, 1 blocked field goal
PETER WOODS: Why Alabama football missed on Peter Woods, in-state five-star DL, to Clemson
PETER WOODS: Alabama football misses on Peter Woods, five-star 2023 DL, to Clemson
2. James Smith, Carver
Offers: Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, Alabama State, Florida, Ohio State
The five-star prospect Smith played in 2021 at IMG Academy and is as disruptive as any lineman in the nation at 6-4 and 310 pounds. As he reintroduces himself to Alabama high school football, the state should know his coaches describe him as "a bull in a china shop."
JAMES SMITH: Carver 5-star James Smith hungry for Alabama high school football after year at IMG Academy
3. Jaquavious Russaw, Carver
Offers: Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, Alabama State, Florida, Ohio State
Five-star prospect Russaw has the same final six schools listed as Smith, and the two plan to choose the same program. Russaw is one of the best athletes at edge in the country.
His long frame allows him cover lots of ground, but his speed is game-plan wrecker.
2021 stats: 130 tackles, 27.5 tackles for loss, 16 sacks
JAQUAVIOUS RUSSAW: How four-star Carver edge rusher broke out as a junior
SMITH AND RUSSAW: G.W. Carver five-star recruits James Smith, Jaquavious Russaw announce top six colleges
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4. Tony Mitchell, Thompson
Committed: Alabama
Five-star safety Mitchell, the nation's No. 2 safety, has SEC size in the secondary, where he's versatile enough to play every position. He is hard to escape once he jams and is a physical tackler.
2021 stats: 55 tackles, 11 pass breakups, 2 interceptions, 1 interception return touchdown, 171 interception return yards
TONY MITCHELL: What's next for Tony Mitchell, Alabama football 2023 DB commit, after recruiting decision
5. Jahlil Hurley, Florence
Committed: Alabama
Hurley is the earliest commit of Alabama's class and a fluid, 6-2 cornerback. The five-star's athleticism and collected manor in coverage are top qualities.
2021 stats: 43 tackles, 4 for loss, 5 interceptions, 5 pass deflections, 1 forced fumble
6. AJ Harris, Central-Phenix City
Committed: Georgia
Five-star cornerback Harris transferred from the Glenwood School in the winter and is the nation's No. 3 cornerback. He's technically sound and will compete in 7A football this season.
7. Kelby Collins, Gardendale
Committed: Florida
Collins has ideal size for a defensive lineman at 6-5 and 280 pounds. He's increased his production each season and in line for another big season.
2021 stats: 109 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 17 sacks, 2 forced fumbles
KELBY COLLINS: Alabama football misses on Kelby Collins, 2023 in-state four-star DL, to Florida
KELBY COLLINS: Kelby Collins, Alabama football DL target, could have monster year after commitment
8. Yhonzae Pierre, Eufaula
Committed: Alabama
Four-star edge Pierre and his quickness made linemen look silly during the 2021 season and more foolish during an unofficial visit during a summer camp at Alabama. He is due for a memorable senior season with more production.
2021 stats: 55 tackles, 16 for loss, 7 sacks
9. Christopher Vizzina, Briarwood Christian
Committed: Clemson
Five-star quarterback Vizzina competed in the Elite 11, the national quarterback showcase and competition. He's the No. 6 quarterback in the nation's and top in-state player at the position.
2021 stats: 2,065 yards passing, 16 touchdowns passing, 4 interceptions, 600 yards rushing, 15 touchdowns rushing
10. Wilkin Formby, Northridge
Committed: Alabama
Four-star offensive tackle Formby has experience at both tackle spots, is fundamentally sound and consistently finishes blocks at 6-7 and 300 pounds. He's the No. 11 tackle in the nation.
2021 stats: Graded at 88%
11. Tomarrion Parker, Central-Phenix City
Offers: Georgia, Florida, Clemson, Tennessee, Ohio State, Alabama, Auburn
Shortly after defensive lineman Parker decommitted from Penn State in August, he received an offer from Clemson. Florida and Georgia were two main contenders before he chose Penn State.
The well-rounded four-star prospect delivers in every area at defensive end.
2021 stats: 78 tackles, 27 tackles for loss, 15 sacks, 10 hurries, 4 forced fumbles, 2 touchdowns
12. Bradyn Joiner, Auburn
Committed: Auburn
Joiner is the top two-way player on the Dandy Dozen and the No. 22 interior offensive lineman in the country. He's made all-state as both an offensive and defensive lineman.
2021 stats: 56 tackles, nine for loss, 21 pressures, 4.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 recovery, 1 touchdown
BRADYN JOINER: Why four-star 2023 OL Bradyn Joiner chose to commit to Auburn football
Jerell Rushin is a recruiting reporter for the Tuscaloosa News and the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at jrushin@gannett.com and follow him on Twitter at @JerellRushin_.
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: AHSAA football: Top Alabama high school recruits in 2023 class
