Auburn is doing more gooder in recruiting the State this year. Someone needs to get an Escalade over to Daron Payne's house, sharpish. I'll be giddy as a school girl if that happens. The list:
There's a new top dog in Alabama.
Central-Tuscaloosa offensive lineman Lester Cotton has been the top-rated player in AL.com's A-List since it unveiled the list this summer, but that changes in the December rankings update.
After a dominating state championship performance, Madison Academy running back Kerryon Johnson is the new No. 1 player on the A-List. Johnson had six touchdowns in a Class 3A state championship victory against Dale County, and followed it up a week later with three touchdowns in the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic.
That wasn't the only major shakeup. In addition to multiple players either moving up or down in the rankings, two new recruits debut in this month's update.
Note: The list is compiled by AL.com staffers, who watch games, evaluate film and talk to sources to put together the most accurate list possible.
1) Kerryon Johnson, RB, Madison Academy (Previous: No. 2)
Johnson, an Auburn commit, was impressive all year-long. He made his name for himself as a running back, but he'll get a chance to play safety at the upcoming Under Armour All-American Game.
2) Daron Payne, DL, Shades Valley (Previous: No. 3)
Payne looked svelte and active last week at the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic. He had better burst and stamina than he did during the regular season, and routinely bested the top offensive linemen during drills.
3) Lester Cotton, OL, Central-Tuscaloosa (Previous: No. 1)
Cotton didn't do anything wrong to drop in the rankings, Johnson and Payne project a little better. The Alabama commit is big, strong and could play multiple positions on the offensive line.
4) Darrell Williams, LB, Hoover (Previous: No. 4)
The Auburn commit is rangy with long arms and was a steady presence all week in Montgomery. He's very good in pass coverage.
5) Richard McBryde, LB, Charles Henderson (Previous: No. 5)
The 6-foot-2 Auburn commit thinks he might play safety now that Ellis Johnson is no longer Auburn's defensive coordinator. He has the frame and skills to be either a safety or linebacker at Auburn.
6) Tyler Carr, OL, Southside-Gadsden(Previous: No. 7)
On an Alabama offensive line stacked with talent, Carr rose above the majority last week in Montgomery. He's smart, plays with a mean streak and has pretty good footwork. He's going to be a key cog in Auburn's offensive line in the coming years.
7) Keith Mixon, RB, Shades Valley (Previous: No. 8)
Mixon finds a way to move up the rankings in every A-List update. His diminutive size -- 5-foot-8 -- is well known, but there isn't a better play-maker in the state than Mixon. He proved that again in the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic.
8) Anfernee Jennings, DL, Dadeville (Previous: NR)
Jennings had a terrific senior season and looked very good in Montgomery last week. The 6-foot-3 Alabama commit is very quick, aggressive in pursuing the quarterback and looks like a potentially very good pass-rusher down the line.
9) Brandon Kennedy, OL, Wetumpka(Previous: No. 6)
Kennedy should be a solid contributor on Alabama's offensive line as a center. He is considered to be one of the nation's top centers, though he is still transitioning to the position.
10) Darryl Williams, OL, Bessemer City (Previous: No. 11)
Williams, a Mississippi State commit, is a very solid offensive line prospect. He's rarely played center in high school, but that's where most project him to play in college.
11) Keaton Anderson, LB, Florence (Previous: No. 12)
This Alabama commit never disappoints. He looked a little leaner and quicker than usual last week in Montgomery. Anderson, who frequently gets compared to Vinnie Sunseri, could be a safety at Alabama.
12) DeSherrius Flowers, RB, Vigor (Previous: No. 10)
Flowers certainly looks the part, but the Alabama commits was plagued by injuries all year. There are still questions about whether he'll stick at running back or transition to safety once he gets to Tuscaloosa.
13) Amonte Caban, LB, Smiths Station (Previous: No. 13)
Caban is a thumper, not hesitating for a second to lay a big hit on an opposing player. The Louisville commit still needs to work on his pass coverage skills, but he was better than expected last week.
14) Nick Gibson, RB, Pinson Valley (Previous: No. 9)
Gibson, a Mississippi State commit, had a bit of a disappointing season due to injuries. When he's healthy he's a big running back who is capable of handling a heavy load of carries.
15) Jamarius Henderson, RB, Dale County (Previous: NR)
Henderson rushed for an AHSAA record 3,483 yards this season, plus 44 touchdowns. He is still uncommitted and expects to make a decision this week because he's an early enrollee. He's considering Troy, Louisville and Kentucky.
Five that just missed the cut: Hoover linebacker Christian Bell, Hoover running back Bradrick Shaw, Central-Phenix City athlete Traveon Samuel, Lincoln defensive tackle Jauntavius Johnson and Minor defensive back Maurice Smitherman
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