Gadsden area high school football: 7 players we're excited to watch this fall

The Gadsden-area high school football season is slowly approaching and there's a few players that the Gadsden Times can't wait to see on the gridiron this fall.

While the following seven players are excellent athletes, and the stats show that too, the excitement to go and see them play comes from how they play the game and how fun they are to watch. They come from all over the area and are on both sides of the ball, including one offensive lineman.

Here are seven players the Gadsden Times can't wait to go out and watch this fall:

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TJ Worthy, Gadsden City

Senior, running back

2023 stats: 1,117 yards, 23 TDs rushing

Worthy is a big play threat any time he touches the ball, scoring multiple touchdowns from beyond 50 yards in 2023. With the Titans breaking in a new starting quarterback, Worthy might take an even bigger role in the offense, as a good running back is a great security blanket for any quarterback, especially an inexperienced one. Worthy can dance around the defense, making him one of the most exciting players in the area.

Logan Anderson, Fyffe

Senior, running back

2023 stats: 2,864 yards and 45 touchdowns

Anderson is one of the most talented players in the area, earning Gadsden Times Small Class Player of the Year honors. While the stats back that up, its his play on the field that brings the excitement. Anderson can run through an opposing defense, stiff-arm his way by or flat out beat an opposing defense with speed. The mix of tricks in his bag makes Anderson a fun player to make the trip out to Fyffe to watch. As a bonus, Anderson plays defense and is a top defender.

Clete O'Bryant, Coosa Christian

Senior, defender

2023 stats: 124.5 tackles, 23 TFL, 2 sacks, 3 INTs, 4 fumbles recovered

O'Bryant is one of the leaders on one of the state's best defenses in 2023. O'Bryant most plays linebacker or safety but moves around the field as defensive coordinator Teddy Whitmire and the Conquerors need him. He's a hard-hitting defender that flies all around the field. With the Conquerors moving to Class 2A but still looking to make a deep playoff run, expect O'Bryant to be making a ton of plays around the field this fall.

Jameson Scissum, Etowah

Senior, quarterback

2023 stats: 1,847 passing yards, 14 touchdowns, 925 rushing yards, 6 TDs

When Scissum is on, it's a sight to behold watching the Blue Devils offense being led by the dual-threat quarterback. He can make any throw but then also run by any defender trying to bring him down. If new coach Scott Peavey can help maximize his potential, this multisport star could start his final year with a bang.

Jamin Brown, Southside

Senior, Offensive tackle

2023 stats: 93 pancake blocks, 1 sack allowed

Is offensive tackle a glamor position, depends on who you ask. Strong offensive line play is always special to watch and Brown delivers every game with strong play. With his 6-foot-5, 300-pound frame he can push defenders away, but the challenge will get harder as the Panthers move to 6A where bigger defensive ends are common. Brown should still be strong and will be a fun offensive lineman to watch in the area.

Brian Chapman, Sardis

Senior, quarterback

2023 stats: 61% completion percentage, 1.764 yards, 20 TDs, 2 rushing TDs

Chapman and the Lions got off to a 5-1 start last year as he threw for 14 touchdowns, including back-to-back five touchdown games to start the season. Chapman and the Lions struggled towards the end, especially against the region foes who made the playoffs, but look for Chapman to take another step this season. If he can sustain the offensive fireworks, he's definitely one to go watch out in Sardis.

Dax Varnadore, Fort Payne

Senior, quarterback

2023 stats: 2,801 passing yards, 22 touchdowns

There is one caveat with Varnadore, he is coming off offseason shoulder surgery but looks to be coming back just as strong. He helped light up the scoreboard throughout the 2023 season and was a Gadsden Times all-area selection after leading the area in passing yards. If that shoulder stays healthy, the Wildcats are going to once again lean on Varnadore, which should give him plenty of opportunities to shine.

This article originally appeared on The Gadsden Times: Gadsden area high school football: 7 players we're excited to watch this fall