19 Tuscaloosa area high school football pass catchers to watch during the 2024 season

The Alabama high school football season is just under a month away.

Here are 19 wide receivers and tight ends from the Tuscaloosa area to watch during the 2024 season.

Haigen Gann

Sulligent, Sr.

Why chosen: The wide receiver/defensive back had 50 receptions last season for 633 yards and six touchdowns, while also carrying the ball 55 times for 464 yards and four touchdowns. On defense, Gann tallied 29 solo tackles, 21 assisted tackles and two interceptions, one being returned for a score.

Jay Harris

Bibb County, Sr.

Why chosen: Harris tallied 15 receptions for 158 yards and four touchdowns in 2023 to go with 167 rushed for 1,160 yards. He also contributed two tackles and one interception on defense.

Eric Hines

American Christian Academy, Sr.

Why chosen: Hines, a three-sport athlete at ACA, is coming off state championship runs in both basketball and baseball. He looks to lead the Patriots on the gridiron on both sides of the ball, also seeing time at safety. Hines recently committed to play baseball at the University of Alabama.

Cade Durrett

American Christian Academy, Sr.

Why chosen: The 6-foot-2, 185-pound Durrett brings two years of experience to both sides of the ball for the Patriots, seeing time at both receiver and safety.

Jake Smalley

American Christian Academy, Sr.

Why chosen: The 6-foot, 185-pound tight end looks to be a center piece of the ACA offense this season, lining up anywhere and everywhere in offensive sets.

Ashten Long

Sipsey Valley, Sr.

Why chosen: Long is a returning member to the Bears' squad from the 2023 season.

Evan Taylor

Northside, Sr.

Why chosen: The 6-foot-1, 155-pound Taylor was a leader among the Rams receiving corps last season and looks to continue this fall.

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Austin Kightlinger

Northside, So.

Why chosen: Kightlinger is a newcomer on the Rams' squad this fall and is looking to make an immediate impact.

Jordan Chambers-Smith

Hillcrest, Sr.

Why chosen: Chambers-Smith recorded over 100 yards receiving and two touchdowns in the Patriots' spring game.

Kahden Smith

Hillcrest, Jr.

Why chosen: Smith had 26 receptions for over 500 yards and six touchdowns last season, while also adding 328 yards rushing and four touchdowns. The junior already holds multiple SEC offers and is coming off a Class 6A baseball state championship.

Jaden Moore

Central, Sr.

Why chosen: The 6-foot-4, 210-pound tight end is a returning member of the Falcons' receiving corp. He currently holds an offer from Jacksonville State University.

Christian Bishop

Central, Sr.

Why chosen: The 5-foot-10, 180-pound Bishop is a four-year starter for the Falcons.

Brayden Skinner

Tuscaloosa County, Jr.

Why chosen: Skinner looks to be a leader among the Tuscaloosa County wide receiver unit this fall.

Jashaun Moten

Tuscaloosa County, Jr.

Why chosen: The 6-foot-4, 185-pound Moten returns for his junior season with the Wildcats.

Mayson Elam

Northridge , Jr.

Why chosen: Elam caught 29 passes for 428 yards last season.

Parker Cline

Northridge , Jr.

Why chosen: Cline had 19 receptions for 426 yards and two touchdowns last season.

Ellis Hamiter

Tuscaloosa Academy, Sr.

Why chosen: The 5-foor-11, 175-pound Hamiter had 64 receptions for 882 yards and six touchdowns last season. He also contributed on special teams and on defense, with 217 yards on special teams and 68 tackles, seven pass deflections and three interceptions last season.

Michael Billups Jr.

Pickens County, Jr.

Why chosen: The 6-foot-1, 170-pound Billups served various roles for the Tornados last season, moving to wide receiver towards the end of the season. He had four receptions for 25 yards and 53 carries for 170 yards. He also plays defensive back for Pickens County.

Kristopher Witherspoon

Pickens County, Jr.

Why chosen: The wide receiver/defensive back combo for Pickens County is poised for a great season with the Tornados.

This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: 19 Tuscaloosa area high school football pass catchers to watch during the 2024 season