Local stars ranked among Nation’s best in 2027 class, Crowell unanimous No. 1 RB

MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) — The Gulf Coast area is well-known for it’s high school football talent and the newly released recruiting rankings for the class of 2027 reflects that.

Four area stars are ranked in the Nation’s top-100 for the current sophomore class. Jackson High School’s EJ Crowell is the unanimous No. 1 ranked running back for the 2027 class, per 24/7 Sports, Rivals and On3 recruiting services. He holds more than 25 offers, including Alabama and Auburn. Crowell’s highest mark is from 24/7 Sports — which lists him as the sixth best recruit overall in 2027.

Crowell has posted more than 600 rushing yards through five games for the top-ranked Aggies. He’s averaging 130 yards per outing and nearly 10 yards per carry. Crowell has posted eight touchdowns this year.

St. Michael sophomore Gunner Rivers is ranked among the best quarterbacks in the 2027 class. The standout signal caller has passed for nearly 1,400 yards in five games with 14 touchdowns. The undefeated Cardinals are ranked in the top-10 in the state for Class 4A.

Jackson and St. Michael will play in a pivotal 4A Region 1 game on Friday, October 4th.

A couple of 2027 defensive stars in Class 5A Region 1 are ranked nationally, as well. Vigor defensive end Jabarrius Garror and Williamson linebacker Ellis McGaskin are ranked in the top-100 in the country. The Wolves and Lions are undefeated this season — with the 2nd and 3rd ranked defensive units in the state, respectively. Vigor and Williamson meet on Friday, October 18th at Ladd Stadium.

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL NATIONAL RANKINGS:
CLASS OF 2027 – TOP 100

EJ CROWELL – Jackson RB
24/7 Sports: #6
Rivals: #12
On3: #7

GUNNER RIVERS – St. Michael QB
24/7 Sports: #64
Rivals: #20
On3: #32

ELLIS MCGASKIN – Williamson LB
Rivals: #25
On3: #72

JABARRIUS GARROR – Vigor DE
24/7 Sports: #43
Rivals: #51
On3: #37

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5.