The Top 6 of District 6

Football fans in Alabama will tell you there are only two seasons in the calendar year. Obviously, the football season each fall has to be one. Nothing matches the passion and the fandom of high school and college football in this state. The remainder of the year centers around the recruiting season as fans look at how well their college team hauls in the talent on National Signing Day. 

High school football recruiting has become one of the most competitive and closely watched aspects of the game. For student-athletes with dreams of playing at the next level, it’s more than just Friday night lights—it’s a chance to earn a college scholarship and potentially change their future. Coaches, scouts, and recruiters are always searching for the next standout player, and for many teenagers, this process starts earlier than ever. AHSAA District Six, which comprises Cherokee, Etowah, St. Clair, Calhoun, Cleburne, Randolph, Clay, and Talladega counties have produced hundreds of talented players over the years. This fall is no exception as we look at some highly recruited players from District Six. In an extremely difficult selection process, let’s take a look at “The Top 6 of District 6.”

Zyan Gibson

School: Gadsden CityClass: 2026Position: DB

Gibson is a highly-touted defensive back for the Gadsden City Titans. Considered as the #5 

Class of 2026 prospect in the state, Gibson committed to the Alabama Crimson Tide on December 24, 2024. He was the first Crimson Tide commitment for the Class of 2026. Gibson is a 3-sport athlete and brings sprinter’s speed to the secondary. At 6’1” 175 lbs., Gibson ran a 10.63, 100 meter dash during the AHSAA Track and Field Championships. 

Jacquez Wilkes

School: Wadley Class: 2026Position: RB / OLB

Wilkes rarely comes off the football field every Friday night and that’s bad news for the opponents. At 6’4” 220 lbs., the 4-star linebacker and running back often dominates the game from opening kick to final whistle. That was the case in Wadley’s 2024 State Championship as Wilkes rushed 38 times for 317 yards and 5 TD’s. Defensively, he would finish with 10 tackles and an interception earning MVP honors. For the season, he would finish the year with almost 2600 yards and 37 touchdowns. Wilkes committed to Auburn on July 21.

Keenan Britt

School: OxfordClass: 2026Position: LB

Britt ended the recruiting war early, committing to South Carolina on August 10, 2024. The 3-star linebacker is a two time All-State selection for the Yellow Jackets. At 6’2” 230 lbs., Britt makes plays from sideline to sideline. Regardless of where he lines up, this Yellow Jacket has the ability to totally shut down the opposing offense. As a 4-year starter, Britt has become a vocal leader for Oxford and will be relied on heavily in 2025.

Ben Moseley

School: Cherokee CountyClass: 2026Position: TE

At 6’5” 215 lbs., Ben Moseley has emerged as the top tight end in the state. Coming off of an All-State season, Moseley has drawn plenty of attention on the prospect camp circuit. Utilizing his size and great hands, the tight end often made difficult catches in traffic and over defenders. With 4.5 speed, Moseley is a match-up nightmare for opposing defensive coordinators. Mosely is committed to Duke, and holds offers from Kentucky, Georgia Tech, and Air Force.

Noah Lee

School: Jacksonville Christian Class: 2026|Position: QB

What would the Top 6 be without a quarterback? We have a good one on this list in Jacksonville Christian’s Noah Lee. Ranked as a 3-star prospect, Lee may be the best pure passer in the Class of 2026. At 6’3”, Lee brings a big arm with pinpoint accuracy. Over the summer, he would compete in an Elite 11 Camp in Nashville and leave as the most talked about QB at the camp. Lee ended his recruiting journey on June 11 by choosing to stay home and play for the Jax State Gamecocks.

Jaylen “J.T.” Taylor

School: OxfordClass: 2026Position: WR

Hailed as one of the state’s most electric playmakers, Taylor combines speed and quickness that can create huge plays for the Yellow Jackets. His ability to elude defenders is next level. At 6’1” 185 lbs., Taylor also has excellent timing and leaping ability to pull down tough catches over defenders. The 3-star receiver amassed 89 catches for 1436 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2024, earning Taylor 1st Team All-State recognition. Taylor is committed to taking his talent to Huntingdon, West Virginia as a member of the Marshall Thundering Herd.