Seven River Region Athletes nominated for Mr. Football
Seven student-athletes from across the river region were named as finalists for the 2025 “Mr. Football” Award. This award is given out each year by the Alabama Sports Writers Association to the most outstanding football player from the state. In addition to the “Mr. Football” award, a “Lineman of the Year” and “Back of the Year” are given out in each classification and for the AISA.
Ultimately, it was running back EJ Crowell who was named “Mr. Football” for the 2025 season. This season, Crowell had 209 carries and rushed for 2,632 yards. Crowell has also signed to play football at the University of Alabama next season.
“It just gave me chills, like a shock went through my body. I’ve worked so hard to be here again. Last year I said I was going to be 4A player of the year and Mr. Football,” says Crowell.
Eli Hubbert took home the 1A “Lineman of the Year” Award.
“I really put my life on the line for my teammates and I would do anything for them, and it just helps me stay motivated and trust in the process.” explains Hubbert.
Below is a list of all the finalists and the winners from each classification:
2025 MR. FOOTBALL
EJ Crowell, Jackson
AISA LINEMAN OF THE YEAR
Remington Faile, Patrician
Radarion Glover, Abbeville Christian
Eli Whorton, Chambers Academy (Winner)
AISA BACK OF THE YEAR
Ahmod Billins, Abbeville Christian (Winner)
Kade Carroll, South Choctaw Academy
Peyton Yerta, Chambers Academy
1A LINEMAN OF THE YEAR
Marctavious Crittenden, Georgiana
Eli Hubbert, Maplesville (Winner)
Tim Parnell, Leroy
1A BACK OF THE YEAR
Nehemiah McCary, Maplesville
Blaize Wakefield, Hubbertville
Jaquez Wilkes, Wadley (Winner)
2A LINEMAN OF THE YEAR
Zayden Franklin, Coosa Christian (Winner)
Jaylen Hill, Lanett
Owen Wadsworth, Southeastern-Bount
2A BACK OF THE YEAR
Kylen Johnson, Coosa Christian (Winner)
Cutter Mays, Pisgah
Kane Smith, Luverne
3A LINEMAN OF THE YEAR
Monroe Partin, Bayside Academy
Samuel Swinney, Mars Hill Bible
Shadarius Toodle, Cottage Hill (Winner)
3A BACK OF THE YEAR
Jaxon Penn, Mars Hill Bible (Winner)
Cedrick Simmons, Southside-Selma
Wendell Winston, Randolph Co.
4A LINEMAN OF THE YEAR
Sharontae Bailey, Anniston
Cole Holland, Plainview
Laquon Whisenhunt, Jackson (Winner)
4A BACK OF THE YEAR
EJ Crowell, Jackson (Winner)
Landon Duckworth, Jackson
Gunnar Rivers, St. Michael
5A LINEMAN OF THE YEAR
Jabarrius Garror, Vigor (Winner)
Ellis McGaskin, Williamson
Ba’Roc Willis, Moody
5A BACK OF THE YEAR
Sammy Dunn, Vigor (Winner)
Jake Harper, Fairview
Spencer Unruh, Corner
6A LINEMAN OF THE YEAR
Ka’Mhariyan Johnson, Muscle Shoals
Anthony Jones, St. Paul’s (Winner)
Braylon Outlaw, Pike Road
6A BACK OF THE YEAR
Brock Bradley, Spain Park
Aaron Frye, Clay-Chalkville (Winner)
Jamison Roberts, Saraland
7A LINEMAN OF THE YEAR
Malique Franklin, Daphne
Tristan Lyles, Central-Phenix City (Winner)
Cam Pritchett, Thompson
7A BACK OF THE YEAR
Zion Crumpton, Carver
Trent Seaborn, Thompson (Winner)
Jayshaun Woodhouse, Central-Phenix City
