Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding performers in high school football. America's source for high school sports continues the tradition to close out the 2024 season by naming the top player in each state. Selections are based on team success and individual excellence in addition to local and state accolades.
Alvin Henderson of
Elba is the 2024 MaxPreps Alabama High School Football Player of the Year. The 5-foot-11, 200-pound senior running back helped the Tigers to an 11-3 record and Class 1A semifinal appearance.
Henderson ran for 3,620 yards and 61 touchdowns on 276 carries this season. He broke his own state record for single-season rushing after going for 3,523 yards as a junior.
Alvin Henderson's efforts helped Elba win 45 games over the past four seasons. (Photo: Brandon Sumrall)
One of 12 players in high school football history to run for 10,000 yards, Henderson finished his career with 10,930 yards – a state record and good for fifth all-time nationally according to the
MaxPreps record book.
Henderson is third all-time for career touchdowns with 202, trailing Johnathan Gray of Aledo (Texas) and Michael Hart of Onondaga (Nedrow,
N.Y.).
In an 80-78 quadruple-overtime loss to McKenzie in September, Henderson ran 41 times for 446 yards and nine touchdowns. His 60 points broke a new single-game state record.
Henderson rushed for 300 yards or more six times this fall and 11 times in his storied career.
247Sports pegs Henderson as the No. 5 running back prospect in the Class of 2025 nationally. He signed with Auburn last week over more than 40 other FBS offers.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team.
Past MaxPreps Alabama Players of the Year
2020 — Ga'Quincy McKinstry, DB, Pinson Valley (Pinson)
2021 — Jeremiah Alexander, LB, Thompson (Alabaster)
2022 — Peter Woods, DL, Thompson
2023 — Ryan Williams, WR, Saraland
