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 2025 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.
Ezavier Crowell of
Jackson is the 2025 MaxPreps Alabama High School Football Player of the Year. The 5-foot-11, 215-pound senior running back led the Aggies to a 13-2 record and second consecutive Class 4A state title.
For the season, Crowell rushed for a state-best 2,628 yards and 35 touchdowns on 209 carries. He averaged 12.5 yards per carry and 187.7 yards rushing a game.
MaxPreps Alabama Player of the Year Ezavier Crowell left defenders reaching throughout his condensed three-year career at Jackson. (PHOTO: Brad Boland)
Crowell broke the 4A championship game record with 304 rushing yards and five touchdowns in a 52-0 win over Anniston.
In the semifinals, Crowell handed head coach Philip Rivers and his St. Michael Catholic (Fairhope) squad its only loss of the season after piling up 230 yards and two scores on the ground in a 44-23 win. That avenged a regular season setback where he ran 20 times for 336 yards and two touchdowns.
Crowell's season-high came in a 42-28 win over Handley (Roanoke) in the second round of the playoffs when he rushed for 350 yards and four touchdowns on only 14 carries. He eclipsed the century mark in 13 of the 14 games he played in and rushed for multiple scores 12 times.
In a condensed three-year career due to reclassifying, Crowell finished his career with 543 carries for 6,329 yards 91 touchdowns. He added 25 receptions for 508 yards and six more scores.
Headed to Alabama, Crowell is regarded as the No. 29 prospect in the Class of 2026 according to 247Sports.
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
2024 — Alvin Henderson, RB, Elba
