4-star Auburn signee Alvin Henderson gets named the Alabama Player of the Year after a record-breaking high school football season

Modified Dec 10, 2024 12:15 GMT

Auburn Tigers signee and Elba High School senior running back Alvin Henderson has been named Gatorade Alabama Football Player of the Year. Henderson was announced the winner of the prestigious award on Thursday by Gatorade, making him the first Elba High School player to receive the honor.

The award is not only a recognition of Henderson's consistently outstanding performance on the field, but also to his academic excellence and contributions to the community.

The award's aims is to celebrate outstanding high school athletes across 12 sports. Gatorade has committed to supporting winners with donations in excess of $5.6 million for grants to finance community initiatives.

With this achievement, he joins the elite rank of former winners including DJ Lagway, Peyton Manning, and Emmitt Smith.

Is Alvin Henderson in line to win the Gatorade National Football Player of the Year Award?

In addition to his landmark honor as Alabama’s top player, Alvin Henderson is in contention for the Gatorade National Football Player of the Year Award. He is on the final three-man shortlist for the award. The other players on the prestigious list are five-star quarterback out of Texas, Keelon Russell, and junior offensive tackle from Missouri, Jackson Cantwell. Russell is committed to the Alabama Crimson Tide.

The winner of the Gatorade National Football Player of the Year will be announced later in December. Being named the winner will be a fitting culmination to Alvin Henderson's impressive season. Indeed, he set the Alabama state-record for rushing yards with 3,620 yards in 276 carries for 61 touchdowns this season. The previous record was set by him in 2023, when he rushed for 3,523 yards.

The 5-ft-10, 198-pound running back helped his team to an 11-3 record and a Class 1A state semifinal finish. Meanwhile, he also set the state career rushing record with 10,930 yards - the fifth highest in high school football history nationally. He was selected for the Navy All-American Bowl in January.

His talent has not gone unnoticed, even by opposing football coaches like Georgiana High School’s Berry Bess:

“Alvin is a special player. His speed-to-power combination is one of a kind. Add in his football sense and awareness, and that's extraordinary for a high school player.”

The Auburn signee has extended his impact beyond high school gridiron, however, growing into a role model within his community. He volunteers as a morning greeter at Elba Elementary School and doubles as a youth football coach, while also participating in community service through his church.