Jackson running back Ezavier “E.J.” Crowell, considered the top running back prospect in the nation for his class, announced Tuesday on social media that he is reclassifying from the class of 2027 to the class of 2026, meaning he will leave high school a year early after his junior season.
Crowell, 17, follows a path taken recently by former Saraland receiver and two-time Alabama Mr. Football winner Ryan Williams, who also reclassified before enrolling early and going on to become a star at the University of Alabama.
A four-star prospect from the Depot area of Jackson, Crowell rushed for 1,964 yards and 31 touchdowns on 168 carries this past season, helping lead the Jackson Aggies to the Class 4A state championship. Over his two varsity seasons, he has piled up 3,701 rushing yards and 56 touchdowns while averaging 11.1 yards per carry, numbers that have made him one of the most sought-after prospects in the Southeast.
With the move to the 2026 class, Crowell is now ranked the No. 11 overall prospect in Alabama and the No. 15 running back nationally, according to On3’s composite recruiting rankings. He currently holds 33 college scholarship offers, including from Alabama, Auburn, Texas, Michigan, Oregon, Colorado and Georgia, among others.
Crowell said the decision to reclassify was shaped by several factors, chief among them the chance to graduate alongside his younger brother, Zack, who is on track to graduate in 2026.
“Graduating with my brother is something that’s really important to me,” Crowell said. “It’s a moment I’ve been looking forward to and this decision allows me to make that happen.”
Crowell, who is listed at 5-foot-11 and 205 pounds and is known for his combination of speed, power and balance, said the move is about more than sentiment. He expects to compete for early playing time wherever he signs.
“This decision is going to have a huge impact on my future,” Crowell said. “There are so many schools reaching out and it’s a blessing to have that kind of interest. But my main goal is to be a freshman All-American and make an immediate impact wherever I go.”
Crowell credited his rapid development to a consistent work ethic built around extra training beyond what’s required at practice.
“I always tell myself to work hard, stay on the field more, work out at home, be disciplined and think about the game at any moment,” he said.
With Crowell’s reclassification, Jackson High School’s football program will graduate one of the most productive players in program history a year ahead of schedule, while college programs across the country will spend the coming months intensifying their pursuit of one of the top backs in the 2026 class.