For each recruiting class, 247Sports reserves its top 32 rankings for the five-star recruits across the country and Foley wide receiver Perry Thompson, an Alabama commit, was among them as the No. 14 prospect nationally.

With a scout rating of 98, Thompson (6’ 3”, 205 pounds) was also the No. 2 overall recruit for his class in Alabama as well as the fifth-ranked receiver in the country according to 247Sports.

As a junior, Thompson broke the Lions’ single-season reception record previously held by Julio Jones, another Alabama Crimson Tide receiver and 12-year NFL veteran. Over 11 games, Thompson recorded 87 catches to go along with 1,059 yards and nine touchdowns to help Foley claim its first Class 7A Region 1 crown since 2007.

Thompson was one of four Alabamians who earned five-star ratings from 247Sports, including Clay-Chalkville’s Jaylen Mbakwe who is also committed to the Crimson Tide.

Other recruiting services, including On3 (No. 2) and Rivals (No. 3) and ESPN (No. 6) also have Thompson in their top-10 overall rankings for the state of Alabama. Positionally, those sites ranked him No. 8, No. 14 and No. 15 in the nation respectively.

Other locals in 247Sports’ state rankings

In 247Sports’ updated state rankings for the Class of 2024, Thompson was joined by a few more Baldwin County athletes, including a pair from Gulf Shores and one from Spanish Fort.

Athlete Ronnie Royal (No. 15) and corner Braden Jackson (No. 43) represented the Dolphins and edge rusher Cole McConathy (No. 48) represented the Toros as top-50 recruits in Alabama. Royal is listed as a four-star prospect and was the 21st-ranked athlete and both Jackson and McConathy are listed as three-star recruits and ranked No. 81 at their respective positions.