Updated Dec. 8, 2025, 7:25 a.m. CT
BIRMINGHAM — There are seven high school quarterbacks in the state of Alabama’s class of 2026 that earned a three-star or more ranking according to 247 Sports Composite Rankings. Those seven are also ranked in the top 130 recruits in the state.
Missing from the rankings and the list is AHSAA Super 7 Class 6A state champion and MVP Aaron Frye.
“Alabama State‘s getting a steal; they really are, and I hope everybody knows that,” Clay-Chalkville coach Stuart Floyd said.
Frye signed with Alabama State football on Wednesday, Dec. 3, on the first day of the early signing period after committing to the Hornets in July. Frye didn’t have any stars next to his name; he wasn’t ranked on any list. But Frye led Clay-Chalkville to an undefeated season and a state championship in his senior year. It’s safe to say, Alabama State football indeed got a steal.
Consistency is key for Alabama State football recruitment of QB Aaron Frye
Frye received five offers during his recruitment — two from FBS schools and three from FCS schools, including one from SWAC rival Jackson State. So how did the Hornets land a hidden gem like Frye in a competitive recruiting field?
“They stayed consistent with me throughout my whole recruiting process,” Frye told the Montgomery Advertiser. “I felt like they believed in me the most. They’ve got an offensive scheme that would fit my skill set.”
Alabama State saw 13 high school football players sign with the Hornets in the early signing period, with Frye being the only QB of the early signing class.
Some might find it interesting that Alabama State would pursue the QB position after the season Andrew Body and Te’Sean Smoot had with an offense that was either first or second in every category in the SWAC and ranked in the top 12 in seven different categories in the FCS.
It would’ve been hard for the Hornets to pass on a player like Frye because his skill set is tailor made for the QB position in offensive coordinator Chris Barnette’s scheme. And with the future of Body and Smoot with Alabama State not set in stone, Frye has the talent to start as a true freshman.
Where does Frye fit in with Alabama State football?
It’s not a coincidence that Frye’s jersey’s number is one, as the Clay-Chalkville senior has a play style that is very identical to that of Body.
The 6-foot, 175 pound Alabama State signee is a true dual threat QB that excels both through the air and on the ground. In the 6A title bout, Frye completed 8 of 10 passes for an 80% completion rate and rating of 286.3, an efficiency rating similar to what Body flashed for the Hornets, finishing the season a completion rate of 70.6% and a rating of 203.6.
Frye threw for 167 yards and two passing touchdowns while rushing for 183 yards on 15 carries and three rushing touchdowns in the state championship game. It’s no secret why Frye was named MVP. On the season, Frye threw for 2,149 yards, 24 touchdowns and only two interceptions. He also rushed for 1,316 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2025.
The first touchdown of the title game came off the arm of Frye when he rolled out to his left side and fired a ball from his non-throwing side, 66 yards downfield for the score. The Cougars utilized designed QB draws at any part of the field because Frye’s vision and strength allow him to make grim plays look bright. On one drive, Frye took two such plays for a combined 63 yards and a score.
Like Body, Frye is a strong runner who can make plays happen in the open-field, or in the middle of the defense.
The shining moment for Frye was his response to adversity.
After a bad snap put Clay-Chalkville at a second-and-32, Frye completed a nine-yard pass and rushed for 15 yards to set up a fourth-and-nine. On that fourth down, Frye connected on a 37-yard touchdown pass to the back left-corner of the end zone — turning an unfavorable situation into a score.
Frye didn’t receive offers from Power Four universities, and it’s unknown what the QB situation looks like at Alabama State in 2026. But the Hornets grabbed a good football player in Frye, one who went toe-to-toe with Trent Seaborn of Thompson, an Alabama commit, and won.
“They can expect the hard work, someone coming in ready to work hard and be ready whenever my name is called,” Frye said.
