Leeds High is a public high school in the Birmingham community of Leeds, AL. Leeds’ nickname is the ‘Green Wave’ and their school colors are green and white. Leeds participates in the 5A level of sports in the AHSAA (Alabama High School Athletic Association). Famous former basketball forward for the Suns, Charles Barkley, is one notable alumni of Leeds. Leeds had previously won 4 state championships in 2008, 2010, and back to back championships in 2014 and 2015. Jerry Hood has been Head Coach at Leeds since 2019.
Coach Hood spoke about living in the Birmingham area for a long time and loving his stay there. He is very familiar with the success that Leeds has had over the past years and in the 2010’s. 2019 was Coach Hood’s first year taking over the program, making last season his 4th overall at Leeds. His very first year of taking over the program he barely received any player participation, going 2-8. Coach Hood had to change the dynamic of that program and was very successful in his second season. His focus was to not only grow the program, but involve more kids as well. After his first season, his team went 9-3, 10-2, and 11-1 (last year), respectively in his next 3 seasons.
Coach Hood has improved his squad, even if it has been by little, each year. To do this you must first look to improve yourself, then your staff, and then the kids. Coach Hood spoke about the kids at Leeds who are “invested in hard work.” Changing the mindset of the kids and their weight training programs was big when first taking over the program and has continued to improve yearly. Coach Hood’s belief is that there is a minimum amount of work for everyone to do in order to be successful. However, if you do not complete this minimum, then you have no chance to be successful. With all that being said, the most important thing that Leeds must do to continue to improve is to have the kids buy into the work, which leads to them being able to compete with any program on their schedule.
Coach Hood lastly spoke about some kids in the program who will be relied upon to lead the squad next season.
#6 Kavion Henderson is a 6’3” 238 lb class of 2024 Defensive End and Outside Linebacker. Kavion is great in the running and passing game as an edge rusher or run stopper. Kavion is committed to Arkansas and has great athleticism with a 4.5 40-yard dash.
#7 Chris Burge is a 6’2” 240 lb class of 2024 Defensive End and Defensive Tackle. Chris is a great athlete and a great leader for the football team with great strength.
#50 Gavin Bowlin is a 6 ‘6” 260 lb class of 2025 Offensive Tackle. Gavin plays Left Tackle and has a quickness about him that makes him a college football prospect.
#8 Conner Nelson is a 6’2” 185 lb class of 2025 Quarterback and Free Safety. Conner is taking over at QB this year after playing wide receiver last year. He has great potential in football or baseball.
#64 Taylor Pulliam is a 6’0” 220 lb class of 2024 Guard and Offensive Tackle. Taylor can play any position on the Offensive Line but plays a lot of Center and will most likely do the same next year.
#9 Jeremiah Hall is a 5’10” 160 lb class of 2024 Cornerback. He is a top prospect that will be expected to play ball in college.
#19 Josh Lee is a 5’11” 183 lb class of 2025 Linebacker. He is a versatile backer with great speed to play sideline-to-sideline.
