For the past few years, Russellville High School has had one of the most talented, hardest-working and toughest players in north Alabama among its student-athletes. Soon, he will be making his way to Tuscaloosa and the University of Alabama.

RHS senior Conner Warhurst made his plans official March 29 in front of family, friends, teammates and coaches. The star athlete has accepted a preferred walk-on offer from Coach Nick Saban to join the Crimson Tide.

He is the son of Chad and Jennifer Warhurst.

As a running back, Warhurst has a knack for scoring touchdowns and does not shy away from contact. On defense, he delivered many hard hits and was one of the top tacklers on the team.

Warhurst has also been a key contributor on the basketball court at Russellville. He has won multiple area titles during his time as a leader on the floor and helped the team advance to Wallace State this season for the Northwest Regional.

In addition, he’s been a standout member of the RHS track and field squad.

“He’s a very humble kid and a kid that came to work every day. I don’t know if he missed anything in four years of playing for this program,” said Russellville head coach John Ritter. “He is the epitome of what we want to base our program on – being hard-nosed, playing full-speed, being rough and physical and doing things the right way – which is why he is going to have the opportunity to do what he does.”

Warhurst is no stranger to hard work and should fit in well at Alabama.

“It’s going to be a grind; I know that,” he said. “Trying to make special teams and everything like that and getting down there and going to work is what I’m looking forward to.”

He said he decided to go the preferred walk-on route at Alabama after considering a scholarship offer from another university closer to home. “To better myself is the main reason that I chose this. You gotta go big or just go home.”

Playing football since the seventh grade, Warhurst noted, has provided ample opportunity to have success and make many fun memories with his teammates. “Russellville put me in a place where this is possible, so I just appreciate Russellville and everything – for looking up to me and making me be who I am.”