Jeremy Shannon's rise to starting receiver has been a series of struggles.

That hasn't stopped him from becoming a reliable weapon in the Prattville offense.

The 5-9, 170-pound senior may not get as much publicity as other Lions, but the Prattville players and coaches know they can count on Shannon.

"He's quiet and he doesn't say a lot, but we know if the ball is coming in his direction, most of the time, he's coming down with it," Prattville receivers coach Brad McCoy said. "He's the hardest worker I've got and one of the only kids I've got that, whether the ball is coming to him or not, he is getting after it on every snap."

Prattville head coach Bill Clark said Shannon is "the ultimate team player." From working to develop his receiving skills the past three seasons to battling an injury earlier this year, Clark said Shannon earned his starting role as a senior.

"He is the epitome of the unselfish player," Clark said. "He's not a talker. He just goes out there and works. When he moved up, he was a running back/receiver without great hands. But he's worked -- catching balls, coming early and staying extra and developed into a very good wide receiver."

During the summer, Shannon battled a lower back injury. For a time, his status was questionable for this season.

"He wasn't full speed, and we didn't know how much he would be able to help us," McCoy said. "When we started the season, he still wasn't at 100 percent. But when he took the field in the first game, we knew he was going to be there."

Shannon has been there all 14 games this season and will line up with fellow receiver Dekendrick Moncrief when the Lions (14-0) face Hoover (13-1) in the 6A state championship on Saturday.

"They beat us two years ago so it feels good to come back and play them again," Shannon said.

With 70 receptions 12 touchdowns and more than 1,000 yards between them, Shannon and Moncrief have teamed to become a potent pair of receivers this season.

"They're two totally different players," McCoy said. "Jeremy is more physical and Dekendrick is more the outside receiver type. But both have made some big-time plays for us."

Both receivers said they recognize their roles.

"We're out there to make plays, whether it's catching the ball or blocking," Shannon said. "We do whatever needs to be done."

Moncrief echoed Shannon, adding one thing.

"When we get the chance, when the ball is thrown our way, we try to make a play," Moncrief said. "Teams can't focus on just one of us. If they put their best corner on either one of us, the other one will get open."

Entering Saturday's championship, Shannon is the team's second leading receiver with 25 catches for 433 yards and four touchdowns. Moncrief leads the Lions with 45 receptions for 663 yards and eight scores.

"They're both great route runners with great hands," said Smith, Prattville's three-year starter at quarterback and a finalist for Mr. Football. "Most of the time, I can just throw it up and they'll make the play."