I know you have read ATLCat's praises of #23 for Belfry, Sophomore DT, Ray Horton. Remember the name. He will be one of the best players in the class of 2017, I have no doubt. His counterpart, the other DT, Sophomore Cole Bentley #44 is also a very good and got a lot of attention at Florida's camp last summer.

 

Here is a highlight of Horton's through 3 games of this season. He has anchored Belfry D against Henry Clay, Harlan County and Southwestern. Enjoy.

 

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3068042/ray-horton

He and Bentley singlehandedly beat my 8th grade team in the playoffs 2 years. Both are very very good.

Kid is an absolute manimal.

6'2 270+ with great speed and agility.

 

 

As a DT I think he is averaging somewhere around 13 tackles and like 3 or 4 TFL per game, against pretty darn good competition as well. Not only has Belfry played up against 6A Henry Clay, 5A Harlan County, and 5A Southwestern... Horton has been matched up against Harlan County's All-State and Class of the Commonwealth OL Zak Caldwell and a potential All-Stater in Henry Clay's Sully Simpson.

 

If all the reports I hear of Horton's work ethic are true he may very well be the best defensive line prospect to come out of EKY since Jeremy Caudill...probably even a better player though at the HS level. Caudill never really seemed to show his motor until he got to UK where he was a very good player.

 

I have said it before and will say it again... Belfry has two players who I honestly believe are the best at their position out of any school in the State. One is Horton... the other is FB Austin Hatfield. The fact Horton is in this discussion as a Sophomore tells you all you need to know about that kid's ceiling.

Beasts, animals, manchilds, freaks of nature, all fit. Good kids too.

FWIW,

 

Here is Hatfield's video from Friday's game to give an idea of what the kid Watusi calls "El Toro" can do from the FB position:

Belfry High School vs. Southwestern High - Austin Hatfield highlights

 

Hatfield doesn't have the size or speed to be considered a major collegiate prospect but just watch his videos. That kid is the epitome of what you call a "football player" and someone that if a FCS school or like a D-II school took a chance on he would make them look good.

 

Watch the run at :59 and at 1:17... WOW!

He's a hell of a FB! but why do Belfry lineman just flop to the ground on most plays? Do Belfry lineman ever go on to play college ball?

From what I saw Friday night Horton definitely has a bright future...

Very impressive!

That's impressive and sickening (out if envy) all at the same time. Kid has the world by the you know whats. Best of luck young man.

I will say this, if Belfry's last 2 middle school teams pan out to the level they were in middle school, look out. If they get better and improve with age and muturity under coach Haywood, (and IMO they most certainly will) Belfry will have a 3 - 4 year run we won't forget.

Both Bentley and Horton have size and talent.

 

I cannot say whether or not the site is reputable, as it appears to be new, but signingday.com has Horton listed as:

 

4 star

118 National

2 State

6 Position

 

For Class of 2017

I will say this, if Belfry's last 2 middle school teams pan out to the level they were in middle school, look out. If they get better and improve with age and muturity under coach Haywood, (and IMO they most certainly will) Belfry will have a 3 - 4 year run we won't forget.

A lot of people already penciled Boyle County in as the team to beat in 3A starting next year.

 

Belfry is very good this year.... they have the potential to be scary good the next 3 years.

 

Belfry doesn't win the State Title in 2013 without that first Middle School State Championship team. Five different Freshmen had major contributions to the Championship game.

 

This current crop of Sophomores are absolutely superb. I don't think the current Freshman class has those elite talents, but that is a strong class as well that will produce more guys who are "system Guys". If it is any indication the only team to defeat the current Freshman crop was Johnson Central in 2 games that was neck and neck in 8th Grade. Johnson Central steamrolled to a title and most considered Belfry the 2nd bets Middle School team last year. The Belfry Freshman defeated Johnson Central two weeks ago.

 

Belfry's defense this year is outstanding with the potential to be scary good. Belfry will return 8 defensive starters next year :eek:

 

Belfry will definitely be a major factor in the 3A Title picture for the next 3 years barring injuries or the unforeseen.

Both Bentley and Horton have size and talent.

 

I cannot say whether or not the site is reputable, as it appears to be new, but signingday.com has Horton listed as:

 

4 star

118 National

2 State

6 Position

 

For Class of 2017

Welcome to BGP, PaytoPlay.

 

Horton will only continue to get better. For 2 more years. :banana:

^ Yes sir. I am just as excited as you and EKU. I don't get to watch many games anymore but I did make it this past Friday and came away impressed with both he and Bentley.

 

Horton looks the part when he penetrates and is able to trip up speedy tailbacks in the backfield. As far as being a major college prospect, does he really have the frame for a DT? He looks to go about 6'0" to me. I know DT's don't necessarily need to be real tall.

 

If Bentley continues to thicken, I think he would best translate as a OT at the next level. Someone would have to take him based on his potential though as he does not play there in High School, and even if he did would not be "skilled" in pass blocking, etc.

How old are they? And before you get your feathers all ruffled up, it's an honest question. Their physique is amazing. Just imagine what their body would be like when they turn seniors???