True. Which class has the most variation in teams that reach, say, the Final 8? A ball seems to be the same teams every year.

Russell and Belfry are a pretty good bet to be in the thick of things every year in AA. I am not really familiar with the rest of the state as far as AA,AAA and 4A goes as to who the contenders are for the final 8 year in and year out.

Heckuva athlete but I'd say mid- to lower-D1 would be the best fit for him.

Isn't that what UK is? Mid to Lower level? :lol: Seriously though, you have to understand what coaches are looking for in H.S. players to understand why they are so interested in Jefferson. They look at a guy, who, as you pointed out, may be 20 pounds light, and they say, "In 2-3 years we can get him big enough to help us." Ask any college coach if they want talent, or a guy that is really polished coming out of high school, and you'll get a resounding answer. Pete is a great H.S. player, and I think he can play somewhere at the next level. But he simply doesn't have the "skill set" that Duran possesses. It's tough to really get a feel for how good this kid is, because he didn't have a lot around him. I know its not what everyone wants to hear all the time, but really, just because your a VERY good player in H.S. doesn't mean that your a D1 athlete. D1 coaches don't miss much, but it sure doesn't hurt Duran that David Trosper(former Morehead St. coach now Holmes head coach) is giving him good recommendations.

Isn't that what UK is? Mid to Lower level? :lol: Seriously though, you have to understand what coaches are looking for in H.S. players to understand why they are so interested in Jefferson. They look at a guy, who, as you pointed out, may be 20 pounds light, and they say, "In 2-3 years we can get him big enough to help us." Ask any college coach if they want talent, or a guy that is really polished coming out of high school, and you'll get a resounding answer. Pete is a great H.S. player, and I think he can play somewhere at the next level. But he simply doesn't have the "skill set" that Duran possesses. It's tough to really get a feel for how good this kid is, because he didn't have a lot around him. I know its not what everyone wants to hear all the time, but really, just because your a VERY good player in H.S. doesn't mean that your a D1 athlete. D1 coaches don't miss much, but it sure doesn't hurt Duran that David Trosper(former Morehead St. coach now Holmes head coach) is giving him good recommendations.

 

To be honest, my humble and unqualifed assessment comes more from watching him on the hardwood.

 

What position does he play , say, in the SEC? He's not a burner. Can he catch the ball over the middle? If so, he'll do well.

 

As I said previously, I will have no problem saying I was wrong and , especially if he's in the blue and white, I'll be rooting my rear end off for him when he's on the field.

 

Any other offers yet for the young man?

To be honest, my humble and unqualifed assessment comes more from watching him on the hardwood.

 

What position does he play , say, in the SEC? He's not a burner. Can he catch the ball over the middle? If so, he'll do well.

 

As I said previously, I will have no problem saying I was wrong and , especially if he's in the blue and white, I'll be rooting my rear end off for him when he's on the field.

 

Any other offers yet for the young man?

Don't take my assessment as gospel, but I'll say this: If you have talent, D1 coaches will find you. I often hear of that so and so got overlooked and well, usually, its with good reason. This their job, and they usually have a pretty good idea of what they are looking for. As to the lack of size/speed/etc. I'll say this(and Coach Trosper knows this story well):

 

I went to H.S. with a guy that was 5'7" about 160 soaking wet when we were seniors. Always had ability, but when he got to H.S., everyone passed him up in terms of size. Late growth spurt during his redshirt freshman college year left him at 6'1". He really got into lifting, and before you know it, he's one heck of a 6'1" 210 WR, earning all-conference honors and team MVP honors as a senior. He is a full 6-8 inches taller than both of his parents(although his brother is about the same height). If you'd have heard this sqeaky voiced kid's claim that he was going to play college football as a senior in H.S. you'd have laughed. Amazing what a year in a college weightroom can do.

 

As far as Jefferson goes, I don't think he'll be a WR at the college level, though I wouldn't rule it out. I'd look for him to be a DB. No offense, but its not like the cupboard is loaded down in Lexington with guys who can flat out burn, I'm sure DJ will be able to keep up with most.

Getting back on topic though, I think it will be very difficult for NewCath to repeat this year. One reason, as mentioned earlier, is their schedule. Losing Diehl and both WR's will be very tough to replace. But in general, I think that the district itself is better from top to bottom. Beechwood will still be Beechwood, even with a new head coach. Bellevue is an up and coming team with a great coach. Holy Cross, Ludlow, and Dayton are all getting better and may be able to muster up enough to give someone a scare. Not to mention the rest of the state......

Beechwood will still be Beechwood, even with a new head coach. Bellevue is an up and coming team with a great coach. Holy Cross, Ludlow, and Dayton are all getting better and may be able to muster up enough to give someone a scare. Not to mention the rest of the state......

 

CatsPause rankings:

 

CLASS A/REGION 3

1. Newport Cent. Catholic, 2. Beechwood, 3. Lex. Christian, 4. Cov. Holy Cross, 5. Raceland

Well, I was right on about TJ.

I'm guessing when it comes to basketball offers TJ won't get anything better than Duran.

Getting back on topic though, I think it will be very difficult for NewCath to repeat this year. One reason, as mentioned earlier, is their schedule. Losing Diehl and both WR's will be very tough to replace. But in general, I think that the district itself is better from top to bottom. Beechwood will still be Beechwood, even with a new head coach. Bellevue is an up and coming team with a great coach. Holy Cross, Ludlow, and Dayton are all getting better and may be able to muster up enough to give someone a scare. Not to mention the rest of the state......

 

Its difficult for any team to repeat. I think NCC can do it though,Harris is a good QB and will be just fine replacing Deihl. As far as WR's go We have one returning starter an several more that are very capeable.I doubt the offense will be any different than last year,and the D will be very good on the line.If there is a weak link, I think it will be D-backs.

NewCath always has a chance to win it. Lost a lot - just like they did after my senior year, but they won state the year after.

 

There are a lot of coaching changes up on the hill, so far I think it will be better for the team. You never know until they suit up though.

 

Let's hope the Breds can do it.

Don't take my assessment as gospel, but I'll say this: If you have talent, D1 coaches will find you. I often hear of that so and so got overlooked and well, usually, its with good reason. This their job, and they usually have a pretty good idea of what they are looking for. As to the lack of size/speed/etc. I'll say this(and Coach Trosper knows this story well):

 

As far as Jefferson goes, I don't think he'll be a WR at the college level, though I wouldn't rule it out. I'd look for him to be a DB. No offense, but its not like the cupboard is loaded down in Lexington with guys who can flat out burn, I'm sure DJ will be able to keep up with most.

 

I have seen Jefferson play probably more than anyone...and here's my assesment...

 

He will be a WR/DB at the next level. He's about 6'1 (not a push either) and weighs between 170-180. He ran a 4.5 at the combine so nobody can say he doesnt have the speed to play SEC. A year or two in college will improve his speed and size.

 

At WR he is simply a playmaker (which is why he's playing qb in an OPTION offense at Holmes-best player at most important position). As a sophomore when he played WR he was the team's best WR. He led the team (I believe, dont quote me) in receiving yards and this was coming in only playing 7 games. He has great hands and will make you miss after catching the ball.

 

At DB, he is very solid. Being a QB and PG in hoop, he has great vision of the field. As a sophomore he had several picks and played some corner as well. This past season he didnt play much DB because of being the qb but in the limited action he saw there, I believe he had 3 or 4 int's. First time he played DB was against Conner (covering Lance Durbin) and he got a int his first play in.

 

Jefferson is a athlete that you can pretty much put at any skill position and he will make plays for you. As far as his size, the kid is only 17. He still has room to grow and is actually bigger than Brandent Englemon was his sr year. Now Brandent is the starting FS for Michigan (BCS CONTENDER) and started as a sophomore. So IMO, Jefferson is the best prospect in nky and one of the tops in the state. He has the ability to take it 80 yards to the house every play. You also have to remember he did all this in his first year of running the option. Being more experienced and polished this year, I expect big numbers out of him.

We are way off topic, feel free to start another thread.