When making a list of players to watch in North-Eastern Kentucky in 2023, it really turns into a list of Quarterbacks, for the most part.  Many teams in the area are going to be expecting their single callers to be the bulk of their offensive production this season; no matter if it is with their arms, their legs, or a combination of the two.    This list is in no particular order of ability or production, I'll leave that debate up to the Bluegrassprepers. 

Logan Lundy, QB - Raceland (Sr)

In 2022, Lundy proved himself as a quarterback and showed he was capable of playing the position in college.  Lundy completed 133 passes for 2,372 yards against only 8 interceptions.  His passing game accounted for 35 touchdowns and netted 158 passing yards per game.  Lundy expanded his game a little by showing he could also contribute to the rushing game after being seen more as a pocket passer.  He rushed for 445 yards accounting for 7 touchdowns.   Although Lundy lost several of his favorites targets, he has several returning and some players that look to be ready to step in.  There is no reason to expect Lundy's numbers to change for the worse this year.   In fact, they will likely be better. 

Tyson Sammons, QB - Greenup County (Sr)

Sammons is very likely the best athlete in the area, and one of the best in the entire state.  A year ago, he proved that more with his legs than his arm, but also showed he could do both if needed.  Plus, he helped his offense out on the defensive side of the ball as well.  Sammons rushed 213 times in 2022 for 1,672 yards, making him the leading rusher on a team that made it to the third round of the playoffs.  He rushed for 25 touchdowns and averaged 128 rushing yards a game.  Sammons also passed for 1,395 yards and another 9 touchdowns with only 7 interceptions on the season.  Sammons even caught a pass for 19 yards.   On defense, Sammons had 49 total tackles and one interception returned for a touchdown.  It is safe to say, Greenup County will end up where Tyson Sammons takes them.  He will be a large part of their offensive production, and likely, help out on defense and/or special teams as well.  

LaBryant Strader, QD - Ashland (Jr)

Stader started his sophomore season a little slower, but by the end of that season he was playing like a mature leader.  in 2022 Stader completed 137 passes for 2,153 yards and 18 touchdowns.  And, he can run a little as well, being the second leading rusher for the Tomcats last season with 124 attempts for 670 yards, averaging 50 yards rushing per game.  This will be Stader's junior season, but expect him to being playing like a seasoned leader, and, oh yea, he has one more season after this year.  

Braxton Jennings, RB - Ashland (Jr)

What?  Not a quarterback?  Well, Jennings in athletic enough that if Stader gets hurt he could probably take the snaps for a while.  Jennings father, Chris played in the area and was in the NFL for a little while.  As a sophomore, Jennings rushed for 1,202 yards and 19 touchdowns, averaging 85 yards per game.  He also had 118 yards receiving with another 8 touchdowns.  Like strader, Jennings will have another great seasons, and........He has another season after this year.  

Rhett Holbrook, QD - Boyd County (Jr)

Ah, back to our quarterbacks, and another junior.  As a sophomore Holbrook make the Lions a little better than most expected them to be.  He threw for 1,577 yards and 17 touchdowns.  In 203 attempt he only threw 3 interceptions, pretty impressive for a sophomore quarterback.  Holbrook also likes to get out and stretch his legs from time-to-time, rushing for 515 yards and another 9 touchdowns.  Holbrook has proven to be a proficient passer, and rusher when he has to be.  Look for all his numbers to go up this seasons, and, apparently, next.  

What other players could we add to the list?

I just realized, I listed Tyson Sammons as a senior, he is a junior. 

2 hours ago, Ram said:

What other players could we add to the list?

Noah Wallace, Raceland RB/LB. But you already knew that. Leading rusher and tackler for the Rams and one of the better all-around players in 1A. I saw him play as a seventh grader and thought he was one of the best middle school players I'd ever seen.

If you want to stretch the borders of NEKY a little, Austin Trent of Fleming County is another one. Like Wallace, he's a RB/LB who led his team in rushing and tackling. Over 1,700 yards and 19 touchdowns on the ground and 100+ tackles.

There may be more, but I'm mostly out of the loop.

4 minutes ago, DevilMayCare said:

Noah Wallace, Raceland RB/LB. But you already knew that. Leading rusher and tackler for the Rams and one of the better all-around players in 1A. I saw him play as a seventh grader and thought he was one of the best middle school players I'd ever seen.

I agree, Wallace is a great player. He has really shined on defense. I was wondering how he would look on offense this season.  I would say he will be a big part of the offense, I would hate see it impact his defensive playmaking ability. But, to your point, he is definitely a player to watch, no matter what side of the ball he is on. 

9 minutes ago, DevilMayCare said:

 

If you want to stretch the borders of NEKY a little, Austin Trent of Fleming County is another one. Like Wallace, he's a RB/LB who led his team in rushing and tackling. Over 1,700 yards and 19 touchdowns on the ground and 100+ tackles.

There may be more, but I'm mostly out of the loop.

Fleming County is going to be a good team, I would say the favorite to win their district, and Trent is defiantly going to be a big piece of that puzzle.  I look forward to seeing how he does this season.  Good catch. 

If Sammons' arm ever fully catches up with his legs, he'll go down as one of the best to ever suit up in Lloyd. 

Lundy is the latest in a long line of good Raceland quarterbacks. Since embracing the spread about 20 or so years ago, the Rams are probably the best QB school in that area.

Strader is a big bodied kid with a big arm that can be deceptive with his ability to run. He's quicker than he looks and can obviously lower his shoulder and run over you. Tons of weapons around him this year. He should end up rewriting the Ashland record books before he's done.

Off the top of my head, I can't recall the NEKY area having this much quarterback talent at once. All three have a chance to go down as one of the greats at their school.