2020 Sophs To Keep An Eye On

I’m always interested in watching young players develop beginning with their sophmore season. Who are some of the top class of 2023 players who have a chance to contribute this season? Some players mature physically earlier than others so throw in anybody you wish who has potential down the road but still needs a year or two for their body to catch up with their ability.

Somerset:

Jerrod Smith - got playing time for the state champs. Will be a stud.

Jacob Smith - his brother. Not as big as his brother but still an excellent player.

Josh Gross - very shifty, speedy athlete.

Pulaski County:

Donovan Abbott - one of the RB’s for PC last season. Really matured from 8th to freshman year.

Cade Sullivan - transferred from Southwestern. Started multiple games in the secondary.

Southwestern:

Braiden Myers - big body OL. Should fill in on a line that lost 4 starters.

Tyler Russell - another OL. Same can be said as above.

Kaden Hewitt - about 6’3” plays WR. Kid that can really go up and get it.

Brody Perkins - the kid is 6’2” and has multiple family members that are 6’8” +. Really think with his work ethic he can be special.

Those are some of the local kids to the Somerset area.

LB Jaxon Panariello for St.X. Was tackling machine for St.X frosh team last year on what could be one of top frosh defenses to come through the school. I expect him to start at LB for varsity this season.

Corbin has QB Cameron Combs and WR Dakota Patterson. Combs threw 457 yards in a playoff game with 5 touchdowns last year and Patterson a D1 prospect as a freshman has a offer from UK.

The Patterson kid from Corbin and Zeismer from Boyle County top the list. Both are going to be top tier prospects.

A few additional names from EKY:

DE Rudy Blackwell, Belfry- Started as a Freshman and played extremely well. Suffered an ACL injury in playoffs. Going to be a beast once he adds muscle mass.

Rudy Blackwell - Hudl

RB Carson Wright, Pikeville- Played considerable minutes last year and will be an absolute stud.

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DL/RB/TE Xavier Campbell - Beechwood - Started every game last season at DE/DT for the Tigers. Versatile, strong, athletic young man who is a physical force on both sides of the ball. Great blocker out of the backfield and has good hands as well. Should be a force on both sides of the ball this season.

QB/LB/FB Torin O'Shea - Beechwood - Big, physical and - like his cohorts above - versatile athlete that saw time last season last season at fullback in Beechwood's goal line package. Throwback type player that brings an element of toughness/swagger that Tiger nation will grow to love.

RB Mitchell Berger - Beechwood - Outstanding all-around player with a nose for the football on defense and the end zone on offense. Alpha/elite player that will become even better as he grows/matures. Should have a similar to career to his papa - Beechwood Mt. Rushmore legend Brandon Berger. Also, a three sport talent/leader.

ATH- Harris Phelps. The last of the Phelps brothers from paintsville. Was having a nice year before an injury cut his season short.

DB - Christian Conyer. At South Warren now. Been offered by UK and EKU.

Clayton Davis Lincoln County ad good as any you will find both sides of ball. Great receiver hopefully he won’t hav to leave his natural position and play quarterback next year. Best athlete on the team.

Clayton Davis Lincoln County ad good as any you will find both sides of ball. Great receiver hopefully he won’t hav to leave his natural position and play quarterback next year. Best athlete on the team.

Probably one of the most “under the radar” Sophomores in the state. #7 receiver in Class 4A and All-State Honorable Mention.

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Frederick Douglass has two who have already received power 5 offers.

Isaiah Kenney-DB Has received offers from Kentucky & Louisville

Thomas Howard-TE has also received offers from Kentucky & Louisville. Howard also has a scholarship from Louisville in baseball as well.

Probably one of the most “under the radar” Sophomores in the state. #7 receiver in Class 4A and All-State Honorable Mention.

 

219 Sophomore Offensive Highlights - Clayton Davis highlights - Hudl

Love his confidence. He doesn't carry himself like a Freshman.

Good frame to build on.Already appears to be substantially stronger than most other kids his age. Advanced route running ability and good hands. Displays good ball skills even hen defended.

Does appear to need to increase his straight-line speed a little and his vertical jump as well, but that can be expected as he gets older.

I did not know much about him before this thread but he looks like one to watch for sure.

Mason Lawson - Johnson Central.

Kid got valuable playing time all season and was in the game on that fourth down stop at the end to win the state championship. finished with a kick return, a catch, and I think a couple carries in the game as well. That’s saying a lot considering the team Johnson had this past season.

LB Jaxon Panariello for St.X. Was tackling machine for St.X frosh team last year on what could be one of top frosh defenses to come through the school. I expect him to start at LB for varsity this season.

This squad will have some dudes if all things stay the same by the time the get to be seniors. It will be interesting to see which ones standout as sophomores and can have productive players on the varsity level as sophomores.

Franklin County has three sophomores to be, that are stand outs already and will be prospects in the near future.

Gavin Hurst 6’1 180 lb wr/fs- started free safety all year. Back up on offense.

Peyton Ledford 6’2 230 lb/te- 140 tackles last year as a starter.

Kaden Moorman 6’1 185 lb rb/lb- started tailback for western hills last season, has since moved and now looks to be an impact player for the Flyers.

Franklin County has three sophomores to be, that are stand outs already and will be prospects in the near future.

 

Gavin Hurst 6’1 180 lb wr/fs- started free safety all year. Back up on offense

 

Peyton Ledford 6’2 230 lb/te- 140 tackles last year as a starter.

 

Kaden Moorman 6’1 185 lb rb/lb- started tailback for western hills last seasons has since moved and now looks to be an impact player for the Flyers.

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