Unrivaled97

On 4/26/2024 at 2:25 PM, theguru said:

Are there any QBs you would add to this list?

Bryce Button

45 minutes ago, Tigerpride94 said:

It's not a resides school so under current plan no but who knows for sure since their plan is subject to change.

I have a feeling they will eventually.  Under their current proposed plan, they will cut bussing to any traditional or magnet high school where under 75% of the student population are eligible for free or reduced lunch.  I believe it would leave only Central and Western, who is becoming a magnet school as of next year, as having transportation.  They also proposed doing it for K-12 that way & also just magnet or traditional schools that weren’t high schools, so just elementary & MS.  I believe, but not sure, WEB DuBois would fall in the same category as Central & Western, but we’ll see.

24 minutes ago, theguru said:

Who are Scott and Amy?

Athletic director and principal

15 hours ago, The_Bull44 said:

How big of a factor comes into play for high school players going to camps in the Spring & Summer time?  Does this elevate one’s status?  Is there a certain football circuit you have to be on in order to be recognized?

What are the right steps if you’re an 8th or 9th grader that one should take in order to start getting recognized?

 

 

It plays a big factor.  Recruiting boils down to 6 things:

1)  Measureables.  If you have them, great.  If not, there is still a place for you to play college football if the skill level is there, it's just more than likely not going to be D1 or maybe even D2.

2)  Film.  Good game tape matters.

3)  Camps.  It helps coaches fill in the gaps that maybe tape doesn't show like how coachable are you, body language when you lose a rep, etc.  It also helps them see you in person.  Sometimes in person performance, even though not always in pads, matters more than film.  Advice...go to the camps that you have a chance to get an offer.  Example:  If Kentucky Wesleyan is talking to you, but UK isn't, then don't waste your time going to UK's camp.  Also, Junior Days are important to attend.  Go to as many as these as you can.  There is no harm in doing that, but when you do go, make sure you listen and introduce yourself to as many coaches as possible.  Make sure you stand out in a good way.  if you're a middle school kid, I highly recommend doing things like FBU or KY Future Stars.  Those are great organizations and can help get your name out there and the exposure started.  Prep Redzone Next events are also good for MS kids.

4)  Character, grades & high school coach.  These play much more of a factor than people think.

5)  Stay active on social media, particularly X (Twitter).  Post clips of workouts, skill work, hi-lights, etc.  Coaches want to see what you're doing and they like to see those physical attributes they are looking for as well depending on the position.  

6)  Relationships.  This one is huge and the most difficult at the same time.  College coaches recruit many kids and many of them can blend in.  If you build a relationship with that coach, which can be difficult for a HS kid, you have a better chance to get a legitimate offer.  The other difficult part is college coaches are consistently changing schools, which makes it even more difficult.  Case in point, my son.  He wanted to stay within 4 hours or so from home when he went to college, which is great.  He had started to build relationships with multiple coaches at various schools and all were giving him serious consideration and even some offers, but in the matter of less than a year, this is what happened:

1)  DL coach for Miami  OH takes the DL job at Tulsa

2)  DL coach at Ball St. takes the DL job at Buffalo; DC at Ball St. takes the DC job at Boise St.

3)  DL coach at Youngstown St. takes the DE job at Air Force

4)  Almost the entire coaching staff at Austin Peay goes to UTEP.

5)  Safeties coach at Western Michigan (recruited Louisville area) takes the DC position at Gardner-Webb

6)  Almost the entire Murray St. staff left for various other positions when Coach Hood stepped down.

7)  Even the school he committed to, Eastern Illinois (b/c he has a good relationship with the HC, some other coaches on staff & some players on the team), lost their DL coach & also their DC to Southern Miss.

And people wonder why the transfer portal keeps blowing up.  Can't always blame the kids for that.

Anyway, every kid's journey is different.  The kids have to take an active role in their recruitment.  In the end, it's common for most situations to not work out.  That's ok, b/c all it takes is 1 opportunity and 1 situation to work out.  Through all of it, enjoy the ride and process.  Enjoy the camps and coaching you get from them, enjoy the facilities tours.  Enjoy the free college spring games or fall football games.  They've worked for that so enjoy it.

50 minutes ago, Mr. Sixer said:

Great list! Interesting that there are no QBs in the top 15. Definitely will have some QBs on the 2026 list. 
 

Austin Alexander will announce his college choice this Friday at 3:30pn. 

Jack James is the only QB.  I believe he is a reclass from the 2024 class.

Definitely a strong list of talent.  I think the top 5 are indisputable, but 6-15 could be interchangeable.

2 minutes ago, FlyPattern said:

David Meadows is coming home.

Girls basketball coach?  That Dave Meadows?

Pretty sure DeSales is also open.  I believe Coach Anderson stepped down to take an AD role somewhere.

Butler built a 20 point lead late into the 3rd, but Bullitt East clawed back to tie it at 51.  Butler hit a 3 with 28 seconds left.  Bullitt East had a chance to tie, but Anna Rodgers’ 3 point attempt was blocked.  Butler hit 1 of 2 free throws to ice it.  Proud of the Lady Chargers for fighting back when it could have been just as easy to pack it in.  Congrats to Butler & best of luck representing the 6th Region in the Sweet 16.

Oldham interviewed Tuesday.

It is weird how DL lining up has changed as far as the numbering aspect.  I was always taught that lining up on the C was a 0 and if you were on his shoulder, it was a 0 shade.  The G was 1, 2 & 3 with 1 being inside shoulder, 2 being heads up and 3 being outside shoulder.  The T was the same with 5, 6 & 7.  The TE was the same with 7, 8 & 9 if that makes sense.  The even number was always heads up.  Again, seems that has changed over time, but it sure was easy for me to remember and a lot easier than 2 & 2I, 4 & 4I, etc. 😄

On 2/23/2024 at 2:20 PM, gchs_uk9 said:

This will be interesting to follow. There has been a number of Jefferson County Public School teams in Class 4A and 5A over the last 20 years that had one winning season and then immediately fell back. Only Fairdale has sustained much success within that group. If Jeffersontown can continue its forward progress, I believe it would be beneficial for the school and school district.

Coaching stability at the top is the key / issue.  Fairdale has sustained because Louis Dover has been there for 8 or 9 years.   Don’t forget, his best record in his first 3 years there was 4-7.  The issue with the other JCPS 4A & 5A programs (Doss, Valley, Western, Seneca, now Butler, etc.) is they get a new head coach every 2 or 3 years.  You used to be able to throw Atherton in that conversation as well but Coach Nino White has been there for five years now & that program is starting to turn the corner.

1 hour ago, theguru said:

Yes it was!

 

And it sure was a fun ride 🙂

1 hour ago, MBKT said:

They need to “toughen up” this schedule. No way you can be ready for FD, X, Trinity, etc in 6A playoffs by loading up on PRP, North Bullitt, Bullitt Central, etc. Yes, I know there was 2022, but that was lightning in the bottle. 

This is where Bullitt East is stuck in some regards.  They are locked into playing North Bullitt & Bullitt Central per the school district.  I think once this 2 year contract period ends after this year, you will see BE schedule some more difficult games in their 5 optional games.

2023 Outcome 

Record: 9-3

The Chargers followed up their 1st state title in school history with a solid 9-3 season with a 2nd round playoff exit.

🎓 Jack Zwernemann (QB/DB) |  Bryce Elder (DB) | Kayden Jenkins (OL/DL) | Gabe Henderson (LB) | Tyler Spaulding (WR/DB) | Isaiah Hare (DL)

🔙 Ryan Rayhill (LB/TE) | Brady Cornell (LB) | Mikey West (RB) | Cayden Cowan (WR/DB) | Caden Bostock (WR/DB) | Baron Hardesty (DL) | Teagan Heilman (OL) | Landon Alvey (OL) | Jacob Clancy (DB)

🔗Bullitt East 2023 Statistical Leaders - https://scoreboard.12dt.com/scoreboard/khsaa/kyfb23/89748?I'd=stats_89748_0

2024 Outlook

The Chargers will be in a familiar position as this year with having to replace a larger portion of their offense with the graduation of do-it-all QB Jack Zwernemann.  The positive is the Chargers have their top 2 RBs back, 2 of their top 3 receivers, as well as all as 4 of 5 starters on the OL.  Look for either JR Cole Cornell or SO Garrett Stickdorn to be the signal caller next year.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Chargers will have to replace five starters.  The positive is that three of those starters missed substantial time last year, so there was plenty of varsity reps for the young backups.  The Charger defense should be led by SR Ryan Rayhill at LB and JR Baron Hardesty at DE.  SR Jacob Clancy should anchor the secondary.

Look for the Chargers to have another solid year and contend for a district title with another top 10 6A ranking.

20 hours ago, theguru said:

Who has thoughts on CAL?  Will it be another easy state championship for the Centurions or will a team like Lexington Catholic step up and challenge them in 2024?

The current freshman and sophomore classes are real talented.  QB next year will probably be one of two juniors, either Colin Daniels or Tyree Stoner.  That's just a guess though.  Either are good options.  Also, keep an eye on Ja'Hyde Brown at WR.  Another freshman, going to be sophomore, who will be a big time playmaker.  I think CAL stays on top for at least a few more years.

8 minutes ago, tcjkbt said:

Any relation to Tony Driver?

I believe he and Brock are Tony Driver's nephews.

18 hours ago, VF111 said:

I would base my list on the following:

1. Good place to live - Some great football communities are hard to become a part of as an outsider; 

2. Going to have players - self-explanatory; 

3. Good school to be in - The school is good at more than just football;

4. Facilities and other tangible aspects of the program reflect a current and historical commitment to investing in football. - One upgrade or a proud but crumbling existence don't make the cut.  

 

My list: 

1A - Bethlehem, NCC, Holy Cross, Pikeville

1A Maybe - Bishop Brossart (great location, but do they have players?) 

2A - Murray, O-Cath, LCA, Beechwood, Somerset

2A Maybe's that will make people mad - Mayfield (not a fan of the location) and Danville (do they still have players)

3A - Franklin Simpson, Glasgow, CAL, E-Town, Lex Cath

3A Maybe's that will make people mad - Bell Co. (again, location) and Belfry (he's never gonna retire anyways and when he does, do you want to follow him?)

4A to 6A are much more full of jobs in bigger towns. So for these I'm just going with the dream jobs IMO

4A - Cov Cath and Boyle 

4A Maybe's that will make people mad - Corbin, Tilghman, and Bardstown

5A - BG, Owensboro, and Highlands

 5A Maybe's that will make people mad - South Warren, Scott Co., Cooper, and all of Pulaski Co. 

6A - Trinity, Male, X

Plenty of good jobs in 6A but other than the three above, you probably aren't gonna hoist the big trophy. 

Respect your list, but I’m curious why you put Bethlehem as a good job, but list Bardstown as a maybe.

Bullitt East has an all freshman team

7 hours ago, CAT DIESEL POWER said:

If Travis Burns is the hire then it was a home run by the PC admin. Luring him away from BC was no easy task so if he is bringing two assistants with him then wow this hire just becomes even more impressive! Of course my dad always says “if if’s and but’s were candy and nuts we would all have a merry Christmas.” I guess time will tell but if the announcement isn’t until Tuesday then hopefully we are on our final coat of paint drying!!!

Coach Haddix posted on the Listserv today that Boyle Co. is looking for a defensive assistant, possible coordinator.  

If it is Coach James, he’s doing a nice job of hiding it.  He was just on Listserv this afternoon looking for assistant coaches to join the staff at Franklin County.

1 hour ago, TylerDurden said:

My football group text is lighting up with talk about Atchley officially being the hire.

Here's to wishing the best of luck to Christian Co.  Regardless of any other issues, the man can coach football.  That's for sure.

25 minutes ago, 12th Region Fan said:

Josh was the long time DC for Coach Hines and those state title game teams. Teacher in the school. Should be easy transition. Will be interesting to see what the staff looks like. Lots of new guys? A lot of staff stays in place? And what will happen to Coach Wooldridge? Does he stay at middle school, come to high school staff, or go to a different program in general? 

Whether Coach Wooldridge stays with the MS team, moves up to HS or goes to another program, he'll be successful and that staff will be lucky to have him.  He's a really solid football coach IMO and kids seem to enjoy playing for him.

1 hour ago, #RockNation said:

Here's our "high level Division 1 Power 5" players since 2000:

Brohm, Theiry, Whiting, Warburg, Quick, Hatcher, White, Bonnafon, Burns, Moore, Herron

That's 11 in 25 years, mostly spread out and Herron left in 2018. I realize that maybe it seems like a lot to you, but FD has 8 or so on their team THIS YEAR. And they were a great team and there is a lot of respect for Coach Hawkins and what he's doing there. Male has had several lately, as has St. X. These are the teams we want to play, whether its in KY or another state. We don't duck anyone and we don't complain about who is on the schedule. Just ask Jalen Ramsey! 

I don't believe I said Trinity does duck anyone.  Anyway, your list is correct for players, but what about Dalyn Dawkins (he did start at Purdue prior to transferring to CSU), Jack Dingle (Cincy), Charlie Ely (Ball St. before UofL for a season) & Blake Ruffin (EIU to UofL) to name a few others.  And again, that's only D1 P5 players.  That doesn't include kids like FBS G5 and FCS talent like Noah Meyers at WKU, Nate Tronzo going to SIU from this year's team, Alton Jefferson at EIU, etc.  My point was simply to say that Trinity only has "a few" is simply inaccurate.  Trinity has their fair share of D1 talent.  Now what's even more important in my opinion is what you do with that talent.  Not every school develops and gets the most out of the talent they have.  I think Trinity does a great job of utilizing and getting the most out of that talent and I think they do it better than just about every school in the state.  That's really the key, but again, to state they've only had a few FBS D1 P5 kids in the last 15-20 years is not accurate.

2 hours ago, #RockNation said:

I'm not sure who these "high level JR and SR P5 D1 guys" are, but you surely have us mistaken with someone else. More often than not, we are labeled a "system school" and overlooked for our kids. We have a few that went D-1 FBS in the last 15-20 years (UofL, Purdue, WKU, Colorado State, UK, etc.) but the majority of our kids end up at Centre, Georgetown or another solid lower division team to compete for playing time. Our program is built on developing young men into good athletes and better people.

We are not this elite-level boarding school for athletes you think us to be. We prepare hard, we practice hard, we play hard. With or without "high-level athletes." If you think you have the better team, put us on the schedule. But most don't.

 

I'm going to have to respectfully disagree with your "a few that went D-1 FBS in the last 15-20 years" assertion.  I don't know about high level, but I can name at least a dozen P5 D1 guys in the last 15-20 years alone that came from Trinity and I'm sure I'm missing some.  That is much more than a few.  I would say that close to a majority of the football programs in the state of Kentucky have never produced a single D-1 FBS player in their history, let alone as many as Trinity has.  That's not including the kids on their teams who went on to play G5 football at WKU, Ball St., Marshall, etc. or the kids who went on to play at FCS schools like EKU, Murray St., EIU, SIU, Lindenwood, etc.  The kids who go on to play at Centre or Georgetown are just icing on the cake.  Maybe in the 80s and 90s under Lampley, Trinity was considered a system school and took a majority of their kids from the Catholic school system, but whenever Beatty took over, I think things changed quite a bit.