Kentucky Breakout 2023 Prospects

Football season is almost upon us, and we at Prep RedZone are more than ready for it. Today we looked at prospects from the state of Kentucky, particularly in the 2023 class. The following junior prospects are names that we believe could have breakout seasons. <hr /> <em><strong>LB: Peyton Ledford, 6'3", 235, Franklin County</strong></em> A destructive, hard-nosed mike linebacker prospect. Ledford has no problem running through you and can create knock-back when attempted to be single blocked. He'll stun opposing ball carriers in the a &amp; b gaps and will drive them back against their will. His burst and acceleration go hand in hand as he consistently made plays in the backfield in 2020. He's a serious physical presence as a fullback &amp; uses a nasty punch to open up holes on iso schemes. I think he could have a future at either position at the next level. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11936857/5ff13eaaff02381028dbb403" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <em><strong>WR: Landon Smith, 6'4", 195, Knott County Central</strong></em> A lengthy x receiver that can go up and win the 50/50 ball. Smith high points the football and will calmly pluck it away from opposing defensive backs. He shows strong hands in traffic and terrific concentration. The build-up speed to challenge cornerbacks is evident. Smith is extremely productive in the redzone and uses his size to box out defenders. I think if he continues to add weight, he could be an interesting tight-end prospect at the next level, based on his ability as a pass-catcher. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14194384/5fbd833890f03a08201dad05" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <em><strong>LB: Zachary Clark, 6'2", 180, Owensboro</strong></em> An athletic outside linebacker with a quick trigger once he reads run. Clark is smooth in coverage and has the speed to run with wheel routes. He delivers punishing blows on wideouts, despite only weighing one hundred and eighty pounds. He can fight off blocks in the run game and is a natural at the gator tackle. His pure effort and hustle to the football is outstanding and leads to good things happening. He needs to put on some weight, but he could be a solid nickel at the next level. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/9823028/5ffd2f2f8cde9d1064ea5b59" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <em><strong>OL: Tristan Cook, 6'5", 305, Woodford County</strong></em> A big man with steady body control at the second level. Cook overwhelms opponents with great hand placement and a massive frame. He's constantly looking for work in pass protection if nothing shows and will look to bury his opponents into the turf. Tristan creates vertical movement off the snap and forges massive holes for his tailback. He's equipped with quick feet, a clean vertical set &amp; a tight punch. I believe he's a division one guard at the next level. <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/12150621/5fcd242b1600950334703958" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>