5 2021 Top State Performers to Watch For This Fall 2022 Season
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There were a lot of players that had a stellar 2021 season in Kentucky. Many of these players range from incredible TD/Int ratios by QBs to jaw-dropping sack numbers. Like the last article posted, we mentioned that the state of…
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Continue ReadingThere were a lot of players that had a stellar 2021 season in Kentucky. Many of these players range from incredible TD/Int ratios by QBs to jaw-dropping sack numbers. Like the last article posted, we mentioned that the state of Kentucky is loaded with talent that can be applied to all different positions. Today, we are going to take a look at 5 of the top state performers from the 2021 season and forecast their upcoming 2022 fall football season.
Blaze Berry Blaze Berry 6'2" | 200 lbs | QB Eminence | 2025 State KY QB | 6-1, 160lbs. Class of 2025| Eminence High School | Tape:
Blaze produced a remarkable freshman season at Eminence High School. The freshman ranked 4th in the state in passing touchdowns and was ranked 4th in total passing yards thrown as well. The jaw-dropping talent that is seen out of this kid is his incredible ability to throw on the run. In order to effectively throw off the run, a quarterback needs to have the superior arm strength and stellar footwork in order to throw a long and accurate pass. For Berry, he perfectly inherits those two traits which enable him to sling mesmerizing throws to his receivers. Watching a lot of Berry’s highlights truly expresses the number of times he shows his inner Patrick Mahomes in his ridiculous throws when running out of the pocket. Look forward to watching Blaze Berry Blaze Berry 6'2" | 200 lbs | QB Eminence | 2025 State KY continue to ball out next season for Eminence and continue his incredible start to his high school football career.
Byron May Byron May 6'3" | 235 lbs | DL Rowan County | 2023 State KY DE/OLB | 6-2, 235lbs. Class of 2023 | Rowan County High School | Tape:
Byron is a menace to opposing offensive linemen as an edge rusher. The junior Defensive End recently tied 2nd in state for total sacks recorded (15.5 sacks). What makes Byron nearly impossible to block is his hand skills and ability to push off the opposing lineman with ease. Many notable NFL star defensive ends primarily create space by using their hands to push off the opposing guards. For Byron, he can gain leverage and beat low blocks with his incredible hand skills. Along with that, Byron is pretty quick off his feet which allows him to get to the quarterback quicker. Keep an eye out for Byron May Byron May 6'3" | 235 lbs | DL Rowan County | 2023 State KY to continue causing pressure to opposing offenses this fall.
Nolan Davenport WR | 6-0, 165lbs. Class of 2023 | Bullit East High School | Tape:
Nolan had a stellar 2021 football season playing wide receiver as he finished in the state top 10 in receiving yards and also 2nd in state for most touchdown receptions. Nolan’s sharp cuts are quick and effective which enable him to get easy yards off slant routes and corner routes. Along with that, Nolan’s acceleration off his feet is elite and can help him dash past opposing nickelbacks. An underrated trait of Nolan is his grip strength. After watching the young man play, there are many instances where some throws were off target by a lot but Davenport somehow came up with a one-handed grab outside of his body. This kid is an athlete so make sure to go watch him continue his dominance as a receiver this fall season.
Austin Johnson DE | 5-10, 220lbs. Class of 2024 | North Laurel High School | Tape:
Austin had an unforgettable sophomore season as he led the entire state of Kentucky in total sacks with 21. The North Laurel Defensive End brutally dominated the opposing offense every game, constantly putting pressure on the quarterback and sacking them as well. The unique trait that helps Johnson dominate is his brute strength that helps him bulldoze over the opposing guards, which enables him to put pressure and sack the QB. Along with that, Johnson inherits great hand skills that allow him to drive past a guard if they are bigger in size. If this kid continues to produce state-leading sack numbers like he did last season, look to see him signing papers to a college in the near future.
Vince Carrico MLB | 5-11, 194lbs. Class of 2025 | Owensboro Catholic High School | Tape:
I do not know how else to describe the season Vince had for Owensboro Catholic as he led the entire state in total tackles and finished 2nd in state for forced fumbles. What is astonishing about Vince is that he did all of this in only his freshman season! This kid is the real deal and is athletically diverse in multiple positions on the football field. Although mainly being a MLB and dominating through his explosive strength towards the opposing ball carrier, he can also run the ball on offense and play quarterback. Although he is only going into his sophomore year, Vince plays like an experienced senior and hits as hard as a collegiate defensive tackle, which goes into how he placed 2nd in state for forced defensive fumbles. A true athletically-gifted stud who has a bright future in football if he continues to develop his stellar play this upcoming fall.