Kentucky Future Stars: 2026 Defensive Back Selections

Since 2010, Tennessee and Kentucky have been meeting each June in the annual Future Stars Game. The bordering states have a deep rivalry, but a deeper respect for each other. Kentucky recently invited a few more athletes into what they call the #Brotherhood. Here’s a look at the 2026 Defensive Backs selected for Team Kentucky eighth grade. <strong><img class="alignleft wp-image-347010 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/05/Ladarius-Porter-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />Ladarius Porter | Bowling Green</strong> Porter is your highly-athletic, prototype Corner Back at this level. Fundamentally he checks all the boxes. Stays low in his back pedal, flips his hips with ease, can run with most Wide Receivers downfield and has impressive eye disciplines. Stands 5-foot-7 and 145 pounds right now and plays with natural instincts and awareness. &nbsp; <strong><img class="alignleft wp-image-347035 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/05/StrykerDavidson-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />Stryker Davidson | McNabb</strong> After a very good eighth grade season, McNabb picked up a KYMSFA Division 1 Regional Player of the Year Honorable Mention honor. A three-sport athlete, McNabb has an athletic build and very long legs. In addition to football, also wrestles and his best sport is probably baseball. Just a flat out athletic kid that can do a lot of positive things on the football field. &nbsp; <strong><img class="alignleft wp-image-346990 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/05/Quilshaun-Baines-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />Quil’shaun Baines | Louisville</strong> On the smaller side right now, don’t underestimate Baines. No stranger to the competition of the Kentucky Future Stars, he’s a versatile kid that is equally as impressive as a Wide Receiver. Plays a ball-hawking type of corner and honestly thinks any ball in the air, is his to come down with. Quick and agile with good ball skills. Will be Atherton High School in the fall and if he adds size, watch out. <iframe title="YouTube video player" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/bH47dnNu5aQ" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <strong><img class="alignleft wp-image-346964 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/05/BryanEvan-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />Bryan Evans Jr | Lexington Christian</strong> Really well put-together Defensive Back that can play Corner or Safety. Was a standout this past season for Lexington Christian Academy. In my opinion, I think he’ll play Safety and do a great job making plays on the ball. Tennessee is coming with a talented aerial attack, so Evans will certainly have opportunities. &nbsp; <strong><img class="alignleft wp-image-346977 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/05/RJ-Blair-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />R.J. Blair | Madison</strong> Fresh off an eighth grade season that saw Blair earn a KYMSFA Division 2 Regional Player of the Year Honorable Mention honor, he’s set to put his ability on the field again for the Kentucky Future Stars. At 5-foot-9 and 132 pounds, he’s a very unassuming athlete that can make game-changing plays if he’s tested often enough. Also a promising Wide Receiver on the other side of the ball. &nbsp; <strong><img class="alignleft wp-image-346359 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/05/LoganMusicKYPRZ-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />[player_tooltip player_id="283975" first="Logan" last="Music"] | Johnson Central</strong> From what I’ve seen of the prospects selected to play Defensive Back for the Kenutcky Future Stars, Music seems to be the alpha male of the group. He’s a big, tall kid that can blanket Wide Receivers with ease. Very aggressive athlete with speed to come downhill and pick off passes or lay the wood on Running Backs trying to gain the edge. I think he’s going to be a very good player. &nbsp; <strong><img class="alignleft wp-image-347044 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/05/AydenDuncan-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />Ayden Duncan | Fort Thomas Highlands</strong> Duncan is a versatile athlete that will add depth to both the Corner and Safety positions. Has ran the forty multiple times, with each one being in the 4.9 range. Coaches commented on his smarts and football IQ in the secondary. Can see plays unfolding a step quicker than other guys at this level. Brings a lunchpail and hard hat mentality to the back end of the field. Should contribute on special teams too.