Kentucky Future Stars: 2026 Linemen Selections Part 2
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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…
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Continue ReadingSince 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 Part 2 of the 2026 Linemen selected for Team Kentucky eighth grade.
Tevin Wilson | Louisville
A shorter interior Defensive Lineman at just 5-foot-7, Wilson has the ability to get underneath the pads of Offensive Lineman that are significantly bigger than him. Uses strength to his advantage often, already bench presses 235 pounds. Played this past year for the Louisville Chargers, one of the top club programs in the state.
Jerome Render | duPont Manual
Despite only seeing limited clips of him, I really like what I see out of Render in terms of potential. It’s obvious he’s been very well-coached in technique, as he has a very advanced kick slide for just being in the eighth grade. Don’t have official measurements, but he looks to be 6-foot or a bit taller and well-built. Has long arms and active feet. I like what I see here.
Zane Biever | Owensboro
The Owensboro eighth grade team was one for the ages, this past season. Biever was a key member of the Offensive and Defensive Line that helped springboard a bunch of very talented athletes. The 6-foot, 200-pounder is talented enough to see time at either position. Scary thing about Biever, he’s even better at Track and Field, holding state records in shot put and discuss.
Brooks Staton | Bath County
A big ol’ country boy, Staton is an absolute load in the middle of Defensive Line for the Kentucky Future Stars eighth grade team. Made the team a year ago as a seventh grader, as well. In the neighborhood of 6-foot-2 and right around 300 pounds. He’s a big, strong kid that also participates in power lifting. As of March was deadlifting 435 pounds.
Cole Rose Cole Rose 6'4" | 220 lbs | DL George Rogers Clark | 2026 State KY | McNabb
A really impressive looking athlete at 6-foot-3 and 185 pounds. Also a standout in basketball and baseball, Rose is a kid that could have made this Kentucky Future Stars team at a number of different positions–Wide Receiver, Tight End, Outside Linebacker, Defensive End, etc. There’s no denying his length and athleticism on the edge. He’s a promising athlete with a bright future in multiple sports.
Colton Lewis | Notre Dame
If there was ever a kid on this Kentucky Future Stars team with a high cieling, it’s Lewis. The Louisville-area prospect is inching ever so close to 6-foot-4 and shows absolutely no sign of being done growing, as he wears a size 17 shoe. Lewis has some baby deer in him, as he continues to grow into his big body. Coaches liked his improving strength, but marveled at his desire to be great.
David Pellman | Louisville
Get very familiar with Pellman, because this will not be the last time you hear this young man’s name. At 6-foot-3 and 285 pounds, he is a big prospect that moves pretty well, relative to his size. Agile enough to pull if asked to and can also get up to the next level. Right now can play Guard or Tackle. Heavy handed and strong with his punches. Trains at Aspiration’s Gym with other top prospects.
Cam Thomas Cam Thomas 5'11" | 180 lbs | LB KY | Turkey Foot
Make no bones about it, the most talented athlete on this team right now, regardless of position, is Cam Thomas Cam Thomas 5'11" | 180 lbs | LB KY . The 6-foot, 190-pound athlete has picked up offers from Georgia Tech, Kentucky and Eastern Kentucky since May 5th. Also a track star, he’s going to be a menace coming off the edge. I wish Tennessee luck trying to contain, my early pick for Kentucky Defensive MVP.
Cash Cooke | Bracken County
They don’t make many this big on the middle school level. Cooke measures in at 6-foot-4 and 320 pounds–and he hasn’t graduated eighth grade yet. Size is the obvious plus here for this prospect, but he can also move decently, relative to his size. It wont show up on any stat sheet, but coaches love IQ he plays with on the Offensive Line. Improved foot speed will help him contend with speedy edge rushers.
Owen Gabbard | Turkey Foot
A regular season teammate of the above-mentioned, Cam Thomas Cam Thomas 5'11" | 180 lbs | LB KY . Gabbard could be a wild card for the Kentucky Future Stars team. He’s a a little slighter than most of the other big bodies listed among the Linemen, at 5-foot-10 and 155 pounds. That said, he has no problem using his speed to his advantage as an edge player. Also has one of those motors a coach wishes his entire team would have.
Kaleb Miller | Taylor County
Miller is part of a Taylor County program that has turned out a number of next-level prospects in recent history. Miller is an extremely active Defensive Lineman who play inside this past season, but looks to have the build of a Defensive End. On the offensive side of the ball, was very quick and could lead plays by pulling and getting up to the next level. Has been working hard in the weight room since the fall season ended. He’s really starting to transform his body to get ready for high school ball.
Clifton Yocum Jr. | Danville
Another athlete who has found the weight room significantly this year is Yocum Jr. He has coaches extremely excited about the havoc he can cause on the interior Defensive Line. Standing 5-foot-10 and 225 pounds, a fair comparison to his playing style would be Warren Sapp. Quick, violent hands who can hand fight with the best of ’em. Explosive out of his stance. He’ll make it a chore to run up the middle.
In case you missed it, please check out Part 1 of the Linemen selected to the Kentucky Future Stars eighth grade team.