Behind the Rankings: 2023 Athletes

<!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"15px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:15px">With the 2023 high school football season arriving very soon, our initial rankings for the class of 2023 have been officially published for the state of Kentucky. Over the past couple weeks, I have gone into detail on how the rankings at each position came to be. Now that I have covered the offensive and defensive sides of the ball, I will wrap up my positional breakdowns with players that are dangerous at multiple positions. The state of Kentucky is filled with a ton of impressive positionless players or otherwise referred to as "athletes" in the class of 2023 that will play at the next level but these are the ones that stood out the most.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_62f59d71a4485","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["386917"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Just added to the rankings this week is a very impressive transfer from Florida, [player_tooltip player_id='386917' first='Antonio' last='Robinson']. After making the move to Kentucky, Robinson has enrolled at Beechwood where he will look to play a big role in helping them repeat as 2A State Champions. Robinson is an electric athlete who plays on both sides of the ball but thrives the most at corner. He is very reliable in man coverage, showing the ability to open his hips and mirror the receiver's route. When the ball is thrown his way, he shows the ability to react and break on the ball along with the ball skills to come away with the interception. He is also a very physical tackler with the ability to jar the ball loose to cause an incompletion. On offense, Robinson plays receiver and has the speed to take a short pass to the end zone at any given moment and also pose as a dangerous deep threat. Robinson is also a very skilled kickoff and punt returner that has shown the ability to return kicks for touchdowns. Antonio is currently committed to Wake Forest and should be a key player for them early in his career.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["386898"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='386898' first='Ty' last='Bryant'] is a player that made a name for himself in the recruiting scene early in his high school career. On defense, he is the best safety in the state. He does a great job of reading route concepts and putting himself in position to make plays. Bryant also shows the ability to play with a true u0022center fielderu0022 mentality, showing the ability to play between the hashes and cover ground quickly when the ball is in the air. When the ball is thrown his way, he shows tremendous ball skills, catching the ball at its highest point and showing the ability to take the interception for a touchdown. On offense, he plays running back and shows the elusiveness to make defenders miss in the open field and speed to run away from the defense. Bryant has also seen some time as a returner on special teams on occasion. Ty is committed to play for his hometown team, Kentucky, at the next level and could grow into a key piece for the Wildcats.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["145010"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='145010' first='Cristian' last='Conyer'] is yet another prospect that is known more for being a talented defensive back but is very dangerous on the offensive side of the ball as well. On defense, he lines up on the outside at corner and is very impressive in man coverage. He does a great job of staying in the receiver's hip pocket, reading their route, and breaking on the ball across their body to break up the pass. His speed allows him to open up and run with receivers in the deep passing game with very little effort. On offense, Conyer lines up on the outside at receiver for the most part but does line up in the slot on occasion. He uses his speed to his advantage to take screens and short passes for big gains and pose as a true deep threat. Cristian is also used as a ball carrier on jet sweeps and is very dangerous once he gets around the edge. Conyer is committed to Tennessee and will look to be another key piece to a program that is on the rise.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["102291"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='102291' first='Aden' last='Nelson'] is a player that I have had a close eye on the past couple seasons as he has been a key piece of a Woodford County football team that has been on the rise. On offense, he is a dangerous pass catcher, finishing with 745 yards and nine touchdowns last season. He has the speed to pose as a dangerous deep threat on the outside and the elusiveness to make defenders miss and pick up big gains after the catch. While he is impressive on offense, he is at his best on the defensive side of the ball, which is where he will likely play at the next level. Nelson has seen snaps at both safety and corner and is impressive at both spots. He is great reaction skills with the ability to time the throw to break at the right moment and make plays. Once the ball has been caught, he is a very physical tackler, running his feet on contact and making sure his presence is felt. He also does a great job against the run, showing the willingness to come downhill and get off blocks to get to the ball carrier and secure the open field tackle. Aden is one of multiple local prospects committed to play at Ball State and should be a key piece for their program once he gets there.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["386907"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='386907' first='Daisjaun' last='Mercer'] is a player that jumped out to me in my evaluations this summer that I believe is equally dangerous on both sides of the ball. On defense, he lines up all over the secondary but mainly at safety and had an impressive junior year, finishing with 51 tackles and six interceptions. He has very impressive route recognition skills and reacts at the perfect time to break on the ball and catch it in stride for an interception. Mercer also shows the ability to fill the lane and provide run support, showing great open field tackling ability, running his feet on contact to secure the tackle. On the offensive side of the ball, Mercer is the complete package at wide receiver. As a junior, he caught 44 passes for 1,127 yards and 13 touchdowns. He is an impressive route runner, has the speed to beat his man deep, elusiveness to pick up yards after the catch, and athleticism to win in jump ball situations. Mercer has also proven to be a very dangerous returner on special teams. Daisjaun is committed to play at Miami (OH) and should find a key role for them early in his college career.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":5,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"edit"} /--> <!-- wp:heading {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"15px"}}} --> <h2 style="font-size:15px">Best of the Rest (Players included in Top 150):</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"15px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:15px">6. [player_tooltip player_id='386902' first='Peyton' last='Ledford']| 6'3", 250 lbs.| Franklin County High School</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"15px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:15px"><strong>7. [player_tooltip player_id='386906' first='Damin' last='Green']</strong>| 5'10", 180 lbs.| Bryan Station High School</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"15px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:15px"><strong>8. [player_tooltip player_id='245533' first='Kenyon' last='Goodin']</strong>| 6'3", 185 lbs.| Martha Layne Collins High School</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"15px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:15px"><strong>9. [player_tooltip player_id='386910' first='Kaden' last='Gardner']</strong>| 5'11, 175 lbs.| Ryle High School</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"15px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:15px"><strong>10. [player_tooltip player_id='386913' first='Stephen' last='Mack']</strong>| 5'10", 185 lbs.| Trinity High School</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"15px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:15px"><strong>11. [player_tooltip player_id='386904' first='Ethan' last='Pendleton']</strong>| 6'4", 195 lbs.| Owensboro High School</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"15px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:15px"><strong>12. [player_tooltip player_id='231932' first='Jakobe' last='Biggerstaff']</strong>| 6'2", 165 lbs.| Paul Laurence Dunbar High School</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"15px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:15px"><strong>13. [player_tooltip player_id='331718' first='Cade' last='Sullivan']</strong>| 5'9", 170 lbs.| Madison Southern High School</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"15px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:15px"><strong>14. [player_tooltip player_id='386901' first='Mason' last='Lawson']</strong>| 6'2", 195 lbs.| Johnson Central High School</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"15px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:15px"><strong>15. [player_tooltip player_id='386908' first='Terry' last='Brooks']</strong>| 5'11", 165 lbs.| Central Hardin High School</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"15px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:15px"><strong>16. [player_tooltip player_id='287562' first='Terell' last='Jordan']</strong>| 5'7", 155 lbs.| Ashland Blazer High School</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"15px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:15px"><strong>17. [player_tooltip player_id='386899' first='Gavin' last='Copenhaver']</strong>| 6'0", 210 lbs.| Christian Academy of Louisville</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"15px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:15px"><strong>18. [player_tooltip player_id='386912' first='Jayshaun' last='Ethridge']</strong>| 5'9", 175 lbs.| Madison Southern High School</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"15px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:15px"><strong>19. [player_tooltip player_id='386900' first='Charlie' last='Noon']</strong>| 6'2", 180 lbs.| Highlands High School</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"15px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:15px"><strong>20. [player_tooltip player_id='386916' first='Maison' last='Hibbard']</strong>| 5'11", 180 lbs.| Southwestern High School</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"15px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:15px"><strong>21. [player_tooltip player_id='287568' first='Cam' last='Santiago']</strong>| 5'9", 210 lbs.| Bourbon County High School</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"15px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:15px"><strong>22. [player_tooltip player_id='386915' first='Ahmad' last='Alexander']</strong>| 5'10", 160 lbs.| Warren East High School</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"15px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:15px"><strong>23. [player_tooltip player_id='386914' first='Isaiah' last='Ghee']</strong>| 6'0", 150 lbs.| Warren East High School</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"15px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:15px"><strong>24. [player_tooltip player_id='386903' first='Jayden' last='West']</strong>| 6'3", 165 lbs.| Madison Central High School</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"15px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:15px"><strong>25. [player_tooltip player_id='324206' first='Cole' last='Colony']</strong>| 6'2", 180 lbs.| Paul Laurence Dunbar High School</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->