2022 Preseason All-Eastern Kentucky Team: Offense

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Now that the 2022 high school football season is in full swing, it's time to make some predictions. Over the past few weeks, I have been highlighting the top high school football players in specific regions in the state of Kentucky. After covering Lexington and Northern Kentucky, I will now move to the eastern part of the state where there is a long history of great football teams and players. This season is no exception as there is a ton of talent in the area. However, these are the players that stood out to me the most on the offensive side of the ball in Eastern Kentucky.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_63192110b0f33","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["417271"],"_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":"[player_tooltip player_id='417271' first='Russ' last='Osborne'] is a player that has been high on our radar at Prep Redzone Kentucky for quite some time as he is one of our top ranked quarterbacks in the class of 2024. Osborne has everything that you could want in a quarterback with accuracy, a very strong arm, mobility, and touch. He is able to throw a very impressive deep ball to lead his receivers down the field. When things break down, Russ does a great job of escaping pressure and keeping his eyes down the field to make throws on the run. When he is unable to find someone to throw to, he is able to tuck the ball and use his speed and elusiveness to make big plays on the ground. Russ is already off to a hot start in 2022 and I expect some college interest to come for him soon.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["385943"],"_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='385943' first='Blake' last='Birchfield'] has high expectations to live up to this year as he is coming off an outstanding junior season. Last year, he led the entire state of Kentucky in rushing with 2,512 yards and 25 touchdowns. Birchfield has outstanding vision and hits the hole hard when it opens. Once he gets through the hole, he is a very hard runner, showing the ability to run through tackles. He also has speed and elusiveness in the open field to break off long runs. Blake currently holds offers from Centre, Hanover, Denison, and Pikeville, and I expect more to come for him as he has the skill set to be a very special player at the next level.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["385938"],"_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='385938' first='Harris' last='Phelps'] is another running back coming off an impressive junior year. He finished the 2021 season with 1,506 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns. Phelps bursts through the running lane out of his stance and has the breakaway speed to run right by defenders on his way to the end zone. He also has the elusiveness to make defenders miss in the open field. Phelps is also very reliable as a pass catcher and as a returner as he caught 14 passes for 194 yards last season, along with returning a kickoff for a touchdown. Harris currently holds offers from Centre, Hanover, Grinnell, and Kentucky Christian, and I expect that list to grow as he has been receiving a lot of college interest.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_3_player_details_player_name":"Brady Bentley","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_3_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_3_player_details_height":"5'7u0022","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_3_player_details_position":"2410","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_3_player_details_school":"Shelby Valley","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_3_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_3_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_3_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_3_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"Brady Bentley is a player that has recently jumped onto my radar. He has been Osborne's go-to target the past couple seasons, finishing his sophomore year with 751 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. He thrives in man coverage situations on the outside as he uses his speed to simply run by opposing defenders. Bentley also has solid route running skills, using smooth breaks in his routes to create separation. After the catch, Bentley has the ability to make defenders miss and break tackles to pick up extra yards. Brady doesn't currently hold any offers but he should be a name to watch over the next two seasons.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["180737"],"_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":"After transferring in this past off-season, [player_tooltip player_id='180737' first='Landon' last='Smith'] has made an immediate impact at Hazard. He is a big body outside wide receiver that is very reliable in contested catch situations. Smith is able to use his big frame and athleticism to come down with catches at their highest point. He also has shown the ability to pick up yards after the catch as he is a very hard runner that breaks tackles very frequently. Smith also has some solid speed for his size with the ability to turn up the field after the catch and big up big gains. Landon doesn't currently hold any offers but I expect that to change as he has been receiving a nice amount of college interest.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["287562"],"_player_evaluations_5_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='287562' first='Terell' last='Jordan'] is a player that I've had high on my radar for a while now. He is a key piece of the Ashland offense that can be used all over the offense but shines the brightest at receiver. He uses his speed in the deep passing game to run by defenders and create separation. Jordan is also able to use his quickness to create separation on short and intermediate routes. After the catch is where Jordan is the best as he is very shifty with the ability to make defenders miss in the open field and has the speed to run away from the defense once he gets out in the open field. Terell doesn't currently hold any offers but I believe they should come soon as he is very talented player that can be a difference make at the college level if given a chance.","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_player":["385963"],"_player_evaluations_6_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"Another player that I have been high on for quite some time is Pikeville senior tight end, [player_tooltip player_id='385963' first='Grant' last='Scott']. He is our second ranked tight end in the class of 2023. Scott is a very willing and physical blocker in the run game. Once he explodes off the line, he gets extended and drives his feet to create movement off the line of scrimmage. He is also used in motion as a lead blocker and destroys any defender in his path. As a pass catcher, Scott has reliable hands and uses his strength and speed after the catch to pick up big gains. Grant currently holds an offer from Pikeville but he should have more college coaches interested in him as he is the complete package at tight end.","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_7_player":["419795"],"_player_evaluations_7_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='419795' first='Franklin' last='West'] is not only the best offensive lineman in Eastern Kentucky, he is also one of the best in the entire state as we have him as the fourth ranked offensive lineman in the class of 2024. He is my selection for Preseason Offensive Player of the Year in Eastern Kentucky. West currently plays left tackle but has a ton of versatility as he has seen snaps at center and guard as well, and I believe he could thrive on the inside in college. He is super explosive out of his stance driving through his man and finishing his blocks down the field. West plays with the kind of tenacity you want in an offensive lineman as he finishes through the whistle. He also has shown the ability to pull and pick up blocks in space. Franklin currently holds offers from Eastern Kentucky and Miami (OH), and I expect that list to expand as he is a true Division 1 talent.","_player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_8_player":["145774"],"_player_evaluations_8_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"While we have him listed as a defensive lineman, [player_tooltip player_id='145774' first='Brayden' last='Spears'] has taken on a big role on the offensive side of the ball over the past couple seasons for Belfry. Spears lines up at guard and is a key piece to Belfry's prominent running game. He has a quick first step out of his stance and drives through his man. Once he gets inside position, he keeps his legs churning to finish his blocks down the field. He also does a great job of getting to the second level when he is uncovered and finding work in open space. While he doesn't currently have any offers, I expect them to come soon as he has been receiving a nice amount of college interest and has the skill set to play at the next level.","_player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_9_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_9_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_9_player_details_player_name":"Mason Sayers","_player_evaluations_9_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_9_player_details_graduating_class":"2023","_player_evaluations_9_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_9_player_details_height":"6'3u0022","_player_evaluations_9_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_9_player_details_position":"2405","_player_evaluations_9_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_9_player_details_school":"Pikeville","_player_evaluations_9_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_9_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_9_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_9_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_9_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"The next offensive lineman on my list is Pikeville senior, Mason Sayers. Mason is a big, physical offensive guard that does a great job of creating movement off the line of scrimmage in the run game. He has a very strong initial punch which often knocks the opposing defensive lineman off balance. Sayers also has shown the ability to get out in the open field and pick up blocks on screen passes and long runs. He currently holds offers from Centre, Union, Kentucky Wesleyan, and Pikeville, and I expect him to get a few more offers as he has the talent to play somewhere at the next level.","_player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_10_player":["313653"],"_player_evaluations_10_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_10_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_10_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_10_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_10_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_10_evaluation":"To round out the offensive line, I have junior offensive tackle, [player_tooltip player_id='313653' first='Andrew' last='Roberts']. After transferring this past off-season, Roberts will look to be a key piece of the North Laurel offensive line. He is dominant in the run game, driving his man off the line of scrimmage and finishing his blocks with a ton of physicality. In the passing game, he has quick pass sets and has shown a strong ability to mirror opposing pass rushers. He also does a good job of holding his ground and not allowing penetration into his inside gap. Roberts doesn't currently hold any offers but he should be a player to watch over the next two seasons.","_player_evaluations_10_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_11_player":["381938"],"_player_evaluations_11_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_11_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_11_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_11_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_11_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_11_evaluation":"I didn't know whether to put [player_tooltip player_id='381938' first='Noah' last='Wallace'] on the offensive or defensive team so I decided to put him in the u0022athleteu0022 slot. On offense, he is a very dangerous ball carrier, as he finished his sophomore year with 151 carries for 1,028 yards, and 14 touchdowns. He runs with great pad level when running between the tackles and keeps his feet churning on contact to break tackles. Wallace also has impressive elusiveness in the open field which he uses to make defenders miss. He is also a threat in the passing game as he can use his speed to run up the seam as a target and has even shown the ability to line up in the slot. Om defense, he finished last season with 84 total tackles and four interceptions from the safety position. He has great ball skills with the ability to break on the ball and come away with interceptions in stride. Wallace also provides great run support as he comes downhill and fills the lane with a sense of urgency. Noah doesn't currently have any reported offers but I expect them to come quickly for him over the next two seasons.","_player_evaluations_11_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":12,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"edit"} /--> <!-- wp:heading {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"15px"}}} --> <h2 style="font-size:15px">Other Players to Watch:</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Quarterback: [player_tooltip player_id='145758' first='Cameron' last='Combs'] (Corbin, 2023), [player_tooltip player_id='417272' first='Kizer' last='Slone'] (Perry County, 2024), [player_tooltip player_id='423616' first='Tayvian' last='Boykins'] (Pikeville, 2024)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Running Back: [player_tooltip player_id='145769' first='Jayden' last='Newsome'] (Shelby Valley, 2023), [player_tooltip player_id='331689' first='Malachi' last='Wheeler'] (Boyd County, 2023)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wide Receiver: [player_tooltip player_id='418719' first='Zander' last='Curry'] (Corbin, 2024), [player_tooltip player_id='418721' first='Brandon' last='Houston'] (Ashland, 2024)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tight End: [player_tooltip player_id='339736' first='Bryce' last='Hoskins'] (Breathitt County, 2023)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Offensive Line: [player_tooltip player_id='419799' first='Gabe' last='Claybrook'] (North Laurel, 2024), Peyton Sayers (Pikeville, 2023)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>ATH: [player_tooltip player_id='386901' first='Mason' last='Lawson'] (Johnson Central, 2023), Cade Woolum (Belfry, 2024)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->