2022 Player of the Year Watchlist: Two-Way Players

<!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"15px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:15px">The 2022 high school football regular season was an exciting one to say the least. In Kentucky, we are headed into the first round of the playoffs this week. To this point, there have been a lot of very talented players making a name for themselves across the state. However, some have stood out above the rest. Over the past week, I have focused on the top players on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball to compile my "Player of the Year" watchlists. To wrap things up, I will now turn my attention to players that get the job done from multiple positions. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_6361e3c0dd648","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["386898"],"_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='386898' first='Ty' last='Bryant'] has truly established himself as one of the best players in the state over the past few seasons. We had him as our fifth overall player in the class of 2023 and he has continued to live up to the hype. His stats for this season are deceiving as most of the Broncos' games have been blowout victories in which the starters were pulled at halftime. However, he has taken advantage of his opportunities that he has been given. In the time he has played, Bryant has accounted for 22 carries for 206 yards and nine touchdowns as a running back while accounting for ten tackles, two tackles for loss, and an interception on defense. As a ball carrier, he shows great vision and comes downhill in a hurry once the running lane opens. He also has tremendous speed and elusiveness in the open field which he uses to break off on long runs at any given moment. While he is great on offense, I believe he will be best suited on defense at the next level as he is a very talented safety. Bryant is a true ball hawk on the backend with the ability to read the throw and cover ground in a hurry to make a play on the ball. He shows tremendous ball skills, catching the ball at its highest point and has shown the ability to return interceptions for touchdowns as well. Bryant is also a very sound and physical tackler in the open field, filling the lane to provide support against the run. Ty also has shown special teams value, returning three punts for touchdowns this season. Bryant is committed to stay at home and play at the University of Kentucky where I expect him to develop into a key player for them.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["381927"],"_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":"Another Lexington product that has had an outstanding year is junior [player_tooltip player_id='381927' first='Parker' last='Chaney'] from Lexington Christian Academy. On offense, Chaney lines up at receiver and leads 2A in receptions with 67 for 993 yards and seven touchdowns. Chaney is a smooth route runner with the ability to create separation with the breaks in his routes. He also has the speed to pose as a threat in the deep passing game. Chaney is also very dangerous after the catch, showing the speed to run away from the defense, elusiveness to make defenders miss, and strength to break tackles. Parker also plays defensive back where he has accounted for 14 total tackles and has lock down ability. He is very impressive in man coverage with the ability to open up and run with receivers in man coverage, staying in their hip pocket. I also like his willingness to come downhill and provide support against the run. Once he gets to the ball carrier, he does a great job of running his feet to secure the tackle in the open field. While Chaney doesn't currently hold any offers, I expect some to come soon as he has been receiving a solid amount of college interest and I believe he has true Division I caliber talent.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["499037"],"_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='499037' first='Mitchell' last='Berger'] is a player that has jumped onto my radar and has proven to be one of the best players in the state this season. On offense, he played running back and finished third in 3A with 1,119 rushing yards on 121 carries for 21 touchdowns in just eight games. Berger is a downhill runner with the ability to find the running lane quickly and hit it in a hurry. He keeps his legs churning through contact to run through tackles and has shown the speed to run away from the defense once he hits the open field. Berger has also shown reliability as a pass catcher, catching 19 passes for 251 yards and two touchdowns this season. He is also Beechwood's kicker, making 19 PAT attempts and one field goal, putting him at 162 total points which was second in 2A this season. On defense, Berger plays linebacker where he does a great job of reading his keys and coming downhill to fill his gap against the run. Once he gets to the ball carrier, he explodes through contact with a ton of physicality on his tackles. I also like the high motor that he plays with, showing the ability to run all over the field to make tackles. Unfortunately, Berger suffered a season-ending injury but will still go down as one of the top players in the state this year. He is committed to play baseball at Eastern Kentucky but could definitely play football at the college level if he has a change of heart.","_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 been high on for a while now who continued to impress in his final season of high school football. Offensively, Nelson is one of Woodford County's go-to receivers as he has caught 32 passes for 623 yards and ten touchdowns this season. He has also made an impact as a ball carrier, running the ball twelve times for 302 yards and four touchdowns. Nelson has impressive speed with the ability to run right by defensive backs in the deep passing game. He is also very reliable in the short passing game with the ability to use his speed and elusiveness in the open filed to turn short passes and screens into big gains. Nelson has also thrived on defense where he has seen time at many different spots in the secondary. This season, Nelson has accounted for 42 total tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack, and two interceptions. He has shown the ability to read route concepts and the quarterback in order to break on the ball at the perfect time to make plays. Nelson is also reliable against the run and as a defender after the catch as he does a great job of coming downhill and brings a ton of physicality as a tackler in the open field. Aden currently holds offers from UT-Martin, Western Kentucky, Ball State, Army, Akron, Miami (OH), and Tennessee State, and I expect him to be a true impact player wherever he decides to go.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["373790"],"_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":"An underclassman that has truly made a name for himself this season is sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='373790' first='Montavin' last='Quisenberry'] from Boyle County. Quisenberry has been a key to another successful season for the Rebels as he has been an explosive weapon for their offense. This season, Montavin has carried the ball 60 times for 602 yards and six touchdowns while also catching 40 passes for 490 yards and nine touchdowns. As a ball carrier, he has tremendous vision and the ability to burst through the running lane and run away from a defense. He also has the elusiveness in the open field to make defenders miss. Quisenberry also uses that speed to take the top off the secondary in the deep passing game as a receiver. On defense, Quisenberry has impressed as a defensive back, accounting for 30 total tackles, three tackles for loss, and three interceptions on the season. He is also a very dangerous returner on special teams as he has returned two kickoffs and two punts for touchdowns this season. Montavin currently holds offers from Kentucky and Louisville, and I expect that list to continue to grow as he is a true Power 5 level talent.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["499069"],"_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='499069' first='Daniel' last='Thomas'] is a player that has jumped onto my radar this season. He has had an outstanding junior season as he leads 3A in rushing with 168 carries for 1,881 yards and 25 touchdowns. Thomas is a downhill runner with the strength and contact balance to run through tackles without breaking stride. He has also shown the speed to run away from the defense once he hits the open field. Thomas has also shown reliability as a pass catcher, hauling in eleven passes for 355 yards and five touchdowns this season, and has thrown a touchdown pass as well. On defense, Thomas lines up in an outside linebacker/defensive back role and leads the team with 79 total tackles along with six tackles for loss and five sacks. He does a great job of reading his keys and coming downhill to the football with a sense of urgency. Once he gets to the ball, he runs his feet and explodes through contact to secure the tackle. Thomas also does a great job of timing his blitzes off the edge against the pass to get into the backfield before the opposing offensive linemen can react. Daniel doesn't currently hold any offers but he is a player to watch going into his senior year as he has received some college interest and has the talent to play at the next level.","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_player":["438173"],"_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":"[player_tooltip player_id='438173' first='Brach' last='Rice'] has been a player that has been on our radar all season as he has had a very impressive junior year. On offense, he is the team's leading rusher with 92 carries for 605 yards and nine touchdowns. He is a downhill runner that bursts through the running lane and shows the ability to run through potential tacklers. Once he gets to the second level, Rice has shown the second gear to run away from the defense. Brach recently was asked to step up and play quarterback due to an injury to their starter and he has done a solid job, completing 22/39 passes for 369 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions. Defensively, Rice plays linebacker and is the team's leading tackler with 115 total tackles along with eleven tackles for loss and five sacks. Rice does a great job of reading his keys and filling his gap against the run. He is a physical force as a tackler, making sure his presence is felt when he gets to the ball carrier. Rice has also shown the ability to use his speed and strength to rush the passer and put pressure on the quarterback. Brach currently holds two Division I offers from Toledo and Miami (OH), and I expect more to come for him as he has the talent to play at that level.","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_7_player":["495302"],"_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='495302' first='Max' last='Johnson'] is another player that has had a breakout senior season. On offense, he is Hazard's leading rusher with 146 carries for 1,291 yards and 13 touchdowns. He is a strong runner that can break through tackles but also has the speed to run straight through a defense without defenders having a chance to get to him. Johnson is also a reliable pass catcher as he is second on the team in receiving with 21 catches for 330 yards and six touchdowns. He has also been very impressive on defense at free safety, accounting for 69 total tackles and finishing the regular season tied for the most interceptions in 1A with seven. Johnson does a great job of covering ground quickly when the ball is in the air and attacking the ball at its highest point to come away with an interception. He also comes downhill and fills the lane to provide support against the run, showing that he is a very reliable open field tackler. It remains to be seen if Johnson will play football or baseball at the next level but he definitely has the talent to play football in college if he chooses to pursue that route.","_player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_8_player":["287569"],"_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":"[player_tooltip player_id='287569' first='Decker' last='Renfrow'] has been high on my radar since this off-season. We had him as one of our top wide receivers in the class of 2023 and he has lived up to the hype on that side of the ball, catching 25 passes for 649 yards and ten touchdowns. He is a very impressive route runner with a quick release and the ability to create separation with the breaks in his routes. Renfrow also has shown very reliable hands and the ability to use his speed to pose as a threat in the deep passing game. While he was best known as a receiver coming into the year, he has also made an impact as a defensive back, accounting for 24 total tackles, one tackle for loss, and seven interceptions. At safety, Renfrow does a great job of sitting back in coverage and reading the play to flow to the ball and make plays. When the ball is in the air, Renfrow breaks on the ball with perfect timing to catch interceptions in stride and has shown that he can use his speed to return interceptions for touchdowns, scoring three times on defense this year. Decker holds an offer from Morehead State but deserves more attention from college coaches as he has the talent to play at the next level.","_player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_9_player":["386917"],"_player_evaluations_9_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='386917' first='Antonio' last='Robinson'] came into this season with a lot of hype as a transfer from Florida. We had him ranked as our second overall player in the class of 2023 and has lived up to the hype, making an immediate impact at Beechwood. Robinson is at his best at defense at corner where he shows the ability to lock down his side of the field. He has the ability to turn and run with receivers in man coverage and does a great job of fighting across their body to break up passes. Robinson also has great ball skills with the ability to catch passes at their highest point, coming away with one interception on the season. He is also reliable against the run as he is a very good open field tackler. On offense, Robinson is an electric wide receiver with dangerous deep speed, catching 29 passes for 319 yards and five touchdowns this season. He is also a very dangerous returner on special teams, showing the ability to take kickoffs back for a touchdown at any given moment. Antonio is committed to Wake Forest where I expect him to find a key role once he gets there.","_player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_10_player":["386907"],"_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":"[player_tooltip player_id='386907' first='Daisjaun' last='Mercer'] continued to show that he is one of the most electric players in the state this season. On offense, he is Hopkinsville's leading receiver with 34 catches for 722 yards and eight touchdowns. He uses his blazing speed to pose as a deep threat but also shows the ability to create separation with the breaks in his routes. Mercer is also very dangerous with the ball in his hands as he has the elusiveness to make defenders miss in the open field and the speed to run away from the defense. He also showed promise as a ball carrier, running the ball 31 times for 230 yards and five touchdowns this season. On defense, Mercer plays corner and is very reliable in man coverage, showing the ability to mirror receivers' routes. He also shows impressive ball skills with the ability to time his breaks to make plays. Mercer finished the regular season with 31 total tackles and three interceptions with one returned for a touchdown. Daisjaun is committed to Miami (OH) where I expect him to be a key play maker once he gets there.","_player_evaluations_10_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_11_player":["499120"],"_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":"Last but not least on my watchlist is Greenwood senior, [player_tooltip player_id='499120' first='Lofton' last='Howard']. Howard stands out the most at linebacker where he led the team in the regular season with 94 total tackles along with 14 tackles for loss, seven sacks, and one interception. He does a great job of reading the play and coming downhill to get to the ball carrier. Once he gets to the ball, he does a great job of running his feet through contact to secure the tackle or sacks. He also shows the ability to use his speed and strength to provide pressure off the edge as a pass rusher. Howard has also shown promise on offense, carrying the ball 55 times for 408 yards and 15 touchdowns while also catching 19 passes for 349 yards and three touchdowns. Lofton is committed to Western Kentucky where I believe he has the chance to develop into a very special player for them.","_player_evaluations_11_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":12,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"edit","anchor":"acf-block-652ff55b3368c"} /--> <!-- wp:heading {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"17px"}}} --> <h2 style="font-size:17px">Honorable Mention:</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"15px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:15px">[player_tooltip player_id='385933' first='Kenyata' last='Carbon'] (Owensboro, 2023)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"15px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:15px">[player_tooltip player_id='386900' first='Charlie' last='Noon'] (Highlands, 2023)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"15px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:15px">[player_tooltip player_id='381931' first='Brady' last='Hensley'] (Madison Central, 2024)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"15px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:15px">[player_tooltip player_id='386910' first='Kaden' last='Gardner'] (Ryle, 2023)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"15px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:15px">[player_tooltip player_id='423800' first='JD' last='Crump'] (Hart County, 2024)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"15px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:15px">[player_tooltip player_id='373809' first='Makhi' last='Smith'] (Woodford County, 2025)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->