Top Playoff Performers to Watch for: Round 3 11/18-20
In this article:
The past 2 weeks of playoff football has been nothing short of amazing. We have seen blowout games, top ranked teams winning against tough programs, and even huge upsets by some underdog programs. With just a few weeks left of…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe past 2 weeks of playoff football has been nothing short of amazing. We have seen blowout games, top ranked teams winning against tough programs, and even huge upsets by some underdog programs. With just a few weeks left of the entire 2022 campaign, we get to see the top programs attempt to beat each other out to reach Kentucky football glory. Today, I will be listing some players to watch for in the 3rd round of the KHSAA 2022 state playoffs.
Cameron had a terrific defensive performance in his 2nd round matchup against Ryle High School. The senior recorded 13 total tackles, 1 tackle for loss, and 3 sacks in their 26-14 win. Cameron can cut through any offensive line like taking candy from a baby. His acceleration off the line of scrimmage and his strong upper body help him easily maneuver off the opposing guard to put pressure on the ball carrier. Moreover, his upper body strength has helped him make crucial tackles numerous times with severe difficulty. There have been instances of Cameron throwing down an opposing ball carrier with just one arm reaching across his body. His strength and athleticism will continue to significantly boost the Ballard defense as they cruise onto the 3rd round vs Madison Central this Friday.
Clay had a solid performance against Carroll county in their 62-14 win, completing 13 passes for 287 passing yards, 4 passing touchdowns, & 1 rushing touchdown. The 2025 grad excels at throwing the football in the pocket, as he can get accurate bullets thrown into the receiver’s chest every time. Clay also does a really good job at reading the defensive alignment before the ball is snapped, quickly improvising to exploit the weak spot on the defense to score. Clay’s accuracy and field IQ carry Beechwood’s offense to consistent scoring drives. I expect Clay to continue playing at a high level this Friday against Shelby Valley High School.
Highlights
Harris Phelps Harris Phelps 5’11” | 180 lbs | RB Paintsville | 2023 State KY played outstanding on both sides of the ball in his team’s 42-17 win against Bishop Brossart. On offense, he had 21 total carries for 155 rushing yards & 4 touchdowns alongside 4 receptions for 64 receiving yards. On defense, he was able to complete 3 total tackles and an interception. Harris can do it all offensively as his speed & acceleration allow him to beat out the opposing defense whether it is a carry or a reception. When running the ball, Harris can find quick running lanes to use for him to bust out onto the open field with his speed. Along with that, Phelps is a fantastic route-runner and he uses that to his advantage so he can beat out the defensive back to make a big play. On defense, his speed & agility help him as well as he can cover multiple areas at once and keep the opposing assignment locked from making a play. Harris is an overall talented athlete that could fit well and play at a high level for any team no matter where you place him.
Past Analysis: Brady is another player with some spotlight but should be receiving a lot more with his stellar talent. The sophomore posted an incredible 2021 season, being named an all-state running back, rushing for 1800 yards, and running for 34 rushing touchdowns. What is mind-blowing about Brady is that he is a bully when he has the football. With a lineman’s strength and a receiver’s quickness, Brady Hensley Brady Hensley 6’0″ | 200 lbs | RB Lexington Christian Academy | 2024 State KY is a difficult force to stop. His sharp jabs past the defenders allow him to get onto the open field and nobody is going to catch up to him. Expect Brady to see more praise from recruiters shortly as this kid is the real deal.
Brady had a career-defining game as he took 29 carries for 354 total rushing yards & 5 rushing touchdowns in a close 45-42 win against Paul Laurence Dunbar High School. It seems that Brady continues to show his pure dominance running the football and that his talent can help carry a team to win a playoff game if needed. Brady and the Madison Central Football team will be heading up to a talented Ballard defense this upcoming Friday and this game will be Brady’s true test of talent. I expect a thriller of a football game and Hensley will once again be on the game’s top performers list.
Tape:rn
Past Analysis: One of the most talented free safety’s in the state, JT Haskins JT Haskins 6’0″ | 160 lbs | ATH Bryan Station | 2024 State KY has some of the best zone reads I have ever seen. JT can quickly react to a quarterback’s body language on where he thinks they will throw the ball and will run across the whole field to come up with the interception. His speed and reflexes help him get down the field to make the play. He also catches his interceptions as if HE is the receiver, with the way his catching mechanics mirror that of a top receiver. His overall athleticism, position technique, and talent make him the top DB to make this list in the 6A division. It is safe to say he will be playing D1 football soon as he has already received multiple D1 offers including my current school, the University of Louisville!
In my past analysis, I covered his skills as a top defensive back in the state however we will be shouting out his previous game playing wide receiver. JT recorded 7 receptions for 121 receiving yards & 1 touchdown in a blowout 45-14 win against Tates Creek High School. I am not surprised that JT can perform at an elite level playing receiver since his skills at defensive back mirror the mechanics of a top-rated receiver. I expect his receiving play will evolve to another level in their next game against Trinity as they will need all the manpower from JT to get a win.