Kentucky Top Performers of the 2022 Season: Defensive Backs
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After listing out the top-performing linebackers of the 2022 season, we are going to look at the top-performing defensive backs in the state of Kentucky. Compared to the 2021 football season, the 2022 season seemed to have a lot more…
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Continue ReadingAfter listing out the top-performing linebackers of the 2022 season, we are going to look at the top-performing defensive backs in the state of Kentucky. Compared to the 2021 football season, the 2022 season seemed to have a lot more defensive turnovers committed by the secondary. The number of interceptions per player increased from the 2021 season, and this helps further show that Kentucky has brought in a broader range of defensive back talent this past season. As I previously discussed in my last post, it is difficult to make lists since there are too many talented players across the state. The same goes for the defensive back position as many players gave it their all on the gridiron this year. Today, I will list out the top-performing defensive backs and a few honorable mentions as well.
Max Johnson Max Johnson 6’0″ | 170 lbs | ATH Hazard | 2023 State KY continued his fantastic play on the defensive side of the ball from the 2021 season. In both the 2021 season and 2022 season, he tied for 2nd statewide in total interceptions with 8 for each season. Like many top-tier defensive backs, the best trait to have been to be able to mirror the movements of a receiver to lock on them no matter what. Not only does Max Johnson Max Johnson 6’0″ | 170 lbs | ATH Hazard | 2023 State KY do that perfectly as he is also a receiver, but his athleticism allows him to outplay the opposing receiver and come up with easy interceptions. Along with that, Max is excellent at accurately reading the intentions of the quarterback when they are out of the pocket, especially when on the run. Max positions himself perfectly every time to snatch the ball and come out with a turnover. With his athleticism & overall defensive IQ, it is a recipe for disaster for any passing game the opposing offense will strategize. At this time, I am unsure what Max will decide to do for his college career as he is receiving interest in football but also getting actively recruited in baseball.
Like Max above, Wyatt is also a receiver/CB for his high school team. On offense, Wyatt was their top option at receiver and his athleticism & speed helped him grab many touchdowns for the Metcalfe County squad. But on defense, Wyatt tied for first in the entire state for total interceptions at 9 (which included 2 pick-sixes). As a nickelback, Wyatt was able to lock down nearly every receiver he faced. His defensive movement aligning with the momentum of his assigned receiver is solid as he can position himself to the point where he gives zero space for the receiver to come up with the catch. Another great aspect of Wyatt’s playstyle at CB is his extremely fast reaction time. Once the ball leaves the quarterback’s fingertips, Wyatt can adjust his positioning to get to where the ball is and make a play if he is close enough. Sure enough, with his speed & agility, he can come up with many picks because of this. Although Wyatt may decide to recruit himself as a receiver, people should not sleep on his talent on the defensive side of the ball.
Terrell Henry Terrell Henry 6’3″ | 185 lbs | ATH Mason County | 2023 State KY was one of the most spectacular defensive players to watch this past season. The senior from Mason County completely caught me by surprise when I first watched him play. He finished this season placing 1st in the state for total interceptions (9 total). Terrell has top-tier athleticism that not many can compare to in the Bluegrass state. When he is going up for the ball, Henry uses his athletic leverage to get his hands on the ball to cause a defensive turnover. His defensive footwork is a beauty to see as it is perfectly choreographed with the opposing receiver. The best part of Terrell’s game that I like the most is that he is the hardest-hitting defensive back I have seen this season. He will charge like a bull at an opposing receiver that is about to catch the ball and throw him to the ground, which sometimes ends up with fumble recoveries for his defense. A lot of this can be thanks to his physicality & strength that helps him maintain the catch-off interceptions even with physical contact. Terrell will stop at nothing to get his offense back out onto the field when it comes to his defense. Although he is a pure athlete as a receiver for Mason County, his talent on defense is what really caught my eye and I can see him utilizing those skills at the next level. Terrell seems to have multiple offers from local schools, but I believe he has D1 potential with how amazing he played this year.
Liam tied with both Terrell Henry Terrell Henry 6’3″ | 185 lbs | ATH Mason County | 2023 State KY and Wyatt Blythe Wyatt Blythe 6’1″ | 155 lbs | ATH Metcalfe County | 2023 State KY for most total interceptions in the state with 9 for the 2022 season. Like Terrell, Liam’s pure athleticism steals the show for the amazing highlights he made on defense. What makes Liam a fantastic free safety is his on-ball awareness. When the quarterback decides to go off the initial play, Liam can detect this easily and shift with the momentum of where the quarterback is going to throw the ball and make a defensive stop. When this happens, the likely outcome is an easy interception for Liam. Besides his on-ball awareness, Liam is one of the better tacklers in the safety position. No matter who is taking up the ball, Hutson can put anyone down to prevent a big offensive play. But what is most unique about Liam is that he can be just as good as he is at free safety if he were placed at any other spot in the secondary. His ability to shift positions to make a defensive play is terrific and he could easily be utilized in this way to further enhance the defense. Currently, there has been some interest in Liam for football however he is actively pursuing Baseball as well.
Past Analysis:
Decker is a menace when placed in a 1v1 matchup with an opposing Nickelback. Decker recently posted a 4.49 40yd dash and that startling number alone depicts the outcome. The junior from Daviess County can blow past defenders with his speed and agility to make the long reception. Along with that, Renfrow possesses fantastic footwork which can especially be seen when catching throws near the sideline. It is startling how teams still put up the 1v1 matchup against this kid even though the same outcome is a loss for the Nickelback with his stellar speed.
End of Season: Decker finished the 2022 season with 7 total interceptions, placing 1st in the state in pick-sixes with 3, and 274 total interception return yards. As I mentioned in a previous post, I looked at Decker’s ability as a receiver. But now, looking at his talent on the defensive side of the ball, there is so much to love about the way Decker plays. What I admire most about Decker’s talent defensively is his consistently accurate quarterback reads when at the free safety position. Nearly every interception he has received this season has been due to his high IQ on the field and accurately predicting where the quarterback is planning on throwing the football. Along with that, Renfrow’s strong build helps him make difficult catches despite hard contact and allows him to gain lots of extra yardage after contact. With his strength and superior route running as a receiver, it makes sense as to how Decker was able to lead the entire state in yards ran after an interception. At this current point in time, Decker has received one D1 offer to play at Morehead State University, and I expect him eventually to fully commit to playing there.
Honorable Mentions:
Carson Craycraft | 5-10, 165lbs. Class of 2023 | Beechwood High School, KY | Tape:
Elijah Webb Elijah Webb 6'2" | 170 lbs | ATH Paris | 2025 State KY | 6-2, 168lbs. Class of 2025 | Paris High School, KY | Hudl:
Isaiah Kenny | 5-11, 178lbs. Class of 2023 | Frederick Douglass High School, KY | Tape:
Nicholas Osborne | 6-2, 180lbs. Class of 2025 | Bethlehem High School, KY | Hudl:
Isaiah Sebastian | 6-0, 185lbs. Class of 2025 | Lloyd Memorial High School, KY | Tape: