Kentucky Sleepers to Watch: Wide Receivers
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Now that the 2022 campaign has come to a close and we’re in the midst of the offseason, it’s time to take a look at some of the rising stars out of the Bluegrass State that are being primed to…
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Continue ReadingNow that the 2022 campaign has come to a close and we’re in the midst of the offseason, it’s time to take a look at some of the rising stars out of the Bluegrass State that are being primed to return to the fold next fall. Today, we will continue to explore the best offensive talent in the state. After analyzing the top quarterback talent in the city of Bowling Green, it’s time to take a look at some the best wide receivers in the area. Here’s my list of the top wide receiver sleepers in Bowling Green to watch closely next season.
Easton Barlow Easton Barlow 6'0" | 165 lbs | WR Bowling Green | 2024 State KY , a 6-foot-0, 165-pound wide receiver out of Bowling Green High School, was one of the most efficient offensive weapons at the Purples’ disposal this past season, building on his performance from his sophomore year of football. By the end of this past season, Barlow was both the top wide receiver on Bowling Green’s roster and one of the best in the entire Bluegrass State. During his sophomore stint with the Purples in the 2021 season, Barlow collected five pass receptions for 111 yards and one touchdown in 12 games. As a junior this past season, Barlow competed in 15 games and hauled in 52 receptions for 1,008 yards and 12 touchdowns. Barlow also contributed to Bowling Green’s offense on the ground, picking up three rush attempts for 17 yards. Barlow and his teammates led Bowling Green High School to a 12-3 overall record and a first place finish in 5A District 2 with a 3-0 mark. Barlow also helped the Purples punch their way into the Class 5A championship game against Frederick Douglass High School. Barlow is certainly a receiver to keep an eye on in the 2023 season as he has excellent field awareness, speed and the ability to break multiple tackles.
Tray Price Tray Price 6'0" | 175 lbs | ATH Warren East | 2024 State KY , a 6-foot-0, 171-pound ATH out of Warren East High School, was one of the top wide receivers in the entire state of Kentucky last season, leading all receivers on the Raiders’ roster for the third-straight year. In the 2020 season, Price helped lead the team with 34 receptions for 651 yards and nine touchdowns, and also recorded eight rush attempts for 170 yards and two scores. In his sophomore season with Warren East the following year, Price led all Raiders’ receivers with 37 pass receptions for 529 yards and five touchdowns. Price also collected eight rush attempts for 101 yards and a touchdown. Over the course of 13 contests as a junior this past season, Price was a huge playmaker, collecting 46 total receptions for 838 yards and 12 touchdowns. Price contributed on the ground once again, picking up eight rush attempts for 98 yards. In addition to his role on the offensive side of the ball, Price also competes for Warren East as a defensive back. Price and his teammates at Warren East High School also helped lead the Raiders to a 12-1 overall record and a first place finish in 4A District 2. What makes Price such an intriguing receiver to watch next season is his ability to outrun defenses and catch deep passes down the field and in the endzone.
Elmo Stewart Elmo Stewart 6'3" | 170 lbs | ATH Greenwood | 2024 State KY , a 6-foot-3, 170-pound ATH out of Greenwood High School was one of the best offensive performers for the Gators this past season, showing major development since his sophomore year of football. In his sophomore season, Stewart played in 11 games and recorded one reception for 22 yards. As a junior this past year, Stewart was even more of a playmaker as he contributed at wide receiver, quarterback and running back. At the helm of Greenwood’s offense, Stewart completed one pass for 11 yards and a touchdown. At running back, Stewart recorded 54 rush attempts for 342 yards and four touchdowns. Stewart additionally closed out his junior campaign as the third-best wide receiver on Greenwood’s roster, collecting 20 receptions for 321 yards and four touchdowns. Stewart and his teammates also helped lead Greenwood High School to a 9-3 overall record and a second place finish in 5A District 2 with a 2-1 record. Stewart’s size and speed is what makes him nearly unstoppable as he can haul in passes from anywhere on the field.
Bailey Shoemaker Bailey Shoemaker 5'11" | 175 lbs | WR South Warren | 2024 State KY
Bailey Shoemaker Bailey Shoemaker 5'11" | 175 lbs | WR South Warren | 2024 State KY
Bailey Shoemaker Bailey Shoemaker 5'11" | 175 lbs | WR South Warren | 2024 State KY , a 5-foot-11, 175-pound wide receiver out of South Warren High School, was a gamechanger and crucial piece of the Spartans’ offense this past season, leading all the wide receivers on the team’s roster. After hauling in five receptions for 25 yards in five contests during his sophomore year of football, Shoemaker returned to the Spartans for the 2022 campaign to become one of South Warren’s biggest playmakers as a junior. In 12 games this past season, Shoemaker hauled in 41 pass receptions for 516 yards and one touchdown. Shoemaker additionally contributed on the ground, making one rush attempt for one yard and a touchdown. Shoemaker additionally assisted his teammates at South Warren High School in leading the Spartans to a 6-6 overall record and a third place finish in 5A District 2 with a 1-2 record. Shoemaker will be one of several wide receivers from the Bowling Green area to watch next season as he has the size and speed to match up with any defense in the state.