GameChangers: MVPs From the Prep Redzone Kentucky Showcase
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This past weekend, the Prep Redzone Prospect Tour made a stop at Saint Xavier High School in Louisville, Kentucky. We had over 50 players attend the camp and there was an abundance of talent on display. However, there were some players that stood out above the rest. With that being said, here are the players that were selected as the camp MVP at each position.
Trevor Havill Trevor Havill 6’5″ | 190 lbs | QB Avon Old Farm | 2025 New E is a player that I was looking forward to watching this past Sunday and he exceeded my expectations, winning the quarterback MVP award. He put on quite a show at the camp, showing off a very impressive deep ball. Havill has a very strong arm and was able to lead his receivers down the field away from opposing defensive backs. He also showed impressive ball placement, showing the ability to put the ball where only his intended receiver had a chance to catch it. Trevor is currently committed to play lacrosse at Ohio State but definitely has the talent to play quarterback in college and should be on the radar of more college football programs.
Highlights
Hunter Derr Hunter Derr 6’1″ | 200 lbs | WR Miamisburg | 2025 State OH was the lone out-of-state participant at this weekend’s camp and was very impressive, taking home running back MVP honors. He stood out to me in position drills, showing great footwork and change of direction ability. Derr also showed impressive speed in 1v1 drills against linebackers as a ball carrier. He also showed a lot of promise in 1v1 passing drills, showing smooth route running ability and reliable hands as a receiver. Hunter doesn’t currently hold any official offers but he definitely has the talent to play somewhere at the next level and should be a player to watch this season.
Highlights
Trey Cotton Trey Cotton 6’1″ | 180 lbs | ATH Chrisitian Academy of Louisville | 2025 State KY was another player that I had high expectations for going into Sunday’s camp. He lived up to those expectations, earning himself the wide receiver MVP award. Cotton was very impressive in both position drills and in 1v1 competition. He showed very impressive route running skills, showing the ability to easily create separation from defensive backs. Cotton also showed the speed to blow by defenders and the ability to go up and catch passes at their highest point. While he already holds an offer from Eastern Kentucky, I expect more to come his way as he is a true Division I caliber receiver.
While there were several impressive offensive linemen at this Sunday’s camp, Male’s Steven Thomas Steven Thomas 6’3″ | 330 lbs | OL Louisville Male | 2024 State KY stood out above the rest. In position drills, Thomas stood out to me with impressive footwork and body movement. He transitioned this into 1v1 drills, showing the ability to mirror defensive linemen. Thomas also showed a very strong base along with the ability to defeat counter moves with his hands and the physicality to finish his blocks. Steven doesn’t currently hold any offers but should be a player to watch this season as he has the talent to play somewhere at the next level.
Another player in the trenches that stood out on Sunday is Xsavier Cleary Xsavier Cleary 6’1″ | 275 lbs | DL Paducah Tilghman | 2025 State KY from Paducah Tilghman. Cleary was dominant during 1v1 drills, earning himself defensive line MVP honors. The first thing that stood out with Cleary is his strength. He explodes out of his stance and has the strength to drive opposing offensive linemen straight into the pocket. Cleary also showed some impressive pass rush moves, including an inside spin move that was very effective throughout the day. While he doesn’t currently hold any offers, Cleary should be on the radar of college programs coming into this season as he definitely has the talent to play somewhere at the next level.
Highlights
Kaden Smith Kaden Smith 6’1″ | 210 lbs | LB Taylor County | 2024 State KY is a player that stood out to me early in the camp and kept impressing as one of the top players in attendance on Sunday. Smith jumped out during the testing period, running a 4.47 second 40 yard dash which was the highest at the camp. He continued to impress during competition periods, showing great closing speed against running backs when doing the leverage drill. Smith also did very well in 1v1 drills in pass coverage, showing the ability to mirror running backs’ routes and was very competitive when defending passes, fighting hard to win each rep. While he currently holds an offer from Eastern Kentucky, I expect more to come his way as he is a Division I caliber prospect.
Another defensive player from Taylor County that stood out on Sunday was Jaquon Coulter Jaquon Coulter 6’0″ | 150 lbs | ATH Taylor County | 2025 State KY . Coulter impressed both in position drills and 1v1 drills, earning himself the defensive back MVP award. Coulter is an athletic defensive back that showed a great ability to turn and run with receivers on fade routes. He also showed the ability to stay in their hip pocket to mirror their routes. When the ball was thrown his way, he showed the ability to turn at the perfect moment to defend the pass and was able to fight through the receiver in jump ball situations. Jaquon doesn’t currently hold any offers but he should be a player to watch as he has the talent to play somewhere at the next level.