Kentucky's Top Returners: Class of 2024 Offense

After a sensational season of high school football in the Bluegrass State last year, it's time to look back at some of the most energetic and explosive performers. With tons of rising talent at both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball, we will begin by looking at some intriguing offensive prospects set to return to the field next season as seniors. Here's my list of the top class of 2024 offensive talent to keep an eye on in the 2023 campaign.    [player_tooltip player_id='313643' first='Cole' last='Hodge'], a 6-foot-2, 190-pound dual threat quarterback out of the Christian Academy of Louisville, was a huge offensive weapon for the Centurions during his junior stint of high school football last year. In 15 contests, Hodge was the team's leading passer, the 16th best quarterback in the Bluegrass State and the 2022 Class 3A Player of the Year. Hodge recorded 169 completions out of 232 pass attempts for 2,949 yards and 48 touchdowns. Hodge was additionally explosive on the ground, putting up 76 rush attempts for 711 yards and nine touchdowns. The rising senior out of Louisville, KY. helped lead the Christian Academy of Louisville to a 15-0 overall record, a first place district finish and a 3A state title. What makes Hodge such an efficient gunslinger is his size, speed, consistency and arm strength.     <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15533468/6310f7268cd41e0cdcddcd53">Tape:</a>    [player_tooltip player_id='653474' first='Easton' last='Barlow'], a 6-foot-0, 165-pound wide receiver out of Bowling Green High School, was a huge offensive gamechanger for the Purples during his junior stint of high school football last year. In 15 contests last season, Barlow became the most explosive receiving weapon on Bowling Green's roster and was additionally ranked the 38th best wide receiver in the state of Kentucky. In the 2022 campaign, Barlow hauled in 52 pass receptions for 1,008 yards and 12 touchdowns. Barlow also helped lead the Purples to a 12-3 overall record, a first place finish in 5A District 2 and an appearance in the 5A state title game. The rising senior out of Bowling Green, KY. contributes solid size, speed, toughness and consistency down the stretch.     <a href="http://www.hudl.com/video/3/14175312/637fa7aeda511d0b60c112c1">Tape:</a>    [player_tooltip player_id='418572' first='Zah'Ron' last='Washburn'], a 5-foot-11, 182-pound running back out of DuPont Manual High School, was one of the most efficient offensive performers on the Crimsons' roster during his junior stint of high school football last year. In 11 contests, Washburn became the leading rusher on DuPont Manual's roster and was additionally the 33rd best running back in the Bluegrass State. Washburn recorded 199 rush attempts for 1,388 yards and 20 touchdowns. Washburn also added depth at receiver, hauling in 11 pass receptions for 113 yards. The Crimsons closed out the season with a 9-3 overall record and a 2-1 finish in 6A District 3. In addition to his size and speed, what makes the rising senior out of Louisville, KY. so explosive offensively is his ability to find openings and muscle past defenders en route to the endzone.     <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17786622/6380cd4bda52a70b002d8357">Tape:</a>    [player_tooltip player_id='418833' first='Bryce' last='Hamon'], a 6-foot-1, 190-pound tight end out of Great Crossing High School, contributed valuable minutes to the Warhawks' offense during his junior stint of high school football last year. In 11 contests last season, Hamon recorded a few impactful offensive plays, hauling in two receptions for 46 yards and one touchdown. Hamon and his teammates helped lead Great Crossing to an 8-3 overall record and a third place finish in 5A District 6. In addition to his size and speed, Hamon adds excellent depth to the offense and can easily contribute down the stretch.     <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11947591/63206b7b3448a80378e6924e">Tape:</a>    [player_tooltip player_id='746945' first='Jaylen' last='Bass'], a 5-foot-10, 265-pound offensive lineman out of Mayfield High School, played a major role on the Cardinals' offensive line during his junior stint of high school football last year. In 12 contests last season, Bass helped Mayfield's offense keep the play alive, deterring some of the best defenders in the Bluegrass State. Bass and his teammates helped lead the Cardinals to a 15-1 overall record and a first place finish in 2A District 1 competition. With solid size, speed and toughness, Bass contributes explosive energy to the offensive line. The rising senior out of Mayfield, KY. also adds the ability to provide solid coverage and keep defenders behind the line of scrimmage.     <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14970023/6393b0be2347ef0120213809">Tape:</a>    [player_tooltip player_id='381927' first='Parker' last='Chaney'], a 6-foot-0, 190-pound athlete out of Lexington Christian Academy, was a huge offensive weapon for the Eagles during his junior stint of high school football last year. In 12 contests, Chaney became the fifth-best scoring machine on the team and was the top receiving weapon on the team. On the ground, Chaney recorded 14 rush attempts for 40 yards and one touchdown. As a receiver, Chaney hauled in 83 pass receptions for 1,175 yards and seven scores. Parker and his teammates helped lead Lexington Christian Academy to a 9-6 overall record and a first place finish in 2A District 4. In addition to his size and speed, the rising senior out of Lexington, KY. contributes excellent toughness and versatility as he can make an impact offensively at several different areas of the field.     <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/9964152/630d025c5b46dc086c718be8">Tape:</a>

After a sensational season of high school football in the Bluegrass State last year, it's time to look back at some of the most energetic and explosive performers. With tons of rising talent at both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball, we will begin by looking at some intriguing offensive prospects set to return to the field next season as seniors. Here's my list of the top class of 2024 offensive talent to keep an eye on in the 2023 campaign.