Kentucky's Top Returning Performers: 2024 Quarterbacks

After an action-packed season of high school football in the Bluegrass State last year, it's time to take a look back at the state's most impressive performers from last season that are set to return to the field this upcoming fall for their senior campaign. Today, we will be focusing on the offensive side of the ball as we break down some of the top returning quarterback talent. Without further ado, here's my list of Kentucky's top returning quarterback performers in the class of 2024.    [player_tooltip player_id='313643' first='Cole' last='Hodge'], a 6-foot-2, 190-pound quarterback out of the Christian Academy of Louisville, was a huge offensive weapon at the helm of the Centurions' offense during his junior stint of high school football last year. In 15 contests last season, Hodge threw for 169 completions out of 232 attempts, picking up 2,949 yards and 48 touchdowns. Hodge was additionally the second-best rushing machine on the roster, logging 76 rush attempts for 711 yards and nine scores. In addition to his size and speed, the rising senior out of Louisville, KY. is such a dangerous gunslinger because of his arm strength, consistency in the air and his quickness on the ground.     <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15533468/6310f7268cd41e0cdcddcd53">Tape:</a>    [player_tooltip player_id='381922' first='Zane' last='Cartwright'], a 6-foot-0, 180-pound quarterback out of Mayfield High School, was a huge offensive weapon under center for the Cardinals during his junior stint of high school football last year. In 15 contests last season, Cartwright threw for 139 completions out of 209 attempts, collecting 2,120 yards and 24 touchdowns. Cartwright additonally recorded 23 rush attempts for 68 yards. In addition to solid size, speed and versatility, the rising senior out of Mayfield, KY. is so efficient under center because of his quickness off the snap, his arm strength and his ability to connect with his wide receivers anywhere on the field.     <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/12794218/639360f1b01963051c92d324">Tape:</a>    [player_tooltip player_id='313649' first='Cole' last='Carpenter'], a 6-foot-4, 203-pound quarterback out of Frederick Douglass High School, was nearly unstoppable at the helm of the Broncos' offense during his junior stint of high school football last year. In 14 contests last season, Carpenter threw for 134 completions out of 213 attempts, picking up 1,863 yards and 23 touchdowns. Carpenter was additionally explosive on the ground, recording one score. In addition to excellent size, speed and toughness, the rising senior out of Lexington, KY. is swift on his feet, has an excellent throwing arm and can consistently complete quick passes and deep shots down the field.     <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/9591563/632728e1c124fb09a83c0b03">Tape:</a>    [player_tooltip player_id='317390' first='Brody' last='Benke'], a 6-foot-5, 240-pound quarterback out of Highlands High School, played a crucial role under center for the Bluebirds' offense during his junior stint of high school football last year. In 12 contests last season, Benke threw for 160 completions out of 277 attempts, collecting 2,170 yards and 24 touchdowns. Benke was additionally efficient on the ground, recording 55 rush attempts for 232 yards and seven scores. In addition to solid size, speed and versatility, the rising senior out of Fort Thomas, KY. is an excellent passer and can escape defensive pressure on his feet. Benke additionally possesses outstanding arm strength and can connect with his receiving core anywhere on the field.     <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13024731/63595bef04284d0cc0fa332d">Tape:</a>    [player_tooltip player_id='324225' first='Kaydon' last='Custard'], a 6-foot-2, 180-pound quarterback out of Harrison County High School, was an explosive weapon at the helm of the Thorobreds' offense during his junior stint of high school football last year. In 10 contests last season, Custard threw for 135 completions out of 280 attempts, picking up 2,179 yards and 18 touchdowns. Custard additionally showcased his athleticism on the ground, recording 157 rush attempts for 713 yards and 14 scores. In addition to solid size, speed and versatility under center, the rising senior out of Cynthiana, KY. is quick on his feet, can escape defensive pressure and has the arm strength and accuracy to connect with his receivers anywhere on the field.     <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14011500/632671b6578d7d0a546da4f9">Tape:</a>    [player_tooltip player_id='317787' first='Trevor' last='Havill'], a 6-foot-5, 210-pound quarterback out of St. Xavier High School, showcased major explosiveness under center for the Tigers' offense during his junior stint of high school football last year. In 11 contests last season, Havill threw for 81 completions out of 135 attempts, picking up 1,006 yards and 12 touchdowns. Havill was additionally an efficient talent on the ground, recording 27 rush attempts for 61 yards and four scores. In addition to solid size, speed, toughness and versatility, the rising senior out of Louisville, KY. is efficient under pressure, has a strong arm and has an accurate passing game.     <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15292652/630aa695e984c908541a2f4d">Tape:</a>    [player_tooltip player_id='148268' first='Kolter' last='Smith'], a 6-foot-1, 190-pound quarterback out of Louisville Male High School, contributed valuable minutes at the helm of the Bulldogs' offense during his junior stint of high school football last year. In 12 contests last season, Smith threw for 56 completions out of 96 attempts, collecting 871 yards and 12 touchdowns. Smith additionally recorded nine rush attempts for five yards. In addition to solid size, speed, toughness and versatility under center, the rising senior out of Louisville, KY. contributes quickness on the ground, excellent arm strength and pin-point accuracy in the air.     <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15144286/637e586ff326f607201da7fe">Tape:</a>    [player_tooltip player_id='392838' first='Trenton' last='Cutwright'], a 6-foot-0, 160-pound quarterback out of Bryan Station High School, made a huge impact on the offensive end under center for the Defenders during his junior stint of high school football last year. In 14 contests last season, Cutwright threw for 124 completions out of 217 attempts, picking up 1,982 yards and 17 touchdowns. Cutwright was additionally explosive on the ground, recording 82 rush attempts for 598 yards and eight scores. With excellent size, speed and versatility, the rising senior out of Lexington, KY. is a tough gunslinger to contain as he can escape the pocket with a burst of speed and use his arm strength to make deep shots down the field.     <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16419397/619bbb0cff0cdc09788d725a">Tape:</a>

After an action-packed season of high school football in the Bluegrass State last year, it's time to take a look back at the state's most impressive performers from last season that are set to return to the field this upcoming fall for their senior campaign. Today, we will be focusing on the offensive side of the ball as we break down some of the top returning quarterback talent. Without further ado, here's my list of Kentucky's top returning quarterback performers in the class of 2024.