Prep Redzone KY Showcase: RB/LB Top Performers
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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. Over the next few…
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Continue ReadingThis 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. Over the next few days , we will be focusing on the top performers from the camp at each position. With that being said, here are the running backs and linebackers that stood out to me on Sunday.
Kicking things off for the linebackers, I have Kaden Smith Kaden Smith 6’1″ | 210 lbs | LB Taylor County | 2024 State KY from Taylor County. Smith was one of the most impressive players in the entire camp on Sunday, earning linebacker MVP honors. He plays with a very high motor and was a tough competitor all day in athletic testing, position drills, and in 1v1 competition. Smith showed impressive speed, footwork, and strength from the linebacker position and also looked very comfortable in pass coverage during 1v1 drills. Kaden currently holds and offer from Eastern Kentucky and I expect many more to come his way this season.
Another linebacker that stood out to me was Kory Combs Kory Combs 6’0″ | 210 lbs | ATH Breathitt County | 2025 State KY from Breathitt County. He looked very fluid in change of direction drills and showed the ability to react and come downhill quickly. In 1v1 drills, he played with a ton of physicality and showed the ability to open up and run with running backs to mirror their routes. He also took some reps at running back and looked impressive running routes and catching passes. Kory doesn’t currently hold any offers but is definitely a name to watch as he is a rising talent in the state.
Brenden Anthony Brenden Anthony 5’11” | 210 lbs | ATH Pikeville | 2025 State KY came into Sunday with high expectations from me and lived up to them. He looked very smooth in his pass drops in positional drills and showed the ability to change direction very easily. Anthony also showed impressive close out speed and the ability to break down at the ball carrier under control. He also impressed during 1v1 drills, showing the ability to open up and run with running backs in man coverage. Brenden has yet to receive any offers but has received some college interest and will continue to do so as he is one of the most talented linebackers in the state.
Highlights
Another linebacker that came into this weekend with high expectations that impressed me was Brach Rice Brach Rice 6’3″ | 220 lbs | LB Dixie Heights | 2024 State KY . Rice is a big, athletic linebacker that showed an impressive ability to change direction and come downhill in a hurry in position drills on Sunday. He also looked good in 1v1 drills as he played with a ton of physicality and showed the ability to play man coverage against running backs. When the ball was thrown his way, Rice showed the ability to fight through the intended target to break up the pass. Brach currently holds offers from Ohio, Southern Illinois, Bowling Green State, Wofford, Eastern Kentucky, Miami (OH), and Toledo, and I expect that list to grow as he is a true Division I caliber prospect.
Highlights
Hunter Derr Hunter Derr 6’1″ | 200 lbs | WR Miamisburg | 2025 State OH was the only out of state participant on Sunday and put on quite a performance, taking home the running back MVP honors. He showed a nice amount of speed and quickness during individual drills and looked very comfortable changing direction. During 1v1 drills, Derr was able to use his speed to create separation down the field against linebackers and showed some impressive route running ability. Derr doesn’t currently hold any offers but he is definitely a name to watch this season as he has the talent to play somewhere at the next level.
Highlights
Just like his older brother, Peyton Smith Peyton Smith 5’11” | 190 lbs | RB Frederick Douglass | 2025 State KY put on a very impressive performance this past Sunday. The first thing that stood out with Smith was his ability to change speed and direction with ease during position drills. During 1v1 leverage drills against linebackers, he showed that he is very shifty, making the defender miss on multiple occasions. He was also impressive during 1v1 passing drills, showing the ability to create separation from linebackers. Peyton currently holds an offer from Eastern Kentucky but I expect more to come his way as he is a Division I caliber running back prospect.
Highlights
JayQuan Crawford JayQuan Crawford 6’0″ | 200 lbs | RB Franklin County | 2026 State KY is a young running back that stood out to me on Sunday. He looked very good in position drills, showing quick feet and the ability to change direction smoothly. Crawford also impressed during the 1v1 drills, showing the ability to create separation from linebackers and also showing very reliable hands. JayQuan doesn’t currently hold any offers but will be a player to keep a close eye on over the next few seasons.