Offensive Players to Watch for: KHSA Class 2A

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Recently, we looked at some top-level offensive and defensive talent that play in the KHSA state division class 1A. For today's post, we are going to follow the same format by looking at some great recruits offensively and defensively, but now looking exclusively at the 2A division class. Each KHSA state division class has an abundance of talent ranging through all the different positions on the gridiron. That's what makes the Bluegrass State so special for finding high school football talent. This will apply as we first look at some high-level offensive recruits from the 2A division class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["653487"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Arguably one of the quickest RB prospects I have seen coming from the 2A state division class, [player_tooltip player_id='653487' first='Brock' last='Messer'] has always been a problem for opposing defenses. The 5'8, 155lb prospect from Martin County High School had an amazing 2022 campaign by recording 143 rushing attempts for 1,532 rushing yards u0026amp; 19 rushing touchdowns in 12 games played (10.7 yards per rush; 128 yards per game). Brock has explosive acceleration off the snap which helps him get to full speed instantly. Alongside his extremely quick lateral movements and the ability to make sharp cuts while maintaining a high rate of speed, Messer is one of the fastest runners in his state class. Although I do not have his 40 times, I would assume it is a relatively higher speed, and his tape proves it. Once Brock breaks out onto the open field, there's nobody that is going to catch up to him. Messer also sees the field exceptionally well compared to most other recruits in his position, in which he can read the weak gaps on the field well before the defense can adjust to the weak spot and exploit it. Although there have currently not been any official offers/collegiate interests announced, he has a year left of high school ball to show out his high-level talents once more. This time though, I believe recruiters will notice his excellent skills running the football.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2JLA9Nu0022u003eTape:u003c/au003ernrnu0026nbsp;","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_1_player_details_player_name":"Isaiah Adkins","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_1_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_1_player_details_height":"6'2u0022","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_1_player_details_position":"2411","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_1_player_details_school":"East Ridge High School ","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_1_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_1_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_1_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"Isaiah Adkins is an impressive WR/Rb prospect that specializes in creating separation from opposing defenders through his superb running skills. Adkins, a 6'2 185lb 2024 grad from East Ridge High School, recorded a fantastic stat line running the football during the 2022 football season. As an RB, he ran 104 carries for 1,1105 rushing yards u0026amp; 15 rushing touchdowns in 10 games played (10.6 yards per carry; 110 yards per game). As a receiver, he recorded 21 receptions for 243 receiving yards u0026amp; 4 receiving touchdowns. Not only can Adkins see the field exceptionally well to find weak gaps before the ball is snapped, but when there is a contested spot, he can still gain positive yardage by using his superior strength to break off multiple tackles. Isaiah can also break out onto the open field with his high-tier speed and agility when juking past opposing defenders. As a receiver, Adkins can use his tall frame to get up high for difficult throws, along with separating off opposing DBs using his off-ball route running. As an RB, Adkins can transfer the skills that he uses to create separation there and use it off the ball to get himself open for a reception. This transition is not easy for many WR/RB players, but Adkins is extremely dynamic with his play style, making him such a high-level recruit. As of now, Adkins has not announced any offers/interest from recruiters however I expect that to change by the end of the 2023 season.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2KnA0Cu0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_2_player_details_player_name":"Tate Crum","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_2_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_2_player_details_height":"6'4u0022","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_2_player_details_position":"2405","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_2_player_details_school":"Martin County High School","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_2_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_2_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_2_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_2_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"Tate Crum comes in as another talented offensive prospect out of Martin County High School. Crum, a 6'4 270lb Center from the class of 2024 specializes in blocking out defensive pressure and creating open gaps/running lanes for his offense to exploit. Alongside his teammate [player_tooltip player_id='653487' first='Brock' last='Messer'] and other offensive weapons the Martin County offense had in their 2022 season arsenal, Crum's efforts helped lead their team to lead the entire state 2A class in total rushing with 3,866 yards. Crum's strength tends to be no match for any incoming tackle as he can balance his exploding leg drive to take on multiple defenders at once to prevent a collapse in the offensive line. Along with that, Tate has terrific stamina to maintain his strength over a prolonged play to give enough time for the offense to make a positive gain. Although Crum was not the one scoring the touchdowns or earning the yards, he was easily one of the most impactful contributors to Martin County's success offensively and I can see him transferring that success to the next level. As of now, Crum has attended recent collegiate camps and has had numerous interests. I expect that to continue during his final season at Martin County High School.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2Jq3gmu0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["502751"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='502751' first='Brady' last='Bentley'] is a crafty wide receiver who excels at creating separation from opposing defensive backs and getting himself open for passes. Bentley, the 5'7 165lb 2024 grad from Shelby Valley High School, had a fantastic 2022 campaign as he recorded 57 receptions for 1,208 receiving yards u0026amp; 13 receiving touchdowns in 13 games played (21.2 yards per reception; 93 yards per game). Although not the biggest or tallest high-level receiver prospect in the Bluegrass State, Bentley utilizes his skills through his superior route running. Before the ball snaps, Brady has a great instinct to determine where there are certain gaps in the secondary for him to head for them which will enable him to receive the ball a lot easier. In many cases, this gives the quarterback enough room to make a good throw to Bentley so he can continue gaining more yards after the reception. Brady also inherits outstanding lateral quickness which allows him to make impactful change-of-direction jukes to maneuver himself past incoming defenders. This helps him either create separation before the throw or to create more yards once he has already caught the toss. Brady plays the game with tons of game IQ and strategy which is unlike many of the other receiver prospects in the state. For that reason, he would make a great asset to any team at the next level.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2Jtcg8u0022u003eTape: u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["381922"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"Zane is a terrific pocket passer who throws with a lot of accuracy and can get the ball out quickly to his targets before the pressure gets to him. Cartwright, a 5'11 180lb 2024 grad from Mayfield High School, had a great 2022 season as he completed 66% of his passing attempts for 2,350 passing yards u0026amp; a 26:4 TD/INT ratio in 15 games played (141 passing yards per game). Zane possesses a great QB trait of keeping calm and loose when in the pocket. Despite any sort of incoming pressure from the defense, Zane does not display any panic as he can get his throws off quickly to his targets with precision. On his shorter throwing routes, his throwing angle sometimes mimics NFL great Aaron Rodgers as they can both sling the ball smoothly and accurately to their receiver with a good amount of throwing velocity. I also want to mention that Cartwright has top-tier QB footwork and his positioning on every throwing attempt is without error. This enables Zane to rarely make any bad throws and potentially commit a turnover. Although he mainly utilizes his skills in the pocket, Zane also has great skills at throwing precise passes to his targets while on the run. While he is not particularly considered a dual-threat QB, Zane can improvise on plays when the pressure does get to him too quickly before he makes a throwing decision, and escape the pocket to give his receivers more time to get open. This IQ and strategy help him convert more yards as opposed to losing the ball more on downs. As of June 2023, Zane has had collegiate interest and recently received an offer from Kentucky Wesleyan College. With a year left of high school ball, he still has more of an opportunity to add even more interest from schools.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2K1yeFu0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":5,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-648807954a439"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->