Offensive Players to Watch for: KHSA Class 3A
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In my recent posts, I looked at some talented offensive and defensive prospects from the KHSA state 1A & 2A class(s). After continuing to look through many offensive and defensive prospects from the 3A class, my initial conclusion still stands.…
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Continue ReadingIn my recent posts, I looked at some talented offensive and defensive prospects from the KHSA state 1A & 2A class(s). After continuing to look through many offensive and defensive prospects from the 3A class, my initial conclusion still stands. Each and every Kentucky state division class will always generate an abundance of talented prospects that can all play at the next level. No matter what position a recruiter is particularly looking for, there will always be enough talent to observe in the Bluegrass state. For today, I will be listing some highly talented offensive prospects that play in the state 3A division.
Trey Durbin Trey Durbin 6’1″ | 205 lbs | ATH Elizabethtown | 2024 State KY is a dual-threat running back prospect that excels at slicing through the defense at a rapid rate and can beat you off receiving routes as well. Durbin, a 6’1, 207lb prospect playing for Elizabethtown High School, had a stellar season as he recorded 99 carries for 1,130 rushing yards, 13 catches for 314 receiving yards, and 19 total touchdowns in 12 games played. When viewing Trey Durbin Trey Durbin 6’1″ | 205 lbs | ATH Elizabethtown | 2024 State KY ‘s playing ability on the gridiron for the first time, the immediate thought is how remarkably good he is at cutting through the defense. Durbin makes this look incredibly easy to cut through narrow running gaps and shift past the incoming defenders to break out onto open field. Durbin can effectively perform this through his fantastic lateral motions. Durbin is one of the most laterally agile players in the 3A prospect class, and he can maintain his top speed even when changing directions. This level of talent is not often seen in this state, and he is one of the few to hold that title of elite play. As of this summer, Trey has had some collegiate interest from a few D1 programs and has attended their summer prospect camps. There is little to no doubt he will be suiting up at the next level after his upcoming senior season.
Jhaden is a tall & athletic receiving prospect that possesses elite route running ability and lateral shiftiness. Vaugh, a 6’5 185lb 2024 grad from Trigg County High School, had a great 2022 season as he caught 39 receptions for 862 receiving yards & 9 receiving touchdowns in 11 games played (22.1 yards per reception). Vaughn can make his defenders lose him easily when on 1v1 go routes, and sharp lateral movements help him create even more space to receive the football. Alongside his route running skills is his freakish athleticism receiving the football. With a taller frame and stronger upper body, Jhaden can make difficult catches outside his body even with defender contact. Vaughn is also quick off his initial first step and nobody can catch him after that once he reaches open field. Vaughn excels at punt returns due to his ability to create abrupt spacing through his sharp lateral jabs and cuts through the incoming defenders. Vaughn has the build and playstyle of a Power 5 wide receiver and there is no doubt in my mind that he will be playing at the D1 level after his senior season.
Brandon Houston Brandon Houston 6’2″ | 180 lbs | WR Ashland Blazer | 2024 State KY is another elite route-running wide receiver prospect from the 2024 class. Houston, a 6’2 180lb WR recruit playing for Ashland Blazer High School had an excellent 2022 season as he caught 39 receptions for 920 receiving yards & 9 receiving touchdowns in 14 games played (23.6 yards per reception). Brandon has a terrific specialty of creating separation from opposing defensive backs with his route-running skills. From his effective sharp jukes and lateral movements, Houston can fake the opposing DBs the other way for him to get open for the catch. The unique trait about Houston is his strength on the ball. In other words, Brandon can push off opposing defenders and create separation when off the ball and while running after the reception. His strength is well above the standard for receivers in his grad class and he uses that to his advantage. As of this summer, Houston received his first D1 offer and continues to visit other D1 schools, so I do not expect him to have any trouble finding a school to play at after his senior 2023 season is over.
Keshaun Thomas Keshaun Thomas 6’0″ | 170 lbs | QB Mason Co | 2024 State KY is an impressive dual-threat QB that can embarrass the opposing defense either with his arm or his legs. Thomas, a 5’11 170lb 2024 grad playing for Mason County High School had a solid 2022 football season for them as he completed 57.7% of his passes for 2,188 passing yards & a 24:9 TD/Int ratio. Thomas is everything a recruiter can expect coming from a dual-threat QB and more. Whether he can beat an opposing defense with his ability with his off-body throws while escaping the pocket or simply slipping past the defensive line with his superb running jabs, Thomas has a unique set of weapons he uses every game. When in the pocket, Thomas’s lower arm angle enables him to make quick straight alignment throws to his receiver on shorter-to-medium distance throws, and his legs come into play when making deeper passes. What is amazing about his passing ability is that he can throw just as far and accurately throwing off the run as when sitting steadily in the pocket. When escaping the pocket and attempting to just run with the football, Keshaun quickly turns into a shifty running back that can slip by incoming defenders with his superior lateral movements. Along with that, Thomas is exceptionally strong for his position and can push off or even bulldoze past incoming defenders when running with the ball. The amount of assets he has in his arsenal is endless, which makes him such an elite QB prospect. As of now, he has been going to different recruiting camps and getting seen. I would be shocked if he does not pick up an offer from a college by the end of his senior season.
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