Impactful Offensive Standouts from Week 1

After the opening kickoff of high school football action in Kentucky this past weekend, it's time to look back at some of the top offensive performers from week one of the 2023 season that established themselves as playmakers. Without any further ado, here's my list of the most impactful offensive standouts from week one to keep an eye on going forward.    At the top of my list of notable performers is [player_tooltip player_id='317787' first='Trevor' last='Havill'], a 6-foot-5, 210-pound quarterback from St. Xavier High School. Havill was nearly unstoppable during the Tigers' week one win over Floyd Central High School, throwing for 12 completions out of 15 attempts for 195 yards and four touchdowns. In addition to excellent athleticism and arm strength, what stands out about Havill is his precision and accuracy in the air as well as his ability to consistently hit his receivers in stride. I also liked Havill's ability to give himself space off the snap, his durability on his feet and his ability to adapt to pressure.     <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2LNY6Y">Tape:</a>    I am additionally impressed with [player_tooltip player_id='212337' first='Trevy' last='Barber'], a 5-foot-9, 165-pound wide receiver at Bowling Green High School. Barber stood out at multiple moments in the Purples' season-opener against Lexington Christian Academy, hauling in eight receptions for 101 yards and one touchdown. What makes Barber so impactful is his size, explosive edge, footwork and speed down the stretch. I also like Barber's physicality as he's able to break tackles. His ability to get open for quick passes and deep shots down the field also made a huge difference.     <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2LPEkJ">Tape:</a>    Claiming the number three spot on my list of standouts is [player_tooltip player_id='873790' first='Giaonni' last='Hunter'], a 5-foot-11, 210-pound running back at Shelby County High School. Hunter was a major gamechanger on the ground for the Rockets, picking up 23 rush attempts for 221 yards and three touchdowns. What makes Hunter so explosive is his ability to consistently and quickly blast past the defense in the pocket and make his way down the field, using bursts of speed to escape the defense. Another aspect of Hunter's playstyle that impresses is his overall physicality and durable edge as he can combat defensive strength with his size, strength and electric movement.     <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2LNxif">Tape:</a>    Another top prospect is [player_tooltip player_id='288257' first='Clay' last='Hayden'], a 6-foot-1, 180-pound quarterback at Beechwood High School. Hayden was highly explosive at the helm of the Tigers' offense in week one, throwing for 20 completions out of 26 attempts for 264 yards and two touchdowns. Clay also picked up eight yards on the ground on six rush attempts. In addition to solid footwork and execution off the snap, Hayden impressed me with his composure under pressure as well as his ability to quickly get the ball out of his hands and into the hands of his receivers. The timing and pin-point accuracy of Hayden's passing made a huge difference in Beechwood's commanding 31-14 win.     <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2LNtch">Tape:</a>    Coming in at number five on my list is [player_tooltip player_id='653477' first='Carter' last='Stewart'], a 6-foot-0, 165-pound wide receiver at Corbin High School. Stewart was a key offensive weapon for the Redhounds during their blowout victory over Hughes High School in week one, hauling in three receptions for a total of 71 yards. Stewart impressed me with his route-running ability along the edge and his consistency in escaping the defense with his footwork and movement. In addition to using bursts of speed to escape defenders down the stretch, Stewart also stands out with his durability as he can stay on his feet despite heavy contact and break tackles on his way down the field.     <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2LNpwG">Tape:</a>

After the opening kickoff of high school football action in Kentucky this past weekend, it's time to look back at some of the top offensive performers from week one of the 2023 season that established themselves as playmakers. Without any further ado, here's my list of the most impactful offensive standouts from week one to keep an eye on going forward.