Top 2026 Stockrisers in Kentucky to Watch in Week 7
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After week six of high school football action in the state of Kentucky, it’s time to highlight some highly explosive playmakers on both sides of the ball that have made their presence known on the field this season. Today, we…
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Continue ReadingAfter week six of high school football action in the state of Kentucky, it’s time to highlight some highly explosive playmakers on both sides of the ball that have made their presence known on the field this season. Today, we will be continuing my “Stockrisers” series as we explore an assortment of talented sophomore prospects from all across the Bluegrass State. Without any further ado, here’s my list of some 2026 stockrisers to become more familiar with ahead of week seven of competition.
Highlights
At the top of my list of notable performers is Chadyn Morris Chadyn Morris 6'1" | 185 lbs | WR Owensboro | 2026 State KY , a 6-foot-1, 165-pound wide receiver at Owensboro High School. Morris has been an offensive gamechanger for the Red Devils so far this season, hauling in 16 receptions for 185 yards and two touchdowns in five games. In addition to outstanding size and speed, what impresses me the most about Morris is his breakaway speed and ability to quickly push off the defense to get in position for quick catches and deep passes down the field. I’m additionally fond of Morris due to his ability to handle contact and stay on his feet en route to the endzone.
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I am additionally impressed with Ridge Holman Ridge Holman 6'3" | 200 lbs | QB Logan County | 2026 State KY , a 6-foot-3, 200-pound quarterback at Logan County High School. In six contests at the helm of the Cougars’ offense, Holman has thrown 107 completions out of 187 attempts for 1,230 yards and 14 touchdowns. Holman has also made 21 rush attempts this year. What stands out most about Holman is his quick execution off the snap and composure under pressure, showcasing his ability to get the ball into the hands of his receivers upon contact. Another aspect of Holman’s playstyle that impresses is his arm strength and accuracy, proving he can hit his receivers in stride from anywhere on the field.
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Claiming the number three spot on my list is Cole Rose Cole Rose 6'4" | 220 lbs | DL George Rogers Clark | 2026 State KY , a 6-foot-3, 210-pound defensive lineman at Montgomery County High School. In six games with the Indians, Rose has recorded 42 total tackles, including 10 solo stops, 32 assisted takedowns, eight tackles for loss and four sacks. What stands out most about Rose is his defensive explosiveness and ability to blast past the offensive line, disrupt playmakers in the pocket and stop the rush. Rose also makes a difference with his ability to stop the offense along the edge, positioning himself perfectly while using bursts of speed to keep the offense out of the backfield.
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Another skilled prospect to keep an eye on is Keagan Maher Keagan Maher 5'8" | 170 lbs | RB Randall K. Cooper | 2026 State KY , a 5-foot-8, 160-pound running back at Cooper High School. In six contests this season, Maher is the Jaguars’ best ground weapon, picking up 57 rush attempts for 278 yards and three touchdowns. Maher has also been explosive down the stretch, hauling in 11 receptions for 98 yards and another four scores. With excellent size, speed and versatility, Maher has proven his ability to stun the defense in the pocket, taking advantage of disorganization to break free into the backfield. Maher’s quickness and ability to stay on his feet additionally impresses me.
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Coming in at number five on my list is Gabriel Blackburn Gabriel Blackburn 6'0" | 210 lbs | DL Johnson Central | 2026 KY , a 6-foot-0, 210-pound offensive lineman at Johnson Central High School. Blackburn has been an impactful weapon for the Golden Eagles on the line in five games this season. Blackburn contributes solid size, speed and strength off the snap, proving his efficiency against the defensive line with his ability to quickly overwhelm players with his firm stance and relentless toughness. Another aspect of Blackburn’s playstyle that contributes to his team’s offensive effort is his ability to absorb contact thanks to his durability, allowing his team more time to advance production and force their way into scoring position.
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Another notable playmaker to watch out for is Dakota Hunter Dakota Hunter 6'1" | 175 lbs | TE Warren Central | 2026 State KY , a 6-foot-1, 175-pound tight end at Warren Central High School. In six contests with the Dragons this season, Hunter is leading all receivers on the roster, hauling in four receptions for a total of 71 yards and two touchdowns. Hunter makes a considerable offensive difference with his route-running ability and breakaway speed, showing off his ability to consistently make catches and beat the defense on the ground. I’m additionally fond of Hunter’s swift movement, durability and ability to stay in front of passes in the endzone.