2023 Statewide Offensive Top Performers: Week 8

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2023 high school football season is in full swing in the state of Kentucky as we have now had eight full weeks of regular season action. Week 8 gave us several exciting games with some impressive individual performances. While it was hard to pick from all of the strong performances from this past weekend, here are my top offensive performances in the state of Kentucky from Week 8. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["499069"],"_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":"[player_tooltip player_id='499069' first='Daniel' last='Thomas'] has had an incredible senior year so far and continued to impress this past week. Thomas put together another outstanding rushing performance in Bell County's win over Knox Central, finishing with 22 carries for 251 yards and five touchdowns. He has true breakaway speed, showing the ability to burst through the running lane and run right by defenders on his way to the end zone. Thomas has also shown the ability to make defenders miss in the open field when they are able to catch up to him. To add to his point totals, Thomas also converted three two-point conversion attempts in last week's game. Daniel also played a role on defense, finishing the game with nine tackles. Thomas surprisingly doesn't hold any offers yet but I expect some to come his way soon as he has received some college interest and definitely has the talent to play at the next level.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["735688"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='735688' first='Derion' last='Talbert'] is a wide receiver that I've had high on my radar for a while now and has continued to impress this season. He had another strong performance in the Broncos' win over Madison Central, catching four passes for 154 yards and two touchdowns. Talbert lined up in the slot where he was able to use his speed to blow by defensive backs to create separation in the deep passing game. He was also able to use his speed after the catch, showing the ability to run away from the defense in the open field to turn screens into big plays. Talbert also broke loose for a 52-yard touchdown run. Derion currently holds an offer from Miami (OH) and I expect more to come his way as he is a Division I caliber wide receiver prospect.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["331764"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='331764' first='Jarren' last='Johnson'] is another player that has had a strong 2023 season so far. He continued to impress this past week, playing a huge role in Union County's win over Hancock County. Johnson lines up at quarterback but is mainly used is a running threat as he has shown the speed to take the snap and burst through the running lane and run away from the defense. He finished this past week's game with 19 carries for 241 yards and four touchdowns. Johnson also completed 2/5 passes for nine yards. Jarren doesn't currently hold any offers but he is a player that college coaches should keep an eye on over the next couple seasons.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["735544"],"_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='735544' first='Armani' last='Gregg'] is a player that has been on my radar for a while now but he truly stood out to me this past week. The junior quarterback led his team to a win over Conner, completing 12/22 passes for 192 yards, one touchdown, and an interception. He showed a strong arm which he used to lead his receivers down the field in the deep passing game. While he was solid as a passer, he made an even bigger impact in the run game. Gregg displayed the ability to tuck the ball and use his speed to run away from the defense, finishing the game with 12 carries for 120 yards and four touchdowns. Armani doesn't currently hold any offers but he will be a player to keep an eye on over the next two seasons.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["502751"],"_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":"[player_tooltip player_id='502751' first='Brady' last='Bentley'] is another player that has been high on my radar for a while now and continued to impress this past week. The senior wide receiver put on a show in Shelby Valley's win over Pike County Central, catching five passes for 207 yards and three touchdowns. Bentley is a dangerous deep threat, using his speed to blow by opposing defensive backs to create separation. He is also very impressive after the catch, using his speed and elusiveness to turn short passes into big gains. Bentley doesn't currently hold any offers but he deserves some attention from college coaches as he has the talent to play somewhere at the next level.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_5_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_5_player_details_player_name":"Thomas Jordan","_player_evaluations_5_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_5_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_5_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_5_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_5_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_5_player_details_position":"2408","_player_evaluations_5_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_5_player_details_school":"Harlan County","_player_evaluations_5_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_5_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_5_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_5_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_5_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"Thomas Jordan is a player that jumped onto my radar this past week. He played a huge role in Harlan County's win over South Laurel. Jordan lined up at running back and was dominant on the ground, running the ball 29 times for 268 yards and three touchdowns. He also showed the ability to make catches out of the backfield, catching two passes for 38 yards. Jordan doesn't currently hold any offers but is a player that college coaches should definitely keep a close eye on this season.","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_6_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_6_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_6_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1149593' first='Cameron' last='Rogers']","_player_evaluations_6_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_6_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_6_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_6_player_details_height":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_6_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_6_player_details_position":"2411","_player_evaluations_6_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_6_player_details_school":"Morgan County","_player_evaluations_6_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_6_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_6_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_6_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_6_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='1149593' first='Cameron' last='Rogers'] is another ball carrier that stood out to me this past week. He played a key role in Morgan County's win over Jenkins, running the ball 11 times for 253 yards and three touchdowns. Rogers has impressive speed which he uses to get to the outside and up the field in a hurry to run away from the defense on long runs. He also showed good contact balance, showing the ability to break tackles without losing stride. Rogers also caught a 52-yard touchdown pass and returned one punt for a touchdown. He also played a role on defense, finishing the game with six tackles. Cameron doesn't currently hold any offers but he should be a player to keep an eye on over the next couple seasons.","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_7_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_7_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_7_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1506779' first='Brady' last='Lee']","_player_evaluations_7_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_7_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_7_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_7_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_7_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_7_player_details_position":"2409","_player_evaluations_7_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_7_player_details_school":"Simon Kenton","_player_evaluations_7_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_7_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_7_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_7_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_7_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='1506779' first='Brady' last='Lee'] is a quarterback that jumped onto my radar this past week. Lee led Simon Kenton to a big win over Great Crossing. He showed the ability to stretch the field as a passer, completing 15/25 passes for 339 yards and three touchdowns. Brady has also shown the ability to put a nice amount of touch on his passes, putting the ball where only his intended receiver can catch it. He also showed the ability to make plays with his legs, running the ball 11 times for 63 yards and a touchdown. Lee doesn't currently hold any offers but he will be a player to keep an eye on over the next two seasons.","_player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_8_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_8_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_8_player_details_player_name":"Nate Goodin","_player_evaluations_8_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_8_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_8_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_8_player_details_height":"6'2u0022","_player_evaluations_8_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_8_player_details_position":"2409","_player_evaluations_8_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_8_player_details_school":"Williamsburg","_player_evaluations_8_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_8_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_8_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_8_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_8_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"Another quarterback that stood out to me this past week was Nate Goodin. Goodin led Williamsburg to a dominant win over Lynn Camp. He put on an impressive performance as a passer, completing 7/9 passes for 209 yards and three touchdowns. While he had a strong performance through the air, he also showed true dual-threat ability, finishing the game with seven carries for 127 yards and a touchdown. Goodin doesn't currently hold any offers but he is an intriguing prospect for coaches to keep an eye on over the next couple seasons.","_player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_9_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_9_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_9_player_details_player_name":"Justus Wertzler","_player_evaluations_9_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_9_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_9_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_9_player_details_height":"6'2u0022","_player_evaluations_9_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_9_player_details_position":"2411","_player_evaluations_9_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_9_player_details_school":"Woodford County","_player_evaluations_9_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_9_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_9_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_9_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_9_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"To wrap up this week's offensive top performers, I have Justus Wertzler from Woodford County. The junior quarterback helped lead his team to a win over Collins, completing 12/19 passes for 257 yards and five touchdowns. Wertzler has a strong arm which he uses to lead his receivers down the field and hit them in stride in the deep passing game. He also puts a nice amount of touch on his passes, putting the ball where only his intended receiver can catch it. Justus also played a role on defense as a defensive back, coming away with one interception. Justus doesn't currently hold any offers but he will be a player for college coaches to keep an eye on over the next two seasons.","_player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":10,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65270e2d77f7d"} /-->