Kentucky Stock Up Performers: Week 7
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With another week of high school football action in the books, it’s time to visit the Bluegrass State to highlight some highly impactful playmakers from this past Friday’s slate of contests. Today, we will be continuining my “Stock Up Performers”…
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Continue ReadingWith another week of high school football action in the books, it’s time to visit the Bluegrass State to highlight some highly impactful playmakers from this past Friday’s slate of contests. Today, we will be continuining my “Stock Up Performers” series as we break down some of the top standouts in the state of Kentucky from week seven of the season. Without any further ado, here’s my list of notable prospects to keep an eye on as the season progresses.
At the top of my list of notable performers is Carter Stewart Carter Stewart 6'0" | 165 lbs | WR Corbin | 2024 State KY , a 6-foot-0, 165-pound wide receiver at Corbin High School. Stewart has stood out for the Redhounds on the offensive side of the ball this year, hauling in 31 receptions for 564 yards and seven touchdowns. Stewart has also collected one rush attempt for a pickup of 23 yards. In addition to his solid route-running ability, Stewart impresses me with his ability to haul in quick receptions as well as his ability to use bursts of speed to escape the defense from along the edge. Another aspect of Stewart that stands out is his ability to blast past the defense as a kick returner, using his quickness and physical edge to break tackles.
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I am additionally impressed with TelTel Long TelTel Long 5'11" | 170 lbs | ATH Greewood | 2024 State KY , a 5-foot-11, 170-pound athlete at Greenwood High School. Long has made considerable contributions for the Gators on both sides of the ball this year, recording 73 rush attempts for 484 yards and six touchdowns as well as 10 receptions for 166 yards and two scores on offense. On the other side, Long has picked up 14 total tackles, including eight solo stops, six assisted takedowns and two tackles for loss. Long also recovered one fumble for a return of 49 yards. In addition to solid size and speed, Long’s footwork and breakaway speed stand out, showcasing his ability to blast past the defense in the pocket and stay open down the stretch. I also like how Long can read the offense and make commanding stops on the other side with his awareness and defensive precision.
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Claiming the number three spot on my list is Brady Atwell Brady Atwell 6'3" | 225 lbs | QB Owensboro Catholic | 2025 State KY , a 6-foot-3, 225-pound quarterback at Owensboro Catholic High School. Atwell has been highly explosive at the helm of the Aces’ offense, throwing 149 completions out of 206 attempts for 2,247 yards and 33 touchdowns. Atwell has also picked up 32 rush attempts for 297 yards and eight scores. Atwell stands out with his quick execution off the snap as well as his pin-point accuracy, showcasing his ability to hit his receivers in stride from anywhere on the field. Atwell also impresses with his strong passing on third downs, proving he can advance offensive production in the air on deep passes into the backfield.
Another skilled prospect to keep an eye on is Connor Franklin Connor Franklin 6'0" | 180 lbs | LB Christian Academy Of Louisville | 2024 KY , a 6-foot-0, 185-pound linebacker at the Christian Academy of Louisville. Franklin has been a high-level defensive weapon for the Centurions this year, picking up 39 total tackles, including 24 solo stops, 15 assisted takedowns, one tackle for loss and two sacks. Franklin also forced one fumble, made one fumble recovery and hauled in one interception for 17 yards. What makes Franklin relentless on the defensive side is his quick execution, positioning and swift attacking, showcasing his ability to break free of the offensive line, apply pressure on the quarterback and make commanding stops.
Coming in at number five on my list is Jordan Haskins Jordan Haskins 5'11" | 170 lbs | DB Bryan Station | 2027 State KY , a 5-foot-11, 170-pound defensive back at Bryan Station High School. Haskins has been a gamechanger for the Defenders this year, collecting 15 total tackles, including 11 solo stops, four assisted takedowns and one tackle for loss. What I like about Haskins is his strength and ability to blast receivers to the ground quickly off the snap. Haskins also impresses me with his ability to keep the offense out of the backfield, dropping players to the ground from along the edge. Another aspect of Haskins that has made a difference this season is his ability to stun receivers with his defensive toughness down the stretch and shut down passing lanes in the backfield.
Darionte Ragsdale
Darionte Ragsdale
Another player to watch is Darionte Ragsdale, a 6-foot-2, 185-pound athlete at Paducah Tilghman High School. Ragsdale has made his presence known for the Blue Tornado on the defensive side of the ball, picking up 18 total tackles, including six solo stops, 12 assisted takedowns and one tackle for loss. Ragsdale also made one fumble recovery and hauled in two interceptions for a gain of 22 yards. Ragsdale stands out with his ability to jump around in the backfield and use bursts of speed to get in front of the ball to pick off the quarterback. I’m additionally fond of Ragsdale’s field awareness and quick execution off the snap, shutting down passing lanes and disrupting offensive production in the air.