2023 Regular Season All-State Team: 5A Offense

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we begin the month of November, one of the most exciting times of the year is finally here, playoff football! With the 2023 high school football season in the state of Kentucky behind us, I wanted to focus on some of the top players from this past season. In order to do this, I will be releasing my Regular Season All-State teams in each class. With class 6A out of the way, I will now turn my attention to 5A, starting with the offensive side of the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["340071"],"_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='340071' first='Deuce' last='Bailey'] has continued to improve this season that he is one of the best quarterbacks in the entire state regardless of class. He had a very impressive regular season, completing 178/259 passes for 2,629 yards, 30 touchdowns, and four interceptions. Bailey has a very strong arm which he uses to stretch the field in the deep passing game. He also has shown a nice amount of touch on his passes, putting the ball where only his intended receiver can catch it. Bailey has also shown the ability to make plays with his legs when needed, finishing the regular season with 36 carries for 68 yards and four touchdowns. Deuce currently holds offers from Missouri State, Miami (OH), and Eastern Kentucky, and I expect more to come his way as he is a true Division I caliber quarterback prospect.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["331739"],"_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":"I decided to have two quarterbacks in my 5A All-State team as it just felt wrong to choose between the two players. [player_tooltip player_id='331739' first='Bryce' last='Button'] had a very strong junior regular season, completing 160/249 passes for 2,848 yards, 34 touchdowns, and five interceptions. Button throws a very impressive deep ball, showing the ability to lead his receivers down the field and hit them in stride. He has also shown very good pocket mobility, showing the ability to maneuver in the pocket to avoid pressure while keeping his eyes down the field to find the open receiver. Bryce has also shown the ability to tuck the ball and make plays as a ball carrier, running the ball 45 times for 286 yards and six touchdowns in the regular season. Button currently holds one offer from Eastern Kentucky and I expect more to come his way as he has received a lot of college interest and has the talent to play quarterback at the Division I level.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["401923"],"_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='401923' first='Markezz' last='Hightower'] is a running back that has been high on my radar for a while now and continued to impress this season. He finished the regular season with 144 carries for 1,175 yards and 19 touchdowns. Markezz is a physical runner that hits the running lane with a sense of urgency and has the contact balance to run straight through defenders without breaking stride. Once he hits the open field, Hightower has also shown that he has the speed and elusiveness to break away on long runs at any given moment. Markezz doesn't currently hold any offers but he should definitely be a player for college coaches to keep a close eye on over the next two seasons.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["331736"],"_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='839266' first='Isaiah' last='Johnson'] is a player that has quickly climbed up my radar this season. He finished the regular season among the statewide leading pass catchers with 58 receptions for 1,419 yards and 18 touchdowns. Johnson has been a very dangerous deep threat this season where he has shown the ability to convert his quick release into explosive speed to blow by opposing defensive backs to create separation. He has also shown very impressive hands and contested catch ability, showing the ability to go up and catch passes at their highest point no matter what type of coverage is around him. Isaiah currently holds an offer from Eastern Kentucky and I expect more to come his way as he is a true Division I caliber wide receiver prospect.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["212337"],"_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='212337' first='Trevy' last='Barber'] is a player that has continued to establish himself as one of the top players in the state at his position. The sophomore wide receiver had a very impressive regular season, finishing with 53 receptions for 827 yards and 12 touchdowns. Barber lines up mainly in the slot where he has proven to be a very impressive route runner. He has shown the ability to use smooth breaks in his routes to create separation from opposing defensive backs. Barber is also very dangerous after the catch, showing the speed and elusiveness to turn short passes into big gains at any given moment. He has also proven to be an electric returner on special teams, returning one kickoff for a touchdown during the regular season. Barber currently holds offers from Miami (OH) and Eastern Kentucky, and I expect more to come his way as he is a Division I caliber wide receiver prospect.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["317390"],"_player_evaluations_5_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"While he spends most of his time at quarterback, I wanted to add [player_tooltip player_id='317390' first='Brody' last='Benke'] as an “ATH” selection as he has done a little bit of everything for the Highlands offense this season. As a passer, Benke has shown the arm talent to truly stretch the field in the deep passing game. In the regular season, Benke completed 90/141 passes for 1,442 yards, 21 touchdowns, and four interceptions. He also asserted his dominance in the run game where he showed the physicality to run straight through defenders in the open field. Benke finished the regular season with 118 carries for 869 yards and 17 touchdowns. Brody also showed the ability to line up on the outside at receiver and produce as a pass catcher, finishing the regular season with 20 catches for 260 yards and three touchdowns. Benke currently holds offers from Mount Union, Georgia Military, Judson, and Pikeville, and I expect more to come his way as he has the talent to play multiple positions at the next level.","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_player":["283977"],"_player_evaluations_6_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"Another member of the Highlands offense that has stood out to me this season is [player_tooltip player_id='283977' first='Max' last='Merz']. Merz lines up at offensive guard where he is dominant as a run blocker. He is very effective as a puller, showing the quickness to get around in front of the ball carrier and pick up blocks in open space. Merz also create a ton of movement off the line of scrimmage, driving his man off the ball and finishing his blocks several yards down the field with a ton of physicality. Max currently holds offers from Toledo and Eastern Kentucky, and I expect more to come his way as he is a Division I caliber offensive line prospect with two years to continue to develop.","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_7_player":["373822"],"_player_evaluations_7_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='373822' first='Dylan' last='Stewart'] is an offensive lineman that has been high on my radar for a while now and has continued to impress this season. Stewart lines up at left tackle where he is very impressive as a run blocker. He has shown the ability to explode out of his stance then drive his man down the field and finish his blocks through the whistle, resulting in several pancake blocks. Stewart has also shown the ability to get up to the second level and pick up blocks in open space. He is also very reliable in pass protection, showing the ability to mirror pass rushers off the edge and keep a strong base, not allowing for much penetration into the pocket. Dylan currently holds an offer from Eastern Kentucky and I expect more to come his way as he has the talent to play at the Division I level.","_player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_8_player":["419796"],"_player_evaluations_8_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='419796' first='Jak' last='Lindsey'] is another offensive lineman that has been high on my radar for a while now and continued to impress this season. Lindsey made the move from tackle to center this season where he continued to assert his dominance in the run game. He showed the ability to snap the ball quickly and step to his man then drive them out of the picture to create a running lane. Lindsey has also shown the ability to finish blocks with a ton of physicality, resulting in several pancake blocks. He has also proven to be reliable in pass protection, showing the ability to keep his head on a swivel and continue to find work to protect his quarterback. Lindsey is committed to Southern Illinois where I can see him developing into a key piece of their offensive line once he gets there.","_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":"[player_tooltip player_id='1149577' first='Cameron' last='Bell']","_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":"6'3u0022","_player_evaluations_9_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_9_player_details_position":"2405","_player_evaluations_9_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_9_player_details_school":"South Warren","_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":"[player_tooltip player_id='1149577' first='Cameron' last='Bell'] is an offensive lineman that jumped onto my radar this season. He lines up at right tackle where he is very dominant as a run blocker. Bell explodes out of his stance and keeps his feet driving through contact to drive his man down the field to create a running lane. He also has shown the ability to get to the second level and pick up blocks in open space. Bell is also reliable in pass protection, showing the ability to get back in his pass set quickly to mirror opposing pass rushers off the edge. Cameron doesn't currently hold any offers but I expect some to come his way eventually as he has received some college interest and has the talent to play  at the next level.","_player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_10_player":["381905"],"_player_evaluations_10_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_10_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_10_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_10_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_10_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_10_evaluation":"To wrap up my 5A Regular Season All-State Offense, I have [player_tooltip player_id='381905' first='DeMarcus' last='Elliott'] from Bowling Green. Elliott lines up at guard where he is very impressive as a run blocker. He has shown the ability to create movement off the line of scrimmage, exploding out of his stance and driving his man several yards down the field. Elliott finishes his blocks with a ton of physicality, resulting in several pancake blocks. He is also reliable in pass protection, showing the ability to keep a strong base and not allow for much penetration into the pocket. DeMarcus currently holds offers from Tennessee State, Pikeville, Campbellsville, Cumberlands (KY), Kentucky Wesleyan, and San Bernardino Valley, and I expect more to come his way as he has the talent to play at the next level.","_player_evaluations_10_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":11,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-654ac0d04847a"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Honorable Mention:</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Quarterback</strong>: [player_tooltip player_id='283958' first='Cam' last='O'Hara'] (Cooper, 2026); [player_tooltip player_id='378831' first='Kade' last='Goodin'] (Collins, 2027)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Running Back</strong>: [player_tooltip player_id='677342' first='Ethan' last='Gregory'] (North Laurel, 2024); [player_tooltip player_id='1200633' first='Kadin' last='Hanshaw'] (Grayson County, 2027); [player_tooltip player_id='262300' first='Kasen' last='Brock'] (Pulaski County, 2027)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Wide Receiver: </strong>[player_tooltip player_id='653493' first='Bailey' last='Shoemaker'] (South Warren, 2024); [player_tooltip player_id='852896' first='Harrison' last='Haddix'] (Montgomery County, 2024)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>ATH: </strong>[player_tooltip player_id='381910' first='TelTel' last='Long'] (Greenwood, 2024); [player_tooltip player_id='373792' first='Ethan' last='Moore'] (Madison Southern, 2025)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Offensive Line: </strong>[player_tooltip player_id='378828' first='Brady' last='Hull'] (Pulaski County, 2027); Connor Robinson (Madison Southern, 2024); Tyler Russell (Southwestern, 2024)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->