Explosive Standouts in Kentucky from the Playoffs (11/10)
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With another week of high school football in the books, it’s time to visit the Bluegrass State to highlight the most explosive standouts on both sides of the ball from this past week of playoff action. Without any further ado,…
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Continue ReadingWith another week of high school football in the books, it’s time to visit the Bluegrass State to highlight the most explosive standouts on both sides of the ball from this past week of playoff action. Without any further ado, here’s my list of some guys that have established themselves as high-level playmakers ahead of the quarterfinals later this week.
At the top of my list of notable performers is Cortez Stone Cortez Stone 5’10” | 170 lbs | RB Louisville Central | 2025 State KY , a running back at Louisville Central High School. Stone and the Yellow Jackets picked up a 37-0 blowout win over Mercer County last week. What impresses me most about Stone is his ability to blast past the defense in the pocket, utilizing bursts of speed as well as his durable edge to escape tackles and maneuver the defense on his way into the backfield. Stone also impresses me with his footwork and breakaway speed, showing off his ability to juke out the defense and force his way into the endzone.
I am additionally impressed with Deion Winstead Deion Winstead 6’0″ | 200 lbs | ATH Mandarin | 2025 FL , a running back at Owensboro High School. Winstead and the Red Devils collected a 53-22 blowout victory over South Warren this past week. Winstead’s calculated footwork and ability to take it all the way to the house from just a few yards out makes him a dangerous running back to sleep on, scoring a 10-yard touchdown against the Spartans. Winstead additionally makes his presence known in the pocket, using his versatility to withstand defensive contact and boost offensive production on the ground.
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Claiming the number three spot on my list is Kolter Smith Kolter Smith 6’0″ | 190 lbs | QB Louisville Male | 2024 State KY , a quarterback at Louisville Male High School. Smith and the Bulldogs earned a 34-14 win over Fern Creek this past week. What stands out most about Smith is his unpredictability under center. Smith can both gain yards on the ground himself as well as hit his receivers in stride anywhere on the field. Smith’s short throws and consistent deep passing also impresses, showing off his arm strength, precision in the air and his ability to put his team in the endzone.
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Another skilled prospect to watch for is Brock Coffman Brock Coffman 6’0″ | 160 lbs | WR Sayre School | 2025 State KY , a wide receiver at Sayre High School. Coffman and the Spartans are coming off a 38-12 victory over Paris last week. Coffman impresses me with his ability to create significant seperation down the stretch, allowing for him to stay wide open for deep passes into the redzone. Coffman’s ability to quickly juke out the defense, attack the ball in the air and quickly pick up speed after the catch has made a considerable difference in putting his team on the scoreboard.
Eric Barnes
Eric Barnes
Coming in at number five on my list is Eric Barnes, a defensive lineman at Madison Southern High School. Barnes and the Eagles were unable to outperform North Laurel this past week, falling 42-6. Barnes makes his presence known defensively due to his commanding physical edge and overall stopping power, proving he can quickly down receivers after the catch. Barnes also stands out with his ability to quickly pounce on playmakers in the pocket, apply heavy pressure on the quarterback and swat the ball out of the air.
JoeAvion Starks
JoeAvion Starks
Also worth mentioning is JoeAvion Starks, a wide receiver at Paducah Tilghman High School. Starks and the Blue Tornado picked up a 56-7 blowout win over Warren East last week. Starks impresses me with his breakaway speed and ability to be physical in coverage, showing off his ability to maneuver the field and attack the ball in the air. I also like Starks due to his route-running ability and consistent catching ability in the endzone. As the playoffs continue, Starks should not be slept on down the stretch.