2023 Kentucky All-State Team: Offense

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we approach the last few weeks of the year, another season of high school football in the state of Kentucky has come and gone. Over the past few weeks, I have been looking back at some of the top players from this past season by releasing my 2023 All-State teams in each class. With each individual class now being covered, I wanted to put together an All-State team for the entire state of Kentucky with all classes combined, starting with the offensive side of the ball. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["373782"],"_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='373782' first='Brady' last='Atwell'] came into this season high on my radar and proceeded to exceed my expectations in impressive fashion. He finished his junior year as the statewide leading passer, completing 301/434 passes for 4,743 yards, 68 touchdowns, and six interceptions in 15 games. Atwell has a very strong arm which he uses to stretch the field and lead his receivers down the field in the deep passing game. He has also shown impressive ball placement, showing the ability to put the ball where only his intended receiver can catch it. Atwell also showed tremendous dual-threat ability, finishing the season as his team's leading rusher with 69 carries for 695 yards and 17 touchdowns. Brady currently holds an offer from 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":["499069"],"_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='499069' first='Daniel' last='Thomas'] is a player that had a historic 2023 season. He finished his senior year as the top rusher in the entire country, running the ball 400 times for 3,817 yards and 54 touchdowns in 15 games. Thomas has blazing speed which he was able to use to burst through the running lane and simply run away from the defense on long runs. He also showed the elusiveness to make defenders miss in the open field. Thomas also played a key role on defense at linebacker, finishing the season with 94 tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack, and two fumble recoveries (one returned for a touchdown). Daniel currently holds offers from Eastern Kentucky, Presbyterian College, Notre Dame College, and Kentucky Wesleyan, and I expect him to be a very productive player wherever he decides to play at the next level.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["653479"],"_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='653479' first='William' last='Carrico'] served as the go-to target during Atwell's impressive 2023 season. Carrico finished the season as the statewide leading receiver, catching 95 passes for 1,922 yards and 30 touchdowns in 15 games. William lined up in the slot where he was able to assert his dominance as a route runner. He showed the ability to make smooth breaks in his routes to create separation from opposing defensive backs with ease. Carrico also showed the speed to pose as a threat in the deep passing game and turn short passes into big gains. He also finished the season with 22 carries for 140 yards and played a huge role on defense at outside linebacker, finishing with 107 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, four sacks, and six interceptions (one returned for a touchdown). Carrico currently holds offers from Benedictine College, Kentucky Wesleyan, Ave Maria, and Marian, and I can see him becoming a true impact player on either side of the ball wherever he decides to play at the next level.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["373048"],"_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='373048' first='Brock' last='Coffman'] is a player that has been high on my radar for a while now and continued to impress this season. He had a strong junior year at receiver, finishing with 67 receptions for 1,193 yards and 24 touchdowns in 13 games. Coffman has explosive speed which he uses to blow by opposing defensive backs in the deep passing game and turn short passes into big gains. He has also shown impressive route running ability, using smooth breaks in his routes to create separation. Coffman also returned one punt for a touchdown this season and played a key role on defense, coming away with nine interceptions (one returned for a touchdown) and returning one fumble recovery for a touchdown. Brock currently holds offers from Maryland and Eastern Kentucky, and I expect more to come his way going into his senior year as he is a Power 5 caliber prospect.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["735551"],"_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":"Another player that has been high on my radar and continued to stand out this season is [player_tooltip player_id='735551' first='Connor' last='Hodge'] from CAL. Hodge played a key role in CAL's 3A State Championship run, catching 114 passes for 1,494 yards and 23 touchdowns in 15 games. He is a very skilled route runner, showing the ability to run a full route tree and use smooth breaks in his routes to create separation. Hodge also has the speed to pose as a deep threat and is electric after the catch, using his speed and elusiveness to turn short passes into big plays. Connor also played a huge role on defense, finishing the season as the statewide leader in interceptions with 11 (two returned for touchdowns), along with 56 tackles and four tackles for loss. Hodge currently holds several Division I offers and I expect more to come his way as he is a very special talent.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["653367"],"_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":"[player_tooltip player_id='653367' first='Willie' last='Rodriguez'] continued to establish himself as one of the most talented players in the entire state this season. The senior tight end played a huge role in the Covington Catholic passing game, catching 29 passes for 488 yards and 12 touchdowns in 13 games. He has the speed to pose as a true vertical threat down the seam but also has shown the ability to run a full route tree. Rodriguez also has very impressive hands and has shown the ability to turn up the field and pick up yards after the catch. He is also impressive as a blocker, showing the ability to drive his man out of the picture to create a running lane for the ball carrier. Rodriguez also played a key role on defense as a defensive end/outside linebacker, finishing the season with 48 tackles, three tackles for loss, and three sacks. Willie has committed to staying in the Bluegrass state to play at Kentucky where I see him becoming a key piece of their offense once he gets there.","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_player":["373790"],"_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":"I decided to include [player_tooltip player_id='373790' first='Montavin' last='Quisenberry'] to this team as an “ATH” selection as he was arguably the most electric player in the state this season. Quisenberry played a huge role in Boyle County's 4A State Championship run this season. He led the Rebels in receiving, finishing the year with 43 receptions for 864 yards and 12 touchdowns in 15 games. Montavin showed the speed to blow by opposing defensive backs in the deep passing game while also using his speed and elusiveness to turn short passes into big gains at any given moment. He was also a true home run threat out of the backfield, running the ball 82 times for 800 yards and 18 touchdowns. Quisenberry also returned three punts and two kickoffs for touchdowns this season and played a key role on defense, finishing with 51 tackles, four tackles for loss, and two interceptions. Montavin currently holds offers from Michigan, Ole Miss, Kentucky, and Louisville, and I expect more to come his way as he is a true Power 5 caliber prospect.","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_7_player":["373082"],"_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='373082' first='Isaac' last='Sowells Jr.'] is a player that has been high on my radar for a while now and continued to impress this season. Sowells made the move to right tackle this season where he was very impressive as a run blocker. He is a true mauler, exploding out of his stance and driving his man down the field. Sowells finishes his blocks through the whistle, resulting in several pancake blocks. He has also shown the ability to pull from the tackle spot and pick up blocks in open space. Sowells is also reliable as a pass blocker, showing the ability to keep a strong base and not allow for much penetration into the backfield. Isaac holds multiple Power 5 offers and I expect more to come his way going into his senior year as he is a very high-caliber offensive line prospect.","_player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_8_player":["419797"],"_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='419797' first='Zuri' last='Madison'] is another highly-touted offensive lineman that continued to stand out to me this season. Madison lined up at right tackle where he asserted his dominance as a run blocker. He is a true people mover, driving his man several yards down the field. Madison finishes his blocks with a ton of physicality, resulting in several pancake blocks. Zuri is also reliable in pass protection, showing the ability to get into his pass sets quickly and mirror opposing pass rushers off the edge. Madison is committed to Arkansas where I see him becoming a key piece of their offensive line once he gets there.","_player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_9_player":["419795"],"_player_evaluations_9_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='419795' first='Franklin' last='West'] is another offensive lineman that has been high on my radar for a while now and had a strong senior season. West lined up at left tackle where he was very impressive as a run blocker this season. He showed the ability to explode out of his stance and drive his man down the field to create a running lane for the ball carrier. West plays with a ton of physicality, finishing a lot of blocks quickly with pancakes. He has also proven to be reliable as a pass blocker, showing the ability to mirror opposing pass rushers and keep a strong base, not allowing for much penetration into the pocket. West currently holds multiple Division I offers and I expect him to become a key piece of the offensive line wherever he decides to play at the next level.","_player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_10_player":["283977"],"_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 Kentucky All-State Offense, I have [player_tooltip player_id='283977' first='Max' last='Merz'] from Highlands. Max lined up at guard where he was very impressive as a run blocker this season. He showed the ability to pull and get out in front of the ball carrier as a lead blocker, destroying any defender in his path. Merz also showed the ability to explode off the line of scrimmage and drive his feet through contact to create movement. He also does a great job of finishing his blocks through the whistle, resulting in several pancake blocks. 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.","_player_evaluations_10_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":11,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-657cf73546faa"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Honorable Mention </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Quarterback: </strong>[player_tooltip player_id='313643' first='Cole' last='Hodge'] (CAL, 2024); [player_tooltip player_id='373049' first='Luke' last='Pennington'] (Sayre, 2025); [player_tooltip player_id='735547' first='Jack' last='James'] (Paducah Tilghman, 2025); [player_tooltip player_id='340071' first='Deuce' last='Bailey'] (Bowling Green, 2025); [player_tooltip player_id='288257' first='Clay' last='Hayden'] (Beechwood, 2025)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Running Back: </strong>[player_tooltip player_id='381931' first='Brady' last='Hensley'] (LCA, 2024); [player_tooltip player_id='485015' first='Steve' last='Partin'] (Knox Central, 2024); [player_tooltip player_id='873790' first='Giaonni' last='Hunter'] (Shelby County, 2025); [player_tooltip player_id='1149593' first='Cameron' last='Rogers'] (Morgan County, 2025)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Wide Receiver: </strong>[player_tooltip player_id='313656' first='Shaun' last='Boykins'] (North Hardin, 2024); [player_tooltip player_id='839266' first='Isaiah' last='Johnson'] (Cooper, 2025); [player_tooltip player_id='502751' first='Brady' last='Bentley'] (Shelby Valley, 2024); [player_tooltip player_id='418717' first='Justin' last='Ruffin Jr'] (CAL, 2024); [player_tooltip player_id='334645' first='Martels' last='Carter Jr'] (Paducah Tilghman, 2025)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tight End: </strong>[player_tooltip player_id='675971' first='Grady' last='Reynolds'] (Ryle, 2024)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>ATH: </strong>[player_tooltip player_id='417455' first='Kam' last='Hughes'] (Somerset, 2024)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Offensive Line: </strong>[player_tooltip player_id='419793' first='Aba' last='Selm'] (Simon Kenton, 2024); [player_tooltip player_id='224739' first='Bo' last='Wolford'] (Belfry, 2026); [player_tooltip player_id='381882' first='Carter' last='Guillaume'] (Saint Xavier, 2024); [player_tooltip player_id='381928' first='Garrison' last='McKinney'] (LCA, 2024)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->