Kentucky Stock Up Performers: Championship Week
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After the grand conclusion to high school football action in the Bluegrass State, it’s time to highlight the most impactful playmakers on both sides of the ball that established themselves at Kroger Field during championship week. These guys took their…
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Continue ReadingAfter the grand conclusion to high school football action in the Bluegrass State, it’s time to highlight the most impactful playmakers on both sides of the ball that established themselves at Kroger Field during championship week. These guys took their game to another level in their state title game, establishing themselves as explosive playmakers while pushing their recruiting stock further.
rnAt the top of my list of notable performers is Zane Johnson, a quarterback at Trinity High School. Johnson and the Shamrocks picked up a 41-20 victory over Bryan Station in the Class 6A title game this past week. Johnson made a considerable difference due to his composure under pressure as well as his ability to hit his receivers in stride from anywhere on the field. Johnson additionally impressed with his passing in the endzone, showing off his arm strength and accuracy in the air.
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rnI am additionally impressed with Trevy Barber Trevy Barber 5’9″ | 155 lbs | WR Bowling Green | 2026 State KY , a wide receiver at Bowling Green High School. Barber and the Purples collected a 28-14 win over Cooper in the Class 5A title game last week. Barber impressed me in the title game with his quick execution and ability to create seperation down the stretch, proving he can get open for deep passes. I also liked Barber’s ability to overwhelm the defense and collect yards from along the edge. Barber’s catching ability in the redzone is another facet of his game that makes him a difference-maker.
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rnClaiming the number three spot on my list is Demauriah Brown Demauriah Brown 5’11” | 170 lbs | ATH Boyle County | 2025 State KY , a running back at Boyle County High School. Brown and the Rebels earned a 41-0 shutout victory over Covington Catholic in the Class 4A title game this past week. In addition to his explosiveness in the pocket, Brown stood out with his ability to haul in quick passes and blast past the defense into the open field. Brown’s durable edge on the ground and ability to lock down receivers in the backfield defensively also made a huge difference in last week’s title game.
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rnAnother skilled prospect to keep an eye on is Connor Hodge Connor Hodge 6’1″ | 160 lbs | ATH Christian Academy of Louisville | 2025 State KY , an athlete at Christian Academy of Louisville. Hodge and the Centurions collected a 41-16 win over Bell County in the Class 3A title game last week. What makes Hodge so impactful is his size, speed and versatile edge, proving both his catching ability as a receiver and his disruptiveness in coverage on the other side of the ball. Hodge also stands out with his breakaway speed and ability to haul in challenging passes in the endzone.
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rnComing in at number five on my list is Jaylen Bass Jaylen Bass 5’10” | 270 lbs | OL Mayfield | 2024 KY , an offensive lineman at Mayfield High School. Bass and the Cardinals are coming off a close 53-48 victory over Owensboro Catholic in the Class 2A championship game. What impresses me the most about Bass is his size, speed and ability to lock down the defense. On top of his ability to absorb pressure, Bass can help prolong the time of possession and block the defense to open up the field for breakaway runs and deep passes. I also like how Bass can also disrupt the blitz in the pocket with his commanding strength.
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rnAlso worth mentioning is Tayvian Boykins Tayvian Boykins 5’10” | 160 lbs | ATH Pikeville | 2024 State KY , an athlete at Pikeville High School. Boykins and the Panthers picked up a 21-0 shutout win over Raceland in the Class 1A title game. Boykins stands out with his footwork and ability to maneuver the field, both in the pocket and along the edge. Boykins has proven he can boost ground production with his breakaway speed and force his team into the redzone with his durability and physical edge. I’m also fond of how Boykins can stay on his feet in crucial scenarios, utilizing his toughness to shake tackles and muscle into a strong field position.
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