Top 2024 Standouts in Kentucky from Championship Week

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After the final week of high school football action at Kroger Field, it's time to look back at some of the top standouts in Kentucky from the class of 2024 that left their mark on the field during championship week. These guys took their game to another level last week, fighting for a state championship while establishing themselves as top tier playmakers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["653367"],"_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":"u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnAt the top of my list of notable performers is [player_tooltip player_id='653367' first='Willie' last='Rodriguez'], a tight end at Covington Catholic High School. Rodriguez and the Colonels were unable to prevail in the Class 4A title game, falling 41-0 to Boyle County this past week. What impresses me most about Rodriguez is his efficient catching ability and route-running, showcasing his ability to haul in challenging passes down the stretch and stay on his feet while under pressure from the defense. I also like how Rodriguez can pick up speed in the pocket and escape into the backfield.rnrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnu0026nbsp;rnrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2MdU5ju0022u003eTape:u003c/au003ernrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6570cc041beda"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["408040"],"_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":"u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnI am additionally impressed with [player_tooltip player_id='408040' first='JT' last='Haskins'], an athlete at Bryan Station High School. Haskins and the Defenders fell 41-20 to Trinity in the Class 6A championship game last week. What makes Haskins so impactful defensively is his ability to contest the rush and protect the backfield. I also like how Haskins can lock down the offense in the redzone, showing off his ability to blast through openings in the pocket and sack the quarterback.rnrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnu0026nbsp;rnrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2MjT58u0022u003eTape:u003c/au003ernrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6570bda46c7cd"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["313643"],"_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":"u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnClaiming the number three spot on my list is [player_tooltip player_id='313643' first='Cole' last='Hodge'], a quarterback at Christian Academy of Louisville. Hodge and the Centurions picked up a 41-16 blowout victory over Bell County last week. What stands out about Hodge is his composure under pressure and ability to launch bullets into the hands of his receivers in the backfield. Hodge also stands out with his arm strength and precise decision-making in crucial moments. Hodge can also connect with his receivers anywhere on the field, showcasing his arm strength and ability to toss challenging completionsrnrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnu0026nbsp;rnrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnu003ca href=u0022https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15533468/64f7d9d4dfd9e0087c36a19cu0022u003eTape:u003c/au003ernrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6570ce7dbf39b"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["287574"],"_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":"u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnAnother skilled prospect is [player_tooltip player_id='287574' first='Avery' last='Bodner'], an athlete at Boyle County High School. Bodner and the Rebels earned a 41-0 shutout win over Covington Catholic this past past week. What stands out about Bodner is his ability to juke out the defense, dodging and weaving contact in the pocket to race into the backfield. I also like how Bodner can haul in the quick pass and put his team in a strong field position. Bodner additionally contributes down the stretch, showing off his ability to create seperation and catch touchdown passes.rnrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2MN4AEu0022u003eTape:u003c/au003ernrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6570cc041bfc1"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["499069"],"_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":"Coming in at number five on my list is [player_tooltip player_id='499069' first='Daniel' last='Thomas'], an athlete at Bell County High School. Thomas and the Bobcats are coming off a 41-16 loss to Christian Academy of Louisville in the Class 3A title game last week. Thomas makes a considerable difference on the ground, showcasing his quick execution and breakaway speed in the pocket and along the edge. I also like how Thomas can shake tackles and pick up speed in the backfield to take it all the way to the house.rnrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnrnrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnu003ca href=u0022https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14099659/64f4ef4e8cdefb0410dedd48u0022u003eTape:u003c/au003ernrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6570bda46c85c"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["313658"],"_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":"Also worth mentioning is [player_tooltip player_id='313658' first='JuJu' last='Starks'], a running back at Mayfield High School. Starks and the Cardinals picked up a 53-48 win over Owensboro Catholic in the Class 2A title game this past week. What stands out most about Starks is his ability to consistently overwhelm the defense on the ground, using his size and speed to break tackles and blast into the backfield. I also like how Starks locks in at the redzone, showcasing his ability to punch into the endzone despite heavy contact from the defense.rnrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnrnrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2MhjhAu0022u003eTape:u003c/au003ernrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6570bda46c946"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Clint Sansbury","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'11u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2408","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Trinity","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Another impactful playmaker is Clint Sansbury, a running back at Trinity High School. Sansbury and the Shamrocks are coming off a 41-20 victory over Bryan Station in the Class 6A championship game last week. What I like about Sansbury is his ability to quickly slip through the pocket and pick up speed in the open field, proving he can blast into the endzone untouched by the defense. I also like how Sansbury utilizes strong footwork and breakaway speed to maneuver the defense along the edge and push the offense into the redzone.rnrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnrnrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2MXUYku0022u003eTape:u003c/au003ernrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6570cc041c169"} /-->