Under the Radar Linebackers in Kentucky to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After a sensational year of high school football action in the Bluegrass State, it's time to highlight some of the most impactful playmakers that established themselves on the field this past season. After breaking down some high-level defensive linemen, here's my list of some under the radar linebackers in Kentucky to watch for.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["725010"],"_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":"In the first place spot on my list is [player_tooltip player_id='725010' first='Ryan' last='Rayhill'], a linebacker at Bullitt East High School. What impresses me about Rayhill is his ability to blast through the pocket and immediately knock the quarterback to the ground, showcasing his explosiveness and ability to read the offense. I also like how Rayhill can contain the rush, utilizing bursts of speed to catch the offense from along the edge and protect the backfield.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2Lup0du0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65b55dad5829c"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["985134"],"_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":"I am additionally impressed with [player_tooltip player_id='985134' first='Jaylen' last='Hayes'], a linebacker at DuPont Manual High School. In addition to outstanding quickness and physicality, what stands out about Hayes is his ability to predict the pass and be disruptive with his ability to jump in front of the short throw at the last second. I also like how Hayes can be durable in the pocket and quickly get to the quarterback for the sack.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2Ma5yLu0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65b55dad582f4"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["373827"],"_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":"Claiming the number three spot on my list is [player_tooltip player_id='373827' first='Layne' last='Alford'], a linebacker at Franklin-Simpson High School. What makes Alford so impactful is his speed and ability to pounce on receivers before they reach the backfield. I also like how Alford can read the rush and use his strength to make stops in the pocket. Alford can also slip past the defense from along the edge and apply pressure on the quarterback.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2MYbutu0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65b55dad5835a"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["735689"],"_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":"Another skilled prospect to watch for is [player_tooltip player_id='735689' first='Ismail' last='Naji'], a linebacker at Frederick Douglass High School. Naji impresses me with his outstanding strength and durability, proving he can escape the pocket and sack the quarterback. I also like how Naji can protect the backfield, utilizing his speed to tackle receivers on the short pass. Naji also stood out with his ability to consistently stop the rush.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2MeqXdu0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65b55dad583a5"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["373035"],"_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='373035' first='Jimmy' last='Mooney'], a linebacker at Paducah Tilghman High School. Mooney impresses me with his ability to lock in at the line of scrimmage, using his speed and physicality to barrel past the offense. Mooney proved he can escape the opposition to both apply pressure on and sack the quarterback. I also like Mooney's ability to use bursts of speed to stop the rush.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/video/3/14433768/64ff1e526e80f80ac4726d36u0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65b55dad583ec"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["738848"],"_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='738848' first='Jayden' last='Axson'], a linebacker at Bowling Green High School. In addition to excellent size and electric speed off the snap, what stands out about Axson is his ability to overwhelm the opposition in the pocket and get to the quarterback. I also like how Axson can read the offense like a book, showcasing his ability to disrupt the rush in the pocket with his aggression and stopping power.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2MEM5Gu0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65b55dad58432"} /-->