Under the Radar Wide Receivers in Kentucky to Watch
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After an outstanding year of high school football action in the Bluegrass State, it’s time to highlight some impactful under the radar talent that made a name for themselves on the field during this past season. After breaking down some…
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Continue ReadingAfter an outstanding year of high school football action in the Bluegrass State, it’s time to highlight some impactful under the radar talent that made a name for themselves on the field during this past season. After breaking down some impactful quarterback talent, we will be continuing to break down the top offensive playmakers as we focus our attention to some explosive wide receivers in Kentucky to watch for.
In the first place spot on my list is Ethan Kirkwood, a wide receiver at Bowling Green High School. In addition to outstanding execution off the snap, what stands out the most about Kirkwood’s playstyle is his ability to overwhelm the defense down the stretch and create considerable seperation at the goal line as well as in the endzone. I also like Kirkwood’s ability to attack the ball in the air.
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I am additionally impressed with Josh Campbell Josh Campbell 6’1″ | 170 lbs | WR Paducah Tilghman | 2025 State KY , a wide receiver at Paducah Tilghman High School. What makes Campbell so explosive is his ability to pick up speed in the backfield as well as his consistent effort in hauling in the deep pass. I also like how Campbell can outmaneuver the defense in third-down scenarios and utilize space from along the edge to be wide open for touchdown passes.
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Claiming the number three spot on my list is Aidan Burke Aidan Burke 6’0″ | 150 lbs | WR Belfry | 2026 KY , a wide receiver at Belfry High School. Burke stands out with his electric speed off the snap as well as his versatile edge in the pocket and along the edge. I also like how Burke can pick up speed at will and shake contact in the pocket. Burke’s catching ability also impresses, proving he can be in prime scoring position in the backfield.
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Another skilled prospect to watch for is Colin Jefferson Colin Jefferson 6’0″ | 165 lbs | WR Male | 2026 State KY , a wide receiver at Louisville Male High School. What impresses me the most about Jefferson is his size and durability on the run, showcasing his ability to create solid seperation and use his physicality to shake the defense. I also like Jefferson’s positioning in the endzone, using his quickness to get in front of the pass and put his team on the scoreboard.
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Coming in at number five on my list is Nicholas Ranson Nicholas Ranson 5’8″ | 150 lbs | RB Scott County | 2027 State KY , a wide receiver at Scott County High School. In addition to electric speed and physicality on the ground, what stands out about Ranson is his ability to operate both in the pocket and along the edge, proving he can quickly execute and create solid seperation on his way to the house. I also like how Ranson can use his core strength to break tackles.
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Also worth mentioning is Gray Schmittel Gray Schmittel 5’11” | 160 lbs | WR North Oldham | 2025 State KY , a wide receiver at North Oldham High School. Schmittel makes a difference with his ability to create seperation in the backfield and consistently remain open for the deep pass. I also like Schmittel’s ability to pick up speed to quickly jump in front of the ball under pressure, showcasing his ability to push the offense into enemy territory off the short pass.