Bluegrass 2028’s ‘Bout to Blow Up – 2.12.24

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After an action-packed year of high school football action in the Bluegrass State, it's time to highlight some explosive rising stars at the middle school level that should make a considerable impact in their freshman season and beyond. Without any further ado, here's today's look at some under the radar 2028's in Kentucky to keep an eye on next fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1174234"],"_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":"Making a difference under center is [player_tooltip player_id='1174234' first='Paxton' last='Gray'], a quarterback at Lexington Christian Academy. In addition to excellent footwork, Gray impresses me with his ability to push into enemy territory on the ground, proving he can break tackles and remain durable on his feet. I also like Gray's ability to breach the pocket and quickly break free of the defense.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65c92b038e11a"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["871288"],"_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='871288' first='Kingston' last='Dillard'], an athlete at Owensboro Middle School. What stands out about Dillard is his quick execution as well as his explosive speed from along the edge, proving he can break tackles on his way to the house. Dillard also impresses me with his catching ability, showing off his ability to haul in the short pass and push the offense into the backfield.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65c92b038e19b"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["478102"],"_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":"Showcasing his talent at the line of scrimmage is [player_tooltip player_id='478102' first='Bode' last='Darland'], a defensive lineman at Woodford County High School. Darland stands out with his outstanding size and physical edge, utilizing his strength to blast past the offensive line and get to the quarterback for the sack. I also like how Darland can maneuver the pocket and shut down the running game in just seconds.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65c92b038e206"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1033168"],"_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":"Proving his skillset down the stretch is [player_tooltip player_id='1033168' first='Landon' last='Kirtley'], a defensive back at North Oldham Middle School. What makes Kirtley so explosive is his versatile edge and strong catching ability. Kirtley also stands out down the stretch, utilizing his strength and wing span to lock down receivers and get in front of the deep pass. I also like Kirtley's ability to utilize the stiff arm on his way to the house.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65c92b038e278"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["909006"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Another prospect to make a name for himself is [player_tooltip player_id='909006' first='David' last='Jones Jr']., a wide receiver at EJ Hayes Middle School. Jones makes a considerable difference down the stretch due to his great catching in coverage, using his quick turn around to haul in quick throws as well as deep passes in the redzone. I also like how Jones can barrel past the opposition in the pocket and create seperation in the open field.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65c92b038e2de"} /-->