Bluegrass 2028’s ‘Bout to Blow Up – 2.21.24

<!-- 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":["871289"],"_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 big difference down the stretch was [player_tooltip player_id='871289' first='Ahmad' last='Simon'], a wide receiver at Kammerer Middle School. What impresses me about Simon's playstyle is his strong footwork and ability to quickly get open for the short pass. I also like how Simon utilizes his versatility after the catch, showing off his ability to stay on his feet under pressure and break tackles 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-65ce8a02b2909"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["953009"],"_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":"Establishing himself at the line of scrimmage was [player_tooltip player_id='953009' first='Dylan' last='Branson'], a defensive lineman at Woodford County High School. Branson makes a huge difference at the line of scrimmage due to his commanding stopping power, proving he can shut down the rush in the pocket as well as get to the quarterback for the sack. I also like how Branson can read the offense and instantly blast playmakers off the snap.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65ce8a02b29f8"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["857248"],"_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 making his presence known last season was [player_tooltip player_id='857248' first='Matthew' last='Montgomery'], an offensive lineman at Lexington Christian Academy. What impresses me about Montgomery is his outstanding physicality at the line, utilizing his size and strength to overpower the offense and sack the quarterback. Montgomery also stands out with his ability to pick off the gunslinger, proving he can attack the ball in the air.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65ce8a02b2a3d"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["953050"],"_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 explosiveness on the ground was [player_tooltip player_id='953050' first='Chris' last='Lucas'], a running back at Woodford County High School. What stands out about Lucas is his durability in the pocket, showcasing his ability to stay on his feet and barrel into the backfield. I also like Lucas due to his ability to pick up speed on the run and create seperation on his way to the endzone. I also like how Lucas can use his strength to shake tackles.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65d0fd7474734"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["857893"],"_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 high-level prospect to make his presence known was [player_tooltip player_id='857893' first='Isaac' last='Begley'], a defensive lineman at Hazard High School. Begley impresses with his ability to lock down receivers, using his quickness to blast the offense and protect the backfield. I also like how Begley can read the handoff and attack the rush. Begley also stands out with his ability to pick up speed to stop the offense from along the edge.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65d0fd747477f"} /-->