Top 2026s in Kentucky to Watch For (Defense)
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After an action-packed year of high school football action in the Bluegrass State, it’s time to highlight some of the top prospects that made a name for themselves this past season. After breaking down some of the top sophomore playmakers…
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Continue ReadingAfter an action-packed year of high school football action in the Bluegrass State, it’s time to highlight some of the top prospects that made a name for themselves this past season. After breaking down some of the top sophomore playmakers on the offensive side of the ball, here’s my list of some highly explosive 2026s on the defensive side to keep an eye on.
In the first place spot on my list is Isaiah Martin Isaiah Martin 5’10” | 155 lbs | ATH Murray | 2026 State KY , a defensive back at Murray High School. What I like about Martin is his ability to read the offense like a book and predict the pass down the stretch. Martin can also use bursts of speed to get in position to pick off the quarterback. I also like Martin’s electric speed and durability after the interception, proving he can blast past the defense going the other way.
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I am additionally impressed with Cole Rose Cole Rose 6’4″ | 220 lbs | DL George Rogers Clark | 2026 State KY , a defensive lineman at George Rogers Clark High School. What stands out about Rose is his quick execution at the line of scrimmage as well as his ability to both apply pressure and sack the quarterback. I also like Rose’s ability to consistently disrupt offensive production on the ground, using his quickness to catch the rush in the pocket and from along the edge.
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Claiming the number three spot on my list is Baron Hardesty Baron Hardesty 6’3″ | 245 lbs | DL Bullitt East | 2026 State KY , a defensive lineman at Bullitt East High School. Hardesty impresses me with his ability to scan the pocket and find openings in the offensive line to apply pressure on the quarterback. I also like Hardesty’s ability to exert his strength to stun the opposition and create disorganization in the pocket. Hardesty can also read the rush and dive for tackles.
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Another skilled prospect to watch for is Isaac Estrada Isaac Estrada 5’10” | 220 lbs | LB Shelby County | 2026 State KY , a linebacker at Shelby County High School. What makes Estrada so dangerous defensively is his explosive speed, physical edge in the pocket and his ability to quickly shut down the running game. Estrada also impresses me with his ability to lock down receivers and disrupt the short pass, elevating off the ground to haul in interceptions.
Coming in at number five on my list is A’Davion Dale A’Davion Dale 5’11” | 165 lbs | DB Shelby County | 2026 State KY , a defensive back at Shelby County High School. In addition to his versatile edge, what I like about Dale’s playstyle is his ability to quickly turn around and haul in interceptions, proving he can catch up to receivers and lock down the backfield. I also like Dale’s ability to be shifty down the stretch and make significant stops when the defense needs it most.
Also worth mentioning is Wyatt Raney Wyatt Raney 5’11” | 205 lbs | LB Meade County | 2026 State KY , a linebacker at Meade County High School. In addition to great size and footwork, Raney stands out with his stopping power, proving he can read the pass, use his physicality to down receivers and force the occasional loose ball. Raney also impresses with his ability to quickly breach the pocket off the snap, using his speed to stop the rush as well as block field goals.