Under the Radar 2025 Athletes 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 on both sides of the ball that made a name for themselves this past season. After breaking down some intriguing 2025s to watch for, here's my list of some under the radar 2025 athletes in Kentucky to keep an eye on.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["735549"],"_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='735549' first='Trey' last='Cotton'], an athlete at Christian Academy of Louisville. Cotton impresses me defensively with his ability to target and chase down the quarterback as well as his disruptiveness in coverage, proving his ability to haul in the interception. On the other side of the ball, Cotton stands out with his breakaway speed and ability to get in prime position for the deep pass.rnrnu003ca href=u0022https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16911097/63a7ccd24205b80f1c1915f3u0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65bc1429531d3"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["331748"],"_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='331748' first='Darius' last='Akal'], an athlete at Harlan High School. What makes Akal so explosive defensively is his ability to lock down receivers in coverage and utilize his wing span to knock the pass out of the air. Offensively, Akal impresses me with his efficiency on the ground, showcasing his ability to maneuver the pocket and break tackles on his way to the house.rnrnu003ca href=u0022https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14987591/6546c39f066ba406b4cddd45u0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65bc142953267"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["586098"],"_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='586098' first='Brenden' last='Anthony'], an athlete at Pikeville High School. Anthony makes a considerable difference defensively due to his ability to breach the pocket and apply pressure on the quarterback. I also like how Anthony can read the offense and get in position for the pick. Anthony also proved he can use his speed to shut down the rush from along the edge.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2N1quDu0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65bc1429532e3"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["331764"],"_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='331764' first='Jarren' last='Johnson'], an athlete at Union County High School. Johnson impresses with his size and speed, using his physical edge to be a threat on the ground. In addition to being able to maneuver the pocket, I like how Johnson makes the most of limited space from along the edge. Johnson's versatility also stands out as he can break free of the defense in the backfield.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2MMij1u0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65bc14295335a"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["873788"],"_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='873788' first='Jacobi' last='Jones'], an athlete at Waggener High School. What I like about Jones is his quick execution off the snap as well as his ability to adapt to heavy pressure in the pocket. Jones also showcased electric speed on the run, utilizing his physical edge to be durable on the ground. I also like how Jones can barrel past the defense at the goal line and take it to the house.rnrnu003ca href=u0022https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17752463/64da315390fa230b348923a8u0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65bc1429533d1"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["373052"],"_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='373052' first='Katon' last='Cox'], an athlete at Campbellsville High School. What impresses me the most about Cox is his versatility and shiftiness down the stretch, utilizing his breakaway speed and catching ability to haul in the deep pass. On the defensive side, Cox stands out with his ability to read the offense like a book as well as quickly shut down the running game from along the edge.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2MNXqHu0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65bc142953449"} /-->