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Under the Radar 2026s in Kentucky to Watch For

Under the Radar 2026s in Kentucky to Watch For
Drew Toennies
Drew Toennies February 19, 2024 @ 05:29 PM
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In this article:

Parker Ison
Parker Ison 6'0" | 170 lbs | WR | 2026
KY
Aden Bolden
Aden Bolden 5'9" | 160 lbs | ATH | 2026
KY
Kendell Buck-Barber
Kendell Buck-Barber 5'8" | 185 lbs | DB | 2026
KY
Dakota Hunter
Dakota Hunter 6'1" | 175 lbs | ATH | 2026
KY
Zach Jordan
Zach Jordan 6'4" | 240 lbs | OL | 2026
KY
Jakob Bartley
Jakob Bartley 6'5" | 230 lbs | DL | 2026
KY
Mason Griffin
Mason Griffin 6'4" | 220 lbs | QB | 2026
KY
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After an action-packed year of high school football action in the Bluegrass State, it's time to highlight some of the most impactful playmakers that made their presence known on the field this past season. Following the release of five stockrisers in Kentucky to watch for, here's my list of some under the radar 2026s in Kentucky to keep an eye on.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["227403"],"_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='227403' first='Mason' last='Griffin'], a quarterback at Knox Central High School. What impresses me about Griffin's playstyle is his ability to maneuver the pocket, his quick release and his ability to connect with his receivers deep in the backfield. I also like Griffin's pin-point accuracy, proving he can complete challenging passes when his receivers are in heavy coverage down the stretch.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/video/3/14272599/65642904da511d0a8cbd9fa0u0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65d3bdb5697ee"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["971549"],"_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='971549' first='Dakota' last='Hunter'], a tight end at Warren Central High School. Hunter stands out on both sides, using his versatility to be explosive down the stretch and disruptive defensively. I like Hunter's catching ability, proving he can haul in the deep pass as well as pick off the quarterback on the other side of the ball. Hunter also stands out with his ability to create solid seperation.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2NFrAQu0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65d3bdb569867"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["773247"],"_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='773247' first='Zach' last='Jordan'], an offensive lineman at Bowling Green High School. What I like about Jordan is his ability to execute quickly off the snap and lock down the defense at the line of scrimmage. I also like how Jordan can exert his strength to cause disorganization in the pocket and open up the field for the rush. Jordan also proved he can use his arms to contain the defense.rnrnu003ca href=u0022https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15087645/658cb85a4ba92f0bec737f65u0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65d3cde920e32"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1176943"],"_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='1176943' first='Aden' last='Bolden'], an athlete at McLean County High School. Bolden makes a considerable difference on the ground, proving he can blast past the defense in the pocket and shake defensive pressure on his way into enemy territory. Bolden also stands out with his ability to use bursts of speed to pick up yards and beat the defense from along the edge.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2N9UWdu0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65d3bdb5698c4"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1175779"],"_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='1175779' first='Kendell' last='Barber'], a defensive back at Newport High School. What makes Barber so impactful is his defensive awareness, ability to read the pass and his ability to elevate off the ground to intercept the quarterback. Barber also impresses with his ability to run the ball the other way, proving his electric speed and ability to put defensive touchdowns on the scoreboard.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/video/3/17776765/6554d7b40660d304081f1d0bu0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65d3bdb569942"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["401711"],"_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='401711' first='Jakob' last='Bartley'], a defensive lineman at Somerset High School. Bartley stands out with his size, speed and ability to absorb offensive pushback. I also like how Bartley can use his arms to overpower the offense in the pocket and quickly catch the quarterback for the sack. Bartley also proved he can read the handoff and get to the running back under heavy pressure.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/video/3/18034605/659644a00c552a0ac0bb78d8u0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65d3bdb56999a"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1176964"],"_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 playmaker to keep an eye on is [player_tooltip player_id='1176964' first='Parker' last='Ison'], a wide receiver at Raceland High School. Ison makes a difference offensively with his quick execution and ability to get open for the short pass from along the edge. I also like how Ison can spin around to shake tackles and create solid seperation with his breakaway speed. Ison also proved himself as a reliable passing target when his quarterback is under pressure.rnrnu003ca href=u0022https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13162612/651e3883b3c821040c65fa3au0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65d3bdb569a31"} /-->

After an action-packed year of high school football action in the Bluegrass State, it's time to highlight some of the most impactful playmakers that made their presence known on the field this past season. Following the release of five stockrisers in Kentucky to watch for, here's my list of some under the radar 2026s in Kentucky to keep an eye on.

Mason Griffin

Mason Griffin

KY
QB
HEIGHT 6'4"
WEIGHT 220
POS QB
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Mason
Griffin QB
Class
2026
Height
6'4"
Weight
220
HS
South Laurel
|
KY
Under the Radar 2026s in Kentucky to Watch For
In the first place spot on my list is Mason Griffin , a quarterback at Knox Central High...
Written by Drew Toennies
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Mason Griffin

Instagram Twitter
State: Kentucky
School: South Laurel
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Dakota Hunter

Dakota Hunter

KY
ATH
HEIGHT 6'1"
WEIGHT 175
POS ATH
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Dakota
Hunter ATH
Class
2026
Height
6'1"
Weight
175
HS
Warren Central
|
KY
Under the Radar 2026s in Kentucky to Watch For
I am additionally impressed with Dakota Hunter , a tight end at Warren Central High School. Hunter stands...
Written by Drew Toennies
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Dakota Hunter

Twitter
State: Kentucky
School: Warren Central
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Zach Jordan

Zach Jordan

KY
OL
HEIGHT 6'4"
WEIGHT 240
POS OL
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Zach
Jordan OL
Class
2026
Height
6'4"
Weight
240
HS
Bowling Green
|
KY
Under the Radar 2026s in Kentucky to Watch For
Claiming the number three spot on my list is Zach Jordan , an offensive lineman at Bowling Green...
Written by Drew Toennies
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Zach Jordan

Instagram Twitter
State: Kentucky
School: Bowling Green
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Aden Bolden

Aden Bolden

KY
ATH
HEIGHT 5'9"
WEIGHT 160
POS ATH
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Aden
Bolden ATH
Class
2026
Height
5'9"
Weight
160
HS
McLean County
|
KY
Under the Radar 2026s in Kentucky to Watch For
Another skilled prospect to watch for is Aden Bolden , an athlete at McLean County High School. Bolden...
Written by Drew Toennies
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Aden Bolden

State: Kentucky
School: McLean County
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Kendell Buck-Barber

Kendell Buck-Barber

KY
DB
HEIGHT 5'8"
WEIGHT 185
POS DB
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Kendell
Buck-Barber DB
Class
2026
Height
5'8"
Weight
185
HS
Newport
|
KY
Under the Radar 2026s in Kentucky to Watch For
Coming in at number five on my list is Kendell Buck-Barber , a defensive back at Newport High...
Written by Drew Toennies
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Kendell Buck-Barber

Instagram Twitter
State: Kentucky
School: Newport
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Jakob Bartley

Jakob Bartley

KY
DL
HEIGHT 6'5"
WEIGHT 230
POS DL
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Jakob
Bartley DL
Class
2026
Height
6'5"
Weight
230
HS
Somerset
|
KY
Under the Radar 2026s in Kentucky to Watch For
Also worth mentioning is Jakob Bartley , a defensive lineman at Somerset High School. Bartley stands out with...
Written by Drew Toennies
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Jakob Bartley

Instagram Twitter
State: Kentucky
School: Somerset
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Parker Ison

Parker Ison

KY
WR
HEIGHT 6'0"
WEIGHT 170
POS WR
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Parker
Ison WR
Class
2026
Height
6'0"
Weight
170
HS
Raceland
|
KY
Under the Radar 2026s in Kentucky to Watch For
Another playmaker to keep an eye on is Parker Ison , a wide receiver at Raceland High School....
Written by Drew Toennies
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Parker Ison

State: Kentucky
School: Raceland
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

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