Top 2027 Athletes in Kentucky to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After an outstanding year of high school football action in the Bluegrass State, it's time to continue to highlight some of the most impactful prospects that made their presence known on the field last year. After breaking down some explosive freshman defensive backs, here's my list of the top 2027 athletes in Kentucky to watch for this upcoming fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["500831"],"_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='500831' first='Darrian' last='Tomlin'], an athlete at Woodford County High School. What makes Tomlin so impressive is his ability to be durable off the handoff as well as his efficiency in maneuvering the field. I also like Tomlin's catching ability, proving he can juke out the defense in coverage and get wide open for the long pass. Tomlin also stood out defensively, proving he can shut down the rush.rnrnu003ca href=u0022https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17871753/654bc4d934530403ecac98c7u0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66185459771aa"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1200686"],"_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='1200686' first='Seneca' last='Driver'], an athlete at Boyle County High School. In addition to his ability to hurdle defenders and blast into the house, Driver stands out with his ability to quickly get open for the short pass when his quarterback is under pressure. I also like how Driver can shut down the rush on the defensive side, utilizing his speed to make crucial stops.rnrnu003ca href=u0022https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16853881/63442a43d21ba30c0c36400cu0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-661854597724d"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1200641"],"_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='1200641' first='Timmy' last='Emongo'], an athlete at Scott County High School. Emongo's size and explosiveness on the ground makes a huge difference, proving he can barrel past the defense and take it all the way to the house. I also like how Emongo can find openings in the defensive line and juke out the defense on his way into enemy territory.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/video/3/15001924/64f387acb53fa107e8b16355u0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66185459772d7"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["378830"],"_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='378830' first='Gavin' last='Johnson'], an athlete at Hazard High School. Johnson's size and physicality in coverage make him a challenge to contain down the stretch, showcasing his ability to stay in front of the pass, haul in the short pass and attack the ball in the air. I also like how Johnson can utilize the jets to pull ahead of the defense and march into the endzone for the touchdown.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/video/3/19464328/6578b26a664bdf1224145aa6u0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-661854597735d"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["463134"],"_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='463134' first='Maverick' last='Ashby'], an athlete at Ashland Blazer High School. Ashby impresses me with his ability to stun the defense with his quick execution off the handoff. On the other side of the ball, Ashby stands out with his ability to read the pass and get in prime position to pick off the quarterback. I also like how Ashby can outrun the defense after the catch and punch into the endzone.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2LtCv2u0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66185459773e3"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1200728"],"_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='1200728' first='Anderson' last='Lauffer'], an athlete at Paintsville High School. Lauffer stands out with his explosive footwork and movement, proving he can quickly haul in the short pass and utilize bursts of speed to break tackles and create seperation en route to the backfield. I also like how Lauffer can deceive the defense off the snap, using his breakaway speed to pick up ground from along the edge.rnrnu003ca href=u0022https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18865276/64f69f55dfd9e0087c35f745u0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6618545977466"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1200701"],"_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='1200701' first='JB' last='Woolum'], an athlete at Belfry High School. What I like about Woolum is his ability to read the short pass and lock down receivers off the short pass, proving he can make commanding stops and swat the ball out of the air. I also like how Woolum can wrap up receivers in coverage and elevate off the ground to haul in the deep interception.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2NKKN1u0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66185459774e4"} /-->