2024 8th Grade KY Future Stars: Quarterback Selection Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Kentucky Future Stars took two out of three from the Tennessee Future Stars last June, with the only Bluegrass State team coming up short was the seventh-graders. Those seventh-graders are now eighth-graders (class of 2028) and all of Big Blue Nation is eagerly looking forward to the 15th annual tilt. With the game on Kentucky soil this year, it should be sure to surpass the hype surrounding the contest. Here's a look at the 8th grade Quarterbacks selected for this year's game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["871293"],"_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":"One of the most intriguing prospects in all of Kentucky in this 2028 class, [player_tooltip player_id='871293' first='Leon' last='Melvin III'] is slotted to play Quarterback for the 2024 8th Grade Kentucky Future Stars. He's currently listed as an Athlete rather than a quarterback, because he's exactly thatu002du002dcrazy athletic. With Melvin III at the helm this past season, he led Jefferson County Traditional to an unblemished 11-0 record and city title.  A clear standout last year as a member of the 7th Grade Kentucky Future Stars, he's the lone returner of the three Quarterbacks selected this year. There are countless ways Melvin III can hurt a defense, both directly and indirectly. His dual-threat ability alone is something that should keep the Tennessee coaching staff up at night. Without official numbers I can't say for sure, but I'd be willing to bet he's in the top 3-5 in nearly every combine drill because of his speed and quickness. On top of his ability to run, he's also an accurate passer when given the time to step into his throws. Lastly, don't be shocked if you see him lined up as a wide receiver eitheru002du002dthe trick play possibilities could be endless. He'll be off to Louisville Male for high school.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["1268773"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"As mentioned above, the 2024 8th Grade Kentucky Future Stars are returning just one Quarterback of the three selected, meaning newcomer [player_tooltip player_id='1268773' first='Cayden' last='Shelton'] will have an opportunity to beat Tennessee for the first time. The Future Stars Game will be an exclamation point on a memorable middle school career for Shelton.  He is coming off an eighth-grade season where he was QB1 for East Hardin Middle School and helped lead the Lions to the Heartland Conference Championship Game. Prior to this past season, the multi-sport athlete was named East Hardin's Middle School MVP as a seventh-grader. There isn't a tremendous amount of film out there on Shelton, besides the previously mentioned championship gameu002du002dof which, I watched every offensive snap. While the 5-foot-10, 175-pounder didn't have his best/most impactful game that day, he seemed to operate the Pistol Formation like a seasoned vet. The ability to take snaps under center and in the shotgun is something that caught my eye, because as simple as it may seem, it's becoming a lost art. He'll be off to Central Hardin for high school.rnrnu0026nbsp;","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["1190755"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"Without question, the most talented arm on this 2024 8th Grade Kentucky Future Stars roster belongs to [player_tooltip player_id='1190755' first='Xavier' last='Isable']. The righty was the catalyst for a high-powered Drakes Creek Middle School offense, that could literally strike from anywhere on the field. On top of him having the most powerful and versatile arm, he's also physically the most high school-ready right now at a thick 6-foot and 170-pounds. When he gets all that power and strength moving at once, he's on film throwing the ball 40-50 yards and dropping into a bucket in the back corner of the end zone. Contrarily, he can also throw a finger-breaking dart on a slant or other quicker-developing routes. Following the Future Stars Game, he'll be off to Bowling Green High School in the fall and walks into a great opportunity to learn from returning starter, [player_tooltip player_id='340071' first='Deuce' last='Bailey']. Bailey lit the world on fire this past season, en route to becoming the 5A Player of the Year and a 2023 5a State Champion. The rich are getting richer in Purples Nation.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":3,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66393beac1303"} /-->