Intriguing 2026 Stockrisers to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After an action-packed year of high school football in the Bluegrass State, it's time to take a closer look at some of the most impactful prospects to make their presence known on the field last season. After breaking down some impactful players from the class of 2025, here's my list of some intriguing 2026 stockrisers in Kentucky to keep an eye on.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["314345"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66673c336e69b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">In the first place spot on my list is [player_tooltip player_id='314345' first='Ethan' last='Kirkwood'], a wide receiver at Bowling Green High School. What impresses me about Kirkwood is his outstanding breakaway speed as well as his ability to haul in the deep pass from along the edge. I also like Kirkwood's ability to stay in front of the pass, utilizing his wing span to elevate off the ground to attack the ball in the air.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15345365/657736f3dfd8d50ab47cec00">Tape:</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["971532"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66673c336e6ff"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I am additionally impressed with [player_tooltip player_id='971532' first='Ethan' last='Pittman'], an offensive lineman at Wayne County High School. Pittman stands out with his size and explosiveness at the line of scrimmage. Pittman showcases his ability to read the defense and quickly execute in the pocket. I also like how Pittman can use his arms to wrap up the defense, proving he can shut down the blitz and protect his quarterback.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2MEm5T">Tape:</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["971536"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66673c336e744"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Claiming the number three spot on my list is [player_tooltip player_id='971536' first='Brayden' last='Baxter'], a running back at Monroe County High School. In addition to his electric speed off the snap, Baxter impresses me with his ability to maneuver the field and consistently juke out the defense. I also like how Baxter can utilize the stiff arm to break tackles on his way into enemy territory.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="http://www.hudl.com/video/3/12949873/659b412f578ee30ee004c2c9">Tape:</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["971504"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66673c336e783"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another skilled prospect to keep an eye on is [player_tooltip player_id='971504' first='Bryson' last='Rowsey'], an athlete at Raceland High School. What makes Rowsey such a gamechanger is his outstanding catching ability as well as his physicality in coverage. I also like Rowsey's ability to use bursts of speed to break tackles and take it all the way to the house. Rowsey also makes a difference with his ability to attack the ball in the air.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="http://www.hudl.com/video/3/13154165/656dff38578e0102acab1e30">Tape:</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["283959"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66673c336e7c0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Coming in at number five on my list is [player_tooltip player_id='283959' first='Chapman' last='Russell'], a linebacker at Christian Academy of Louisville. Russell stands out with his ability to read the offense like a book and make crucial stops. Russell also proved he can read the short pass and maneuver the pocket to drop the running back to the ground. I also like Russell's ability to chase down receivers in the backfield.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2Mwah6">Tape:</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->