Kentucky Future Stars: 6th Grade (2030) Defensive Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After an action-packed weekend of middle school football action at the Kentucky vs. Tennessee Future Stars Game, it's time to break down the top defensive standouts that made their presence known at EKU's Roy Kidd Stadium. Following Team Kentucky's 14-12 loss to the Volunteers, here's my take on some of the top 6th grade (2030) defensive standouts from the game against Tennessee.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1306161"],"_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-666dc238c21e5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pinson earned defensive MVP honors for his performance in the 6th grade contest, showcasing outstanding speed off the snap as well as great execution in crucial moments. I liked Pinson's ability to apply pressure on the quarterback and disrupt the offense, proving he can blast past the offensive line and sack the gunslinger in 4th down scenarios.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1306170"],"_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-666dc238c2279"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Littlejohn made a considerable difference this past weekend with his explosiveness on the defensive end, utilizing bursts of speed to protect the backfield and lock down the offense from along the edge. Littlejohn caught my attention with his ability to catch the running back as well as race down the field to tackle receivers off the kick.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1306180"],"_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-666dc238c2306"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Parker claims the number three spot on my list due to his ability to create pressure and force mistakes from the offense. With outstanding size and quick execution off the snap, Parker was nearly unstoppable in the pocket, utilizing his strength and physical edge to cause disorganization and apply pressure on top offensive playmakers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1306186"],"_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-666dc238c2380"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Justice was all over the place in the 6th grade contest, showcasing excellent speed and stopping power through four quarters. What impressed me the most about Justice was his ability to make commanding stops at the goal line as well as his efficiency on the run. Justice proved he can pick up speed to catch the rush and protect the backfield.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1306193"],"_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-666dc238c23f7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Smith was another defensive standout that made his presence known last weekend, proving his ability to lock it down at the line of scrimmage. I liked how Smith could read the offense like a book and breach the pocket with ease, utilizing his size to punch past the offensive line to sack the quarterback. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1134639"],"_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-666dc238c2478"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I was also impressed with Whitlow-Clark due to his defensive aggression and ability to maneuver the field. On top of great size and speed, Whitlow-Clark made a huge play when he managed to chase down and sack the quarterback on 4th down, forcing the opposition to punt the ball away.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->