Kentucky Future Stars: 6th Grade (2030) Offensive Standouts
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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 offensive standouts that made their presence known at EKU’s Roy Kidd Stadium. Following Team Kentucky’s 14-12…
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Continue ReadingAfter 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 offensive 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) offensive standouts from the game against Tennessee.
Whisenant caught my attention during warmups by the way he was bouncing around the field and looked to be focused on the game ahead of him. Didn’t score a touchdown or anything, but he was active all day long. Whether lined up in the backfield as a Running Back or in the slot as a Wide Receiver, he was one of the go-to weapons for the Kentucky 6th grade Future Stars.
Another prospect that caught my eye immediately during warmups, Morgan-Ridner certainly looks the part of a name to know in this 2030 class, as of June 2024. On the first play from scrimmage in the game against the Tennessee Future Stars, he cocked back and launched a deep ball at least 40 yards–though it fell incomplete, seeing that he had the ability to throw it that far opened up some eyes. They didn’t keep official stats to my knowledge, but if they did, Morgan-Ridner’s probably wouldn’t be that impressive because his receivers had at least five drops on catchable balls. He did manage to notch a touchdown pass when the boys from the Bluegrass State needed it most, connecting with wide receiver
Kayden Centers
Kayden
Centers
5'9" | 130 lbs | WR
Whitley County | 2030
KY
with just 1:36 left in the game.
The eventual Offensive MVP of the game for the 6th Grade Kentucky Future Stars, Warner had himself quite the afternoon, despite the loss. He was the clear bell cow running back for the team, getting the ball early and often. Warner scored the first touchdown for Kentucky in the game and showed off a ton of ability. During the game, I jotted down notes about him being truly a complete back–which is rare for this age and level. Personally, my biggest takeaway, was the vision Warner displayed while running in open field. He cutback against the grain several times and made a few no-look jump cuts that had me wondering how he even saw the defender out of his peripheral
Unlike the 7th (2029) and 8th (2028) grades, the 6th grade Kentucky Future Stars had a number of players that played both ways throughout the game. Parker was one of these kids, as on top of being named top performer on the defensive side of the ball, he also stood out to me on the offensive side of the ball. The starter at Right Tackle, he was manhandling the Tennessee defensive linemen and creating a ton of room for the Kentucky stable of running backs.
Highlights
Another versatile weapon on the 6th Grade Kentucky Future Stars team, Batts-Hobbs made a few nice plays during the game. Specifically speaking, he made a nice grab early in the game to keep a drive alive for Kentucky. The quick and shifty wide receiver also picked up positive yardage several times when used on an End-around and in jet sweeps.
Out of the prospects on the outside, Centers passed the eye test immediately when taking a look at him during pictures and warmups. On the roster at 5-foot-9 and 130-pounds, he possesses the build and has the frame to potentially become a big time prospect, as of June 2024. That said, he was kept in check for most of the game through the third quarter, by a talented Tennessee defense–but it wouldn’t last. After dropping a pass, he showed off a short memory and redeemed himself in a big way, by hauling in a touchdown pass from
Kal Morgan-Ridner
Kal
Morgan-Ridner
5'11" | 155 lbs | QB
Northern Pulaski | 2030
KY
with 1:36 left in the game. Though it wouldn’t be enough for the win, it was a glimpse of what could be coming down the line in the Kentucky football.
There aren’t too many 6-foot-3, 295-pound (as of June 2024) class of 2030 prospects out there, but Northern Pulaski has one in Newton. Newton got the start at Left Tackle for the 6th Grade Kentucky Future Stars and did a struggle a bit with some of the speed coming off the Tennessee edge. After half time adjustments, he moved inside some and look significantly better inside playing Right Guard. While he did go back and get some reps at Tackle again, I liked him inside. Any prospect at this size and at this level, will likely struggle with foot work because of the sheer amount of mass that needs to be moved. However, the ceiling is understandably crazy high for a prospect with Division 1 size already. If/when he puts it all together, there’s no telling what he could blossom in to.
Highlights
Unlike some of the other 2030 prospects in this writeup, nothing about Frakes caught my eye right away. That was, until it was time to buckle up the chin straps and play ball. One of the smaller kids on the team–on the roster at 4-foot-11 and 100-pounds–he had several nice grabs in the quick-game on the outside. One of the Kentucky’s bread and butter plays with a simple quick pass to Frakes on the outside, who used his speed and agility to make a Tennessee defender miss and get vertical in short order.
Highlights
Additional Kentucky 6th Grade (Class of 2030) Future Stars That Stood Out
Brooks Braun
Brooks
Braun
5'7" | 105 lbs | QB
Bullit East | 2030
KY
| Quarterback | Bullit East – Braun was QB2 for the 6th grade Kentucky Future Stars and played well when he got his opportunities. As is the case with every 2030 prospect in this writeup and in America, there is obvious development that is yet to come. Yet, with an arm like his and the ability for him to create with his legs, it’s easy to see why he was selected for one of the three coveted QB spots on this roster.
Levi Frazier
Levi
Frazier
5'11" | 195 lbs | OL
Williamsburg City School | 2030
KY
| Offensive Line | Williamsburg City – While not a starter on the offensive line for the 6th grade Kentucky Future Stars, when Frazier got into the game I was impressed with his play. I noted his ability as a Left Guard after making several key blocks throughout the game.
Cade Chappell
Cade
Chappell
5'10" | 185 lbs | TE
Whitley County | 2030
KY
| Tight End | Whitley County – If I’m remembering correctly, I don’t think he registered a catch in the game, but Chappell could be a nice option as a Tight End going forward. On the roster at 5-foot-10 and 185-pounds, he has really good size for a 2030 Tight End. Was spread out wide as a Wide Receiver in some of Kentucky’s game plan and was targeted a few times.