Kentucky Future Stars: 7th Grade (2029) Defensive Standouts

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 close victory over the Volunteers, here's my take on some of the top 7th grade (2029) defensive standouts from the game against Tennessee.    Earning defensive MVP for his performance was Darius Ridener, a huge gamechanger for Team Kentucky in the 7th grade game. What made Ridener so explosive was his ability to read the pass as well as his ability to pick off the quarterback. I also liked Ridener's ability to lock down receivers in coverage and force mistakes in fourth down scenarios.     I am additionally impressed with [player_tooltip player_id='868414' first='Xavier' last='Wooldridge'], an athlete that was all over the place in the 7th grade contest. Wooldridge made his presence known due to his commanding stopping power and ability to read the offense. I also liked Wooldridge due to his ability to protect the backfield and utilize his speed to catch the running back from along the edge.     Another playmaker to catch my attention was [player_tooltip player_id='868416' first='Drew' last='Anderson'], a defensive back that proved his physicality and strength against the Volunteers. What stood out about Anderson was his multi-faceted playstyle and ability to contribute in multiple ways. In addition to recovering a fumble to shift momentum, Anderson proved his ability to maneuver the pocket and blast defenders to the ground.     Making a big difference for the Bluegrass State was [player_tooltip player_id='868412' first='David' last='Lawless'], a defensive back that caught my attention down the stretch. Lawless showcased outstanding coverage in the backfield, proving he can easily wrap up receivers and shut down the passing game. With excellent breakaway speed and a solid wingspan, Lawless made a difference with his ability to stop the deep pass.     Also establishing himself this past weekend was [player_tooltip player_id='868415' first='Joshua' last='Aiken Miller'], a defensive lineman that locked it down at the line of scrimmage. On top of great size and strength, Miller impressed me with his electric speed off the snap. Miller proved he could both read the handoff, catch up to the running back from along the edge and shove defenders out of bounds.     Also making a massive difference was [player_tooltip player_id='1306575' first='Caleb' last='Miller'], who showcased his ability to pierce through the offensive line and apply pressure on the quarterback. Miller managed to sack the gunslinger in two crucial moments in the 7th grade contest, utilizing his strength to maneuver the pocket and find openings.     Also worth mentioning is [player_tooltip player_id='1306577' first='Eli' last='Hare'], who made a considerable difference with his ability to wrap up the offensive line and punch through the pocket with ease. Hare also proved he can read the offensive like a book and get in prime position for the tackle.     Any time not one, but two, coaches from the opposing team are asking who a player was, it's safe to say the player in question left a lasting impression. A year after winning the defensive MVP for the 6th grade Kentucky Future Stars, Wells was back to his old tricks on the defensive line. A big, physical and tough kid up front, he kept the Tennessee O-Line coaches frustrated from the opening whistle to the final whistle.

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 close victory over the Volunteers, here's my take on some of the top 7th grade (2029) defensive standouts from the game against Tennessee.