Kentucky Future Stars: 8th Grade (2028) 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 commanding 40-18 victory over the Volunteers in the grade contest, here's my list of the top 2028 defensive standouts for Kentucky.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["871298"],"_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-6675aed9104ae"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Earning defensive MVP honors for his performance was [player_tooltip player_id='871298' first='Isaac' last='James'], a linebacker at Paducah Middle School. What impressed me about James was his ability to read the offense like a book, breach the offensive line and shut down the rush. I also liked how James could quickly find openings in the pocket to apply pressure on the quarterback.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1288506"],"_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-6675aed910540"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I am additionally impressed with [player_tooltip player_id='1288506' first='Aiden' last='[player_tooltip player_id='1257178' first='Whitson' last=''], a linebacker at Southwestern Middle School. On top of great size and speed off the snap, [player_tooltip player_id='1257178' first='Whitson' last=''] proved that he was a powerful tackler. I also liked [player_tooltip player_id='1257178' first='Whitson' last='']'s ability to read the pocket, quickly shut down the running back and protect the backfield.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1033168"],"_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-6675aed9105ae"} --> <!-- 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='1033168' first='Landon' last='Kirtley'], an athlete at St. Xavier High School. Kirtley made a considerable difference down the stretch last weekend, showcasing his ability to provide solid coverage on receivers in the backfield. With solid versatility and a great wingspan, Kirtley proved he could be disruptive and keep the offense out of scoring range.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1019701"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1312151,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","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-6675aed910615"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another highly skilled prospect to keep an eye on is [player_tooltip player_id='1019701' first='Winston' last='Ford'], a running back at Northern Pulaski Middle School that made his presence known defensively. Ford caught my attention with his excellent footwork and speed. I also liked how Ford could read the offense, spot the quick handoff and make powerful stops in crucial moments.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["478102"],"_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-6675aed91067b"} --> <!-- 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='478102' first='Bode' last='Darland'], a defensive lineman at Woodford County High School. Darland caught my eye with his ability to utilize his solid footwork and speed off the snap to quickly shut down the running game. I also liked Darland's strength and physicality at the line of scrimmage, showing off his ability to breach the pocket and make significant stops.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["952928"],"_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-6675aed9106e3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Also worth mentioning is [player_tooltip player_id='952928' first='Kolin' last='Baker'], a defensive lineman at Trinity High School. Baker made his presence known defensively with his ability to consistently get to the quarterback for the sack. I was also impressed with how Baker could maneuver the pocket and stun the offensive line with his strength and durable edge.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1299937"],"_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-6675aed910752"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another high-level prospect to establish himself last weekend was [player_tooltip player_id='1299937' first='Julian' last='Smith'], a defensive lineman at Campbellsville Middle School. Smith impressed me at the line of scrimmage due to his ability to be explosive off the snap and cause chaos for the offensive line. I also liked how Smith could stun the opposition with his size and strength.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->