Intriguing 2026s in Kentucky to Watch For

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After an outstanding year of high school football action in the Bluegrass State, it's time to continue to evaluate some of the most impactful prospects to make their presence known on the field this past season. Following my breakdown of some 2025 stockrisers to keep an eye on, here's my list of some intriguing 2026s in Kentucky to watch for.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["401703"],"_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-669c04b56b552"} --> <!-- 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='401703' first='DJ' last='Wilson'], a running back at Paducah Tilghman High School. On top of great size and speed, what impresses me about Wilson is his ability to punch through the pocket and break tackles on his way into enemy territory. I also like how Wilson can consistently use bursts of speed to escape the defense from along the edge, proving his ability to take it all the way to the house for the touchdown.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2MEE0z">Tape:</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["971495"],"_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-669c04b56b5b9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I am additionally impressed with [player_tooltip player_id='971495' first='A'Davion' last='Dale'], a defensive back at Shelby County High School. What stands out about Dale is his ability to read the offense like a book and make quick tackles. I also like how Dale can utilize his solid wingspan in coverage to knock the short pass out of the air. Dale also proved his ability to shove the defense out of bounds from along the edge to protect the backfield.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2LvGMa">Tape:</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1175823"],"_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-669c04b56b605"} --> <!-- 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='1175823' first='Donee' last='Sutton'], a defensive lineman at Atherton High School. Sutton catches my attention with his explosive speed at the line of scrimmage and his ability to quickly overpower his opponent. I also like Sutton's ability to apply pressure on the quarterback and cause chaos for the offensive line. Sutton also showcased his ability to pierce the pocket and sack the gunslinger in crucial moments.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2Mbz58">Tape:</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- 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-669c04b56b644"} --> <!-- 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='314345' first='Ethan' last='Kirkwood'], a wide receiver at Bowling Green High School. Kirkwood makes a considerable difference offensively with his ability to always be in prime position for the pass. I also like how Kirkwood can attack the ball in the air and quickly get open for the short pass from along the edge. Kirkwood also proved his ability to overpower his opponent in coverage and get his hands in front of the ball despite heavy defensive contact.</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":["401694"],"_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-669c04b56b67f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Coming in at number five on my list of standouts is [player_tooltip player_id='401694' first='Colin' last='Jefferson'], a wide receiver at Male High School. In addition to excellent versatility down the stretch, Jefferson catches my attention with his strong catching ability as well as his ability to juke out the defense off the short pass. I also like how Jefferson can create solid seperation both in the backfield and in the endzone, proving his ability to get wide open for the touchdown pass.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2MbpU3">Tape:</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->