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Kentucky 2028s That Impress On Film

Kentucky 2028s That Impress On Film
Drew Toennies
Drew Toennies April 1, 2025 @ 07:54 AM
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In this article:

Landon Kirtley
Landon Kirtley 6'0" | 164 lbs | DB | 2028
KY
Isaac James
Isaac James 5'9" | 155 lbs | LB | 2028
KY
Hudsen Close
Hudsen Close 6'4" | 290 lbs | OL | 2028
KY
Avery Thompson
Avery Thompson 6'3" | 160 lbs | WR | 2028
KY
Bode Darland
Bode Darland 6'0" | 205 lbs | LB | 2028
KY
Ashton Taylor
Ashton Taylor 5'10" | 160 lbs | RB | 2028
KY
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After an outstanding year of high school football in the Bluegrass State, it's time to revisit some of last season's top prospects that made their presence known on Friday nights. After breaking down some impactful rising sophomores in the Bowling Green area, here's my list of Kentucky 2028s that impress on film.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["871291"],"_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-67ebd0997b5cf"} --> <!-- 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='871291' first='Avery' last='Thompson'], a wide receiver at Paducah Tilghman High School. In addition to outstanding size and the ability to consistently outmaneuver the defense in the backfield, I like Thompson's ability to read the pass and elevate off the ground to haul in the deep ball. Another aspect of Thompson's playstyle that stands out is his explosive speed off the snap.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18503485/6327c8426e81750a18a97b7e">Tape:</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["470192"],"_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-67ebc034179e1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I am additionally impressed with [player_tooltip player_id='470192' first='Ashton' last='Taylor'], a running back at Trinity High School. What makes Taylor so impactful on the ground is his ability to consistently shake tackles and quickly capitalize on openings in the defensive line. I also like how Taylor can utilize bursts of speed to break free into the backfield and take it all the way to the house for the touchdown.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/23424720/673163a5f464532f032d3acf">Tape:</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["871294"],"_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-67ebd3b74094a"} --> <!-- 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='871294' first='Hudsen' last='Close'], an offensive lineman at Taylor County High School. Close makes a considerable difference at the line of scrimmage with his size and strength, using his wingspan to stun the defense and cause chaos in the pocket. I also like how Close can contain the blitz and protect his quarterback in crucial moments.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2QVVa8">Tape:</a></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-67ebd247e792c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another skilled prospect is [player_tooltip player_id='478102' first='Bode' last='Darland'], a linebacker at Woodford County High School. Darland impresses me with his ability to push off his opponent and quickly breach the offensive line to apply pressure on the quarterback. I also like how Darland can shut down the run game, proving his ability to read the offense like a book and pounce on the running back in the pocket.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2RPuU7">Tape:</a></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-67ebd247e798b"} --> <!-- 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='1033168' first='Landon' last='Kirtley'], a defensive back at St. Xavier High School. Kirtley stands out defensively with his ability to spot the run and quickly shut down the offense from along the edge. I also like Kirtley's electric speed and ability to suffocate the run game. Another aspect of Kirtley's playstyle that impresses is his ability to blast into the endzone off the kick return.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2QjtAM">Tape:</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- 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-67ebd3b7409da"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Also worth mentioning is [player_tooltip player_id='871298' first='Isaac' last='James'], a linebacker at Paducah Tilghman High School. On top of excellent defensive awareness, what stands out about James is his ability to read the pass and quickly jump in front of receivers to haul in the pass and take it all the way to the house for the pick-six. I also like how James can blast his way past the offensive line to make crucial stops.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20691749/67642cfb9228af4357287ff4">Tape:</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->

After an outstanding year of high school football in the Bluegrass State, it's time to revisit some of last season's top prospects that made their presence known on Friday nights. After breaking down some impactful rising sophomores in the Bowling Green area, here's my list of Kentucky 2028s that impress on film.

Avery Thompson

Avery Thompson

KY
WR
HEIGHT 6'3"
WEIGHT 160
POS WR
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Avery
Thompson WR
Class
2028
Height
6'3"
Weight
160
HS
Paducah Tilghman
|
KY
Kentucky 2028s That Impress On Film
In the first place spot on my list is Avery Thompson , a wide receiver at Paducah Tilghman...
Written by Drew Toennies
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Avery Thompson

Instagram Twitter
State: Kentucky
School: Paducah Tilghman
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Ashton Taylor

Ashton Taylor

KY
RB
HEIGHT 5'10"
WEIGHT 160
POS RB
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Ashton
Taylor RB
Class
2028
Height
5'10"
Weight
160
HS
Trinity
|
KY
Kentucky 2028s That Impress On Film
I am additionally impressed with Ashton Taylor , a running back at Trinity High School. What makes Taylor...
Written by Drew Toennies
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Ashton Taylor

Instagram Twitter
State: Kentucky
School: Trinity
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Hudsen Close

Hudsen Close

KY
OL
HEIGHT 6'4"
WEIGHT 290
POS OL
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Hudsen
Close OL
Class
2028
Height
6'4"
Weight
290
HS
Taylor County
|
KY
Kentucky 2028s That Impress On Film
Claiming the number three spot on my list is Hudsen Close , an offensive lineman at Taylor County...
Written by Drew Toennies
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Hudsen Close

State: Kentucky
School: Taylor County
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Bode Darland

Bode Darland

KY
LB
HEIGHT 6'0"
WEIGHT 205
POS LB
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Bode
Darland LB
Class
2028
Height
6'0"
Weight
205
HS
Lexington Christian Academy
|
KY
Kentucky 2028s That Impress On Film
Another skilled prospect is Bode Darland , a linebacker at Woodford County High School. Darland impresses me with...
Written by Drew Toennies
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Bode Darland

Instagram Twitter
State: Kentucky
School: Lexington Christian Academy
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Landon Kirtley

Landon Kirtley

KY
DB
HEIGHT 6'0"
WEIGHT 164
POS DB
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Landon
Kirtley DB
Class
2028
Height
6'0"
Weight
164
HS
St Xavier
|
KY
Kentucky 2028s That Impress On Film
Coming in at number five on my list is Landon Kirtley , a defensive back at St. Xavier...
Written by Drew Toennies
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Landon Kirtley

Instagram Twitter
State: Kentucky
School: St Xavier
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Isaac James

Isaac James

KY
LB
HEIGHT 5'9"
WEIGHT 155
POS LB
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Isaac
James LB
Class
2028
Height
5'9"
Weight
155
HS
Paducah
|
KY
Kentucky 2028s That Impress On Film
Also worth mentioning is Isaac James , a linebacker at Paducah Tilghman High School. On top of excellent...
Written by Drew Toennies
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Isaac James

Instagram Twitter
State: Kentucky
School: Paducah
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

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