2025 Kentucky Future Stars – 7th Grade Linebacker Selections

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This year's Kentucky Future Stars saw over 400 athletes show up in four different areas around the state, in an effort to be selected for the #Brotherhood of the program. When the smoke settled, there were seven (7) 7th grade (class of 2030) Linebackers selected to the prestigious team. The seventh-grade game against Tennessee has been split over the last four years, which each side of the border war winning two games. This year's KY group will aim to break the recent stalemate. Without a further adieu, here are the seven Linebackers selected.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1669201"],"_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-681b8507517e9"} --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>First time selection for the Kentucky Future Stars</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>He is the nephew of UK Football alumn Rick Abren</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's a family affair when it comes to the Abren family, football and having a high level of ability. Following an All-State high school career, Abren's Uncle played at Kentucky in the early 2000s. Brandon's older cousin, [player_tooltip player_id='1668607' first='Broderick' last='Abren'], was selected to play <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/05/2025-kentucky-future-stars-8th-grade-linebacker-selections/">Linebacker for the 8th Grade Kentucky Future Stars</a>. Talking about Brandon specifically, the 7th Grade Kentucky Future Stars are getting a kid who comes with natural strength and the ability to drop a ball carrier where they stand.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1669237"],"_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-681b8507518ee"} --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Is now a two-time selection for the Kentucky Future Stars</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>2024 KYMSFA 7th Grade State Champion</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On a Linebacker corps that features more first-year KY Future Stars than returners, a kid like [player_tooltip player_id='1669237' first='Camden' last='Fitzgerald'] should be pretty valuable. Not only has he played on this stage before, but he also brings experience as both a Linebacker, and as a Kicker on Special Teams. He's a heavier kid and looks like a true MLB. For his play on the KYMSFA-State Champion Northern Pulaski Maroons this season, he earned a KYMSFA Honorable Mention Regional Player of the Year nod, in addition to a selection to the Region 4 team in the Battle of the Regions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1669259"],"_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-681b85075195f"} --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>First time selection for the Kentucky Future Stars</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Was a Region 2 selection for the KYMSFA Battle of the Regions in March 2025</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After reviewing my notes/roster from the KYMSFA Battle of the Regions during the last weekend in March 2025, I'm not positive the numeric roster I received is 100% accurate. Due to the possible discrepancy in the roster, coupled with the the fact that there is no film readily by searching his name on Google and/or Hudl --I will wait and update this when I learn more. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1669212"],"_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-681b85075187c"} --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>First time selection for the Kentucky Future Stars</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Multi-sport athlete (basketball)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While I haven't taken a deep dive into the Running Back group that was selected for this 7th Grade KY Future Stars yet, I do know 3/5 of the names selected. I mention that, because looking at film alone, I would have pegged Ferguson for a balance/power Running Back. He's a powerful kid that runs close to the ground and arrives with bad intentions. On the defensive side of the ball, Ferguson is more of a MLB at this point but long term I still see him toting the rock.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1669265"],"_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-681b8507519c1"} --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>First time selection for the Kentucky Future Stars</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Dual-sport athlete</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is the first I've heard of Murphy--which is exciting to lean about a new prospect--however, a Google search and Hudl search didn't yield any film, and very little information. In the bit I've been able to gather, Murphy appears to put up pretty good numbers in the 100m Hurdles on the track and has a PR of 16.88. I will wait and update this when I learn more. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1306186"],"_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-681b850751a24"} --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Is now a two-time selection for the Kentucky Future Stars</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Was a Region 4 selection for the KYMSFA Battle of the Regions in March 2025</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last June, [player_tooltip player_id='1306186' first='Jameson' last='Justice'] was <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/06/kentucky-future-stars-6th-grade-2030-defensive-standouts/">one of the standouts</a> for the 6th grade Kentucky Future Stars squad in a close loss to their Tennessee counterparts. The Linebackers were arguably the best position group a year ago and the play of Justice didn't go unnoticed. He played tough against the run and in short distance situations. Watching him most recently at the KYMSFA Battle of the Regions he looked sound and ready to get after it, as an Outside Linebacker. Strong enough to disengage from blocks and then fast enough to get downhill quickly to male a tackle.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1306161"],"_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-681b850751a84"} --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Is now a two-time selection for the Kentucky Future Stars</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Was the Defensive MVP in last year's Future Stars Game</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As mentioned above in the the write up of [player_tooltip player_id='1306186' first='Jameson' last='Justice'], the Linebackers were arguably the best position group a year ago on the <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/06/kentucky-future-stars-6th-grade-2030-defensive-standouts/">6th Grade Kentucky Future Stars</a>--and it all started with Defensive MVP [player_tooltip player_id='1306161' first='Christopher' last='Pinson']. When looking at Pinson, the most evident thing is his size and fluidity when moving on the field. While he does play Linebacker, obviously as a high level, he also plays Wide Receiver and other positions on the offensive side of the ball. He's long, quick and is rarely out of position. While watching him at the Battle of the Regions in late March 2025, his athleticism and versatility was on full display. He made a number of plays that caught my attention on offense, defense and special teams. He's certainly a player to know for the future.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->