2025 Kentucky Future Stars – Projected 7th Grade Defensive Line

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>*This is strictly a Prep Redzone Next projection. The coaches of the Kentucky Future Stars determine positions.*</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- 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. Each year, on the posted roster, the Kentucky Future Stars combine the linemen together and do not specify Offensive Line or Defensive Line. On this year's 7th Grade roster, there are a whopping 22 linemen listed. After going through all 22, in Part 2 below, take a look at the 12 prospects that&nbsp;<strong>Prep Redzone Next</strong>&nbsp;projects as the Defensive Linemen.&nbsp;However, again, the Kentucky Future Stars coaching staff will decide who plays where.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>ICYMI: <strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/06/2025-kentucky-future-stars-projected-7th-grade-offensive-line/">2025 Kentucky Future Stars – Projected 7th Grade Offensive Line</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1688664"],"_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-684814ca3a3e5"} --> <!-- 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</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kicking things off in this preview, [player_tooltip player_id='1688664' first='Clayton' last='Boshers'] will be joining two other North Laurel prospects on the 7th Grade Kentucky Future Stars--pretty good for a team that fell in the first round of the KYMSFA playoffs. Boshers should be a speed option off the edge for Kentucky. Offensively he played some Tight End and has the ability to use his size and athleticism to force mismatches. Additionally, Boshers is a Track and Field kid who also excelled in the Long Jump this past spring with a PR of 14-2.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1246709"],"_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-684846f04b700"} --> <!-- 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>Selected to Region 4 team for the KYMSFA Battle of the Regions</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Gulock family is no stranger to the Kentucky Future Stars program, as Gage Gullock is set to suit up for the second straight year--and that's <strong><em>after</em></strong> older brother Grayson Gulock, played several years ago. I last saw the soon-to-be eighth-grader in March 2025, as he had an excellent showing in the KYMSFA Battle of the Regions tournament. It doesn't take a savant to see the work he puts in the weight room, but translating that strength to the field is what makes Gulock a kid to watch. Look for him to compete for a starting Edge spot in the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1673816"],"_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-684846f04b784"} --> <!-- 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>Selected to Region 2 team for the KYMSFA Battle of the Regions</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The second of four Defensive Linemen on this year's 7th Grade Kentucky Future Stars who are returning for a second year, [player_tooltip player_id='1673816' first='Kaiden' last='Gunterman'] is another prospect that will compete for a starting Edge position. He's listed at 6-foot-2 and 175-pounds right now, which is two inches taller than he was listed at a year ago. While he doesn't have the thickness of [player_tooltip player_id='1246709' first='Gage' last='Gulock'] (listed above), he certainly has the length and quickness to make it a tough day at the office for the Tennessee O-Line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1688727"],"_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-684846f04b7f4"} --> <!-- 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>Selected to Region 2 team for the KYMSFA Battle of the Regions</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After three consecutive Edge rushers to start off this preview, Newburg's [player_tooltip player_id='1688727' first='Kevin' last='Hawkins'] is the first no-doubter as interior defensive tackle. Hawkins started as a D-Tackle for Region 2 in the KYMSFA Battle of the Regions in March 2025, contributing to their Championship victory. Hawkins didn't pop out at me during the weekend necessarily, but to start on that Region's team there is clearly ability. I look forward to getting another look at him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1688766"],"_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-684846f04b85f"} --> <!-- 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>Selected to Region 2 team for the KYMSFA Battle of the Regions</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Like [player_tooltip player_id='1688727' first='Kevin' last='Hawkins'] (listed above), [player_tooltip player_id='1688766' first='Keith' last='Lawless'] was also starter on that uber-talented Region 2 team that went on to win the KYMSFA Battle of the Regions. When it comes to Lawless, I think the best is yet to come here. He's a high-motor kid that knows how to get into the backfield. He can get skinny and bend the edge better than most. It's clear to see there is athleticism in the way he moved and uses his combination of speed and power. He plays fast at all times. While I think he's more of an Edge player right now, if Kentucky gets into some type of NASCAR package where they pin their ears back and get after the QB, it wouldn't shock me to see him bump inside to a DT. He's strong enough to handle the bodies inside and would obviously have a speed advantage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1063743"],"_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-684846f04b8c9"} --> <!-- 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>Selected to Region 1 team for the KYMSFA Battle of the Regions</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Growth and ever-changing height/weight measurements comes with the territory as it pertains to prospects on the pre-high school level. That said, [player_tooltip player_id='1063743' first='Garrett' last='Pearson'] returns to the Kentucky Future Stars three inches and 30-pounds heavier than he was a year ago at this time. Pearson is one of a select few kids on this team, that I truly feel could start on either side of the ball. Doubling down on that, based off what I've seen from the BGJH prospect, I feel he has the size, quickness and technical skills to play any position up front--on <strong>BOTH</strong> sides of the ball. Pearson also spends a lot of time playing hoops, something that has likely helped him stay a cut above the rest with his feet and agility.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1688808"],"_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-684846f04b932"} --> <!-- 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</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1688808' first='Anthony' last='Richardson II'] is making his Kentucky Future Stars debut this year, and I'm excited to see what he brings to the table. A season-ending injury caused him to miss the majority of the 2024 season and I personally am yet to see enough film to have a grasp on his ability. His father trains prospects in the Louisville-area, and by all accounts it looks like ARII is back and ready to go full-tilt against Tennessee. Like some of the other D-Linemen in this preview, he also plays basketball and uses quick feet, a big body and length to own the boards. He's already shadowed at schools like Trinity and St. Xavier. I look forward to watching him against Tennessee and into his presumed final year of pre-high school football.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1688833"],"_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-68484e859a3ac"} --> <!-- 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>Son of Boyle County High School Assistant Coach</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He's a brand new name to me and I'm excited to see him play in person, because I think Augustus Singleton could be one of the breakout stars of the Kentucky/Tennessee Future Stars Game. His film showcases his aggression and technique, which is advanced for this level. His film becomes even more intriguing when you realize that he played every snap as a seventh-grader, going up against eighth-graders. Like [player_tooltip player_id='1063743' first='Garrett' last='Pearson'] (listed above), Singleton strikes me as a prospect that can play on both sides of the ball at a high level. His versatility could become huge against Tennessee. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1306193"],"_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-68484e859a409"} --> <!-- 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>Selected to Region 2 team for the KYMSFA Battle of the Regions</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Respectfully, I don't think I've seen a better two-way linemen in all of Kentucky, in this 2030 class, than big, [player_tooltip player_id='1306193' first='LJ' last='Smith IV']. Listed three inches and 25-pounds heavier than last year at this time, Smith IV is up to 6-foot-3 and 285-pounds as of this June 2025 preview. The JCTMS JV Offensive Line MVP this past season, he's in a class of his own as of right now. Smith IV is also known throughout the state in Basketball and Track and Field. His size, academics and outstanding personality already have various private schools positioning to have him attend next year. Furthermore, Smith IV is already getting his feet wet on the college camp scene, as he hit LSU earlier this summer. As of right now, he projects to become one of the most highly-recruited kids in the 2030 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1688860"],"_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-6848a414d35a0"} --> <!-- 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>Selected to Region 4 team for the KYMSFA Battle of the Regions</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I got my first look at [player_tooltip player_id='1688860' first='Carter' last='Snyder'] this past March, as he suited up for Region 4 in the KYMSFA Battle of the Regions. As I walked the field during pre-game warmups, he passed the eye test right away with his massive size. He doesn't exactly move with the grace of a Ballerina, but he moves his nearly 300-pound body well enough. I think he's more of a run-stuff interior Defensive Tackle at this point, but his 2024 film does show him moving in space and blocking on the offensive side as well. It should be noted, in late May 2025 he posted a video of him deadlifting 605-pounds. That's an impressive weight for anybody, at any age. We'll see how he uses that strength against Tennessee.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1673906"],"_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-6848a414d3631"} --> <!-- 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>Selected to Region 4 team for the KYMSFA Battle of the Regions</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another tall, long option as an Edge rusher is Corbin's [player_tooltip player_id='1673906' first='Connor' last='Spencer']. Spencer was a Region 4 selection for the KYMSFA Battle of the Regions tournament, and while he was not a starter in that game, he did pass the eye-test during pre-game. He looked strong, with lean muscle mass on a long frame. He's built very similarly to his 7th Grade Kentucky Future Stars teammate, [player_tooltip player_id='1673816' first='Kaiden' last='Gunterman'] (listed above), and the pair should have some nice battles during camp to see who earns what spot on the depth chart.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1689215"],"_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-6848a414d36af"} --> <!-- 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>Selected to Region 4 team for the KYMSFA Battle of the Regions</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Putting an exclamation point to this PRZ Next <strong>projected</strong> Defensive Line group, [player_tooltip player_id='1689215' first='Weston' last='Tucker'] is yet another prospect selected from the Region 4 team from KYMFSA Battle of the Regions. When I last saw him in March 2025, Tucker gave up some height to many of the other bigs, but he did impress with strength. At the point of contact, he was able to shoot his hands and dictate a lot of movement at the LOS. Even facing double teams, Tucker was able to sustain his positioning against the force often. I love the toughness he played with, so hopefully the height kicks in before too long, as to make him a more appealing player based off next-level measurables. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->