Senior Watch List: '27 Prospects Flying Under the Radar

Today is the last first day of high school for some Kentucky athletes. That means one more season to prove they have the potential to play at the next level. Let's take a look at a few players with star potential who haven't received the attention this offseason.    [player_tooltip player_id='2252096' first='Will' last='Mayes'] is an EDGE rusher as well as a tight end for South Warren. At the next level, Mayes will likely focus on the defensive side of the football, as he is one of Kentucky's premier defensive ends across the Bluegrass. Mayes utilizes a two-point stance on defense, aiding in his explosiveness post-snap. Despite starting high, Mayes remains low and keeps his head up to see where the ball is going. He has great awareness of his surroundings and is easily able to identify the ball carrier and pursue the football. His abilities as a pass rusher translate well to the next level. Mayes can shed his block along the edge and force the opposing quarterback to scramble, panic, or make a poor decision.     At 6'7" and 305 pounds, it's hard not to consider [player_tooltip player_id='2145292' first='Santiago' last='Espinoza'] as one of Kentucky's most valuable recruits along the offensive line. Espinoza plays left tackle, where he is surprisingly light on his feet. He has demonstrated that he can execute a combo block with precision. His size lends itself to helping pancake much smaller EDGE and linebacker opposition. His natural length allows him to perform reach blocks with ease, and he can drive his defender forward to create a hole in the B and C gaps. Espinoza doesn't take plays off, and is always looking to make an extra block if he can. That type of size and effort can't be taught, which makes Espinoza someone who college coaches should take note of this fall.     [player_tooltip player_id='1279917' first='Tayton' last='Cox'] has bulked up to 6'4" and 190 pounds ahead of his senior season. That gives him speed, strength, and length on the outside as a wide receiver for Corbin. However, he projects higher on the defensive side of the football at the next level. Defensively, he logged 51 tackles, 6 TFLs, 2.0 sacks, and a PBU playing outside linebacker. The same natural abilities that aid him at receiver help him as a standout linebacker. He's a fantastic pass rusher who explodes into the backfield and can chase down the quarterback far along the outside. Cox angles his pursuit well and is a reliable tackler in the open field and along the goal line.     [player_tooltip player_id='2074527' first='Jack' last='Dalton'] is a shifty tailback from Henderson County who has decent size for a running back at 5'9" and 190 pounds. He's speedy with a quick first step out of his stance. He can make a man miss in the backfield, but can hit a hole hard and with confidence just the same. Dalton finished his junior season with 88 rushing attempts for 524 yards and nine touchdowns. He averaged 6.0 yards per carry in 2025. Dalton also returns punts and even returned one for a touchdown last season.     [player_tooltip player_id='1674116' first='Colton' last='Short'] is a two-way wide receiver and free safety for Paintsville in Eastern Kentucky. He's speedy on the outside and is now 6'1", which helps him rise above defenders in contested catch situations. Short's 2025 season ended with 30 receptions for 309 yards and a touchdown. Defensively, he logged 72 total tackles (36 solo) to go with 2.0 tackles for loss. He projects higher at the next level of defense, where he provides consistency and reliability as the last level of defense for his team. Short is a ballhawk who finished 2025 with 14 PBUs and an interception. His size and athleticism help him not only knock the ball free but do it cleanly through contact.

Today is the last first day of high school for some Kentucky athletes. That means one more season to prove they have the potential to play at the next level. Let's take a look at a few players with star potential who haven't received the attention this offseason.