2023 Mid-Season Top Performers: 5A Offense

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Now that we are a little past the midway point in the 2023 high school regular season in Kentucky, I want to take a look back at what has happened so far. With that being said, I'm going to focus on my top performers on both sides of the ball in each class from so far. After covering class 6A, I will now turn my attention to class 5A. With that in mind, here are my top offensive performers in class 5A so far this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["331739"],"_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_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='331739' first='Bryce' last='Button'] is a player that came into this season with high expectations and he has continued to impress so far. Through the first six games, Button leads 5A in passing, completing 103/164 passes for 1,900 yards, 22 touchdowns, and five interceptions. Button has very impressive arm strength which he uses to stretch the field and lead his receivers down the field in the deep passing game. He also has great pocket awareness, showing the ability to move around in the pocket while keeping his eyes down the field to make throws under pressure. Button has also proven that he can tuck the ball and make plays with his legs, running the ball 33 times for 217 yards and four touchdowns so far. Bryce currently holds an offer from Eastern Kentucky and I expect more to come his way as he has received a solid amount of college interest and is a Division I caliber quarterback prospect.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["340071"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"Another highly-touted quarterback that has continued to impress this season is [player_tooltip player_id='340071' first='Deuce' last='Bailey']. Bailey has been outstanding through his first six games, completing 110/153 passes for 1,691 yards, 19 touchdowns, and three interceptions. He throws a very impressive deep ball, showing the ability to lead his receivers down the field and hit them in stride. Bailey has also shown the ability to escape the pocket when under pressure while keeping his eyes down the field to make tough throws on the run. He has also proven to be dangerous as a runner when needed, running the ball 21 times for 98 yards and four touchdowns so far. Deuce currently holds offers from Miami (OH), Eastern Kentucky, and Missouri State, and I expect more to come his way as he is a Division I caliber quarterback who I wouldn't be surprised to pick up some Power 5 offers eventually.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["283958"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='283958' first='Cam' last='O'Hara'] is another quarterback that has continued to prove that he is among the best in the entire state, regardless of class. He is off to an outstanding sophomore season, completing 119/176 passes for 1,800 yards, 25 touchdowns, and five interceptions so far. O'Hara throws a very impressive deep ball, showing the arm strength to lead his receivers down the field and hit them in stride. He also has shown tremendous ball placement, showing the ability to put the ball where only his intended receiver has a chance to catch it. O'Hara currently holds offers from Kentucky, Western Kentucky, Tennessee State, Austin Peay, and Miami (OH), and I expect more to come his way as he is a Power 5 quarterback prospect with three years to continue to develop.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["317390"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='317390' first='Brody' last='Benke'] has been a true offensive weapon that has been able to lead the Highlands offense to an impressive start this season. He has been impressive as a passer so far, showing off his strong arm and good decision making. Through the first six games, he has completed 69/109 passes for 1,042 yards, 14 touchdowns, and four interceptions. He has also been explosive in the run game, leading his team with 86 carries for 621 yards and eight touchdowns so far. Benke has also seen some time split out at receiver, catching eight passes for 101 yards and two touchdowns so far this season. Brody currently holds offers from Pikeville and Mount Union, and I expect more to come his way as he has the talent to play multiple positions at the next level.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["378831"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='378831' first='Kade' last='Goodin'] has truly exploded onto the scene in his first season of high school football. The freshman quarterback is off to a great start, completing 87/140 passes for 1,145 yards, 11 touchdowns and two interceptions. He has proven to be a true escape artist when under pressure, showing the ability to avoid opposing pass rushers while keeping his eyes down the field to make throws on the run. Goodin also has the arm strength to stretch the field in the deep passing game. Kade has also been electric as a ball carrier, using his speed and athleticism to be a big play threat at any given moment in the read option. He is currently Collins' leading rusher with 113 carries for 687 yards and 10 touchdowns. Goodin recently picked up his first offer from Eastern Kentucky and I expect more to come his way as he has the potential to become a very highly sought after prospect.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["373794"],"_player_evaluations_5_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"Another dual-threat quarterback that has been impressive so far this season is [player_tooltip player_id='373794' first='Kanyon' last='Johnson']. He has had a solid first six games as a passer, completing 77/114 passes for 922 yards, seven touchdowns, and five interceptions. Johnson has the arm strength to truly stretch the field in the deep passing game. While he has been solid as a passer, he has been even more electric in the run game. Johnson is one of the leading rushers in 5a, running the ball 71 times for 761 yards and 11 touchdowns. He has the speed and elusiveness to break away for long runs at any given moment. Kanyon doesn't currently hold any offers but he is a player to keep an eye on as he has the talent to play somewhere at the next level.","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_6_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_6_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_6_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1200633' first='Kadin' last='Hanshaw']","_player_evaluations_6_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_6_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_6_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_6_player_details_height":"5'11u0022","_player_evaluations_6_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_6_player_details_position":"2408","_player_evaluations_6_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_6_player_details_school":"Grayson County","_player_evaluations_6_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_6_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_6_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_6_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_6_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='1200633' first='Kadin' last='Hanshaw'] has jumped onto my radar quickly in his first season of high school football. Through his first six games, he is the leading rusher in 5A with 116 carries for 804 yards and 11 touchdowns. He has very good vision, especially for a young running back. Hanshaw has shown the ability to find the running lane and hit it in a hurry. Once he gets through the running lane, he is a very strong runner, showing the ability to break tackles without losing stride. Hanshaw doesn't currently hold any offers but he is a player that college coaches should definitely keep an eye on as he continues to develop.","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_7_player":["401923"],"_player_evaluations_7_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"Another young ball carrier that has been very impressive this season is [player_tooltip player_id='401923' first='Markezz' last='Hightower']. He is off to a great start to his sophomore year, running the ball 85 times for 702 yards and 11 touchdowns through the first six games. Hightower is a physical, downhill ball carrier that has shown the ability to run straight through defenders without breaking stride. Once he hits the open field, Hightower has also shown that he has the speed and elusiveness to break away for long runs. He has also proven to be reliable in the passing game this season, catching 12 passes for 91 yards so far. Markezz doesn't currently hold any offers but he is a player to keep an eye on over the next few years.","_player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_8_player":["331736"],"_player_evaluations_8_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='839266' first='Isaiah' last='Johnson'] is a player that has exceeded expectations and quickly climbed up my radar this season. He is currently the 5A receiving leader, catching 42 passes for 847 yards and 12 touchdowns through the first six games. Johnson is an extremely dangerous deep threat on the outside. He is able to use his quick release and speed to blow by opposing defensive backs to create separation. Johnson is also a tremendous contested catch and red zone threat as he has the athletic ability to catch the ball at its highest point and strong hands to come down with the ball through contact. He also is dangerous after the catch, showing the ability to run away from the defense once he gets into the open field. Isaiah doesn't currently hold any offers but I expect some to come his way soon as he has received some college interest and has the talent to be a productive receiver at the next level.","_player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_9_player":["212337"],"_player_evaluations_9_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"To wrap up my mid-season offensive top performers in 5A, I have [player_tooltip player_id='212337' first='Trevy' last='Barber']. He has continued to show that he is one of the most electric receivers in the entire state this season. Through the first six games, Barber has caught 29 passes for 477 yards and eight touchdowns. Barber is a very gifted route runner out of the slot. He has a quick release and uses smooth breaks in his routes to create separation from opposing defensive backs. Barber is also dangerous after the catch, as he has the speed and elusiveness to turn short passes and screens into big gains at any given moment. Trevy is also a dangerous return specialist on special teams, returning one kickoff for a touchdown so far this season. Barber currently holds offers from Miami (OH) and Eastern Kentucky, and I expect more to come his way as I believe he has the potential to become a Power 5 caliber wide receiver prospect.","_player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":10,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6513aa9287da8"} /-->