2023 Regular Season All-State Team: 2A Offense

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we approach the end of November, playoff football is in full swing in the state of Kentucky. With the 2023 high school football season in the state of Kentucky behind us, I wanted to focus on some of the top players from this past season. In order to do this, I will be releasing my Regular Season All-State teams in each class. With classes 3A-6A out of the way, I will now turn my attention to 2A, starting with the offensive side of the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["373782"],"_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='373782' first='Brady' last='Atwell'] is a quarterback that had an outstanding 2023 regular season. The junior completed 203/281 passes for 3,073 yards, 45 touchdowns, and five interceptions. Atwell has a strong arm which he uses to lead his receivers down the field in the deep passing game. He has also shown impressive accuracy, showing the ability to put the ball where only his intended receiver can catch it. Brady also finished the regular season as his team's leading rusher, carrying the ball 44 times for 444 yards and 11 touchdowns. Atwell currently holds an offer from Eastern Kentucky and I expect more to come his way as he is a Division I caliber quarterback prospect.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["381931"],"_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":"[player_tooltip player_id='381931' first='Brady' last='Hensley'] continued to show that he is one of the best running backs in the entire state after transferring to LCA this season. He finished the regular season with 190 carries for 1,940 yards and 36 touchdowns. Hensley is a physical, downhill runner that hits the running lane with a sense of urgency and has the contact balance to break tackles without losing stride. He also has shown the speed to run away from the defense and elusiveness to make defenders miss once he hits the open field. Hensley also played a role in the passing game, catching 16 passes for 197 yards and four touchdowns during the regular season. Brady is committed to Eastern Kentucky where I can see him developing  into a key player for their offense.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["371230"],"_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":"After catching my attention as a linebacker last season, [player_tooltip player_id='371230' first='Daulton' last='Tarter'] put together a dominant season on the offensive side of the ball as a sophomore.  Daulton finished the regular season as his team's leading rusher, carrying the ball 119 times for 1,223 yards and 19 touchdowns. Tarter is a physical runner, showing the ability to run straight through defenders without breaking stride. He has also shown the speed to run away from the defense once he hits the open field. Tarter also finished the regular season with nine receptions for 91 yards and two touchdowns while also returning one kickoff for a touchdown this season. He also continued to impress on defense, finishing the regular season as his team's leading tackler. Tarter doesn't currently hold any offers but he is definitely a player to keep an eye on over the next couple seasons.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["417455"],"_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='417455' first='Kam' last='Hughes'] stood out this season as one of the most electric playmakers in the entire state. Hughes did most of his damage out of the backfield as a running back, finishing the regular season with 155 carries for 1,405 yards and 25 touchdowns. He has explosive speed which he uses to burst through the running lane and run away from the defense on long runs. Hughes has also shown the elusiveness to make defenders miss in the open field. Kam also played a key role in the passing game, finishing the regular season with 23 receptions for 253 yards and a touchdown. He also returned one punt for a touchdown and played a key role on defense at safety. Hughes currently holds offers from Union and Hanover, and I wouldn't be surprised to see more come his way as he definitely has the talent to play at the next level.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["653479"],"_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='653479' first='William' last='Carrico'] is a player that has been high on my radar for a while now and continued to impress this season. He finished the regular season among the state's leading receivers, catching 59 passes for 1,146 yards and 17 touchdowns. Carrico lines up mainly in the slot where he is a very impressive route runner. He is able to use smooth breaks in his routes to create separation from opposing defensive backs. Carrico is also dangerous after the catch, using his speed and elusiveness to turn short passes into big gains. He also finished the regular season with 17 carries for 113 yards and played a key role on defense at outside linebacker. William currently holds offers from Kentucky Wesleyan, Ave Maria, Marian, and Benedictine College, and I expect him to make a true impact wherever he ends up playing at the next level.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["502751"],"_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":"[player_tooltip player_id='502751' first='Brady' last='Bentley'] is another 2A wide receiver that has been high on my radar for a while now and continued to stand out this season. He finished the regular season with 62 receptions for 1,206 yards and 15 touchdowns. Bentley has explosive speed which he uses to blow by opposing defensive backs int he deep passing game. He is also a skilled route runner, using smooth breaks in his routes to create separation. Bentley also played a key role as a ball carrier, finishing the regular season with 35  carries for 304 yards and three touchdowns. Brady doesn't currently hold any offers but he deserves some attention from college coaches as he has the talent to play at the next level.","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_player":["381928"],"_player_evaluations_6_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='381928' first='Garrison' last='McKinney'] is a player that has been high on my radar for a while now and continued to impress as a senior. McKinney was the true leader of the LCA offensive line this season as their starting center. He is a true mauler in the run game, showing the ability to snap the ball quickly then drive his man down the field to creat a running lane. McKinney has also shown the ability to get to the second level to pick up blocks in open space. He is also reliable in pass protection, showing the ability to pick up stunts/blitzes and protect his inside gap. McKinney is committed to Lehigh where I can see him becoming a key piece of their offensive line as he has shown the ability to play multiple positions on the offensive line.","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_7_player":["727126"],"_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 LCA offensive lineman that stood out to me this season was [player_tooltip player_id='727126' first='Hayes' last='Preston']. Preston lined up at left tackle where he was very impressive in pass protection. He showed the ability to mirror opposing pass rushers off the edge and keep a strong base, not allowing for much penetration into the pocket. He also impressed as a run blocker, showing the ability to explode out of his stance and drive through his man to create movement off the line of scrimmage. Preston doesn't currently hold any offers but I expect some to come his way going into his senior year as he has received a nice amount of college interest.","_player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_8_player":["735992"],"_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":"LCA has three offensive linemen on this team as [player_tooltip player_id='735992' first='Brooks' last='Kerwin'] also stood out to me this season. The junior guard was very impressive as a run blocker this season, showing the ability to explode out of his stance and create movement off the line of scrimmage. He also showed the ability to pull and pick up blocks in open space. Kerwin also proved to be reliable in pass protection, showing the ability to keep a strong base and not allow for much penetration into the backfield. Brooks doesn't currently hold any offers but is definitely a player to keep an eye on going into his senior year.","_player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_9_player":["735995"],"_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":"[player_tooltip player_id='735995' first='Ashby' last='Spacek'] is a player that has been on my radar for a while now and continued to stand out this season. He lines up at center where he is a very impressive run blocker. Spacek does a great job of getting the snap off quickly and driving through his man to create movement off the line of scrimmage. He finishes his blocks with a ton of physicality, resulting in several pancake blocks. Spacek is also reliable in pass protection, showing the ability to pick up stunts/blitzes and protecting his inside gap. Ashby doesn't currently hold any offers but is a player to keep an eye on going into his senior season.","_player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_10_player":["313664"],"_player_evaluations_10_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_10_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_10_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_10_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_10_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_10_evaluation":"To wrap up my 2A Regular Season All-State Offense, I have [player_tooltip player_id='313664' first='Wyatt' last='Buffington'] from Murray. Buffington lined up at center where he was the leader of the Murray offensive line this season. He plays with a high motor in the run game, getting the snap off quickly and driving his feet through contact to drive his man down the field. Buffington does a great job of finishing his blocks through the whistle, resulting in several pancake blocks. He is also reliable in pass protection, keeping a strong base to not allow for much penetration into the backfield while also making sure it protect his inside gap. Wyatt currently holds multiple offers and I expect him to become a key piece of the offensive line wherever he decides to play at the next level.","_player_evaluations_10_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":11,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65666eb486af6"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Honorable Mention</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Quarterback: </strong>[player_tooltip player_id='288257' first='Clay' last='Hayden'] (Beechwood, 2025); [player_tooltip player_id='417271' first='Russ' last='Osborne'] (Shelby Valley, 2024); [player_tooltip player_id='381922' first='Zane' last='Cartwright'] (Mayfield, 2024); [player_tooltip player_id='331733' first='Cutter' last='Boley'] (LCA, 2024)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Running Back: </strong>[player_tooltip player_id='313658' first='JuJu' last='Starks'] (Mayfield, 2024); Isaiah Adkins (East Ridge, 2024); [player_tooltip player_id='1008393' first='Andrew' last='McCutcheon'] (Betsy Layne, 2025)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Wide Receiver: </strong>[player_tooltip player_id='418720' first='Malachi' last='Embers'] (Carroll County, 2024); Steele Burchett (Clinton County, 2024); [player_tooltip player_id='1008382' first='Maurice' last='Moore'] (Fort Campbell, 2024)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>ATH: </strong>[player_tooltip player_id='401717' first='Kris' last='Hughes'] (Somerset, 2026)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Offensive Line: </strong>[player_tooltip player_id='502752' first='Evan' last='Miller'] (Breathitt County, 2024); [player_tooltip player_id='493891' first='Nick' last='Thacker'] (Betsy Layne, 2024)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->