Four Worthington Kilbourne Prospects Shine in Week 3

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Worthington Kilbourne moved to 3-0 with an impressive 56-35 victory over Canal Winchester in Week 3. The Wolves scored 49 points in the first half behind a huge performance from quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1636548' first='Jackson' last='Szabo'] and receiver [player_tooltip player_id='1921554' first='Shawn' last='Rice']. The defense also created early opportunities that helped Kilbourne take control of the game. I took a closer look at four 2028 prospects who stood out and should continue to gain attention this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1636548' first='Jackson' last='Szabo'] | QB | 2028 | 5'11”, 190</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://x.com/JacksonSza53372">@JacksonSza53372</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Szabo had one of the best individual performances in Ohio during Week 3, completing 22 of 34 passes for 414 yards and seven touchdowns while adding 46 rushing yards. He threw for 332 yards and six touchdowns before halftime, showing complete control of the offense. What stood out to me was how well he recognized Canal Winchester's Cover 3 looks and attacked the open areas of the defense. Szabo delivered a nice back-shoulder touchdown, hit receivers in stride across the middle, and consistently gave his playmakers opportunities after the catch. He has now completed 45 of 67 passes for 856 yards, 13 touchdowns, and only one interception through three games while also rushing for five scores. Szabo has started since his freshman year and earned second-team All-Ohio honors as a sophomore. He may not have ideal height, but his experience, decision-making, toughness, and dual-threat ability make him a legitimate college quarterback prospect. If he continues producing at this level, his recruitment should begin picking up quickly.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1921554' first='Shawn' last='Rice'] | WR/DB | 2028 | 5'11”, 165</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rice entered the game with three receptions for 80 yards through the first two weeks before exploding for 12 catches, 254 yards, and five touchdowns against Canal Winchester. His touchdown receptions covered 15, 6, 75, 8, and 44 yards, showing that he can score from anywhere on the field. Rice made a strong catch on a back-shoulder throw, created separation on crossing routes, and displayed the speed needed to turn routine completions into explosive plays. His five touchdown receptions tied him for eighth in the OHSAA record book for touchdowns in a single game. Rice transferred from Columbus East before the 2025 season and spent last year working on Kilbourne's scout team, where he developed chemistry with Szabo. That connection was easy to see Friday night. Rice is still building his varsity résumé, but his combination of speed, ball skills and big-play ability makes him an intriguing 2028 prospect. He has the potential to become a true matchup problem as he continues to develop physically and polish his route running.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Thayer Korn | OLB/WR | 2028 | 6'0”, 175</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Korn filled the stat sheet defensively with five tackles, two tackles for loss, one sack, one forced fumble, and one pass breakup. I like his versatility and the different ways he can impact a game. He showed the ability to attack downhill, create pressure off the edge, and affect passing lanes when asked to drop into coverage. His two tackles for loss showed good recognition and the closing speed to reach the ball before plays could develop. The forced fumble was another example of Korn playing through the ball and looking to create more than just a tackle. At 6 feet and 175 pounds, he still has room to add size, but his athletic ability gives him several possible projections at the next level. He could develop into an outside linebacker, hybrid safety, or situational edge defender depending on how his frame develops. Korn is also listed as a receiver, which speaks to his overall athleticism. He is a young prospect with a versatile skill set who deserves more attention moving forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Mason Cost | DE/OLB | 2028 | 5'10”, 175</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cost was another important piece of Kilbourne's defensive effort, finishing with 4.5 tackles, a fumble recovery and a batted pass while earning a 98-percent performance grade from the Wolves' coaching staff. His fumble recovery helped Kilbourne create another short field during its huge first-half scoring run. Cost plays with a good motor and continues working toward the football even when the play initially moves away from him. I also liked the awareness he showed on the batted pass. When an edge defender cannot get all the way to the quarterback, recognizing the throwing motion and getting his hands into the passing lane is the next-best outcome. Cost is currently listed as a defensive end and outside linebacker, and that versatility should help him as he continues developing. He will need to add size and strength, but his effort, instincts, and ability to create turnovers give him a solid foundation. He is the type of productive young defender whose recruiting stock rises as more schools get his film.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Closing Take</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Worthington Kilbourne has scored 157 points through three games, and this talented 2028 class is a major reason for the program's fast start. Szabo is playing like one of the top quarterbacks in Central Ohio, Rice has established himself as a dangerous big-play target, and Korn and Cost are giving the defense two versatile playmakers. Kilbourne is only three seasons removed from a 0-10 finish, but this program is moving in a completely different direction. These four juniors helped make a statement in Week 3, and all four should be on the recruiting radar moving forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->