WKU Prospect Camp: Top Performers in Kentucky
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Houchens Industries L.T. Smith Stadium – An assortment of talented recruits stopped by Western Kentucky’s first prospect camp last weekend. After watching some highly explosive in-state players showcase their talent, here’s my list of the top performers in the state…
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Continue ReadingHouchens Industries L.T. Smith Stadium – An assortment of talented recruits stopped by Western Kentucky’s first prospect camp last weekend. After watching some highly explosive in-state players showcase their talent, here’s my list of the top performers in the state of Kentucky.
Highlights
At the top of the list is Bryce Button Bryce Button 6'2" | 195 lbs | QB South Warren | 2025 State KY , a 6-foot-3, 193-pound quarterback at South Warren High School. Button was a gamechanger at the helm of the Spartans offense during his sophomore season this past year. In 12 contests, Button threw 168 completions out of 272 attempts for 2,021 yards and 16 touchdowns. Button additionally recorded 90 rush attempts for 438 yards and another six scores. The rising junior out of Bowling Green, KY. was one of the more impressive gunslingers on the field, showcasing excellent size, speed and pin-point accuracy in the air. Button was most impressive during the individual drills portion when he was able to show off his arm strength and passing game. Button will definitely be an intriguing quarterback prospect to keep an eye on this upcoming season.
Rico Crowder Jr.
Rico Crowder Jr.
Coming in close second place on my list of top camp performers is Rico Crowder Jr., a 6-foot-4, 180-pound wide receiver at Glasgow High School. Crowder was explosive offensively during his junior stint with the Scotties last year. In 10 games, Crowder was the second-best receiver on the team, hauling in 11 receptions for 213 yards and seven touchdowns. Crowder additionally picked up 34 rush attempts for 225 yards and three scores. The rising senior out of Glasgow, KY. impressed during camp with his size, speed and explosiveness down the stretch. Crowder’s overall toughness and versatility was most noticable during his effort in individual drills as his quickness and athleticism made him a very noticable standout offensively.
Highlights
In the third place spot on my list of notable performers is Peyton Smith Peyton Smith 5'11" | 190 lbs | RB Frederick Douglass | 2025 State KY , a 5-foot-11, 190-pound running back at Taylor County High School. Smith made an impact on the offensive side of the ball during his sophomore season with the Cardinals last year. In seven contests, Smith was the leading rusher on the team, picking up 107 rush attempts for 1,242 yards and 17 touchdowns. Smith additionally threw one completion for 18 yards and hauled in four receptions for 91 yards and two scores. The rising junior out of Campbellsville, KY. impressed during camp due to his size, speed and versatility, proving himself to be a challenge to contain with the ball in his hands. Entering the 2023 campaign, Smith should certainly be a running back prospect to keep an eye on.
DJ Perry
DJ Perry
Finishing in fourth place on my list of standouts is DJ Perry, a 6-foot-1, 180-pound wide receiver at Paducah Tilghman High School. Perry made his presence known on the field offensively for the Blue Tornadoes during his sophomore campaign. In 13 games, Perry picked up three receptions for 46 yards and one touchdown. During camp, the rising junior out of Paducah, KY. showcased his excellent size, speed and versatility on the field, making a good impression during the individual drills portion of the camp. Perry was explosive down the stretch despite strong defensive coverage. Perry is definitely a wide receiver talent to keep an eye on this upcoming season.
At number five on my list of top performers is Kade Elam Kade Elam 5'11" | 170 lbs | QB Corbin | 2025 State KY , a 6-foot-2, 200-pound quarterback at Corbin High School. Elam was an explosive offensive weapon for the Redhounds during his sophomore stint last year. In 15 contests, Elam was the team’s leading passer, throwing 158 completions out of 219 attempts for 2,455 yards and 33 touchdowns. Elam additionally recorded 79 rush attempts for 520 yards and 14 scores. Elam was another notable quarterback prospect during last weekend’s prospect camp, showing off impressive size, speed, versatility and accurate passing during his reps in individual drills. The rising junior out of Corbin, KY. is certainly an in-state gunslinger to keep an eye on next season.
Highlights
Claiming the sixth place spot on my list of top performers is Trevy Barber Trevy Barber 5'9" | 155 lbs | WR Bowling Green | 2026 State KY , a 5-foot-9, 165-pound athlete at Bowling Green High School. Barber made a difference on both sides of the ball during his freshman stint with the Purples last year. In 15 contests on offense, Barber picked up one completion for three yards, one rush attempt and was the second-best receiver on the team. Barber hauled in 47 receptions for 737 yards and nine touchdowns. On the other side, Barber recorded two tackles. The rising sophomore out of Bowling Green, KY. should be an intriguing rising star to watch out for on the field next season as he showcased impressive size, speed and versatility on the field during camp.