Offensive Players to Watch for: KHSA Class 5A

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In our latest post in the state division class series, we looked at some highly skilled offensive and defensive prospects that played in the 4A division class. The trend continues in that there is a high abundance of talent crossing all different divisions in the Bluegrass. No matter what position you are looking at or just want to find high-level talent, Kentucky will always deliver on bringing out the best of the best to develop at the college level. Today, we will be looking at some talented offensive recruiters that play in the 5A division.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["373810"],"_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='373810' first='Andrew' last='Nason'] is a highly talented dual-threat QB prospect that excels at exposing weak spots in the opposing defense and exploiting them with his arm or his legs. Nason, a 6'1 180 2025 grad from Woodford County High School had an amazing 2022 season running and throwing the ball. Andrew completed 60.2% of his passes for 1,623 passing yards and a 20:7 TD/INT ratio (125 passing yards per game). When running with the football, he recorded 85 carries for 872 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns in 13 games played (10.3 yards per carry). The first aspect of Nason's game that I noticed was how successful he is at throwing deep balls with lots of precision when under lots of pressure. Whether Andrew has 4+ seconds to throw the ball or less than a second, he always finds a way to gain positive yardage and avoid a defensive stop. Nason's throwing arm is exceptionally strong which enables him to make deep throws without much leg drive. When running the ball, Andrew is great at reading gaps in the defense and creating running lanes for himself if there are no options to throw the football. Andrew's talent exemplifies how reliable he is for any offense, no matter the level of competition he is facing. As of this summer, Nason has had a busy few months attending numerous college QB camps and has built lots of interest from college recruiters. I expect offers to be pouring in by the end of his upcoming junior season.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2K0jH1u0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["839266"],"_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='839266' first='Isaiah' last='Johnson'] is a fast and crafty running back prospect who always knows how to make defenders look foolish when tackling him. Johnson, a 5'8 175lb 2024 grad from Great Crossing High School had a great 2022 season as he recorded 44 attempts for 503 rushing yards and 6 rushing touchdowns in 11 games played (11.4 yards per carry; 4th in state 5A class). Speed kills, and that is what makes [player_tooltip player_id='839266' first='Isaiah' last='Johnson'] extremely difficult to stay in front of. Having recorded a 4.40 40 yd dash, Johnson's speed and lateral agility enable him to maintain top speed when making sharp cuts through the opposing defense. Moreover, his lateral movements are nearly instant as he can change directions fast enough that most defenders don't have time to process the fake. Isaiah also possesses impressive strength running the ball as he can take multiple hits at top speed before beginning to be taken down. With a year left to further develop his game, Johnson has a bright future ahead of him and I expect great achievements to be made. As of now, he has received one offer and has attended numerous summer camps. I believe he will be receiving more offers by the end of the 2023 football season.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2GK9W8u0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["423707"],"_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='423707' first='Javen' last='Huddleston'] is a speedy RB prospect that makes it nearly impossible for the defense to keep up with once he breaks out onto the open field. Huddleston, a 6'0 180lbs 2024 grad from Bowling Green High School had a great 2022 season running the ball as he recorded 144 carries for 1,184 rushing yards and 16 rushing touchdowns in 13 games played (8.2 rushing yards per carry; 91 rushing yards per game). The common theme for Javen is once he sees a wide-open running late and breaks loose without much contact, nobody catching him. Even with some contact when breaking loose, Huddleston's strength enables him to break off initial tackles and maintain his top-speed running. Huddleston uses his dynamic running mechanics when receiving the football as well. Javen has an outstanding route running for being a primary HB, as he can create separation with little difficulty and find himself open to catching the pass. Javen is truly a dual-threat RB who can beat the opposing defense on both the receiving end and running with the football. As of now, he has received one collegiate offer however I expect more to come his way by the end of his upcoming senior season.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2K0SVNu0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["735686"],"_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='735686' first='Harris' last='Denmyer'] is a tough wide receiver prospect that specializes in creating mass separation with his route running and strength on the field. Denmyer, a 6'0 175lb 2025 grad from Pulaski County High School had an excellent 2022 season as he caught 39 receptions for 771 receiving yards and 8 receiving touchdowns in 12 games played (19.8 yards per reception). Harris possesses a solid range of different route cuts he uses to create more separation from the opposing defensive back. Especially on a go route, Denmyer's strength through contact is top-tier for someone in his position as he can maintain top speed while pushing off opposing secondary defenders. Moreover, Denmyer's strength is crucial for him to be able to break off multiple players when running with the football. Many of his receiving yards are gained after the catch since he can stay up despite lots of tackling attempts right at the time, he caught the ball. Many people could consider him a tight end for a lot of the strength and traits he possesses at the receiver position, however, his speed tops out most of all the tight end prospects in the state. Currently, Harris has not received as much collegiate interest but I believe he begin to see much more interest by the end of his upcoming junior season.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2JtknLu0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["653474"],"_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":"Easton is a highly impressive wide receiver prospect who utilizes his athleticism and receiver mechanics to build lots of success for himself and his offense on every drive. Barlow, a 6'0 165lb 2024 grad from Bowling Green High School had an incredible 2022 season as he caught 52 receptions for 1,008 receiving yards and 12 receiving touchdowns in 15 games played (19.4 receiving yards per reception). Easton's overall athleticism comes in a complete package. Barlow possesses a high leaping ability, amazing hand-eye coordination when attempting to catch a ball at full speed, and lightning-fast lateral movements that enable him to create plenty of space for himself and the defender. Barlow's athleticism coincides with his receiver mechanics as well. Easton's route running and receiving footwork is some of the best you can witness at the 5A state class level. With all of this in mind, there was little doubt that he would not receive any interest from college recruiters. He is currently committed to play football at the Air Force Academy after this incoming 2023 season. However, I still expect more schools to try and get Barlow to change his mind.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2JjRR9u0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":5,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64d45eac976f9"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":"","_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_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64cffb0e6bc03"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":"","_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_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64cffb0e6bc55"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":"","_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_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64cffb0e6bc98"} /-->