In the Eagles big 43-8 district win at Rowan County, Conley certainly took full advantage of his limited carries–racking up 158 yards and 2 touchdowns on 8 rushes. After persevering through a challenging and injury-shortened junior season last fall, he clearly has completed the rehabilitative work necessary to return to his prior healthy form, and he currently leads all Johnson Central rushers with 599 yards and 5 touchdowns on 82 carries. His average of 85.6 yards rushing per game places him 16th among all Class AAAA ball carriers and helps elevate his Eagles to the top team rushing spot in Class AAAA with an average of 313 yard per game (#4 statewide). Currently 5-3 on the season, Conley and his Eagles will conclude their regular season with important district contests against Greenup County and Ashland Blazer.

While Conley certainly isn’t an unknown quantity for the Golden Eagles program, given his injury-plagued junior season, he certainly qualifies as a returning performer that many opposing teams might inadvertently overlook. After breaking out of the gate fast and hard last season, his injury in the third game of the season relegated him to the sidelines until the second week of the playoffs. However, in only five total games (and only two injury-free), his production numbers are definitely eye-popping. Gaining 330 yards and 5 rushing touchdowns on only 36 carries, he clearly is an explosive and versatile running back, making him a top running back prospect in the in the region’s 2024 recruiting class. His above average speed and low/forward pad level make him a threat to break through initial contact and turn any play into a game-changing touchdown. And even when not carrying the ball, he clearly demonstrates the willingness to deliver punishing blocks on defenders, generating movement, sustaining contact and finishing through the whistle. With last season’s health issues now behind him, look for Conley to attract attention and turn some heads this fall.