Kolton Risner Kolton Risner ATH/WR Magoffin County | 2029 KY is a player who caught my attention with some impressive eighth grade year film. Risner lines up in the slot where he uses his speed to run by opposing defensive backs in the deep passing game and to pick up extra yards after the catch. Kolton has also shown a ton of physicality as a blocker in the open field on run plays and screen passes. He has also proven to be a reliable returner on special teams and has taken some snaps as a defensive back. Risner will be a player to keep an eye on as he continues to grow and develop over the next four seasons.

Watching him play last June as a member of the Kentucky Future Stars, he put a lot of people on notice with a performance that earned him a spot on the top performer list. Fast forward to March 2025 at the KYMSFA Battle of the Regions tournament, and he again balled out and helped Region 4 claim the championship. It’s no secret that he’s undersized by next level metrics (as of right now), but I guarantee he’ll make at least one play in the game against Tennessee this year, that will make jaws drop.

In a word, Risner was explosive. Any time the ball was in his hands, there was a chance Region 4 would be putting points on the board. While not the tallest kid in the world by any stretch, he sports a rock-solid build and has verified 4.8 speed in the forty. In the opening game, an impressive win over Region 2, Risner scored on a 50-yard Jet Sweep and added a 35+ yard TD reception. In addition to a two-point conversion and several rushes/receptions, he also had an incredible kick return that was unfortunately negated by a block in the back. Nonetheless, it quickly became crystal clear that Risner was not to be messed with.

Kolton Risner Kolton Risner ATH/WR Magoffin County | 2029 KY is a scrappy All-American who doesn’t shy away from competition. He’s a smaller athlete with home-run speed and big-play ability. Most suited for the slot or hybrid back role, Kolton is an offensive coordinator’s dream. His versatile skill set allows for creative play-calling, putting defenses on their heels with everything he can do.

Jet sweeps, counter action, screen plays, and double-move routes over the middle are all ways Risner can make an impact. More often than not, he’s adding yards after the catch as well. This is a player who needs the ball in his hands—plus, he’s a strong punt returner.

– Started at Wide Receiver on the offensive side of the ball for the 2024 7th grade Kentucky Future Stars

– Despite not being all that big–on the roster at 5-foot-5 and 125-pounds–he was one of the players I noticed during warmups. Had a little extra spring in his step, that tipped me off to his ability

– Pound-for-pound he may have been the toughest kid on this 7th grade Kentucky Future Stars team. Surely didn’t get as much action his way as he probably would have liked, but made things happen when he get the shot