Maddix Vaughn Maddix Vaughn 6'1" | 205 lbs | LB/EDGE Taylor County | 2029 State KY had a very impressive first season of high school football. He proved to be a versatile linebacker who can play both inside and outside the box. Vaughn is dominant against the run, showing the ability to read his keys and react quickly to flow to the ball carrier. Once he gets to the ball carrier, he does a great job of running his feet through contact to secure the tackle, leading his team with 155 tackles along with 10 tackles for loss in 11 games as a freshman. He also finished the year with one interception. Maddix is a player who college coaches should definitely be keeping a close eye on over the next few years.

Vaughn is one of the bigger kids on this list of 2029 Kentucky Linebackers, listed at 6-foot-1 and 205-pounds as he begins his high school career. During his middle school career at Taylor County he was one of the top defensive players on a team with a handful of talented kids. Vaughn can play both Inside and Outside Linebacker, but looks more at home as Middle Linebacker who roams the tackle box. While he hasn’t played the position to this point, with his size and the way he moves, walking him down as an extra Edge defender in obvious running situations may not be a bad option either. Vaughn was selected for the Kentucky Future Stars in 2025.

After having the pleasure of watching Vaughn play in March 2025 at the KYMSFA Battle of the Regions, seeing him earn this selection is not surprising. He was one of the top players on the Region 1 team and should bring some versatility to the defensive side of the ball for the KY Future Stars. He’s listed at 6-foot and 190-pounds, which is excellent size for a Linebacker getting ready to hit the high school level. With that said, that size also allows for Vaughn to play a number of different positions in the defensive box. He’s strong enough to play in the middle and blow up a running game in between the tackles. He’s long enough, and athletic enough, to play Outside Linebacker if needed. Combining the power, length and athleticism, he’s a prime candidate to keep on the field as an Edge defender in those 3rd-and-4 type of situations, where the pass and run are both still options.

When looking at the Taylor County Cardinals, Vaughn is an instant eye-test passer in terms of his frame at 6-foot and 190-pounds. He’s a physical kid that strikes me as a bit of a tweener right now on both sides of the ball. Defensively, he’s built like an Edge and moves like one–however, he is athletic enough to play Outside Linebacker. On the offensive side of the ball he’s somewhere between a physical, possession Wide Receiver and a Tight End.