Rylan Kelsey Rylan Kelsey DB Johnson Central | 2029 State KY is another defensive back who made an immediate impact as a freshman. Kelsey lines up at safety where he is very impressive in coverage. He does a great job of reading the quarterback and route combinations then flowing through the secondary to put himself in position to make a play. Kelsey has shown impressive ball skills when the ball is thrown in his direction, coming away with a team-high two interceptions in 12 games this past season. He is also a very physical hitter, which he utilizes to knock the ball loose from intended receivers in the passing game and to make tackles against the run. Rylan recorded 57 tackles as a freshman. He also made an impact on offense, catching three passes for 56 yards and a touchdown. Kelsey will be a player worth keeping an eye on heading into his sophomore season.

Northing short of a work horse as a Running Back prospect. A year after being named an Honorable Mention Regional Player of the Year nominee as a seventh-grader, Kelsey came back in 2024 as an eighth-grader and ran wild all over Region 3. Watching him at the Battle of the Regions tournament in late March 2025, he showed off toughness and skill. Also a very good wrestler for the Eagles.

When Region 3 needed a first down, a big play or simply wanted to run the ball, it was Kelsey time. I watched R3 in the consolation game on Sunday very closely and I came away extremely impressed with him. The Johnson Central dual-sport athlete was truly a workhorse, and despite not scoring a touchdown in the game, he was the unquestioned offensive standout. He’s a taller, leaner kid who lined up as both a Wing Back and as a Running Back, depending on the playcall. His excellent speed allowed him to be used in a variety of sweeps, jets and other outside plays that put him in space.