A physically thick, agile and high-energy competitor, Layne has managed to maintain the impressive defensive production that he achieved last fall while successfully assuming a much more central role offensively from his fullback position. In his Warriors’ big 22-21 district win at Pike County Central, he carried the football 21 times for 176 yards and 2 successful two-point conversions, but more impressively, he also went 2 for 2 through the air for 45 yards and 2 touchdowns. In testament to his athleticism and versatility, this fullback/linebacker prospect has actually completed 11 of 21 pass attempts for 173 yards and 2 scores–pretty impressive! Defensively, Layne also collected 10 solo tackles, 2 assists and 1 tackle for loss on the night and has already surpassed his impressive 2022 defensive numbers (12.4 tackles per game/5th in Class AA). In 8 games this season, he already has secured 80 solo stops, 25 assists, 13 tackles for loss, 1 forced fumble and 1 fumble recovery, and his current average of 13.1 tackles per game places him 7th among all Class AA defenders (13th statewide). Ideally suited for his current position as an inside linebacker in either an even or odd defensive front, his versatility and acumen for the game make him an intriguing special teams contributor at the next level, too.

Like his teammate above, Layne’s most recent productive and gutsy performance–even in defeat–warrants recognition and offers the opportunity to highlight a prospect demonstrating continual, progressive improvement, leadership and production. In addition to contributing 44 yards rushing and 1 touchdown on 5 carries, he also led all Cougar defenders with 2 solo tackles, 10 assists, 1 tackle for loss, 1 forced fumble and 1 fumble recovery. Currently the #5 tackler in Class AA and #10 statewide, he has compiled 70 solo tackles, 23 assists and 12 tackles for loss alongside 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery and 1 interception. The top tackler on his defensive unit last season with 99 total stops, 11 tackles for loss and 2 forced fumbles, he has totaled 284 yards rushing and 4 touchdowns on 56 carries thus far this season but likely projects more favorably as an inside linebacker and/or special teams’ contributor.

Steven is an RB/LB athlete who can use his skills on both sides of the ball to make a significant impact on his team offensively and/or defensively. Layne, a 5’11 205lb 2024 grad from East Ridge High School, recorded a solid 2022 season stat line on the defensive side of the ball. In 8 games, he made 99 total tackles of which 70 of those were unassisted (12.4 tackles a game). What is appreciated about Steven’s game is that he can directly transfer his on-field IQ and awareness from playing running back, onto the defensive side of the ball. For example, Steven is excellent at quickly reading the offense and their positioning to make a good judgment on what play they will run before the ball is snapped. By doing this, Layne has been able to develop himself as a fantastic communicator and captain on the defense and take the initiative to make defensive stops before they give up big offensive plays. Another aspect about Steven is that he has outstanding quickness in reacting to the trajectory of the Football. No matter what direction the ball takes or who possesses the football, it appears to be certain that Steven is always in the right place to make the tackle. With Steven having a year to go in high school, he still has time to grow his attributes on the gridiron and I expect to hear him receiving interest from college coaches shortly.

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