Herald-Leader Watch List: 2023’s top Central Kentucky high school football players
There’s a reason why so many folks get excited about high school football in the fall, especially in Central Kentucky.
These kids can play.
Just outside of Lexington, there are playmakers like Boyle County’s Montavin Quisenberry and Woodford County’s Makhi Smith. Then there are linemen the likes of Scott County’s Jasante Harmon or Madison Central’s Aiden Howard.
Boyle County and its three straight Class 4A state championships are no fluke, but the Rebels aren’t the only team with big-time athletes who could be playing on Saturdays soon.
Here are some of the best Central Kentucky players at each position who will probably make a big impact this year for their respective teams. The online version of this story has links to their highlights if available.
All-around athletes
Montavin Quisenberry, Boyle County, 5-9/160/Jr.: Quisenberry rates as a three-star recruit who already has scholarship offers from Kentucky, Louisville and Michigan. He had nearly 2,000 yards of offense and 29 TDs — six of those on special teams. He earned first team Courier Journal all-state honors as a sophomore.
Demauriah Brown, Boyle County, 5-11/170/Jr.: A Danville transfer, Brown lined up at quarterback for the Admirals and rushed for 1,971 yards and 28 TDs. He’ll probably be a threat all over the field for the Rebels. He has offers from West Virginia and Eastern Kentucky.
Others to watch — Ethan Moore, Madison Southern, 6-2/185/Jr.: Led the Eagles in receiving and had 34 tackles at DB; Jakari Ransom, Paris, 5-10/163/Sr.: Topped 1,000 yards of offense with 14 TDs, one on defense, one on a kickoff return and had 67 tackles including five sacks; Braidin Baughman, Danville, 5-8/160/Jr.: Had 658 yards and eight TDs rushing to go with 42 tackles on defense.
Quarterbacks
Sage Dawson, Boyle County, 6-0/160/Sr.: Like his teammate Quisenberry, Dawson also plays defense. But the Air Force commit goes at QB on this list after earning all-state honorable mention honors with his 1,704 yards and 24 TDs passing and 623 yards and five TDs rushing in a title winning campaign.
Others to watch — Andrew Nason, Woodford County, 6-1/180/Jr.: A dual-threat with 1,623 yards and 20 TDs passing and 872 yards and 12 TDs rushing in 2022; Kaydon Custard, Harrison County, 6-0/180/Sr.: Nearly 3,000 yards of offense and 32 TDs; Thaddeus Mays, Mercer County, 5-8/165/Sr.: 2,000 yards of offense and 22 TDs
Running backs
Avery Bodner, Boyle County, 6-0/175/Sr.: Bodner earned all-state honorable mention honors after topping 1,000 yards rushing for the second year in a row. He had 16 rushing TDs and one TD catch to go with his duties at defensive back that netted 36 tackles, two sacks and two interceptions.
Others to watch — Jacob Fryman, Scott County, 5-7/195/Sr.: Part of the Red Heat’s three-headed monster backfield — 977 yards rushing, 15 TDs; Ellis Huguely, Scott County, 5-7/185/Sr.: Part 2 — 784 yards, 11 TDs rushing; Thomas Feickert, Scott County, 5-9/180/Sr.: Part 3 — 748 yards rushing, 10 TDs; Camdon Higgins, Western Hills, 5-11/190/Jr.: Transfer led Anderson County in rushing and scoring last season.
Wide receivers/tight ends
Makhi Smith, Woodford County, 6-3/175/Jr.: Rated as a three-star recruit, Smith has offers including Kentucky, Louisville and West Virginia. He had 671 yards and eight TDs receiving last fall and went on to be part of Woodford’s Boys’ Sweet 16 state basketball semifinals team.
Others to watch — Maddox Hager, Boyle County, 6-6/200/Fr.: Lanky freshman already has offers from Kentucky and Eastern Kentucky before a single varsity snap.
Offensive linemen
Aiden Howard, Madison Central, 6-5/240/Sr.: A three-year starter, Howard has been part of one of Class 6A’s most powerful run offenses over the last couple of years. He has offers including Chattanooga, Morehead State and Murray State.
Others to watch — Ram Alba Flores, Woodford County, 6-4/290/Sr.: Recently offered by Kentucky State; Hunter Gulley, George Rogers Clark, 6-4/300/Sr: Thomas More among interested suitors.
Defensive linemen
JaSante Harmon, Scott County, 6-1/270/Sr.: Harmon notched 45 tackles and 4.5 sacks last season for the region finalists and earned second team all-state honors. His college offers include Southeast Missouri State.
Others to watch — Eric Barnes, Madison Southern, 6-2/270/Sr.: 42 tackles and three sacks in 2022; Kingston Mays, Mercer County, 6-3/244/Sr.: Had 45 tackles, four sacks and a fumble return for a TD; Zian Webb, Paris, 6-0/275/Sr.: Recorded 86 tackles and five sacks.
Linebackers
Brock Driver, Boyle County, 6-2/205/Jr.: Rated as a three-star recruit, Driver has offers from Kentucky and West Virginia. He had 52 tackles, 10 for a loss, one sack and three fumble recoveries for the Class 4A state champs.
Others to watch — Ethan Caldwell, Anderson County, 5-11/170/Sr.: Team’s leading tackler (89); Jeremy Walters, Franklin County, 5-10/180/Jr.: Team’s leading tackler (117) and forced five fumbles; Hayden Heath, George Rogers Clark, 6-0/210/Sr.: Team’s leading tackler (88); Zachariah Morris, Great Crossing, 5-9/205/Sr.: Team’s leading tackler (89) and had three sacks.
Defensive back
Buddy Collins, Scott County, 5-10/175/Jr.: Collins ranks as a three-star recruit and the No. 6 prospect in Kentucky, according to 247Sports.com. He had an interception and 29 tackles last season. His offers include Louisville, Miami (Ohio) and Arkansas State.
Others to watch — Elijah Webb, Paris, 6-0/161/Jr.: Among statewide leaders with eight interceptions and recorded 56 tackles and one sack.
Kicker
Isaac Johnson, East Jessamine, 6-2/170/Sr.: Johnson earned first team all-state honors from the Courier Journal. The Kohl’s National Kicker Rankings have him with four stars.
Others to watch — Clay Turley, George Rogers Clark, 5-8/140/Sr.: Made 44 of 48 PATs and four of five field goals.
Your guide to the 2023 Lexington high school football season
Herald-Leader Watch List: 2023’s top Lexington high school football players
Where to watch Kentucky football’s in-state recruiting targets in 2023
The Herald-Leader Hundred: 2023’s top Kentucky high school football players
‘We want to play the best.’ A Q&A with Lexington Christian quarterback Cutter Boley.
