Kentucky Hot Ten +

As spring football continues to roll on and the May evaluation period upon us we look at Ten of the hottest names in Kentucky for the Class of 2009.

Who are the ten hottest prospects for the Class of 2009 in Kentucky?  Here is a pre evaluation look at the players I feel have set themselves apart early in the process.  Some might surprise you.  Keep in mind it’s still early and May evaluation along with combines and camps could change the look of this list.

1. Sam Simpson – Henry Clay High School

I really like what I’ve seen of Simpson and what I’m hearing about him.  While some have issues with placing an offensive lineman at the top spot I don’t.  Especially when the player named is able to snap with both hands and has shown a high football IQ.  When I saw Simpson in person my main concern was he looked top heavy. 

2. Jordan Whiting – Louisville Trinity High School

I watched Whiting during Trinity’s state championship win over St. Xavier and came away very impressed.  Some will have Jordan listed at the top spot and it would be hard to argue against them.  Whiting showed the desire to place his body in harms way on every play and brings a nice passion for the game to the field.  An early verbal commitment to Ohio State, some are whispering Whiting may be having second thoughts on the Buckeyes, but he’s not acting as if he’ll make a change.

3. Rolandan “Deuce” Finch – Louisville St. Xavier

Deuce continues to find programs to show interest.  While many feel the temptation of staying home will keep the X running back from looking outside of his hometown, Deuce is talking and acting as if he’s looking for the place he’ll fit into the most.  As his highlights continue to make their rounds more college programs will look to jump on board.

4. LaRod King – North Hardin High School

Having already given a verbal commitment to Kentucky may keep the multi-sport athlete from getting a higher ranking but the skills are there for King to become a major factor in the years to come with 6-foot-6 frame and athletic ability.  A quarterback, receiver, tight end and safety will allow the Wildcats to take a look once he gets into school as to the position he’ll play.

5. Leonard Macon – Taylor County High School

A name not talked about a lot is one of the Commonwealths top hoops and football prospects.  A transfer from Danville, Macon has the size (6-foot-6, 230) many college programs look for.  While he’s a wide receiver in high school look for college programs to look at him more as a tight end or defensive end.  This is a player that could see his stock climb in the coming weeks.

6. Keshawn Simpson – Madison Central High School

Simpson got a late start to his junior season but it’s not slowing the interest from college programs for the running back / linebacker.  A great looking athlete Simpson will start to have college programs making offers sooner than later.

7. Ridge Wilson – Central High School Louisville

Wilson is another tall and lanky athlete with some great skills who will continue to find programs showing interest.  With a couple of offers in hand look for more to come as more coaches get a chance to see Wilson play.

8. Jamarielle Brown – Lone Oak High School

Many have questions about Brown because of the numbers he posted his junior season.  While Brown has the physical size college programs look for in a wide receiver many are taking the approach of wanting to see him run in camp.  The great thing about Brown is he’s capable of taking five to ten yard passes and making them big plays.

9. Jerrell Greene – Dunbar High School

Greene picked up an offer from Kentucky and will see more if he desires to pursue them.  Many feel he’ll stay home and end his recruiting early with a commitment to the Wildcats. As we worked on this list Greene gave his pledge to the Wildcats.

10a. Larry Warford – Madison Central High School

Warford is another on the list to end his recruiting early with a verbal commitment to Kentucky.  While I would like to see Warford drop a few pounds you can’t overlook his technique.  This is rare in a young player and while he’ll still need to develop and refine he’ll have an early start to his career.

10b. Mister Cobble – Central High School Louisville

I just couldn’t keep Cobble off the list at this time.  Having watched Cobble during the State Championship game allowed me to see a player that gets great pad level and uses strength and quickness to win battles in the trenches.