Top Kentucky High School Players 2010

You may have seen this on Vaughts Views already, but I wanted to get on this site as well. Since I sent this to Larry Vaught, Zach West received his offer from UK. Outside of West's offer, everything else is correct. All of this information is based on interviews and feedback I have received. If someone is missing from this list, please let me know.

Top Kentucky High School Players for 2010 (2011 class)

As most UK fans know, the state of Kentucky doesn’t produce many SEC caliber football players on a yearly basis. On average the state produces about six players and UK usually signs a couple. However, in 2011 things are a little different. The state should produce more than double (recruits) than years past. Joker Phillips has even acknowledged the Bluegrass State is loaded for 2011.

Below are 18 names to keep an eye on for the 2011 class. Some of the players below have given verbal commitments and all have already taken unofficial visits to schools. Look for most of these recruits to be on UK’s campus this spring and summer. Spring practice is a great time for recruits to watch the players and coaches interact.

Darrian Miller (Bryan Station) has already given his verbal commitment to UK. He projects to play on the Offensive Line at the next level and could possibly be the top football recruit in the state.

DaMarcus Smith (Seneca) has already given his verbal commitment to Louisville, but has taken multiple visits to UK. Smith will play Quarterback in college and has acknowledged he likes UK’s “Pro-Style” offense compared to Louisville’s “Spread”.

Jon Davis (Eastern) has given his verbal commitment to UK and is one of the top athlete’s in the state. Davis could play Fullback, Linebacker or Tight End at the next level and some reports suggest the staff sold him on being a “tweener” Tight End like Jacob Tamme.

DeVante Parker (Ballard) has given his verbal to Louisville, but UK has made it clear they would continue to recruit the Wide Receiver. Parker is very fast and athletic and could be receiving passes from Smith for years to come.

Lamar Dawson (Boyle County) is one of UK’s primary recruiting targets in the class. Dawson plays at a high level and will play Linebacker at the next level. Most people feel Dawson is UK’s to lose because of Chuck Smith’s relationship at Boyle County. I have personally interviewed Dawson and can tell you he is far from a “lock”. Look for him to take all of his official visits.

Zach West (Lexington Christian) has taken visits to both UK and Louisville. West already has an offer from Penn State and Louisville among others. I look for UK to offer West, but the Cats need to turn it up a notch or they will risk losing out on someone in their back yard. West projects to play Offensive Tackle at the next level due to his height.

Jerrell Moore (Fern Creek) has given his verbal commitment to Louisville and appears to be a package deal with his teammates listed below. Moore is very fast, but will need to put on more weight to be an every down running back in college. He does have an offer from UK to play running back. Louisville is recruiting him to play Slot Receiver and to return kick-offs.

Jamon Brown (Fern Creek) has given his verbal commitment to Louisville, but isn’t 100% committed based on his comments. Brown is another key recruiting target for UK and David Turner is working hard to change his mind. Brown has the size to contribute early at the next level.

Jalen Harrington (Fern Creek) has given his verbal commitment to Louisville. Harrington projects to play Safety or Outside Linebacker at the next level. He is another very athletic player who has a tremendous upside. I continue to hear Harrington, Brown and Moore want to play together at the next level.

Mitchell Henry (Elizabethtown) is very athletic and received offers from the Big 10 and Big East. Henry plays basketball which shows his athletic ability and all schools are recruiting him to play Tight End as he is 6’5”. He hasn’t received much interest from either UK or Louisville.

Conner Hempel (Ryle) is one of the top Quarterbacks in the state and already sports an offer from Western Kentucky. Hempel will receive a lot of interest as he carries a 3.7 GPA and has schools like Stanford, Northwestern, Vanderbilt and Harvard talking to him as well as Louisville and Kentucky. He will visit Louisville and Kentucky in the next 30 days.

Marcoreyon “Bubba” Tandy (Christian County) is one of the top wide receivers in the state for 2010. Tandy already has an offer from Western Kentucky and will work out at UK in May. He is also receiving interest from other programs and should see more offers come his way.

Honorable Mention:

Forisse “Flo” Hardin (Ballard), Kal Prince (Owensboro), Ryan Smith (Henry Clay), Zack Templin (East Jessamine), Christian Wallace (Ballard), Neal Pawsat (Mason County)