Around the State: News and Notes 10/23/15

While much talk yearly centers on the Trinity vs. Saint Xavier rivalry, DuPont Manual and Male are no slouches when it comes to being archrivals.  Tonight, as both teams sit in the top ten in the state, they had 13,001 attend their game. That's the largest crowd in the state this season.

Announced crowd of 13,001 makes this the largest attended high school football game in the State this season. JCPS PROUD...

— MALE HS Athletics (@MaleBulldogs) October 24, 2015

The home standing Crimsons sit at 7-1, while Male is 8-0.

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In case you haven't heard, Marshall commit Quinton Baker is planning an official visit to Mississippi State in December. According to Scout.com's Steve Robertson Baker hasn't received an offer from Dan Mullen's squad yet. That could change if an official visit is in the works.

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Woodford County (KY.) four-star center Drake Jackson was presented with his US Army All-American Bowl Jersey today at his high school. Jackson, a UK commit, has long been the top rated player in the state. The senior has been a standout at every combine and camp he's attended, adding offers from dozens of high profile programs.

Drake Jackson is officially an Army All-American. pic.twitter.com/WdgqrUWP47

— Steve Moss (@smosswkyt) October 23, 2015

Introducing: Woodford Lankford

Woodford Lankford

Several colleges have been maintaining contact with Lexington (KY.) Catholic lineman Woodford Lankford.  The junior talked about his recruitment and about his game.

Woodford Lankford, 6-foot-4, 270-pounds, has been in touch with several schools and camped with others this summer before his junior year started out.

“The schools that have been looking at me the most have been Kentucky, Western Kentucky, Miami (OH.), Cincinnati and Toledo,” Lankford said.  “Vanderbilt, Marshall, Troy and Indiana have also looked at me.”

Lankford has also been to a couple of schools and may be visiting another one this weekend.

“So far I’ve been able to visit games this year at Miami, Western Kentucky, and Kentucky. I’m planning to try to see Cincinnati on October 25th and hopefully see Toledo,” he continued.

Lankford feels that offers may not be far off from a few of those schools.

“Right now I feel like I’m on the verge of being offered by Miami and Western Kentucky.  Both schools have been giving a great amount of attention, especially when I visited for games.  Kentucky is also a likely offer I think. They seem to just be waiting to see how I grow and continue to improve,” Lankford continued.

So what kind of player is Lankford and what is drawing all of these schools to see him?

 “I would consider my biggest strengths to be my technique and footwork,” Lankford. “I’ve spent many hours working extra on ladder drills building up my foot speed and placement.

“Each camp I went to coaches commented on my technique work from drills and one-on-ones. They were saying my kick-step and my posture looked great,” he finished.

The Race for Mr. Football

Ashland Blazer's Quinton Baker

It's getting close to the end of the Kentucky High School football season. Most teams will be playing their eighth or ninth game this week. The playoffs are around the corner.

It's almost time to discuss Mr. Football.

Traditionally a senior is named Mr. Football in the state. I like that tradition. I also like the fact that the Gatorade POY can be an underclassman.

At this point I still think Mr. Football is wide open.

Players like Kash Daniel, Rodjay Burns, Riley Hall, Quinton Baker, Devon Key, Noah Hughes and even Ray Zuberer are guys who I believe could argue for Mr. Football.

Usually linemen don't get heavy consideration,  but Woodford County's Drake Jackson and Manual ' Derek Dorsey are having big years.

At this point there are as many as seven games left for these prospects.  Somebody not on this list could explode over the next few weeks. One of these gentlemen could also make his case stronger.

One thing is for certain, this has been a banner year for talent in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Let's enjoy it while we can.

Western Kentucky adds Devon Key

Devon Key is another Kentucky prospect who has made the call to join Jeff Brohm’s Western Kentucky recruiting class. The senior safety shared his reasoning for his recent decision.

Lexington (KY.) Bryan Station safety Devon Key has had a big season leading his team in rushing yards, receiving yards, tackles and interceptions.

The 6-foot-1, 190-pound, Key has rushed for 644 yards and eight touchdowns, caught 28 passes for 547 yards and nine more touchdowns.  Key also has 55 tackles and two interceptions.

With his athleticism and overall talent, Key believes it won’t be long for him to see playing time with the Hilltoppers.

 

“They think that when I come down (to Western Kentucky) and work out if I do what I need to do, I can start,” said Key.

Key felt good about his relationship with the coaching staff at this stage. He believes that Western Kentucky is where he needs to be.

“It felt like I belonged there,” Key continued.  “I like the coaches and the players.  And I like the atmosphere of the games.”

Key chose WKU over offers from Ball State, Miami (Oh.), Navy, Central Michigan and Toledo.