Johnson tops in Kentucky
The state of Kentucky may not produce the sheer number of Division I prospects as some of the other southern states, but the guys at the top of the list are always among the top players in the South. This year there is very little doubt about who the top prospect in Kentucky is, but after that it gets interesting.
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Fort Campbell athlete Micah Johnson could arguably be the most gifted athlete any where in the country this year. It has been rumored that at least one SEC coaching staff thinks he could be the top player in the entire country. He has a rare combination of size and speed and could project to play a number of positions on the college level. He is also ranked as the nation's No. 46 overall prospect by Rivals.com.
The battle for the No. 2 spot in the state was a close one between Louisville (Ky.) Central defensive tackle Corey Peters and Pulaski defensive end Josh Minton. Peters edged Minton out for the No. 2 spot while Minton checks in at No. 3 on the list. Peters was the best defensive lineman in Kentucky as a junior, but Minton's work ethic and David Pollack- type attitude combined with his physical ability make him a big time prospect.
Fort Campbell cornerback Leonard Gordon checks in at No.4 in the state. He has good size and good speed, but it's his tenacity and upside that make him such an attractive prospect. Cadiz (Ky.) Trigg County offensive tackle Jeffery Adams has been a hot name of late. He hasn't put it all together on the field at all times yet, but he may have the highest ceiling of any prospect on the list.
Every year you can count on the Bluegrass State producing at least one good quarterback, but this year there are two. Checking in at No. 7 on the list is Henderson (Ky.) Henderson County gunslinger Will Fidler, who had a tremendous NIKE camp at Michigan and has great size and tools to be a very effective college quarterback. Lexington (Ky.) Lexington Catholic's Justin Burke does an amazing job of reading defenses and is a very polished quarterback at this stage.
Peters is not the only big-time defensive lineman in Louisville, as Dupont Manual's Aundre Henderson is a big man with a nice list of offers. He has not given as much production as Peters or Minton, but is more physically imposing and may have more long term potential than either. Berea (Ky.) Madison Southern defensive end Luke Stocker has a great frame for adding weight and should develop into a very good college player.
Richmond (Ky.) Madison Central speedster Paul Warford has been a hot name in recruiting circles and rounds out the top ten. Louisville (Ky.) Western wide receiver Jimorris Johnson comes in at No. 11 and may be the best player in Kentucky you've not heard much about. Johnson has a size-speed combination that is lethal for a wide receiver.
London (Ky.) North Laurel linebacker Chris Cessna comes in at No. 12, while mammoth offensive tackle Justin Jefferies makes the list at No. 13. Louisville Central puts their second player on the list as cornerback Rico Neal earns spot No. 14, while Henderson County also gets their second player on the list with running back Cedric Rainey rounding out the top 15.