Since the inception of spring
football for high schools in
the State of Kentucky, as
well as the rivalry between Louisville
and Kentucky on the gridiron, the
number of talented football prospects
in the Bluegrass State has been on a
consistent rise. The rising class of 2004
is no different. In fact, the upcoming
group of seniors may be the deepest
pool of high Division IA prospects that
the state has ever produced.
With that in mind, here’s Inside the Ville’s preseason Best
of the Bluegrass!
1. DE/TE James McKinney (6’4, 280) Louisville Central
Having produced two of the nation’s top prospects in Michael Bush
and Brian Brohm the past two years, the Bluegrass State may have
yet another prep All-American prospect in Central’s James McKinney.
McKinney, who has the ability to play on the defensive line, tight
end or possibly even fullback, has backed off a verbal commitment
to Michigan and is strongly considering a scholarship offer from the
Cardinals, along with offers the Wolverines, Miami, Kentucky and a
host of others. McKinney frequented Louisville’s practices this spring
and attended the programs Junior Day event.
2. QB Chris Todd (6’3, 180) Elizabethtown
Todd is the next top signal-caller to come out of Kentucky, following the
likes of Chris Redman, Tim Couch and Brian Brohm. Todd threw for
nearly 4,600 yards and 50 touchdowns, completing 67% of his attempts
as a junior. Likely the leading candidate for Mr. Football, Todd currently
holds a scholarship offer from North Carolina and is also considering
Kentucky, Louisville, Notre Dame, Georgia and others.
3. DE Earl Heyman (6’4, 240) Louisville Ballard
Heyman, a 1st Team All-State choice as a junior, has kept a somewhat
low-profile on the recruiting scene thus far with many fans. However,
most college coaches are quite aware of his abilities and early
interest has been plenty. Heyman, who has offers from Louisville and
Kentucky, has also received attention from Southern Cal, Indiana,
Florida and Purdue.
4. LB Brandon Logan (6’1, 210) Lexington Catholic
With scholarship offers from Louisville, Michigan, Kentucky and
Tennessee already in hand, there is little question that Logan will be
a high target of many top programs throughout the region. Logan,
who attended U of L’s Junior Day, is the younger brother of Kentucky
redshirt freshman John Logan, but the talented senior-to-be claims
that his brother’s presence at UK, nor his close relationship with our
top-rated prospect James McKinney, won’t effect his decision.
5. DE Brandon Deaderick (6’4, 230) Elizabethtown
Deaderick, who attended Louisville’s spring game, is a prospect that
grabbed our attention during last years Class AA State Championship
game. Since that game, Deaderick has become a fast-rising prospect
who recently added an offer from Florida to go along with one already
extended from Kentucky. Louisville has some catching up to do as
he currently lists Florida, Notre Dame, Kentucky and Michigan as his
early favorites.
6. LB Maurice Grinter (6’3, 220) Fairdale
Grinter seemingly does it all for Fairdale. On offense he has played
running back, receiver and quarterback, while playing linebacker
and on the line on the defensive side of the ball. In just five games
last fall, Grinter, who is also one of the state’s top basketball
prospects, rushed for 1,200-yards. Grinter has committed to Louisville over an offer from Kentucky and heavey interest from Arkansas and Purdue.
7. DB Michael Schwindel (6’3, 200) Hancock County
Like Grinter, Schwindel is also a standout basketball player, but most
expect him to play football in college. With great size and instincts,
Schwindel has drawn early interest both Kentucky, which has offered,
and Louisville, as well as Tennessee.
8. WR Maurice Urrutia (6’4, 180) Louisville Fern Creek
Maurice’s size and abilities will remind many of U of L incoming
freshman and older brother, receiver Mario Urrutia. Like his
brother, Maurice has great size, exceptional hands and has
displayed the ability to elude defenders. Louisville was the first
to offer and Urrutia lists the Cardinals, along with Tennessee and
Kentucky as his early favorites.
9. S Lamar Alston (6'2, 190) Paduach Tilghman
An all-state choice as a junior, Alston is poised for a big senior season.
He has great speed and has a frame that will develop into the perfect
collegiate defensive back. He is receiving heavy interest from Louisville,
Wake Forest, Alabama, Kentucky, Tennessee and Auburn, with offers extended from
both the Cardinals and Demon Deacons. Don't be surprised if Alston joins former
teammate Hunter Cantwell and wears the Red & Black.
10. TE Zipp Duncan (6’5, 240) Elizabethtown
Another member of the deeply talented Elizabethtown squad, Duncan
had a busy spring, visiting numerous top programs in the Southeast.
Louisville’s Junior Day was one of Duncan’s stops, as well as trips
to Florida State, Vanderbilt, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia Tech,
Georgia, Auburn and Alabama. He currently lists Florida State,
Georgia, Louisville, Kentucky and Vanderbilt as his leaders.
OTHERS: Kale Butler (Muhlenburg South), Corey Goodman (Western), Lee Renfro (Southwestern Pulaski), William Lewis (Scott Co), Alfonso Smith (Waggener), Kenny Turner (Trigg Co), Cory Zirbel (Murray)