Vote: Who has been the best sophomore football player in Kentucky so far in 2023?
We are at the end of the 2023 high school football regular season here in Kentucky and there’s no shortage of underclassmen performing at a high level as the playoffs begin.
It’s no surprise that sophomores are showing out in the Bluegrass State as that’s been the case in the past many times over. This list of underclassmen features some of the top sophomore football players we’ve seen or have been on the rise in Kentucky. Take a look at our list and vote for who you feel has been the top performing sophomore high school football player in Kentucky.
Editor’s Note: Our corresponding poll is intended to be fun, and we do not set limits on how many times a fan can vote during the competition. However, we do not allow votes that are generated by script, macro or other automated means. Athletes that receive votes generated by script, macro or other automated means will be disqualified.
Voting closes on November 30th, 11:59pm
Here are the nominations:
Cameron O'Hara, QB, Cooper: When you talk about one of the top quarterbacks in Kentucky, regardless of classification, O'Hara is right up there with the best of 'em. The 6-foot-1, 160-pound signal caller has completed 181-of-262 passes for 2,702 yards and 39 touchdowns.
Mario Litmer, QB, Highlands: The other sophomore quarterback in Kentucky that's been putting up some eye popping numbers is Litmer. The Bluebirds' signal caller has thrown for 1,101 yards, 19 touchdowns and a mere one interception this season. Impressive numbers as a sophomore.
Markezz Hightower, RB, North Hopkins: LEading all running backs in the yardage department for sophomores is Hightower. The sturdy tailback has carried the ball 153 times for 1,206 yards and scored an astounding 20 touchdowns.
Dee Parker, RB, Whitley County: Though Parker has played in only six games, you can easily see the kind of production the running back brings to the table. The Colonels' back has carried the rock 142 times for 1,056 yards and scored 11 times.
Landon Yoak, RB, East Carter: Finding the endzone has been something Yoak has done a lot of this 2023 season for East Carter. The running back has rushed for 996 yards on 150 carries and has found pay dirt 16 times.
Luke Cooper, WR, Tates Creek: Has any other sophomore receiver in the Blue Grass State been able to get open like Cooper? The elusive wideout has hauled in 37 passes for 667 yards and scored nine touchdowns.
Trevy Barber, WR, Bowling Green: If there's any other wide receiver that's been on par with Cooper, it has been Barber. The fleet-footed wide receiver has caught 39 passes for 624 yards and scored nine touchdowns.
Ace Caudill, LB, Belfry: The linebacker has been one of the best tacklers among any of the sophomores playing the position this season. Caudill has racked up 79 tackles through 11 games played.
Kevin Robins, LB, Todd County Central: Robins has played well within the front seven for Todd County Central as the linebacker has tallied 74 tackles and six of those have gone for a loss.
Kendell Buck-Barber, DB, Newport: The defensive back has proven himself to have a knack for finding the football patrolling the secondary for Newport. Buck-Barber has intercepted six passes this season.
-- Andy Villamarzo | villamarzo@scorebooklive.com | @sblivesports
