The Locals: In-State Recruits The Tops Should Watch
It’s not uncommon that at least one school in every state wants to dominate the recruiting trail when it comes to in-state recruits. In 2023, it was the Kentucky Wildcats, who welcomed 11 in-state recruits, mainly from the Lexington area. Then it was Louuisville with seven, and Western Kentucky with six.
This was the likely natural progression. Nonetheless, the Hilltoppers should make the effort to become a more prominent force in the in-state scene. With high school football in the western Kentucky area bursting at the seams with talent, the Tops have a chance to give the long-running in-state recruiting superpowers a run for their money.
Here’s who should be on their radar in the future:
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Deuce Bailey, Quarterback, 2025, Bowling Green High School (Bowling Green, KY): The Hilltoppers would be silly not to keep Bailey at home. After capturing Caden Veltkamp in the class of 2022 from the local South Warren High School, Bailey should be the biggest blip on the WKU radar. The six-foot-one, 165 pound quarterback comes equipped with a big arm and heightened abilities in pocket navigation. In 2022, the state runner-up posted 3,200 passing yards and 500 rushing yards, good for 37 total touchdowns. He completed 221 of his 360 passing attempts (61%), throwing just seven interceptions.
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AJ Woodard, Athlete, 2025, Bowling Green High School: Adding another Purple to the list, Woodard has been wildly impressive. Woodard joined the Purples program following a 2022 campaign down the road at Russellville High School, where the 2nd Team All-SKY Conference honoree recorded 286 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns on 44 carries, 131 receiving yards and two scores on five catches, and 39 total tackles, adding a pass deflection and an interception. Woodard has been impressive through three weeks of action for the Purples, recording nine tackles, and interception, and a pass breakup.
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DeMarcus Elliott, Offensive Guard, 2024, Bowling Green High School: Last Purple! The six-foot-three, 295 pound guard has been a tremendous asset for the BGHS offensive line. He shows exceptional quickness as a lead blocker and has handled himself as a pass protector. In the run game, he’s been a key factor in setting up ball carriers for big gains. Elliott would be a key factor in the Hilltoppers in-state recruiting trail.
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Colton Veltkamp, Linebacker, 2025, South Warren High School: Another older-brother-quarterback-younger-brother-linebacker Hilltopper duo? It’s a mouthful, but the Tops did it with Bailey Zappe and his younger brother, Trent Zappe, who is currently on the team. Veltkamp has been nothing short of extraordinary in 2023 with the Spartans thus far - through three games, Veltkamp has garnered 17 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and five sacks. With Jason Veltkamp, the Director of Strength and Conditioning, and brother Caden already being Hilltoppers, Colton is welcomed to the Hill with open arms when his time comes.
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Jak Lindsey, Offensive Tackle, 2024, Owensboro High School (Owensboro, KY): Okay, okay. Lindsey is currently committed to Southern Illinois. But the three-star offensive tackle that’s just 45 minutes away would be a major miss for the Hilltoppers offense that needs both depth and natural, talented pass protectors for its Drew Hollingshead Air Raid offense. There should be an all-out blitz on flipping Lindsey to the Hilltoppers.
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Brach Rice, ATH, 2024, Dixie Heights High School (Edgewood, KY): Another committed prospect that must be targeted with a heavy hand. At six-foot-three, 220 pounds, Rice is a total athlete from Edgewood, KY, where the Dixie Heights athlete spent time between linebacker, edge, tight end, quarterback, and running back. The 6A All-State Defense honoree and two-time first team All-NKY prospect totaled 126 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and five sacks. He rushed for 605 yards and nine scores, with a single reception for 57 yards. As a quarterback, Bach completed 22 of his 39 passes for three touchdowns and 369 yards. Rice is a must-get for the Hilltoppers.
Becoming a prominent force with in-state recruiting is key for Group of Five schools. It’s an excellent way to sway top recruits in Kentucky and strengthen the fanbase. The Hilltoppers, should the offense and defense meet expectations, have a chance to be an exciting landing spot for 2024 prospects and beyond.
The new uniforms certainly don’t hurt, either!
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