’27 LB one of the KHSAA’s more formidable players headed into 2026
Aiden Blanton looks unassuming enough. At 5’10,” 180-pounds, Blanton isn’t among the bigger LBs around the KHSAA’s, 5A classification. However, factor in his 4.7-second, 40-yard dash; 4.3-second pro agility shuttle; and his lifting/power numbers (295-bench, 520-squat, 565-deadlift) and there begins to appear a vastly different picture. One may also throw in Blanton’s 34-inch vertical and a much clearer picture forms. Blanton is a plus athlete, plus power guy, plus speed guy, and plus strength, twitchy-monster capable of playing lots of places, next level. Enjoy the feature.
HB Lyon, Scouting Director, “KPGFootball”
Nicholasville, KY: Looks can be deceiving. You have heard that said more than once.
The phrase “looks can be deceiving” or “appearances are deceptive” originates from both ancient philosophical and biblical teachings according to an internet search conducted on the topic. Even The Bible warns against judging people by their outward appearance. Matter of fact, we can think of at least one very famous example of this bit of wisdom.
Remember the story of David and Goliath (1 Samuel 16:7)? Goliath, a Philistine warrior of reported gigantic physical proportions (four cubits and a span or 6’9″ or so), thought he would make short work of the little shepherd boy from Israel.
That didn’t turn out very well for Goliath anyway. David was quite formidable regardless of being outsized.
Then there were the Aesop fables. The prohibition against judging a book by its cover became a fairly common proverb, in England, by the mid-17th century.
It is certainly appropriate here, in discussing West Jessamine’s Aiden Blanton. On the one hand, he is a 5’10,” 180-pounder playing LB in class 5A. On the other hand, Blanton is a ’27 kid with a nearly 300-pound bench press, a 520-pound back squat, a 565-pound deadlift, a 34-inch vertical, a 4.7-second, 40-yard dash, and a 4.3-second, pro agility shuttle (5-10-5).
Those numbers, especially for a 180-pounder, aren’t normal. Neither are those numbers commonplace for a 5A athlete.
This is a 180-pounder with impressive power, speed, and strength numbers
Friday Night Fletch
What also isn’t normal were Blanton’s on-field numbers in 2025, his junior season. Aiden Blanton was primarily a defender for the Colts in 2025 in spite of RB being listed among his primary positions.
At LB, Blanton registered 89-tackles, 20-TFLs, and four (4) QB-sacks. Blanton was able to toss-in a pair of FFs, recovering one.
Coach Scott Marsh’s Colts had a fine year in 2025. The seventh district, 5A classification team was 9-4, lost to state finalist Pulaski County in the regionals, won its district, and was a two-point loss to Bourbon County in its opener from a 10-win season.
The Colts will be looking to improve on last year’s worksheet. Guys like Blanton will be quintessential to the program’s efforts.
As for next level opportunities, Centre College is all over Blanton and had him in for Junior Day. Wheeling University would like to get in the mix with this prospect together with plenty other programs which regularly recruit the Bluegrass for talent.
Until then, there is the matter of a senior season to enjoy. One thing is for sure, if you are assessing the West Jessamine Colts linebacker regarding how much you may have to game plan for him, I would ignore his stature, I would look at something aside for his height and weight.
Word to the wise here. You do you…
This is Friday Night Fletch, reporting for KPGFootball, reminding you to PLAY THROUGH THE WHISTLE!
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