Waylon Abner from Breathitt reminds us of Alan Faneca (Steelers) @BreathittFb @BreathittCoach @miguabeefjerky @840WHAS @1776Bank @KyHighFootball @YaBoyHolcomb @CaseyAl62171239

Waylon Abner may be the best pulling guard in the high school game

’26 OL may be the best at ‘pulling guard’ in the mountains

Waylon Abner is a 6’2,” 270-pound wrecking ball of a sophomore guard. Abner played in all 12-games for the Bobcats in ’23 and doubled along the defensive line enough to compile some legitimate figures (31-tackles). He is a three-bill, bench presser and squats 450. Abner reminds us, around the magazine, of Alan Faneca of the Pittsburg Steelers. Matter of fact, we think Abner should wear Faneca’s “66” so we can refer to Abner as “Route 66.” That would be super cool.

HB Lyon, Scouting Director, KPGFootball

KHSAA Statistical Website

Hudl Profile

When it comes to evaluating interior offensive linemen, we know a little something about what we are seeing. We have before coached OL and we have mentored some fine OL who have gone on to play well at the collegiate level.

We can tell you that Belfry’s Bo Wolford is considered by many to be the best OG in the commonwealth of Kentucky and certainly the Appalachias. Those who don’t think it is Bo Wolford might claim it is Breathitt’s Sawyer Hall.

There is a third candidate in the mix. He also plays for Breathitt. His name is Waylon Abner and he is a ’26 OG who may be the best pulling guard in the commonwealth. His offensive line coach, Casey Allen, tells KPGFootball, “If he keeps working along the same arc he’s been working, he may end up the best pulling guard we’ve ever had at Breathitt.

Breathitt has won three championships, played for four, and owns a 42 consecutive game win streak. Being the best anything to ever play at Breathitt is noteworthy. To be mentioned among the great OGs to have played there, even more significant.

First time I saw Waylon [play] he was in 6th grade, was a natural…and exhibited a skill set not typically found in an elementary school lineman

Casey Allen, OL Coach, Breathitt High

Breathitt lays claim to an offensive line known throughout the commonwealth as the Big Blue Wave. Year in and year out, the Big Blue Wave clears the way for prodigious offensive numbers, both on the ground and through the air. Being counted among the best to have ever aligned across the “Big Blue Wave” is something about which to feel enormous pride.

Abner is a specimen at 6’2,” 270-pounds. The rising junior is bench pressing 300-plus and squatting 450-pounds.

“Route 66,” Alan Faneca, Pittsburg Steelers

He pulls like “Route 66,” Alan Faneca of the Pittsburg Steelers. Matter of fact, we might consider a number change (from 68 to 66) were we Abner.

Abner is able to get to where he is going. That sounds funny; but, if you have ever played OG, we don’t need to elaborate. Abner has excellent footwork.

Abner doesn’t flail when he pulls. He “arms around” well when he begins running. Abner blocks from the middle out, like guards are taught.

Abner, when pulling, stays “skinny” until it’s time to paste a defender. Then baby, he lets the poor guy have it.

Abner plays with violence. Abner plays with technique. Abner executes the assignment as near to perfect as you will ever see from a high school interior offensive lineman.

We may call Abner “Route 66” whether he changes his number or not. One thing is certain, ain’t nobody getting any kicks down Breathitt’s Route 66.

This is Friday Night Fletch, reporting for KPGFootball, reminding you to PLAY THROUGH THE WHISTLE!

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About Fletcher Long 1675 Articles
Two-time winner of Kentucky Press Association awards for excellence in writing and reporting news stories while Managing Editor of the Jackson (KY) Times-Voice

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