You haven’t seen the last of North Laurel’s Jude McWhorter @NLJAGSFOOTBALL, @BlueGreyFB, @KatherineL58069, @bigassfans, @eCampusdotcom, @KyHighFootball, @khsaafootball, @CoachNelsonNL

‘27 dual threat athlete and quarterback vows we haven’t seen the last of his Jaguars!

If you grew up in the eighties, you remember one of the more famous movie lines from an action thriller, staring Arnold Schwarzenegger, and entitled “Terminator.” The film was released in 1984 and the line became among the more quoted lines in cinematic history. The line was supposed to be “I’ll come back” but Schwarzenegger delivered it as “I’ll be back” for emphasis. It worked, it still does. North Laurel’s Jude McWhorter is making the same pledge, to his teammates, to North Laurel fans, to the North Laurel coaching staff, and to the KHSAA, in toto. McWhorter, a ’27 dynamo, “will be back,” and this feature discusses the fully ramifications resulting from such a commitment.

HB Lyon, Scouting Director, “KPGFootball”

London, KY: Steven Nelson’s Jaguars, from North Laurel High, have been trending in the right direction since leaving “Log Mountain” with a 24-22 victory over Bell County in August of 2024. The Jaguars appear to have really turned around its fortunes this season, finishing 9-3 after exiting the playoffs on the short end of a 24-21 to another nine (9) win team in West Jessamine.

Still there is much to which to look forward for the Jaguars and the program which appears to be on the rise. For starters, North Laurel beat John Hines’s South Laurel team by 18 (21-3). Secondly, the Jaguars get back, for next season, its plucky, 5’11,” 180-pound dual threat, multi-phase, multi-varsity-sport versatile athlete in ’27, Jude McWhorter.

McWhorter, also a baseball star, led his team to nine wins against three losses coming off a 5-7, 2024 season. That is quite the improvement.

Along the way, the Jaguars beat Madison Central (8-4, 6A), Lawrence County (11-1, 3A), Collins (8-4, 5A) and South Laurel (9-3, 5A). The Jaguars lost to West Jessamine by three, Corbin by 14, and 49-14 to a 10-win, Pulaski team as of the date this article was written.

Those of you who regularly follow this site realize we often write features days in advance. As of the date we submitted this to the editorial committee for publication, Madison Central, Lawrence County, Corbin, Pulaski, and West Jessamine were all still playing. Going 9-3 against a schedule where the team played five teams making the regional finals is pretty dang strong.

McWhorter’s résumé has been equally impressive. In ’25, the junior playmaker passed for 1,035 yards and 9-TDs. McWhorter completed 59% or so of his passing attempts.

McWhorter rushed for 1,025-yards on 163-carries (6.3-yards per) with 12-rushing TDs. McWhorter was second on the team in scoring.

McWhorter played defensively in addition to his QB’ing duties. McWhorter finished third (3rd) on the team in tackles (69) while also picking a pass and forcing a fumble. 

We call that “showing up” when it is time to arrive. We also call that being a freaking football player. Both descriptions are apt when discussing or featuring McWhorter.

McWhorter lists the following positions as slots he is capable of playing: FS, RB, WR, QB. We agree with everyone. This is a next level kid and his value to a college roster is both immeasurable and exceedingly vast.

This is the kind of football player you take and figure where best to utilize his considerable skills once he arrives and checks into the freshman football dormitory. There will be plenty of suitors willing to take the chance.

For now, McWhorter is focused on North Laurel and a program which has performed impressively and was just a few points from making a regional final. The trajectory is tending upwardly in London, KY. Both in-county schools are playing mighty good football and have made considerable investments in the programs to insure that remains the case.

We wouldn’t be surprised for this prospect to enter the Fall of ’26 on several, preseason “Mr. Football” lists. Matter of fact, go on and put him on ours.

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

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