[ArJay]

Tim Couch
David Jones
Shawn Robbins

[Basketballmom41]

Jesse Watts-QB-Sheldon Clark-University of Kentucky
Joey Stepp-Sheldon Clark- Marshall University (won National Championship)

[OutlawJoseyWales]

i tried to be nice and resist, but couldn't. Lol

😂😂😂😂😂

[Do-double-gg]

Mike West - Lawrence Co
Dontate Wright - Lawrence Co
G. Parker - Lawrence Co
Phillip Ratliff - Lawrence Co
Nick Meadows - Lawrence Co
Lee Abshire - Lawrence Co
Jason Michael Lawrence Co
Allan Short - Lawrence Co

Are just a few and three of them went on to win National Titles at there respected level of college play.

A lot of good athletes were churned out at Lawrence Co. In the 90's. Jason Michaels was the most underrated Qb I have ever seen and his college career proves that. Michael west was the fastest white kid I have ever seen and was never ran down from behind in his career, Marshall recruited him for his speed alone. Nick meadows might have been the most naturally talented RB I have ever seen. He had all the moves and footwork and elusiveness but just didn't have next level speed. Gerrod Parker was and still is the best receiver to come out of the mountain area hands down and second place isn't even very close. The numbers and records he put up one would think he was in a powerful passing attack and got the ball every time but in fact he was in a belly option offense that was run first. In every year he played the QB, TB and FB all had 1000 yard plus seasons and the TB's had 2000 yard seasons. That tells you that he made the best of every opportunity and never dropped the ball. He had the national career receiving record or something like that. Dontae Wright was the best all around athlete I have ever seen and could play any position on the field. Another good one was Jared Hostetter who got a full ride at the university of Tennessee when Tennessee was still a top 5 program. More recently Tyler Combs was a good one who played defensive line for Marshall. One that a lot of people forget about was Fred Dean. The kid could have gone just about anywhere but chose to go to the semipro's and received a devastating career ending neck injury.

[Do-double-gg]

This is going to ruffle a few feathers and don't get me wrong Tim Couch was hands down the best QB by far but far from the best athlete or player. Many kids from this area dominated their respective positions just as good or better then he did. In my opinion the QB position is easiest to do well at at the college level and not need to be a great athlete if that makes any sense. Positions like TB or WR or CB or LB you need to be an elite athlete with elite speed and strength and things like that. He had a solid college career in a very wild offense. It wasn't called the air raid for no reason. I think people bring up his number one draft status a little to much because he was obviously not the best player in that draft class. Many NFL players from that class went on to have great long careers but his was a flop at best.

[OutlawJoseyWales]

This is going to ruffle a few feathers and don't get me wrong Tim Couch was hands down the best QB by far but far from the best athlete or player. Many kids from this area dominated their respective positions just as good or better then he did. In my opinion the QB position is easiest to do well at at the college level and not need to be a great athlete if that makes any sense. Positions like TB or WR or CB or LB you need to be an elite athlete with elite speed and strength and things like that. He had a solid college career in a very wild offense. It wasn't called the air raid for no reason. I think people bring up his number one draft status a little to much because he was obviously not the best player in that draft class. Many NFL players from that class went on to have great long careers but his was a flop at best.

Don’t want to “ruffle your feathers”......but you’re out of your mind. The list begins and ends with Tim Couch. Why even try to argue that???

There have been a lot of great players to come out of all kinds of mountain schools....Bell, Breathitt, Belfry, Paintsville, Corbin, Pikeville Prestonsburg, Johnson Central, Lawrence Co and if u want to throw Ashland in there (even though they ARE NOT a mountain school...and that list can go on and on. But no one....and I mean NO ONE compares to Tim Couch. The closest would be Rick Kestner—-who was All-SEC and played in the NFL....but that’s not even close .

[OutlawJoseyWales]

This is going to ruffle a few feathers and don't get me wrong Tim Couch was hands down the best QB by far but far from the best athlete or player. Many kids from this area dominated their respective positions just as good or better then he did. In my opinion the QB position is easiest to do well at at the college level and not need to be a great athlete if that makes any sense. Positions like TB or WR or CB or LB you need to be an elite athlete with elite speed and strength and things like that. He had a solid college career in a very wild offense. It wasn't called the air raid for no reason. I think people bring up his number one draft status a little to much because he was obviously not the best player in that draft class. Many NFL players from that class went on to have great long careers but his was a flop at best.

Honestly....your post comes off like you’re a little butt hurt over something when it comes to Couch.

In all fairness to him....he was drafted by an expansion team that allowed him to get hit and or sacked well over 140 times his rookie year. The beatings he took quickly led to the demise of his career....but he still led the Browns to the playoffs. Granted he had a disappointing career...but a career cut short by injury. To say he was a flop is somewhat unfair in my estimation. But again....your butt hurtness is shining thru 😂😂😂

[pjdoug]

This is going to ruffle a few feathers and don't get me wrong Tim Couch was hands down the best QB by far but far from the best athlete or player. Many kids from this area dominated their respective positions just as good or better then he did. In my opinion the QB position is easiest to do well at at the college level and not need to be a great athlete if that makes any sense. Positions like TB or WR or CB or LB you need to be an elite athlete with elite speed and strength and things like that. He had a solid college career in a very wild offense. It wasn't called the air raid for no reason. I think people bring up his number one draft status a little to much because he was obviously not the best player in that draft class. Many NFL players from that class went on to have great long careers but his was a flop at best.

I usually agree with you, but you are talking out the wrong on this one. His career was a flop because he was drafted by the Cleveland Browns. You'd flop like a fish too if you got hit like a truck hitting you by the defense every play.

[pjdoug]

Don’t want to “ruffle your feathers”......but you’re out of your mind. The list begins and ends with Tim Couch. Why even try to argue that???

There have been a lot of great players to come out of all kinds of mountain schools....Bell, Breathitt, Belfry, Paintsville, Corbin, Pikeville Prestonsburg, Johnson Central, Lawrence Co and if u want to throw Ashland in there (even though they ARE NOT a mountain school...and that list can go on and on. But no one....and I mean NO ONE compares to Tim Couch. The closest would be Rick Kestner—-who was All-SEC and played in the NFL....but that’s not even close .

I've been disappointed a lot over the years watching my Colonels lose to some great teams and great players in the playoffs. Tim Couch was one of those greats, I was sad to see my team lose, but it was a pleasure to get to watch a once in a lifetime talent such as him in his little hometown of Hyden,KY.

[OutlawJoseyWales]

I've been disappointed a lot over the years watching my Colonels lose to some great teams and great players in the playoffs. Tim Couch was one of those greats, I was sad to see my team lose, but it was a pleasure to get to watch a once in a lifetime talent such as him in his little hometown of Hyden,KY.

First time I saw Couch play was his freshman year at Belfry. Belfry has a big lead....35-45 pt lead....suddenly Couch comes in....and begins lighting us up. Despite the big lead we barely hung on to win. We never beat him again to my recollection. He was, by far the best HS quarterback I have ever seen.....and I’ve seen a lot of them....in a lot of different states. He was that special.

[pjdoug]

[pjdoug]

[SAD SAM]

Breathitt Bobcats

Justin haddix wku
Shorty combs eku
John radar UK
Channing fugate ut

[EKUAlum05]

I have yet to see a more impressive HS Quarterback than Couch.

His ability to throw accurate on intermediate timing stuff and to hit the deep stuff was truly a special gift.

Couch and Randy Moss were both players that when you watched them in High School you immediately knew you were witnessing greatness.

[Do-double-gg]

Don’t want to “ruffle your feathers”......but you’re out of your mind. The list begins and ends with Tim Couch. Why even try to argue that???

There have been a lot of great players to come out of all kinds of mountain schools....Bell, Breathitt, Belfry, Paintsville, Corbin, Pikeville Prestonsburg, Johnson Central, Lawrence Co and if u want to throw Ashland in there (even though they ARE NOT a mountain school...and that list can go on and on. But no one....and I mean NO ONE compares to Tim Couch. The closest would be Rick Kestner—-who was All-SEC and played in the NFL....but that’s not even close .

Not butt hurt at all. Lawrence Co and Leslie Co never even played when Couch was playing, honestly I can't remember if Leslie and Lawrence have ever played since I've been watching Bulldogs football since about 1991. I said he was the best QB to ever come out of the mountain area hands down and way up on the list of best athletes but just because he went to UK and got drafted and the fact that not many mountain kids go that far don't make him the best all around athlete. If were talking best all around athletes then Couch ain't even in my top 5. The man could throw the hell out of a football but I've seen plenty who were stronger, or quicker or faster and more athletic or all the above combined.

[OutlawJoseyWales]

Not butt hurt at all. Lawrence Co and Leslie Co never even played when Couch was playing, honestly I can't remember if Leslie and Lawrence have ever played since I've been watching Bulldogs football since about 1991. I said he was the best QB to ever come out of the mountain area hands down and way up on the list of best athletes but just because he went to UK and got drafted and the fact that not many mountain kids go that far don't make him the best all around athlete. If were talking best all around athletes then Couch ain't even in my top 5. The man could throw the hell out of a football but I've seen plenty who were stronger, or quicker or faster and more athletic or all the above combined.

The question was the best player/players. Again....the List Begins with Tim Couch. Everyone else pales in comparison.

[HCS]

Not butt hurt at all. Lawrence Co and Leslie Co never even played when Couch was playing, honestly I can't remember if Leslie and Lawrence have ever played since I've been watching Bulldogs football since about 1991. I said he was the best QB to ever come out of the mountain area hands down and way up on the list of best athletes but just because he went to UK and got drafted and the fact that not many mountain kids go that far don't make him the best all around athlete. If were talking best all around athletes then Couch ain't even in my top 5. The man could throw the hell out of a football but I've seen plenty who were stronger, or quicker or faster and more athletic or all the above combined.

I'd like to see the top five. He was one of the top basketball players in the state.
Cawood had an all-state defensive end (6-3, 220) during Couch's sophomore year who he just shook off and then threw a bullet about 30 yards on a dime. You could tell he was a special talent.

[oldcardfan]

What about Steve Bird from Corbin and that LB I think his last name is Thomas played at Corbin as well maybe went to UK?

[FootballFan1999]

What about Steve Bird from Corbin and that LB I think his last name is Thomas played at Corbin as well maybe went to UK?

You talking about RC? I’ve heard if things didn’t play out like they did for him he’d have played on sundays.

[JerryGarcia]

Victor Hyland was a heck of a LB for Clay Co and then for EKU in early 90’s. Seem like the guy was in on ever tackle at Clay.

[BlueSky]

Neal Smith- Pikeville- Vandy- All SEC- Drafted by The Cowboys

[Bulldogs4Ever]

Justin Haddix from Breathitt County is only behind Tim Coach as best QB ever from Eastern KY.

[Footballfan33]

Chas Harmon and Dustin Hall from Paintsville.

[pjdoug]

I'd like to see the top five. He was one of the top basketball players in the state.
Cawood had an all-state defensive end (6-3, 220) during Couch's sophomore year who he just shook off and then threw a bullet about 30 yards on a dime. You could tell he was a special talent.

I think he led the state in scoring in basketball as a junior? I've seen him shake a lot of hard hitting defenders off.The man is tough and had the will to win.

[WALL2WALL]

Tim Couch is easily #1.

With the dominate Junior season he had at Breathitt, Channing Fugate must be put into discussion when putting a list behind Couch.

[Gitback Coach]

Bell County’s Russell Miracle passed away one week ago today, and in his honor, I submit his biography from his 2013 induction into the KHSAA Hall of Fame:

Russell Miracle (Bell County, 1961) – A multi-talented athlete at Bell County, Miracle was a two-time member of the All-State football team, led the Bobcats to a 13th Region basketball title, and was a leader on the track team. Miracle had never seen a football upon entering high school, but that didn’t stop him from earning All-State honors in 1960 and 1961. He started every football game from his freshman season on, playing halfback and defensive back for Bell County. As a junior, he led the state in scoring up until the last two games of the season. As a senior, he was selected to play in the Kentucky East/West All-Star game. He was recruited by Tennessee and Alabama, but chose to play football at the University of Kentucky. A three-year starter on the Bell County varsity basketball team, Miracle helped lead the Bobcats to a 13th Region Championship in 1960 and a berth in the KHSAA Boys’ Sweet 16®. Bell County advanced to the second round as he scored 21 points in a win over Harrodsburg, and Miracle went on to earn All-State honors. A four-year letterman in track, Miracle competed in the 100, 200 and 440 yard dashes, as well as the mile relay. As a senior, he served as the acting coach when Bell County went to the Regional meet at Barbourville and helped several runners qualify for state, including himself. Miracle got involved in coaching the area’s youth when his playing days were over, and served as the analyst for Bell County football broadcasts on WRIL from 1985-2006.

Russell Miracle and Roscoe Perkins were backfield mates at old Bell High and both signed with the University of Kentucky. Both figure prominently in Shannon Ragland’s 2007 book, “The Thin Thirty.”

Russell was a gifted, humble athlete and generous friend who remained loyal and appreciative of his roots his entire life. Rest in peace, sir.

[#55PirateFan]

Doesn't Cole Bentley deserve to be mentioned in this conversation now? I know he only graduated from Belfry a couple years ago and is still in college, but Cole started a few games at Louisville, a Power Five school, as a Freshman and started every game last year as a Sophomore. This year he is a preseason All ACC candidate. If he doesnt get drafted in the mid to late rounds of the NFL Draft, I'll be shocked if he doesnt at least get invited to a camp. I think he's one of the best to ever come out of Belfry High School and the mountains.

[OutlawJoseyWales]

Doesn't Cole Bentley deserve to be mentioned in this conversation now? I know he only graduated from Belfry a couple years ago and is still in college, but Cole started a few games at Louisville, a Power Five school, as a Freshman and started every game last year as a Sophomore. This year he is a preseason All ACC candidate. If he doesnt get drafted in the mid to late rounds of the NFL Draft, I'll be shocked if he doesnt at least get invited to a camp. I think he's one of the best to ever come out of Belfry High School and the mountains.

He's a dandy no doubt. Definitely in the mix somewhere

[HOFER]

Still say Tim Couch could have been a hall of famer had it not been for going to the QB killers.

[HOFER]

Doesn't Cole Bentley deserve to be mentioned in this conversation now? I know he only graduated from Belfry a couple years ago and is still in college, but Cole started a few games at Louisville, a Power Five school, as a Freshman and started every game last year as a Sophomore. This year he is a preseason All ACC candidate. If he doesnt get drafted in the mid to late rounds of the NFL Draft, I'll be shocked if he doesnt at least get invited to a camp. I think he's one of the best to ever come out of Belfry High School and the mountains.

Yea just because he's a recent graduate probably the only reason he's not being mentioned.

Nolan Devaughn was a center as well,
started several years at UK. i'd put him in top 15.