Seemingly every passing year, more high level schools visit West Virginia for promising recruits. The 2019 class holds several of the highest recruited players in state history. The class behind them holds promising talent as well. We have done our best to round up the outlook for some of the state’s returning talent. Here’s what we got:
Griffin Adkins (DB) Cabell Midland
Year: 2019
Status: Mulling
Adkins is a prototypical Cabell Midland player that plays hard with fantastic condition. Great downhill play and mechanics. Might be exposed in coverage. Also, a recruited baseball player and has mild talk from college schools.
Michael Bartram (LB) Wayne
Class: 2019
Status: Mulling
Bartram is not a fun player to play against. Mix in his speed with his love to lower his shoulder, Bartram is a traditional Pioneer. He already has a slew of college interests with the level hoping to continue to increase.
Jake Bowen (DB) Bridgeport
Year: 2019
Status: Mulling
Bowen made a lot of his money on the offensive side, but we believe his defensive play is where he really thrives. As a safety, he had a nose for the ball and broke on passes to make several picks. His college looks are unknown, but he has signed up for Appalachia Prep Combine.
Jarod Bowie (WR) Martinsburg
Year: 2020
Status: Too Early to Tell
Bowie found recognition on a star-studded state championship team. He became Tyson Bagent’s favorite target. Only a sophomore, this next season could really see Bowie picking up some offers if his progression carries on.
Malakai Brown (WR) Hedgesville
Year: 2020
Status: Too Early to Tell
Brown broke out in insane fashion in 2017- leading his grade NATIONALLY in receptions and third in overall yardage per game. He has the all the makings of being WV’s next highly recruited athlete. Scouts will probably see him a lot this year (his junior year) and it will play out from there.
Owen Chafin (RB) Spring Valley
Year: 2019
Status: Mulling
Do not downplay Chafin’s contribution to the Timberwolves second straight runner-up place. He is a textbook Spring Valley runner with short-bursting speed and will lower his shoulder if need be. His next level ability might be on defense, however. His recruitment status is lowkey. He should get decent looks this upcoming year.
JT Cooper (LB) Hurricane
Year: 2019
Status: Mulling
Cooper was in the middle of an impressive Hurricane defensive. More of a runstopper type, he has faired well against some of the most talented skill sets in the state. He hasn’t received loads of recognition but should be a surefire next level player with his progression.
JJ Davis (DB) Bluefield
Year: 2020
Status: Too Early to Tell
Davis played corner with modest feet and a lankiness that helped Bluefield’s defense make a run in the playoffs. He has a favorable size but has a lot of room to improve. Only a sophomore, he could potentially become a sought after DB.
Jordan Dempsey (RB) Fayetteville
Year: 2019
Status: Mulling
Dempsey has had back-to-back solid years for the Pirates. A dynamic runner with touchdown possibility every time he touches the ball. His size is a big question- we saw him get banged up this year with an increased load. It should be noted he did tough it out. Dempsey could impress a lot of scouts this off-season and land himself several offers heading into the 2018 year.
Juice Edwards (LB) Bluefield
Year: 2019
Status: Mulling
Edwards will step into a much higher role going into his senior season. If he increases his size reasonably and continues his progression as a player, we could see him as a top tackler in the state. His current prospects for the next level are unknown but probably mild.
Zach Frazier (OL) Fairmont Senior
Year: 2020
Status: Too Early to Tell
Frazier wasn’t talked about much this year but don’t let it fool you. He has great size. His footwork is where his improvement can come- something that can be vastly improved in his next two seasons. If his grades aligned, he is in a very good area to pick up offers. His recruitment future looks promising.
Dewayne Grantham (LB) Martinsburg
Year: 2019
Status: Committed to WVU
Grantham has found recruitment success. The two-way star has caught the eye of West Virginia University and recently gave a verbal commit. Grantham has an athletic frame with a body type that could be molded into a linebacker or safety- most likely a reason he was offered.
Will Hackney (QB) Sissonville
Year: 2019
Status: Mulling
Hackney put up some great numbers and against solid competition. As more of a pocket passer, it will be hard to gain looks at Sissonville. He has had some notice though, being invited to a national combine in Texas. This will hopefully give him the much needed looks.
Grant Harman (DB) Martinsburg
Year: 2019
Status: Mulling
Harman has great football IQ and excellent break on the ball acceleration. Matched with good size, Harman will definitely have a shot to play ball for free this time next year. He’s been contacted by several in-state schools already, and we’ll see that pick up.
Deishawn Harper (WR) Capital
Year: 2019
Status: Mulling
Not a lot has been talked about Harper, but we think he possesses excellent agility. He has several weaker spots in his game but definite next level ability. His size might concern some- he will definitely get all the looks he could ever want this next year.
Jacob Hartman (QB) Petersburg
Year: 2019
Status: Mulling
Hartman is a solid dual-threat player. Not the ideal size, his IQ and mechanics make up for it. He’s reported his goals to go to James Madison, but of course, his goals for the next level know no bounds. He should solidify his position his senior season.
Drew Hatfield (WR) Mingo Central
Year: 2020
Status: Too Early to Tell
Hatfield has recorded back-to-back first team honors as a freshman and sophomore. The sure handed receiver and play making returner is multi-sport star. With the loss of other Miners to graduation, Hatfield will have an increased role next year, and this could really grab the attention of scouts.
Christian Hill (RB) Hurricane
Year: 2020
Status: Too Early to Tell
Hill brought the Redskin offense full tilt- affecting the game in multiple ways. It’s too early to tell his college prospects, but this junior year will be critical, and he’ll be expected to be their horse.
Breece Hoff (LB) Capital
Year: 2019
Status: Mulling
Hoff broke Capital’s sack record as a speed rusher off the edge. He has legitimate speed and height and could use a few more added pounds. His process is starting slow but his camps and combines should boost his stock very fast.
Drew Joseph (LB) South Charleston
Year: 2019
Status: Mulling
Joseph definitely has the numbers that pop recording insane amounts of tackles. We haven’t seen much from colleges chasing him, perhaps from his smaller size, but he has one more year to pick up offers. He does have a nose for the ball and plays four quarters relentlessly.
Jeremiah Johnston (RB) Richwood
Year: 2020
Status: Too Early to Tell
Johnston has an unusual burst, regardless of level. He is also sternly built. It will be difficult for him to get seen, but he has our attention. He also has two more years to get the ball rolling.
Tyler Komorowski (DL) Weir
Year: 2019
Status: Mulling
Komorowski didn’t perform quite at the level of his sophomore year, in part to his increased offensive role. As a lanky defensive end, he has the size that college coaches love. It is unknown of what schools have looked at him.
Zeiqui Lawton (DL) South Charleston
Year: 2021
Status: Too Early to Tell
Lawton earned his stripes early as a freshman going against MSAC lines. He has the frame and athleticism to develop into a top defender within the state. His next level ability most likely lies at LB, but his potential is great regardless.
Teddy Marshall (DB) Martinsburg
Year: 2020
Status: Too Early to Tell
Marshall caught the eyes of many with his role on the dominant Martinsburg team. As an upcoming junior, Marshall is shorter in size but possesses great hips and footwork. Could definitely get looks after this upcoming season with good combines being a boost.
Kerry Martin Jr. (QB) Capital
Year: 2019
Status: Mulling
Martin transformed into a star in 2017. His dual-threat ability picked him offers from Miami (OH), Marshall, Toledo, and Cincinnati. He is keeping his process quiet. We expect him to pick up more offers.
Curtis McGhee (QB) Wheeling Central
Year: 2020
Status: Too Early to Tell
Wheeling Central took home the trophy as an 11-seed. McGhee used their intense schedule to develop into not only a playmaking QB but a smart one as well. We wouldn’t be surprised if some D1 schools swoop in his junior year to take a peek.
Monroe Mohler (DB) James Monroe
Year: 2020
Status: Too Early to Tell
Mohler rose as a star on a senior dominated team. He’s talented at multiple positions. He could end up being a highly local recruit among the MEC the next few years. His role will be increased a lot this next year.
Adam Murray (LB) Wheeling Central
Year: 2020
Status: Too Early to Tell
Murray also became a star in 2017, being the first sophomore Huff Award winner. Don’t let his classification bring any bias, Murray has the size and ability to play high level football. He is a sure tackler who plays incredibly downhill. Like his teammate, we wouldn’t be surprised if some high level schools drop by.
Doug Nester (OL) Spring Valley
Year: 2019
Status: Committed to Ohio State
Nester was incredibly recruited the last few years. Prior to the 2017 season, he gave a verbal commitment to Ohio State. He had received dozens of offers from Power 5 programs. His size and dominate technical abilities make him a worthy offer recipient.
Cason Payne (QB) Point Pleasant
Year: 2019
Status: Mulling
Payne was overshadowed in 2017 to other big time AA players. Don’t let it fool you, he can toss the pigskin as well as run it. Point Pleasant has been a hotbed for D1 talent the last several years, and he has been on several visits including that to Marshall. His chances of picking up an offer are unknown, but he sure has college ability.
Deiyanti Powell (OL) Bluefield
Year: 2019
Status: Mulling
Powell rose as one of the anchors of a line many questioned. He has excellent size with raw footwork. Regardless, he has an unteachable grit that helped Bluefield rush for near 4,000 yards. Keep an eye for his senior year snagging several offers.
Reed Reitter (DB) Weir
Year: 2019
Status: Mulling
Reitter is a multi-sport star and multi-position player. He hasn’t perfected one yet, but he is awfully good on all three sides of the ball including kicking. Reitter is a malleable athlete who we could see receiving offers throughout his senior season for Weir.
Amir Richardson (DB) University
Year: 2019
Status: Mulling
Richardson has also become a highly recruited WV athlete. His all-around athleticism could have him looks on both sides of the ball, but most likely safety. His offers picked up from WVU and Marshall have other schools taking looks. In the same case as others, the combine season will dictate how many more he receives.
N’iyjere Smith (DB) Hedgesville
Year: 2019
Status: Mulling
Smith is one of the better kept secrets in the state. This could be due to his smaller size but definitely not to his hitting ability. Smith was a constant head hunter as well as skillful playmaker this past season. His recruitment process will most likely pick up going into his senior season.
Brenton Strange (DB) Parkersburg
Year: 2019
Status: Mulling
Strange has exceptional size for a WR and DB. His mechanics could improve but Strange could rise as even more of a star in 2018. He has a way of making plays especially on defense. He’s gotten the attention of several schools such as Akron, Marshall, Navy, UNC, WVU, Ohio, and Northwestern.
Ivan Vaughn (RB) Cabell Midland
Year: 2019
Status: Mulling
Vaughn is a Cabell Midland horse. He hits the holes with intensity and plays through the whistle. D1 coaches have taken notice to this. He’s reported to be contacted by Marshall, Toledo, WVU, Louisville, and Ohio. With combine season coming around, he could pick up several big time offers.
Grant Wells (QB) George Washington
Year: 2019
Status: Committed to Marshall
Wells didn’t go off quite as much as his sophomore year but his standard is quite high. He is a one-man offensive show running and passing. Marshall took notice, and Wells has already gave them his verbal commit.
Connor White (RB) Scott
Year: 2019
Status: Mulling
White missed a lot of playtime his junior year but performed awesome when he was in. A playmaker. He has talked to EKU and other nearby colleges. His senior year can definitely bring in more buzz.
Darnell Wright (OL) Huntington
Year: 2019
Status: Mulling
Wright is arguably one of the highest recruited athletes in WV history. His elite size and footwork have him offers from Marshall, Louisville, WVU, NC State, Tennessee, UNC, Nebraska, Florida, Maryland, Kentucky, Ohio State, Toledo, Alabama, Michigan State, Virginia Tech, Oklahoma, USC, Miami, Georgia, Clemson, and Penn State.
Tristen Bittner from wheeling park high school is one of the best offensive lineman in the state of Wv. Getting looks from wvu, ball state, Toledo, west liberty, Marshall. Standing at 6’5 300lbs moves very well and a multi sport player. Check him out. Thank you. .
How do you not have Max Howell from Huntington High on here. 6’4 290 OL with an offer already from Marshall. Interest from Louisville and Cincy
We comprised the list from players we contacted and responded, we’ll put him on!
Johnny Adkins from Wayne, 6’5 303 pound pulling guard. Big year for Johnny going to several out of state camps and has caught Marshalls attention already, great highlight video if you have HUDL
Please take a look at Junior RB / DB from Wheeling Central (Bray Price) He is coming off of a state Championship where he was the Game MVP and was just offered by Youngstown State last Tuesday. Starting to get looks at the next level this off-season