To some it might seem early but as players begin hitting lifting PR’s and getting in shape- the season has never quite ended.  The chase for a trip to Wheeling never ends, and we are taking Fridays in the current offseason to highlight the top five players returning per position in AAA and AA/A (combined).  Not on the list?  Good thing it’s not even preseason yet.  Prove us right or prove us wrong.

 

Without further ado…

 

Honorable Mentions

Nathan Pettus (Bluefield) 2019

Timmy McCabe (Wheeling Central) 2020

Noah Dillon (James Monroe) 2019

 

#5 Mason Walker

 

School: Bluefield

Year: 2019

HT/WT: 6’6 / 275 lbs

No one can deny the talent of Bluefield’s backfield in 2017.  However, much of their insane success came from some talented hogs.  Walker is very unpolished, but that’s actually a compliment because he is already very consistent.  His leveraging would be better under a passing offense, but he still succeeds as being a crusher inside the box.  Walker has an incredibly high ceiling.

 

#4 Deiyantei Powell

School: Bluefield

Year: 2019

HT/WT: 6’4 / 250 lbs

Powell came into high regards last year as being another big cog in the Beaver run game.  Sporting awesome hair and being built like a tank, Powell stands out as a lineman- not a very common thing.  His hip thrust is incredible when pulling and driving on blocks.  He should become a touted prospect soon enough if he isn’t already receiving a bulk of offers.

 

#3 Johnny Adkins

 

School: Wayne

Year: 2019

HT/WT: 6’4 / 300 lbs

Talk about a true blood hog molly!  Adkins is a big-bellied beast that plays for one of the grittiest schools in the state.  Don’t let his mass trick you into thinking he can’t move.  He has great feet for his size and a great explosion.  His film speaks for itself as being a crushing blocker off the ball.  Adkins stock should rise even further with the predicted success of Wayne.

 

#2 Jerrad Price

School: Lincoln County

Year: 2019

HT/WT: 6’3 / 285 lbs

Price missed several games last season which led to a lack of postseason recognition.  We believe he is a top lineman in the state regardless of class.  Price possesses a rare speed in lineman that gives him an X-factor on pulls and getting downfield on blocks.  His mechanics could use work, but he quickly makes up for any lack of technique with a very violent style of play.  He’s fun to watch but not if you’re lined up across from him.  UPDATE: Price transferred to Lincoln County, and we are unsure of his eligibility status.

 

#1 Zach Frazier

School: Fairmont Senior

Year: 2020

HT/WT: 6’2 / 265 lbs

The smallest lineman on both AAA and AA/A’s lists.  Frazier proves you don’t need elite size to be an elite lineman.  He is an elite athlete, however, regardless of position.  His tenacity and wrestling-like impact blocking is top tier.  He whipped some of the best defensive lineman in the state last season.  Some could argue he is also the best defensive lineman as well, but we have to share the love a little.  Frazier is fantastic and a surefire star only being a junior.

 

 

Who did we miss?  Let us know!  We never shy away from people telling us we’re missing out on kids!  Our next Feature Five Friday will take on the top returning defensive lineman in AAA!  Let us know who should be in there!