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!
Jacob Huff
Winfield High School
6’ 260 two year two starter at guard and defensive tackle.
All state Honorable Mention in 2016 and special honorable mention in 2017. All Cardinal conference.
One of two linemen from Winfield (Johnny trail is the other) that went both ways all season.
Winfield was 2nd in AA in scoring in the regular season (477 points) and rushed for over 3100 team yards and threw for just under 2000 team yards.
I know the other guys are excellent but Jacob has got to be a pre season kid that people notice.
Thanks! Actually tried to check out Jacob but could not find any film. Will definitely catch him during the season.
Winfield has team highlights from 2017 that should give you a glimpse. His number is 57. I’m sorry he chose not to make a highlight. Thank you for trying though.
https://www.hudl.com/team/v2/32626/Boys-Varsity-Football
Gabe Hall from Point Pleasant. 6’4″ 308 lb sophomore left tackle. Number 73. Can check out Hudl highlights. Was at the 304 Elite camp in parkersburg today.