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
Layne Daniel (Sherman) 2019
Ryan Metzgar (Lewis County) 2019
Seth Whitt (Chapmanville) 2019
#5 Jaden Marino
School: Robert C. Byrd
Year: 2019
HT/WT: 6’0 / 220 lbs
Marino is apart of a pretty deadly combo of defensive linemen coming back for the Eagles. Consider him the lightning because his speed is what makes up for his linebacker-size on the front lines. His size doesn’t say that he is weak though as he is constantly out grinding opposing lineman. He could potentially see a 10+ sack senior season with the moves that he brings.
#4 Carter Lyles
School: Scott
Year: 2019
HT/WT: 6’1 / 230 lbs
Lyles shot up our charts quite fast. Though football may not be his best sport (having multiple D1 baseball offers as a pitcher) we think he’s pretty dang good. He plays much bigger than he is and has an awesome feel for the ball. Lyles can win the line of scrimmage, chase down runs, and make the tackle in space. He will be a big part in a Scott team we are picking to be a sleeper.
#3 Jaden Rollyson
School: Liberty (Harrison)
Year: 2019
HT/WT: 6’1 / 305 lbs
Let’s break out the hog-mollies! Rollyson boasts some up-there lifting feats and at least on-film he backs them up. Rollyson, playing in one of the harder AA conferences, constantly bullies other lineman. As an interior tackle he is a force to be reckoned with. He doesn’t have many moves or quick slants, but he requires multiple blockers and a change of scheme.
#2 Tyler Komorowski
School: Weir
Year: 2019
HT/WT: 6’3 / 240 lbs
Komorowski comes in as the most athletic on the list. Though his production went down slightly after his near-20 sack sophomore year, it can be easily attributed to his increased offensive role. He’s gotten much bigger since then but still possesses that lanky get off and leveraging. Komorowski is up there as a top WV prospect and if you don’t believe us- go watch for yourself.
#1 Robert Arnold
School: Robert C. Byrd
Year: 2019
HT/WT: 6’4 / 280 lbs
Arnold has become synonymous with scary. Once again, our number one combines a lot of the attributes of 2-5: quickness, aggression, strength, but then you factor in that he has elite size. Arnold has the look of someone playing out of their class. He is constantly tossing lineman, mauling quarterbacks, chasing down runs, and the whole nine-yards. It would be hard to dispute him not being the #1 DL going into 2018.
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 running backs in AAA! Let us know who should be in there!
Guys I wish you would take a look at Hunter Jones DT from Midland Trail. He finished with 14 sacks last year and is ready to have a great senior season!
Check out our Watch Lists!