Featured photo by William Wotring (The Dominion Post)
Honorable Mention
Samajhi Simon (South Charleston) 2020
Braeden Mason (Parkersburg) 2020
Nate Barham (Hurricane) 2020
#5 Preston Fox
School: Morgantown
Height: 6’0
Weight: 180
Year: 2020
Fox had an impressive outing in 2018. The Mohigans played a schedule that dodged no one. He became, young quarterback, Cameron Rice’s favorite and most reliable target. When he went down for several games in the middle of the season, Morgantown’s offense completely stalled out until his return. He has legit speed and capable hands to be a primary guy in the right system. Coach Matt Lacy will return Rice and Fox while trying to replace a deep line and other skill positions- expect to see Fox in a slew of different playmaking positions.
#4 KJ Taylor
School: Capital
Height: 5’10
Weight: 165
Year: 2021
Taylor fought for the limelight in 2018. In an offense with nearly a handful of all-state receivers, it is hard to truly showout. He should get many more looks as he will be a key piece in Capital’s reload. Comparative to his predecessor, Deshawn Harper, Taylor does a lot of his damage after the catch. When given a lot of open field space, he can scurry for those extra five to ten yards or even hit some sensational moves for an even bigger strike. Quick twitched and primed to keep Jon Carpenter’s offense rolling.
#3 Chance Knox
School: Capital
Height: 5’10
Weight: 160
Year: 2020
Knox raised a lot of brows last offseason through camps and many were not sure how he would translate into a larger role on offense. He surpassed many expectations. Knox has elite catching ability with a ton of athleticism. In the biggest games, he made an impact. Not only did he develop into Kerry Martin Jr.’s go-to receiver, but he had a huge role as a returner. With a lot of weapons gone for the Cougars, we could potentially see the offense revolve around Knox using Spring Valley’s Malashevich model. We are excited regardless.
#2 Malakai Brown
School: Hedgesville
Height: 5’11
Weight: 195
Year: 2020
Brown will finish his career as one of the most prolific players in AAA state history. Already with 3,500+ yards (nearly 3,000 receiving) and around 40 touchdowns- he has been an absolute force. As we see N’iyjere Smith depart but quarterback Owie Ash return, Brown’s numbers could be even more ridiculous in Joey Yurish’s potent offense. He is a pure athlete that is as strong as he is fast with an advanced set of tools like tackle breaking moves and advantageous instincts. He sits at number two moreso because his true next level position might be runningback rather than receiver. We can all agree, no one would argue him being number one.
#1 Jarod Bowie
School: Martinsburg
Height: 5’10
Weight: 175
Year: 2020
Bowie is a phenom. His jet line speed and explosive moves are Tavon Austin-esque, arguably. Though many attribute his agility and playmaking ability to his success, we appreciate his leaping and foot speed. He simply outclasses his opponents. Bowie will return as an elite receiver, defensive back, and return man for a team looking to be the second Bulldog class to win four straight AAA championships. With Elijah Banks coming back at quarterback, this could be their best one yet.