Honorable Mention
Jasauni Sizemore (Mount View) 2020
Griffin Devericks (Doddridge County) 2020
Nic Kuhn (Lewis County) 2020
#5 Keandre Sarver
School: Summers County
Height: 6’3
Weight: 180
Year: 2021
Sarver really played up to the hype granted to him after an awesome freshman season for the Bobcats. His role was increased as he became a threat on offense and defense. His 6’3 stature is lengthy for any classification, and he has the athleticism to make it useful. He has a lot of potential involving his footwork and ball skills- both are already well-progressed for a player his age. Summers County lost several more important skill players so Sarver truly will be the big dog for his junior season.
#4 Payton Marling
School: Wheeling Central
Height: 6’0
Weight: 180
Year: 2021
Marling’s sophomore campaign for the Maroon Knights was stellar. Joining an already stacked secondary, he stood out with his fair share of takeaways. Aside from not being afraid to come up on run support, Marling was a force on special teams as well. He is well-sized with a solid vertical athleticism. We expect to see his game improved as well as a bigger role on all three sides trying to replace some great seniors.
#3 Monroe Mohler
School: James Monroe
Height: 5’9
Weight: 170
Year: 2020
Mohler delivered on his junior campaign similar to his sophomore. Playing both quarterback and defensive back, Mohler was the complete leader for the Mavericks. Despite not making the playoffs, they played some of the toughest teams in the state to the last second including semifinalists Weir. Mohler does not have impeccable size but great agility and explosion. Cliché to say but he is just a good ball player. He has a great understanding of coverages and how to make plays on the ball as well secure tackles. We expect a standout senior campaign.
#2 Jahiem House
School: Bluefield
Height: 6’3
Weight: 180
Year: 2020
House made a name for himself last season on a star-studded Beaver defense. There might not be a more ideal safety in all of AA football. He is tall, lean, and is legitimately fast with high-jumping ball skills. House is also very instinctive on coming up on run support and delivering heavy blows. He is an extremely talented player, and we are personally shocked he has not gathered more collegiate looks going into his senior. A great mix of talent and football ability.
#1 Isaiah Johnson
School: Bluefield
Height: 6’0
Weight: 185
Year: 2021
Johnson being snubbed on postseason honors last season was a disgrace. As a sophomore, he was an explosive playmaker that expectedly has gained numerous Power 5 offers as well as a five-star recruit label for some major rankings. It makes sense; he has good size but even more so phenomenal natural gifts in terms of vertical speed and hip-twitch ability that is truly elite. Don’t doubt his tackling ability either- he has proper angling and even a violent finish. Improving in terms of consistency and really honing his big-play ability will have him rise even higher. Regardless, he is the best defensive back in AA/A bar none.