RISERS
Every year, several quarterbacks outperform their offseason evaluations and climb recruiting boards as the season unfolds. Much of that jump comes from development between the ears—command of the offense, confidence, and decision-making often take a major step forward entering a senior season. With that in mind, there are a handful of true passers worth tracking closely, some of whom have already produced and others who are about to get their first extended opportunity.
Mingo Central’s Jamere Knuckles checks many of the baseline boxes evaluators look for: solid height at 6-foot-2, varied arm talent, and an offensive system that allows him to throw the football. Maddox Balog at Sissonville was a key driver of the program’s resurgence in 2025, showing the ability to progress through reads and consistently challenge defenses in tight windows. Jared Miller of Winfield flashed repeatedly last season, pairing good pocket presence with playmaking ability. He is particularly effective off under-center play action and adds value as a capable runner. Chaz Milburn at Hedgesville may have one of the higher ceilings in the entire class, with arm strength and ball placement that stand out, especially on first-read throws. As a veteran senior, his overall game should continue to round out. All four profile as quarterbacks who should draw next-level interest.
SMALL SCHOOL
There are also several small-school quarterbacks deserving of attention. Evaluating translation from lower classifications is always challenging, but production still matters, and these players have delivered. Preston May of Tug Valley is a gamer who finds ways to move the offense, whether by placing throws or using his legs. Eli Pauley at Sherman fits a similar mold—slightly undersized, but fluid, quick, and effective within his skill set. Corey Coen of Clay-Battelle broke out in 2025, leading his team to the state championship with a gritty, efficient style that included making routine throws and carrying the ball when needed. While size limitations may impact their recruitment in a market that prioritizes measurables, all three project as quality football players who should find opportunities at the next level.
ATHLETES
There is also a group of quarterbacks whose overall athleticism makes them intriguing beyond just the position. They could certainly be recruited as quarterbacks, but their skill sets are broad enough that multiple pathways exist at the next level.
Wahama’s Trace Simpkins fits that mold. Slightly smaller in stature, he compensates with burst and agility. He can make throws, but he’s most natural when the ball is in his hands as a runner, where his quickness and change of direction become real weapons. Spring Mills’ Kheelan Curry impacted games in multiple ways last season, most notably as an explosive kick returner, while also taking snaps at quarterback. Wherever he ultimately lines up, his dynamic playmaking ability will translate.
Keyser’s Addison Brafford brings a more physical profile, hovering around 200 pounds and running with a hard-nosed style. He can throw it, but his toughness shows up just as much on defense, where he has been a solid presence in the secondary. Isaiah Heflin of Robert C. Byrd stepped in after leading the now-closed Liberty and guided his team to an impressive season. He’s a well-rounded player who can deliver a variety of passes and handle designed runs effectively.
Woodrow Wilson’s Gage Price may project most cleanly as a passer at the next level. He’s athletic enough to extend plays and has the arm talent to place the football, though his frame and overall skill set could allow for versatility in projection. Finally, Princeton’s Jake Belcher appears next in line to lead their high-powered offense. Though he saw significant time at running back, he has the arm to play quarterback, and his eventual role will be one to monitor closely.
5. BRAYLON HOLMES
Braylon Holmes (Jefferson) faced a season of adversity in 2025 after a preseason injury limited his opportunities as the full-time quarterback. Even so, the flashes he showed—combined with film from the prior season—continue to highlight his upside.
At 6-foot-2, 220 pounds, Holmes is a big, physical athlete with natural arm strength and the ability to drive the ball into tight windows. Before the injury, he showed strong mobility and elusiveness as a runner, adding another layer to his quarterback profile. His competitiveness also stood out, as he contributed significant snaps on the defensive line and emerged as one of the team’s more impactful athletes up front.
Whether at quarterback or another position, Holmes’ combination of size, athleticism, and toughness should translate to the next level, especially with another year removed from injury.
4. NICO KUSIC
Nico Kusic (Wheeling Central) is one of the better overall athletes in the class. At 6-foot-3, 190 pounds, he is physically developed with a wide frame and moves without stiffness or awkwardness. When he takes off, it’s decisive—head down, explosive speed, and strong finishing as a runner.
Over 12 games, Kusic threw for 1,310 yards and 15 touchdowns while adding 767 rushing yards at an impressive 8.5 yards per carry with six scores on the ground. His impact comes largely from a strong arm pushing the ball vertically and his ability to be a difference-maker as a ball carrier. While he can place throws, his film leans more toward athletic dominance than full-field progression and precision passing.
Like many high-end athletic quarterbacks, the question isn’t whether he can play quarterback at the next level, but where his skill set fits best. While collegiate quarterback remains on the table, Kusic could ultimately draw higher-level interest at other positions such as H-back or linebacker.
3. JAY BORDAS
Jay Bordas (Wheeling Park) continues the school’s strong quarterback tradition, showing the polish and fundamentals expected from a well-coached program. In 12 games, he completed 63.7% of his passes for 1,726 yards with 13 touchdowns and just four interceptions.
Bordas stands out for his quick release, smooth pocket movement, and ability to keep his eyes downfield while progressing through reads. Arm strength can continue to develop, but there are few true holes in his game.
He projects as a strong Division II quarterback with clear offer-backed interest and flashes enough on film to draw attention from higher levels if the fit is right.
2. BRIAN DICK
Brian Dick (Martinsburg) brings a physical, athletic profile that immediately stands out. At 6-foot, 195 pounds, he looks like a player who has spent time in the weight room—well put together, strong, and able to move. In his first full season taking over as the Bulldogs’ signal caller, Dick’s game leaned heavily into his running ability, and that became the focal point of the offense.
Statistically, the production reflects that role. Over 13 games, Dick threw for 1,871 yards and 26 touchdowns on 59.9% passing, while limiting turnovers with just five interceptions. On the ground, he was a major weapon, carrying the ball 166 times for 1,076 yards (6.5 yards per carry) and 15 rushing touchdowns. His vision as a runner, ability to break tackles, and overall feel for making plays with the ball in his hands consistently show up on film.
As a quarterback prospect, Dick has tools that can be developed. He can make throws and shows a solid understanding of the game, but his technical passing development still has room to grow. That profile is common for highly athletic prep quarterbacks, and it leaves room for projection. Regardless of positional projection, Dick’s athleticism and production should generate steady Division II interest.
1. HARRISON HELBIG
Harrison Helbig (University) is currently our No. 1 ranked quarterback in West Virginia for his class, and the production backs it up. During the 2025 season, Helbig played in 10 games and completed 219 of 360 passes for 3,106 yards and 30 touchdowns, while also adding 313 rushing yards and six scores.
At 6-foot-4, 180 pounds, Helbig’s length is obvious on paper and even more apparent on film. He consistently shows the ability to drive the ball into tight windows, make a variety of throws, and deliver under pressure. While he is not a traditional dual-threat quarterback, he has enough athleticism to tuck the ball and run when needed.
There are areas for improvement in overall fluidity and technique, but the tools are clear. Helbig checks all the boxes for a quarterback who should attract strong Division II interest, with some FCS programs likely to see him as a system fit at the next level.
RECRUIT THEM
Social media of players listed above, if found (ABC order):
- MADDOX BALOG — Sissonville — https://x.com/mabalog7
- JAKE BELCHER — Princeton — https://x.com/JakebelcherQb1
- JAY BORDAS — Wheeling Park — https://x.com/bordas_jay
- BRIAN DICK — Martinsburg — https://x.com/BD10_2027
- ISAIAH HEFLIN — Robert C. Byrd — https://x.com/Iheflin2023
- HARRISON HELBIG — University — https://x.com/Harrisonhelbig
- BRAYLON HOLMES — Jefferson — https://x.com/Braylonholmes11
- JAMERE KNUCKLES — Mingo Central — https://x.com/Jamere7Knuckles
- NICO KUSIC — Wheeling Central — https://x.com/Nico_kusic2
- PRESTON MAY — Tug Valley — https://x.com/MayPreston54156
- CHAZ MILBURN — Hedgesville — https://x.com/chaz_milburn1
- ELI PAULEY — Sherman — https://x.com/eli_pauley7
- GAGE PRICE — Woodrow Wilson — https://x.com/Gage2Price
- TRACE SIMPKINS — Wahama — https://x.com/tracesimpkins