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2029s
Projecting linemen this early always comes with variability, but a few rising sophomores have already flashed traits worth tracking.
Huntington’s Xavier Smailes shows good feet and balance with a frame that should take on added weight well, especially within a program known for development. Spring Mills’ Mateo Swayne competed against top-level competition and held his own, bringing a dense build and aggressive interior play that could translate on either side of the ball.
Cabell Midland’s Grayson Tilley already has solid size and showed flashes along the front in 2025. University’s Keenan Brown and Capital’s Zion Pitts also stood out, with Pitts in particular projecting well on the interior, potentially as a defensive lineman long term.
Keep an Eye On
There are several 2028 linemen who haven’t fully broken out yet but show traits that could translate with another year of development.
Sissonville’s Sam Dyer is well-built and plays with a physical edge on the outside. Woodrow Wilson’s Dylan Via anchored the interior at center and showed a steady, reliable presence, while teammate Ben Fitzwater offers a taller, leaner frame with upside.
Huntington’s Tommy Conner brings a good frame and showed noticeable progression throughout 2025. Tyler Consolidated’s Max Winters is slightly smaller but plays with toughness and mobility.
Capital’s Nasir Jeffries and Hedgesville’s Liam Foote round out the group—both interior players who may not have elite height but consistently show strength, aggression, and functional movement.
Jumpers
Several rising juniors have the potential to jump into the top tier with continued development.
Bluefield’s Ethan Thompson is slightly undersized for the position but plays with excellent feet and control. A jump in size could elevate his profile significantly.
Shady Spring’s Peyton Wade carries his frame well and already shows strong mobility for his size, making him a candidate to take a major step forward.
Independence’s Jaidyn Shuck and Woodrow Wilson’s Andrew Sweeney both bring strong physical tools and flashed high upside. With continued gains in flexibility and balance, both could see their stock rise quickly.
5. David Browning
Chapmanville’s David Browning is a two-way standout at 6-foot-3, 240 pounds who may ultimately be recruited more heavily on defense, but his offensive film is equally strong. He plays with a high motor, fires off the ball, and consistently stays under control through contact.
While still building toward ideal college weight, Browning’s agility and aggression allow him to compete now, and his frame suggests plenty of room for growth. His versatility and effort make him an attractive developmental prospect for in-state programs.
4. Colby Justus
Princeton’s Colby Justus stepped into a loaded offensive line and still carved out an important role during a state championship run. At 6-foot-3, 250 pounds, he brings a balanced combination of size and athleticism.
Justus was asked to execute a wide range of responsibilities—pulling, blocking in space, pass protection, and interior run work—and showed consistency across all of them. His versatility and steady play within a high-level program point to continued development and future college interest.
3. Jacob Britton
Doddridge County’s Jacob Britton may be the smallest of the group at 6-foot-2, 250 pounds, but he plays bigger than his measurements. His stride length and natural leverage allow him to cover ground effectively and compete with larger opponents.
While his defensive front play stands out most, his physicality and presence in the box translate well offensively. Britton’s ability to play with aggression and control makes him a prospect who could be recruited on either side of the ball.
2. Tyler Avery
Huntington’s Tyler Avery has been on the radar early, and it’s easy to see why. At 6-foot-5, 300 pounds, he has the size programs look for and the movement ability to match.
Avery plays with strength and control, consistently driving defenders backward at the line of scrimmage. His agility and balance showed noticeable improvement throughout 2025, raising his ceiling even higher. If he adds another level of explosiveness, he has the tools to become a highly recruited prospect with significant Division I interest.
1. Evan Miller
North Marion’s Evan Miller takes the top spot and may be one of the best-kept secrets in the state. At 6-foot-6, 320 pounds, his size immediately stands out, but what truly separates him is how well he moves and plays at that size.
Miller already shows refinement beyond his years—soft feet, strong balance, and functional agility that allow him to operate comfortably in space. His get-off is explosive, and once he locks onto a defender, he has the strength and technique to control and finish the rep. What really makes him pop on film, though, is his aggression—he looks to dominate the player across from him.
With his combination of size, movement, and mentality, Miller projects as a high-level prospect. At minimum, he should draw strong Division II interest, and it would not be surprising to see Division I programs begin to prioritize him as his exposure increases.