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Trench Warriors
Every year, linemen who may not have elite measurables still carve out roles through technique, leverage, and motor—and this class has plenty.
Huntington’s Jeremiah Lyles is a strong two-way presence with a quick get-off and consistent technique, making him disruptive on both sides. Martinsburg’s Zion Reaves plays with similar energy—quick feet, strong hands, and the ability to win reps with aggression and leverage.
On the interior, South Charleston’s Jackson Slack proved to be a reliable, versatile piece—able to pull, pass protect, and execute multiple blocking concepts. George Washington’s Parker Chapman is one of the most explosive linemen in the group, firing off the ball with power and finishing blocks with strength.
From the smaller classes, Wheeling Central’s Dominic Paesani and Wahama’s Ian Fowler both dominate their level. Paesani is compact but powerful and moves extremely well, while Fowler’s motor and defensive impact stand out immediately.
University’s Jack Gamble is another name worth tracking. After a strong sophomore year, he missed 2025 due to injury, but a healthy return could quickly put him back on the radar.
Good Size
The “sweet spot” for many West Virginia linemen falls in this category—players who have enough size to project while pairing it with strong functional traits.
East Fairmont’s Chris Garlow is one of the more underrated prospects in the state. He carries his size well, shows strength and mobility, and plays with solid technique across the board.
Cabell Midland’s Braeden Armstead is a physical interior presence with good feet and toughness, and he also adds value as a high-level long snapper.
Fairmont Senior’s Cooper Keener continues to trend upward, showing improved leverage and movement each season. George Washington’s Bradyn Coulter fits the mold of a technically sound, aggressive lineman who should draw next-level attention.
Other names to know include Ripley’s Ian King, Elkins’ Owen Stanley, South Charleston’s Lincoln Johnson, Huntington’s Collin Gadd, Cabell Midland’s Aiden Estep, and Chapmanville’s Jaxon Topping.
Physical Beasts
Size still plays a major role in projection, and several linemen bring frames that immediately stand out.
University’s Luke Braham is the clearest example at 6-foot-6, combining length with athleticism. He’s still lean, but the upside is obvious and his recruitment could take off quickly.
Parkersburg’s Drey Grinter carries heavier weight well and consistently wins with strength and leverage, making him difficult to move at the point of attack.
Zach Gump from Clay-Battelle is a more raw prospect from a smaller school, but his combination of size, movement, and finishing ability gives him intriguing upside. Gunnar Waxler out of Washington fits a similar profile at a larger program, where his frame and flashes on film point toward significant potential.
Now at Martinsburg, Noah Hockman moves well for his size and has shown enough on tape to suggest that continued development could elevate his profile.
5. Elijah Bausley
South Charleston’s Elijah Bausley brings a powerful 6-foot-2, 315-pound build and plays with a level of aggression that consistently shows up on film. He may not have the prototypical height of others on this list, but he makes up for it with leverage, strength, and violence at the point of attack.
Bausley excels on the interior, where his quick pop off the ball and strong hips allow him to generate movement immediately. Once engaged, defenders are often driven backward. His skill set projects well to center, where he can anchor, control the middle, and command protections. With Division I offers already from Army and Akron, his physical style and interior presence will continue to draw attention.
4. Konnor Mott
Morgantown’s Konnor Mott is one of the more physically imposing linemen in the class at 6-foot-4, 315 pounds, combining density with functional movement. He was highly regarded entering 2025 for his ability to fire off, engage, and control defenders from the tackle spot.
His game is built on playing within himself—engaging with proper leverage, using his hands well, and washing defenders out of plays. Unfortunately, an injury sidelined him for most of the season, but with a return to full health, his upside remains intact. Already holding offers from Mercyhurst and Sacramento State, he is a candidate to see his recruitment expand with a full, healthy season.
3. Morgan Watts
South Charleston’s Morgan Watts stands out immediately at 6-foot-5, 295 pounds with length and an aggressive playing style. He consistently gets upfield quickly, overwhelming defenders early in reps and setting the tone with physicality.
Watts’ film shows a lineman who not only engages quickly but finishes plays with authority. His blend of size, athleticism, and edge makes him a true mauler in both the run and pass game. After turning heads at last year’s showcase and continuing to develop on film, he now holds multiple Division I offers, including Virginia and Rutgers, with more likely on the way.
2. Landyn Moore
Princeton’s Landyn Moore was a cornerstone of a state championship offensive line, bringing a 6-foot-6, 270-pound frame that immediately checks the length box. What makes him stand out even more is how well he carries that size—his feet are nimble, and he moves with control in space.
Moore consistently smothers defenders, whether in pass protection or the run game, using both strength and positioning to win reps. He plays with a noticeable edge, finishing blocks and controlling the point of attack. With Division I offers from Marshall and Oklahoma State already in hand, his combination of size, movement, and production makes him one of the most complete prospects in the class.
1. James Payne
George Washington’s James Payne holds the top spot as one of the most complete offensive line prospects in the state. At 6-foot-4, 275 pounds, he may not be the tallest or heaviest, but he brings ideal length and one of the best movement profiles in the class.
Payne fires off the ball with quickness, moves with agility, and consistently plays under control with strong technique and awareness. His wrestling background shows up in his leverage, balance, and ability to finish blocks. His progression from sophomore to junior year has been clear, with each step adding to an already strong foundation.
With offers from Marshall and Liberty and more expected, Payne combines athleticism, technique, and football IQ in a way that gives him one of the highest floors—and ceilings—in the 2027 class.