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2029s
The 2029 defensive front group is already shaping up to be one of the deeper, more intriguing classes in the state, with multiple players producing early against varsity competition.
Spring Mills’ Mateo Swayne stands out as an early headliner. He already has solid size and held his own against top competition as a true freshman. What separates him is his ability to play under control—he shows burst, but also understands leverage and positioning, which is rare this early.
University’s Keenan Brown is another high-upside prospect with a strong blend of size and athleticism. He flashes the ability to move well in space while still holding ground inside, giving him flexibility as he continues to develop.
South Charleston’s Elijah Mason made a major impact from the interior despite not having prototypical height. He wins with quickness and disruption, consistently getting into the backfield and creating problems.
Bluefield’s Zion Pitts (previously at Capital) already brings elite size, pushing north of 300 pounds, and carries it well. He moves better than expected for his frame and projects as a true interior anchor as his technique continues to develop.
Robert C. Byrd’s Isaac Elliott rounds out the group as another big-bodied presence. Slightly leaner than Pitts but still massive for his age, he already shows the ability to hold the point and control the middle of the defensive line.
Big Bodies
This group features players who may not have the same early polish but bring the size and strength that college programs covet on the interior.
Bluefield’s Ethan Thompson is a bit lighter relative to some others but uses leverage, quickness, and strong instincts to anchor effectively over the center. He plays with a high football IQ and consistent effort.
Independence’s Jaidyn Shuck and Woodrow Wilson’s Andrew Sweeney are more traditional interior builds. Both use size and strength to their advantage, regularly drawing attention from blockers and helping control gaps. As their flexibility and twitch improve, both have the tools to become dominant interior forces.
Pass Rushers
There are several intriguing athletes on the edge who bring burst and versatility, even if they are still refining their roles.
Nicholas County’s Kaleb Mann is a thinner prospect but plays fast and aggressive. His length shows up on film, and he has the ability to win with speed off the edge while also showing flashes on offense.
Liberty’s Jaxson Workman is a unique projection. Primarily used at quarterback and all over the field, his size and athleticism suggest defensive end could be his best long-term fit. With more reps, his upside could rise quickly.
South Charleston’s Miles Terry offers one of the more interesting trajectories. Already pushing 230 pounds, he has flashed as an edge but could grow into a highly athletic interior lineman. His combination of size, movement, and versatility makes him a name to track closely.
Interior
2. David Browning
Chapmanville’s David Browning (6’3”, 245) is one of the more complete two-way linemen in the class, with his defensive upside standing out immediately. He carries his size extremely well, combining length, strong hips, and fluid movement that allow him to impact both the run and pass game. He shows the ability to rush with athleticism while also playing with the physicality needed to hold the point and control gaps.
What separates Browning is his versatility—he can line up across multiple spots and remain effective, using a mix of strength, effort, and movement skills to create mismatches. His motor and ability to play through contact make him a consistent disruptor, and his well-rounded skillset gives him strong next-level appeal.
1. Jacob Britton
Doddridge County’s Jacob Britton (6’1”, 250) is one of the most disruptive defensive front players in the class. He consistently plays bigger than his measurements, using strength, leverage, and a quick first step to win early in reps. His acceleration off the ball allows him to penetrate gaps and create immediate problems for opposing offenses.
Whether aligned on the edge or inside, Britton finds ways to impact the game. His awareness, technique, and aggressive play style stand out on film, and he rarely gets neutralized for long stretches. With his production and consistency, he projects as a highly recruitable piece who should draw strong attention at the next level.
Edge
3. Kemar Green
Martinsburg’s Kemar Green (6’2”, 185) is still emerging but flashes clear upside. Even in limited reps, his length and build stand out, along with a downhill burst that shows up when attacking the backfield. He has the physical traits you look for in an edge and enough early flashes to suggest his production will increase with more opportunities.
As he continues to develop and earn snaps in a competitive program, Green’s combination of size and athleticism gives him a strong foundation to build on. He’s a name that could rise quickly with a larger role.
2. Dakarai Okafor-Dogan
South Charleston’s Dakarai Okafor-Dogan (6’3”, 180) brings a high-motor, high-upside profile that shows up consistently on film. His get-off, length, and relentless pursuit make him difficult to handle, even as he continues to develop physically. He plays with effort every snap and shows the ability to affect plays beyond his initial assignment.
His frame gives him flexibility moving forward—he could grow into a true edge or shift into a hybrid role depending on how his body develops. That versatility, paired with his effort and athleticism, makes him a valuable long-term prospect.
1. Trevaun Tyson
South Charleston’s Trevaun Tyson (6’1”, 205) leads the group after a productive season with 32 tackles and 6.5 sacks. His game is built around an elite first step—he times the snap well and immediately puts offensive tackles under pressure. That burst, combined with his ability to use leverage and hands, allows him to consistently win off the edge.
Despite being slightly undersized for a traditional edge role, Tyson plays bigger than his frame and holds up well within the scheme. His ability to disrupt plays and create pressure makes him a natural fit as a hybrid edge/linebacker at the next level, where his versatility should draw wide interest.