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C&C previously took a look at the top 2028/2029 defensive line class several months back with the full article here, but here is the full breakdown.
Looking back at the 2029 group, several young defensive linemen emerged as early standouts, including Mateo Swayne (Spring Mills), Keenan Brown (University), Elijah Mason (South Charleston), Zion Pitts (Bluefield, formerly Capital), and Issac Elliott (Fairmont Senior, formerly Robert C. Byrd), all showing impressive early production and physical tools.
The BIG BODIES group featured Ethan Thompson (Bluefield), Jaidyn Shuck (Independence), and Andrew Sweeney (Woodrow Wilson), each bringing the size and strength to develop into impactful interior defenders.
The PASS RUSHERS tier highlighted Kaleb Mann (Nicholas County), Jaxson Workman (Liberty), and Miles Terry (South Charleston), all intriguing edge prospects with athletic upside and positional versatility.
On the interior, Jacob Britton (Doddridge County) earned the No. 1 spot, followed by David Browning (Chapmanville), with both recognized for their disruptive play, strength, versatility, and long-term college potential.
Along the edge, Trevaun Tyson (South Charleston) claimed the top ranking, followed by Dakarai Okafor-Dogan (South Charleston) and Kemar Green (Martinsburg), each standing out for their pass-rushing ability, athleticism, and upside as future defensive playmakers.
Updates
There has been steady movement across the state’s young defensive linemen over the past few months, with transfer activity remaining limited but still impactful. Zion Pitts has moved from Capital to Bluefield, while Isaac Elliott (Robert C. Byrd) has transferred to Fairmont Senior, both adding size and depth to their new programs up front.
Several linemen have boosted their stock through strong camp performances and continued development. Andrew Sweeney (Woodrow Wilson) and Jaidyn Shuck (Independence) both delivered standout showings on the camp circuit, displaying improved explosiveness and leverage work. Jacob Britton (Doddridge County) and David Browning (Chapmanville) also continue to trend upward, with both players showing consistent growth in motor, strength, and technical refinement.
Recruiting activity has also begun to pick up. Multiple players earned offers across the cycle, highlighted by South Charleston standouts Trevaun Tyson, along with Elijah Mason. Their recruitment has drawn attention from a mix of Concord, Glenville State, Charleston, and West Virginia State, reflecting steady interest from across the regional college landscape. Miles Terry saw the biggest influx of attention capped by a D1 offer from Kent State.
New Names
A number of new defensive line prospects have begun emerging following recent showcase evaluations.
Gabe Fuller (Morgantown) delivered one of the most impactful performances of the event, showing disruptive ability and the potential to develop into a true interior presence at the next level. He was joined by teammates Karter Farley and Grant Robinson, both of whom also showed encouraging flashes during the showcase.
Other names beginning to gain traction include Paul Cochran (Riverside), Pedro Espinoza (Musselman), and Cartier Smith (Capital), all of whom have started to appear more frequently on recruiting radars. They are joined by Jacob Fleaming (Independence) and Travis Francisco (Bluefield), both of whom have shown enough early traits to merit continued evaluation as the class develops.