Southern WV Coalfields Players to Watch
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The West Virginia AA Cardinal Conference boasts two outstanding Quarterbacks who project well to the next level. Both are exciting, athletic and look to lead their teams deep into the AA Playoffs this fall. Both of these young men will…
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Continue ReadingThe West Virginia AA Cardinal Conference boasts two outstanding Quarterbacks who project well to the next level. Both are exciting, athletic and look to lead their teams deep into the AA Playoffs this fall. Both of these young men will be in the hunt for the Kennedy Award, given annually to the best high school football player in WV. The Conference has outstanding skill players and a few exceptional linemen.
Matt Frye
Matt Frye
Matt Frye is coming off a First Team All-State (QB) junior campaign that saw him pass for 2929 yards (244 ypg) with 36 touchdowns and rush for 476 yards (47.6 ypg) with an additional 7 touchdowns. He finished the 2022 season 3rd in WV in total offense with 3522 yards and was responsible for 44 scores. Frye has outstanding arm strength and excels throwing vertically. His mechanics are advanced for his age. Frye can make difficult throws including out routes from the opposite hash. His touch is well developed. Frye sees the field extremely well and executes RPOs very well. He has terrific speed (4.5-4.6 speed) and is fearlessly athletic. Frye knows when to pull the ball and run and will benefit from increased pocket presence that will come from more experience. Frye is an excellent student with a 4.0 GPA. He has already received DII interest and some offers.
Dane Hatfield Dane Hatfield 6’4″ | 185 lbs | ATH Herbert Hoover | 2025 State WV is coming off a solid sophomore campaign that saw him selected as First Team All-State (Utility) on offense. Hatfield passed for over 1500 yards and 21 touchdowns while rushing for 1609 yards and another 25 scores while leading Herbert Hoover to the AA Title game. Hatfield completed the season 7th in WV in total offense, accounting for 3077 yards and 46 touchdowns. Hatfield is a tremendous athlete and has demonstrated an exceptional ability to see the field and react. He is an all-around athlete with exceptional speed and is dangerous running the ball. He is fearlessly athletic and can take over a game. Hatfield is a dual-threat quarterback but will benefit from continued development in arm strength and improved mechanics. A rising junior, Hatfield will continue to develop over the next two years and has tremendous upside potential. He also excels on defense and projects well as a Defensive Back on the next level. Hatfield is also a 4.0 student in the classroom and also demonstrates a high football IQ. He is an exciting player to watch and is a threat to score from anywhere on the field.
Caron Brinegar
Caron Brinegar
Carson Brinegar is a rising junior WR for Scott High School (WV) and is coming off of a sophomore campaign that saw him emerge as a key weapon for the Skyhawk offense. Brinegar has excellent speed (4.4 to 4.5 40 range) and is also a standout track athlete. He qualified for the WV State Track Meet in both the 100 meters and 200 meters as a freshman and has only gotten better. Brinegar’s particular strengths lie in the vertical passing game and he excels in over-the-shoulder catches and stretching the defense. His speed make him a threat vertically at any time. He has excellent hands and catches the ball away from his body and demonstrates exceptional ball skills. Brinegar will benefit from more experience as a rising junior and more touches. He is part of a very talented receiving corps for Scott High School and the ball is well distributed which limits his touches. HIs speed and ball skills make him an excellent prospect for the next level. Look for him to have a huge junior season in Scott’s spread attack.
Rocco Frye
Rocco Frye
Rocco Frye is a rising Junior for Herbert Hoover High School and is coming off of a 2022 campaign that saw him rush for over 1,000 yards as a sophomore. Frye is coming off of a late season injury but is near full recovery. Frye runs on a mission and his physicality is excellent. His strength is outstanding and he is a beast in the weight room. He demonstrates excellent field vision and has a nose for the end zone. As the WOWK Player of the Week for the week of October 28, 2022, Rocco scored 4 first half rushing touchdowns. Frye has well above average speed (4.6-4.7 40) and is working to improve this aspect of his game. Frye has tremendous upside and puts in the work to realize his potential.
Chase Dials Chase Dials 5’11” | 225 lbs | OL Scott | 2024 State WV is a rising senior that plays Center for Scott High School (WV). Dials demonstrates outstanding footwork that allows him to leverage and finish blocks. In addition to his footwork, Dials demonstrates exceptional strength that will only improve in his Senior campaign. Dials possesses exceptional fundamentals that will translate well to the next level, most likely DII or DIII. His size may limit him (5’10”, 220) but his technique and strength make him very effective. Dials has a high motor and plays through the whistle every play. With another successful year and development and exposure, Chase will definitely have the opportunity to play on Saturdays.