WV Preseason Spotlight: Hedgesville (Part One)
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As we reach the under two-week window until the 2023 football season begins, we will spotlight some of West Virginia’s prospects to watch for this season. Today we will focus on Hedgesville HS. Here are some prospects you need to…
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Continue ReadingAs we reach the under two-week window until the 2023 football season begins, we will spotlight some of West Virginia’s prospects to watch for this season. Today we will focus on Hedgesville HS. Here are some prospects you need to keep an eye on from Hedgesville HS for the 2023 season.
Josh Barrett Josh Barrett 6’1″ | 195 lbs | DL Hedgesville | 2024 State WV will be one of many talented Hedgesville defensive linemen this season. The 6’1 215 rising senior can play inside or outside for the Eagles and although he’s a bit undersized to play inside he makes up for it with his strength and power. Barrett could likely add the weight needed to play inside full-time at the next level but if not he’s plenty capable of playing on the end. He totaled 35 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, and 3 sacks as a junior in 2022 and should see those numbers increase for his final year. Barrett is a quality defensive lineman in run defense but is athletic enough to pass rush and make tackles in space. He spends a lot of time in the weight room and that physical strength translates to the football field. Barrett will have some serious talent around him this season but he should not be overlooked.
Aydin Fleming Aydin Fleming 6’1″ | 210 lbs | LB Hedgesville | 2024 State WV made statewide news when he decided to transfer from perennial power Martinsburg HS to Hedgesville HS this off-season for his senior year. Fleming will be one of the premier players in the state this season and has picked up a D1 offer from Dartmouth in March. He will be making a bit of a position change in the Eagles’ defense from defensive line to more of a linebacker/safety role to showcase his athleticism. Fleming is 6’1 215 so that move should benefit his skillset and athletic abilities and allow him to show how versatile he is as an athlete. Last season he showed that he can be an elite pass rusher and his burst off the line is one of the fastest in the state. Although he was a bit undersized for a defensive lineman in the past, Fleming proved he was physical and was a nightmare to block off the end for offensive linemen. His speed and quickness should really help his move to linebacker and I believe he has the skills to drop into coverage as well. Fleming should once again prove he’s one of the top players in the state this season and I bet more D1 schools jump on board after seeing his position change.
Highlights
Kyler High Kyler High 6’0″ | 280 lbs | OL Hedgesville | 2024 State WV saw some reserve and JV time last season for the Eagles but could move into a starting role for Hedgesville this season as a senior. High backed up one of the better centers in the state in fellow 2024 teammate Connor Quinn Connor Quinn 6’4″ | 235 lbs | DL Hedgesville | 2024 State WV but he could also play guard as well. High has pretty good size at 6’0 280 and should fit in nicely next to Quinn at one of the guard spots. Pass-blocking highlights were limited but High has the capabilities to be a good run blocker. He’s a name D3 colleges should be keeping an eye on this season as he is flying under the radar right now.
Durrell Johnson Durrell Johnson 6’4″ | 235 lbs | DL Hedgesville | 2024 State WV is a prospect we really liked during the 2024 rankings update evaluations and he jumped into our Top 50 for his class. Johnson is a long and athletic defensive end at 6’4 235 and the ceiling is very high for him. You can imagine him getting into that 250-260 pound range and being a terror on the end in college. Johnson is a raw talent right now but once he develops and learns how to fully utilize his size and athleticism watch out. We ranked Johnson as the #8 defensive lineman in the 2024 class and that number could really increase with a big senior season.
Connor Quinn Connor Quinn 6’4″ | 235 lbs | DL Hedgesville | 2024 State WV was an All-EPAC Center in 2022 as a junior and will be one of the state’s best this season. Quinn is 6’4 255 and has the room to easily add another 40-50 pounds. He’s a bear in run block and a mauler which also benefits him when he lines up at defensive tackle. I think Quinn could play on either side of the line in college but offensive line may be his highest ceiling. He has the athleticism to pull and block in space but also the strength to get physical in the trenches. Quinn made our Watch List for our 2024 class rankings but I would expect to see his name listed in the next update. I haven’t seen him post any offers yet but if he hasn’t received any he definitely will this season.