PRZ WV Combine Top RB Performers & Best of the Rest

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Over 100 prospects competed and battled through tough weather conditions at the PRZ WV Combine on Saturday with many standouts making themselves known. Here are the running backs who stood out and were selected as Top Performers by the college coaches in attendance coaching them up along with the best of the rest who deserved a mention too!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>MVP</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["907161"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"As we expected, 2025 Jefferson RB [player_tooltip player_id='907161' first='Tay'Shaun' last='Roper'] came out and earned RB MVP honors while showing why we have him ranked the #3 running back in the class. Roper is the type of athlete that's going to excel in a camp setting and showed us in person why he was so dynamic on the football field last season for the Cougars. He has great feet with a very quick burst that makes him tough to contain in short spaces and even tougher in the open field. Roper was able to test very well even in wet conditions and had some of the best numbers of the day regardless of position with a 4.57 40, 4.25 pro shuttle, and a 7.07 L Drill.rnrnWe expect him to build on the great junior season he had in 2023 and put up some big numbers as a senior this upcoming season.rnrnu0026nbsp;","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-663a5f31ca9d6"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/TayRoper/status/1786949024974512165","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/TayRoper/status/1786949024974512165 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Top Performers</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["907164"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"We only got a small glimpse of 2025 Robert C. Byrd's [player_tooltip player_id='907164' first='Latrell' last='Jones']' junior season and didn't know what to expect from him at the Combine after loving his sophomore highlight tape. Well, Jones answered those questions quickly during the event and earned one of our five RB Top Performers spots. He has a slight build but is very athletic and posted some very good testing numbers that included a 4.5 40, 4.2 pro shuttle, and a 7.47 L Drill. Jones was another running back with very good feet and burst that looked like a RB who should have some options for the next level his senior year.rnrnHe'll likely see a bump in the rankings during the summer update to reflect the strong performance he had at the Combine after showing us what we wanted to see from him there.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-663a5f31caa8d"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Latrell67923928/status/1787597135099146330","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Latrell67923928/status/1787597135099146330 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["866253"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"As you can see from his ranking, we were very high on 2026 Hurricane RB [player_tooltip player_id='866253' first='Kylan' last='Grace'] heading into the Combine and he backed those high praises up during the event. Grace earned a Top 5 RB Performer spot for his strong showing and showed us and everyone else in attendance why he's currently ranked in the Top 15 and the #2 running back in the 2026 class. He's a bigger back than our first two mentions in the article and is a physically gifted-looking athlete for being just a sophomore. Grace moved well for his size and was still able to stand out without having the physicality of a normal game which is one of his biggest strengths as a player.rnrnHe flew under the radar a bit last season but is ready to give a bigger sample size of what he's capable of in 2024 and 2025 for his junior and senior seasons.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["1139001"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"Wayne's [player_tooltip player_id='1139001' first='Kaiden' last='Hayton'] can play all over the field for the Pioneers but earned Top Performer RB honors at the Combine. He showed why he's such a versatile overall athlete during the event and his background as an ATH greatly benefits his play as someone who can do a lot of different things on the field with a variety of skill sets. Hayton is a big-bodied running back who measured in at 6'2 206 and had quality testing numbers for his size. He was able to run a 4.8 40, 4.5 pro shuttle, and a 7.5 L Drill in wet conditions which was impressive given how big he is and the weather.rnrnWe forsee him having a breakout junior season for the Pioneers on both sides of the ball. Hayton recently debuted in our 2026 rankings as the #3 ATH and a Top 65 player in the class.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["894721"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"It was great to see a small school player come out to the Combine and prove he could play with some of the state's best and that's exactly what 2026 Meadow Bridge RB [player_tooltip player_id='894721' first='Kaiden' last='Sims'] did. Sims earned RB Top Performer honors at the event and was an impressive-looking athlete in person. We wanted to rank him inside of our recent 2026 Top 125 but were hesitant due to the level of competition he was facing. That won't be the case moving forward, and Sims' performance will reflect during our next rankings update during the summer.rnrnWe still see him as a linebacker at the next level, but Sims' athletic versatility earned him some serious recognition during the camp by college coaches.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":3,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-663a5f31cabd7"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Best of the Rest</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["864596"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"South Harrison's [player_tooltip player_id='864596' first='Jaden' last='Hatfield'] very easily could've been selected as a RB Top Performer at the Combine among a talented group of athletes. The 2027 prospect performed the way we expected him to do and showed us and everyone there why he's one of the top freshmen in the state at this current juncture. It was no surprise that he was able to put up some impressive testing numbers for his age in tough weather conditions and even had a college coach giving him props for his low 4.7 40 times. Hatfield also had one of the best pro shuttle times at the camp with a 4.22 and also ran a 7.43 L Drill in wet conditions. Hatfield is a fluid athlete, especially for a freshman and just looks different out on the field that you notice right away.rnrnHe'll be returning home to South Harrison next season where he had as prolific of a middle school career as one can have and should have his breakout year in high school in 2024.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["894727"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"Spring Mills' [player_tooltip player_id='894727' first='Blake' last='Sanders'] was another 2026 running back that we expected to perform well at the Combine and did some good things. Sanders is a quality pass catcher for a running back prospect who was able to show off that side of his game during the event. He was another strong tester who had good numbers during the Combine testing portion of the camp in wet conditions posting a low 4.8 40 and a 4.41 pro shuttle. Sanders is a strong 5'10 165 with a frame to add considerable mass over the next two years.rnrnHe'll be a welcomed addition to the Spring Mills backfield after coming over from Musselman for this upcoming season.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["894987"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"Herbert Hoover 2026 RB/LB [player_tooltip player_id='894987' first='Devin' last='Silvas'] opened our eyes with some quality testing numbers for a young athlete his size. We have him listed as a LB on our Watch List, but Silvas worked out at running back during the Combine and performed well at that position. His 4.87 40, 4.44 pro shuttle, and 7.38 L Drill numbers were indicative of the quality athleticism he has for an athlete his size and age. Silvas is quicker than he is fast which is backed up by his shuttle and L Drill times and should be a great power-back option for the Huskies this season after coming over from St. Albans.rnrnWe'll need more film from him before entering him into the 2026 rankings, but Silvas showed he's worthy of being placed among the best in his class.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["1153783"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"Philip Barbour 2026 running back [player_tooltip player_id='1153783' first='Logan' last='Beam'] recently came onto our radar before the Combine and had a nice performance during the event. He's an athlete who is going to come on strong the next two seasons for the Colts and flashed last season as a sophomore with the opportunities he got. Beam was a dynamic kick returner last season and showed us why with his testing numbers and play during the camp. He ran a 4.85 40, a 4.67 pro shuttle, and a 7.87 L Drill in wet conditions which we know he could have improved on a drier field.rnrnWe'll be watching him closely next season for his junior year when his playing time on offense should increase as they look for a new running back to take over the reins.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["908261"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='908261' first='Jace' last='Coleman'] is a promising freshman for the Mingo Central Miners who will likely see the field sooner rather than later at the varsity level on a greater scale than he did as a freshman. He got some spot duty last season during his first season and you could see why after seeing him at the Combine. Coleman's 5'6 150 size may cause you to overlook him, but he tested very well during the Combine testing portion of the camp. He ripped off a blazing 4.68 40 which is very impressive for a 2027 prospect his size and had strong pro shuttle and L Drill times of 4.31 and 7.47 respectively as well.rnrnColeman is a 2027 prospect name to know and watch the next three years and should be dynamic with the ball in his hands with increased opportunities on the field.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["894973"],"_player_evaluations_5_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='894973' first='Lyric' last='Berger'] is a physically impressive athlete who is ahead of most sophomores in that department and will be a welcomed addition to the Nitro program next season coming over from South Charleston. He's someone who performs better on the football field where he can display his physicality better compared to a camp setting, but was still able to flash during the Combine. Berger can continue to make strides with his athleticism and improve his testing numbers, but there is a lot to work with there and mold into a quality prospect over the next two years.rnrnWe expect him to make a big jump in his development this season and next in the Nitro program as their power back on offense and possibly linebacker reps on defense.","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":6,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-663a5f31cae17"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/lyric_berger_07/status/1786941802521493848","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/lyric_berger_07/status/1786941802521493848 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed -->