2024 WV Team Preview: Capital Cougars

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>For a discounted subscription to view all of our content, use Code PRZWV30 at checkout for 30% off!</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Capital Cougars should see a bit of resurgence in 2024 under new Head Coach Jon Carpenter who returns to the Capital sideline after a four-year hiatus having last coached the Cougars in 2020. He'll have a strong 2026 class to work with to help build the program back up to what it once was with reinforcements coming in the 2028 class. Although their final 2024 record may not show a big jump forward on paper, Capital will be improved this season and has the talent in the program to steadily progress in the next few years and beyond if they stick together. The annual gauntlet MSAC schedule makes it tough to get back to the top of the standings, but Capital has the coach and young talent to eventually get back there in time. You should see flashes of that this season and see them be more competitive against the tougher teams in the conference with the possibility of a surprise win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2024 TEAM SCHEDULE</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"align":"left"} --> <p class="has-text-align-left">08/29 (A) Princeton<br>09/06 (-) Open<br>09/13 (H) Riverside<br>09/20 (A) St Albans<br>09/27&nbsp;(H) Parkersburg<br>10/04&nbsp;(A) George Washington<br>10/11 (H) Hurricane<br>10/18 (H) Spring Valley<br>10/25&nbsp;(A) Huntington<br>11/01&nbsp;(A) Cabell Midland<br>11/08&nbsp;(H) South Charleston</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Record Prediction:</strong> 4-6<br><strong>2023 Record: </strong>3-7</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>PLAYERS TO KNOW</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["863520"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66a1adf764eba"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The top 2025 prospect to know this season for the Capital Cougars is OL [player_tooltip player_id='863520' first='Tucker' last='Van Meter']. Van Meter ranks inside of our 2025 Top 100 as a Top 15 offensive lineman in the class. He picked up his first offer in June from WV State and will pick up more during his senior season. Van Meter is a two-way lineman for the Cougars who has DL potential at the next level and may end up settling in at offensive guard in college with his size. He has good hand use and is a strong finisher in his blocks. Van Meter also has heavy hands and is a quality athlete with the quickness to play guard or tackle at the next level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Van Meter is an underrated OL in the state who has made himself known a bit this off-season which should continue throughout his senior year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18025096/654a78a7b53ecb099c81a64b' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66a7b84d9212a"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1126412"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66a1adf764f1e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1126412' first='Khalid' last='Khalid'] is an under-the-radar 2025 big-man prospect for the Cougars who could play on either side of the line in college. Khalid has G/C versatility on offense with the potential to play on the defensive side of the ball at the next level as an interior DL. He has quality 6'1 265 size with a longer wingspan that may translate to a high ceiling along the offensive line in college with his reach. Khalid showed quality upper-body strength as an interior OL last season and can out-leverage defensive linemen. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Khalid is a likely small college prospect who should earn some D3 opportunities during his senior year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18024971/654f12a14ba7a803e4cb8f25' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66a7b84d9217f"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1126450"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66a1adf764f65"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another under-the-radar small college OL/DL prospect from Capital to know this season is [player_tooltip player_id='1126450' first='Elias' last='Cottrell']. Although undersized at 5'10 200, Cottrell did some good things as a junior as a defensive lineman for the Cougars and can play inside or on the end. Cottrell has good short-area quickness and a quick first step which can make him a difficult block at times for bigger offensive linemen. He's also shown to have quality strength for his size and showed reps of being able to handle bigger opposing players on both sides of the line. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cottrell could be a great candidate for a Sprint Football lineman prospect if he chooses to go that route and potential to earn D3 opportunities. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18024999/6551cab932dc840db40c943d' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66a7b84d921be"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1138997"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66a1adf764fa7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Cougars have a strong 2026 class making their way up the ranks and becoming upperclassmen now with WR/DB [player_tooltip player_id='1138997' first='Damian' last='Johnson'] leading the way. Johnson was a huge stock riser in our summer rankings update, and we expect him to have his best season yet and a breakout season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Here's what we said about Johnson in our <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/07/2026-summer-rankings-update-stock-risers/">2026 summer rankings update stock risers article</a>:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"We always knew 2026 Capital WR/DB&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1138997' first='Damian' last='Johnson']</strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/damian-johnson-2/"></a>&nbsp;would end up higher than his previous rankings, but he's forced us to make that change quicker than we expected. Johnson is one of three Capital Cougars who have seen their stock rise in the summer rankings update, largely due to their performances at various camps this summer. Johnson is another great example of the importance of going out to camps and performing well while showing more to his game than you might find on his sophomore highlight tape. He ripped off a 4.5 40 at one of the WVU camps and caught the attention of WV State's coaches causing them to extend Johnson's first offer as a rising junior."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19077949/654e94b63449040b9c3ee178' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66a7b84d921fc"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1139000"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66a1adf764fe7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another 2026 DB to know who was also a big stock riser in our 2026 summer rankings update is [player_tooltip player_id='1139000' first='Jamal' last='Dotson']. Dotson has limited sophomore film available which kept him lower in the rankings before but has had a strong off-season this year which is putting him on college radars. He's another 2026 Capital prospect that we expect big things from this season and another breakout-year candidate. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's what we said about Dotson in our <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/07/2026-summer-rankings-update-stock-risers/">2026 summer rankings update stock risers article</a>:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"Another 2026 Capital DB with the same story as Johnson who has impressed at camps this off-reason resulting in a big rankings boost is&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1139000' first='Jamal' last='Dotson']</strong>. Dotson caught the eye of our PRZ Michigan scout Alex Pallone at the EMU Midweek MACtion camp back in early June as one of his top defensive back standouts in attendance which says a lot given the level of competition at a D1 camp and as an out-of-state camper. Dotson backed that up with another strong performance at WV State which saw the home-standing Yellow Jackets extend Dotson his first offer as was the case with two of his teammates in this article."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18052253/6505212d9a914604740ce5cf' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66a7b84d9227a"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1138931"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66a1adf76502b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2026 Capital WR [player_tooltip player_id='1138931' first='Jermare' last='Smith'] may have one of the biggest breakout seasons on the team as a junior and should be able to showcase more this season. You saw flashes of his ability as a sophomore which earned him Second Team All-MSAC honors with a promising future. Smith is a raw prospect right now with a lot of upside and natural athleticism that will allow him to work himself into a sought-after prospect by his senior year if he puts in the time to get there. He should see more opportunities as a junior this season and produced when he did get the ball as a sophomore. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We'll learn more about Smith's game this season with more film and touches on offense but are confident he'll reach the potential we believe he has in time. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18025055/6547e07132e69e0490b4fae9' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66a7b84d922b5"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1127296"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66a1adf76506a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We got to see 2026 Capital LB [player_tooltip player_id='1127296' first='Shamar' last='Smith'] in person at our PRZ WV Combine in May where he earned LB Top Performer honors. Smith has the potential to make some big steps forward over the next two seasons and be a much more complete player by his senior year while showing some good early signs to this point. We look for him to take one of those steps as a junior and show the high potential we believe he has even further. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's what we said about Smith from his <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/05/prz-wv-combine-top-lb-performers-best-of-the-rest/">Combine performance</a>:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"It was great to see another ranked 2026 linebacker come out and prove why we think highly of him at the Combine. Capital LB&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1127296' first='Shamar' last='Smith']</strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/shamar-smith-2/"></a>&nbsp;ranks inside our 2026 Top 50 as the #6 linebacker in the class and showed why he is by earning a Top 5 LB Performer spot by the college coaches in attendance. Smith is a physically impressive athlete for a sophomore who has spent plenty of time in the weight room and has developed well from that standpoint. It was good to see him be able to perform without the physicality of a normal game which is a strength of his. Smith can make continued strides in his speed and agility but is ahead of the game in other facets of the linebacker position."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19946543/6547c0c4c119a009b8a5cf4a' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66a7b84d9238b"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1139359"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66a1adf7650a9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The third Capital Cougar stock riser in our 2026 summer rankings update was TE/LB [player_tooltip player_id='1139359' first='Jakori' last='Clark']. He's also had a strong off-season which saw him earn his first college offer and has a bright future for the program. Now listed at 6'1 230, Clark is continuing to get bigger and stronger and growing into a serious TE prospect at the next level with LB/Edge potential as well. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's what we said about Clark in our <a href="http://Another 2026 Capital DB with the same story as Johnson who has impressed at camps this off-reason resulting in a big rankings boost is [player_tooltip player_id='1139000' first='Jamal' last='Dotson'] . Dotson caught the eye of our PRZ Michigan scout Alex Pallone at the EMU Midweek MACtion camp back in early June as one of his top defensive back standouts in attendance which says a lot given the level of competition at a D1 camp and as an out-of-state camper. Dotson backed that up with another strong performance at WV State which saw the home-standing Yellow Jackets extend Dotson his first offer as was the case with two of his teammates in this article.">2026 summer rankings update stock riser article</a>:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"Clark picked up his first college offer from WV State just as his two other teammates in this article did as they've made the rounds to various camps and events this off-season. Clark's best position may one day be at LB, but he currently places as a Top 5 TE in the class as a talented two-way player. Clark's current 6'0 200 size may best translate to linebacker at the next level pending further physical growth, but his athleticism makes him a threat in the passing game where he and the offense as a whole should take a step forward this season."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/20158782/6547e71d32e69e0490b502b2' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66a7b84d92402"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["894636"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66a1adf7650e7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Toting the rock again this season for the Cougars will be 2026 RB [player_tooltip player_id='894636' first='Camdyn' last='Harris'] who can also play linebacker. Harris was a Special Honorable Mention All-MSAC player as a sophomore and has momentum heading into his junior year. Even at 5'9 175, Harris plays bigger than his listed size and is a well-rounded RB prospect who has shown early versatility for the position. He has the speed and quickness to break it outside but has the toughness and physicality to run between the tackles effectively too. Harris was also a threat in the passing game on screens and can be a reliable pass-catcher as well. He also has make-you-miss ability in the open field and is an agile athlete.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Look for Harris to have another strong season as a junior and begin to get some college looks over the next year before his senior year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18495385/65ad92f55b3d3c0bf0a64019' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66a7b84d9243e"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["894635"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66a1adf765125"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another Capital prospect who we saw at the PRZ WV Combine in May was 2026 quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='894635' first='Fernando' last='Valdivia']. He's been ranked as one of the top QBs in this class since his freshman year and possesses next-level arm talent. Size is the one aspect that may keep him from bigger college opportunities if he doesn't continue to grow, but Valdivia will one day be a steal for a small college if he eventually ends up there. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's what we said about his Combine performance:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"2026 Capital QB&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='894635' first='Fernando' last='Valdivia']</strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/fernando-valdivia/"></a>&nbsp;is another undersized but talented passer who always catches our eye when we see him play. He possesses a strong arm for his stature and can really drive the ball down the field effortlessly. The ball jumps off his hand, and he's a natural thrower who looks smooth operationally. We've been fans of Valdivia for a while now and currently have him ranked inside of our 2026 Top 5 quarterbacks. He showed us why we do at the Combine and has been the starting QB1 for the Cougars since his freshman year."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18078179/655515eb0660d304081f5268' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66a7b84d92478"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1050583"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66a1adf765163"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">An under-the-radar 2026 prospect for the Cougars heading into his junior year is DB [player_tooltip player_id='1050583' first='Christian' last='Robinson']. Robinson played mostly outside linebacker as a sophomore last season, but at 5'9 165, he projects as a safety prospect. While he'll need to continue getting bigger and stronger over the next two years, Robinson is a high-effort player which is lamented on his sophomore film with his dedication on special teams. He's a rangy athlete who can cover ground quickly with quality speed and quickness and doesn't shy from contact as an undersized prospect. Robinson pursues the ball well and tracks down ball carriers relentlessly even if it's not towards his play side. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">If he can show more evidence of playing in pass coverage this season and next, Robinson should be able to earn some college opportunities as a safety prospect. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19911910/65121c2c176d350418b1a40f' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66a7b84d924b4"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1238314"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66a1adf7651a1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1238314' first='Dylan' last='Fink'] showed flashes as a sophomore in 2023 of developing into a quality player for the Cougars in time and should take a step forward this season as a junior. The 5'11 170 rising junior is an outside linebacker prospect who was utilized as mostly a stand-up edge rusher last season. Fink showed he has the speed and quickness off the edge to develop into a formidable pass rusher in time as he gets bigger and stronger over the next two years. He flashed good hand use at times in his limited available film and can dip under longer offensive tackles at his size and with his quickness. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>More opportunities for Fink should come this season to further show what he's capable of, but he's a small college prospect to follow the next two seasons. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18435145/6509c3d24deb050984ef6236' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66a7bbaf7b0b7"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1155316"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66a1adf7651df"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Capital Cougars have an exciting and promising potential future star in 2027 ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1155316' first='David' last='Robinson Jr'] who had a strong freshman campaign. He's an extremely versatile athlete who will play many different positions this season in all three phases of the game and should excel in every role. Robinson Jr ranks just outside of our 2027 Top 10 at this point but could one day rank inside the ten best prospects in this class if he keeps improving. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's what we said about Robinson Jr in our <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/07/2027-rankings-debut-11-20-ranked-prospects/">2027 Rankings Debut article</a>:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"Capital ATH&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1155316' first='David' last='Robinson Jr']</strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/david-robinson-jr/"></a>&nbsp;narrowly missed out on making our 2027 debut Top 10 and could one day make his way inside of it. He had a very productive freshman season for the Cougars which earned him WVSWA Class AAA Honorable Mention All-State honors and Second Team All-MSAC. Robinson Jr is a bit of a Swiss Army Knife at this point who lined up all over the field for Capital last season. Slot receiver or defensive back looks to be his future best positions, but he debuts as the #2 ATH in the class for now. He's a dynamic playmaker with the ball in his hands and it's no surprise why his coaches got him the ball in a variety of ways as a freshman."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/20123713/65138310b53f111318386280' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66a7b84d92529"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>NEWCOMERS TO KNOW</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1316085' first='Braylon' last='Merritt'] - TE | 2025 Watch List</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1272625' first='La'Trell' last='Bell'] - OL | 2027 Watch List</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1166650' first='Peyton' last='Grigsby'] - QB | 2028 Watch List</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1309676' first='Turay' last='Rush'] - WR | 2028 Watch List</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1309678' first='Trevaun' last='Tyson'] - RB | 2028 Watch List</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1221854' first='Shannon' last='Mitchell'] - WR | 2028 Watch List</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->