2024 WV Team Preview: Nitro Wildcats

<!-- 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>Nitro made the playoffs for the first time since 2007 last season and the Wildcats will be looking to accomplish more in 2024 with a talented roster capable of making a run this year. They'll be led once again by one of the top quarterbacks in the state [player_tooltip player_id='865701' first='Josh' last='Moody'] who should make steady progress in year two of a new system. He'll have some talented athletes to spread the ball around to including Top 5 and #2 2026 receiver [player_tooltip player_id='866254' first='Malachi' last='Thompson'] who produced a dynamic sophomore campaign and formed great chemistry with Moody in their first season together. Expect the Wildcats to have an even more explosive offense this season with most of their playmakers back and more added to the program for what could be their best team in nearly two decades in 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2024 TEAM SCHEDULE</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>08/30 (H) Lincoln<br>09/06 (H) St. Albans<br>09/13 (H) Herbert Hoover<br>09/20 (A) Chapmanville<br>09/27 (H) Wayne<br>10/04 (A) Ripley<br>10/11 (H) Lincoln County<br>10/18 (-) Open<br>10/25 (H) Winfield<br>11/01 (A) Sissonville<br>11/08 (A) Greenbrier East</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Record Prediction:</strong> 8-2<br><strong>2023 Record:</strong> 7-4</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":["865701"],"_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-66be6912d9edb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Nitro returns one of the top pure quarterback prospects in the state with [player_tooltip player_id='865701' first='Josh' last='Moody'] who had an exclamation junior campaign in his first season for the Wildcats' program. Moody threw for 3,700 yards and tossed 49 touchdowns in his first season as Nitro's QB1. He may put up even crazier numbers in 2024 during his highly anticipated senior year as he waits for his recruitment to truly take off. It feels like only a matter of time before bigger colleges get involved for his post high school services as D1 programs likely keeping close tabs on Moody this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Moody should take another step forward this season in year two of a new system while being in the mix for some post-season honors. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19328285/65518aa664ea2a0c180b9d4e' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66bf6b51ee8a4"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["908622"],"_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-66be6912d9f46"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">There have been few athletes in the state who have seen their stock rise higher than 2025 Nitro OL [player_tooltip player_id='908622' first='Dom' last='Wise'] who now ranks among the 40 best rising seniors in WV. He's been impressive everywhere he's been this off-season after putting together a strong junior campaign. Wise should be even more impressive this season for the Wildcats as more colleges will enter the mix for his signature on Signing Day this winter. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's what we recently said about Wise in our <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/07/2025-summer-rankings-update-stock-risers/">2025 rankings Stock Risers article</a>:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"Another PRZ WV Combine participant who has been seeing his stock rise over the off-season is Nitro OL&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='908622' first='Dom' last='Wise']</strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/dom-wise/"></a>&nbsp;who has risen 28 spots to the #38 overall spot in the 2025 rankings. We loved his junior highlight tape which resulted in a big jump in the rankings previously, but we wanted to get eyes on him in person to confirm some things before ranking him even higher. We were able to do just that after seeing him at our combine event back in May, and Wise has been impressive at every camp he has attended this summer. His efforts are beginning to pay off with scholarship offers from Glenville State and WV State along with PWO opportunities from both D1 programs in the state with WVU and Marshall. Wise is a wide and very strong human with the perfect size for a college offensive guard who's going to give interior defensive linemen fits this season and at the college level."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16329208/65b7d1be0c5da7051819f15d' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66bf696c3785a"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1039808"],"_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-66be6912d9f8b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the best defensive backs in the state last season was quietly 2025 Nitro DB [player_tooltip player_id='1039808' first='Zaevyon' last='Dickerson'] who will once again repeat that description this season. Dickerson has picked up interest in his recruitment this summer picking up offers from Glenville State and UVA-Wise as more colleges are seeing what we've seen in him. He totaled 94 tackles as a junior which was second on the team and picked off two passes as a well-rounded safety prospect. Dickerson is strong in coverage and even better playing the run and getting downhill inside of the box. He's very athletic and has the physicality to be a complete safety at the next level as he continues to fill out his frame. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dickerson has a high ceiling as a prospect and should have plenty of options for where he wants to go to college by the end of the season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18078211/65527e825ca9710b6445b349' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66bf6b51ee92c"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["907165"],"_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-66be6912d9fcc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='907165' first='Eli' last='Littlejohn'] is a dynamic playmaker for the Wildcats who can do a little bit of everything that he showed as a junior. Littlejohn finished his 2023 campaign with 1,200 all-purpose yards and 14 touchdowns as a dual-threat running back who can carry and catch the ball at a high level. While not the biggest athlete, Littlejohn is explosive and a natural playmaker with the ball in his hands who can be utilized in a variety of ways. Local D2 programs extended him his first offers this summer as he's gotten out to camps and 7on7 events with more to come in his future. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Littlejohn is an exciting player to watch and will be a key piece to the Wildcats' explosive offense again this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16991490/655129bac11a7e045c44896d' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66bf6b51ee961"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1126322"],"_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-66be6912da00b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A new addition to the Nitro program coming over from Herbert Hoover for his senior year is 2025 WR/DB [player_tooltip player_id='1126322' first='Avery' last='Pannell']. He should be a big help on both sides of the ball and another playmaker for Moody to spread the ball to. Pannell will fight right into their offense in the slot as a quick and shifty pass catcher with YAC ability. He can be a playmaker at all three levels of the passing game and is versatile with how he can be used. Pannell has the potential to help the Wildcats on defense too as a DB with linebacker experience in the past as well. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He should have a lot of opportunities to showcase his talent in an offense that likes to throw the ball all over the field, and Pannell could see his stock rise as a senior. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16159797/65bbd2385eec8406f83957e7' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66bf6b51ee994"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["908985"],"_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-66be6912da049"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">An underrated prospect for Nitro the past two seasons who may not be getting as much attention as some of his high-profile teammates is 2025 TE/DE [player_tooltip player_id='908985' first='Charles' last='Cantrell']. Cantrell made the move from linebacker to defensive end last season and appeared to be a position he could thrive at with more experience. He's long and athletic which creates matchup problems with opposing offensive tackles as he wins consistently on his quick first steps and out-leverages his man. Cantrell also slid inside at times and has the potential to play in the interior too if he can bulk up to the needed size. He's a high-effort pursuer to the ball whose athleticism benefits him greatly in that regard. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cantrell can be utilized on offense as a tight end where he totaled over 200 yards and 3 touchdowns with some touches in the running game too and is a well-rounded jumbo ATH. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16825895/65838b2c2aa7ac06d428c7d2' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66bf6b51ee9c5"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["914695"],"_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-66be6912da088"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another new addition to the Nitro program who could help their passing game even more is former George Washington WR [player_tooltip player_id='914695' first='Bryson' last='Sowards']. Sowards flashed as a junior for the Patriots with the opportunities given to him and could thrive in the Wildcats' spread offense and increase his production as a senior greatly. He's another long and athletic weapon that can attack the defense vertically and could be a very good duo lined up across from [player_tooltip player_id='866254' first='Malachi' last='Thompson'] on the outside. Sowards can also aid the defense as a DB with good potential on that side of the ball as well. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"> We'll likely learn a lot more about Sowards this season after liking the flashes he showed as a junior. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17867779/6568eac3c11a020f60fd7b9c' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66bf6b51ee9f6"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["909093"],"_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-66be6912da0c6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Nitro will have one of the better specialists in the 2025 class to utilize again this season in [player_tooltip player_id='909093' first='Maddox' last='Cole']. Cole was a reliable kicker for the Wildcats last season whose leg will get plenty of use again during his senior year with their prolific offense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's what we recently said about Cole in our <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/07/2025-prospects-new-to-the-top-200-pt-1/">2025 rankings New Additions article</a>:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"An underrated 2025 specialist to know this season is Nitro's&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='909093' first='Maddox' last='Cole']</strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/maddox-cole/"></a>&nbsp;who quietly had a very good year for the Wildcats in 2023. Cole was a consistent PAT kicker last season converting on 54/59 extra points while doubling as their kickoff man with a 46-yard average with a long of 60 and 7 touchbacks. He has a long frame at 6'0 with the potential to add considerable weight to it which will greatly benefit his already quality leg strength even more in the future. Cole's mechanics are still a bit raw at this point, but his power and athleticism were apparent in the limited film available to us. Although no evidence of in-game field goals to gauge his range, Cole likely has the ability to hit from 40+ judging by his pop on PATs and kickoffs. He also gets a nice arc on his kicks without danger of getting them blocked which also translates well to his field goal potential."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["866254"],"_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-66be6912da105"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>You probably saw 2026 Nitro WR [player_tooltip player_id='866254' first='Malachi' last='Thompson']'s name plenty last season as the 6'4 junior put up video game numbers most weeks as a sophomore. Thompson finished last year with 1,200 yards receiving and 20 touchdowns which will be difficult to top this season but Thompson can do so given his ability and the offense that he's in. He ranks as a Top 5 prospect in the 2026 class at this time with a ton of potential and upside as a prospect that he's still just scratching the surface of. Thompson has the 6'4 size and D1 athleticism to develop into a future prospect of that level as he continues to learn and maximize his gifted ability. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He'll be a must-watch every week this season again and expect to see his name frequently making noise just as he did last year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19403042/651256a58cd41c0330a34d60' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c2596ee7afb"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["866256"],"_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-66be6912da144"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">It'll be fun to watch 2026 TE [player_tooltip player_id='866256' first='Xavier' last='Patterson'] in the Nitro offense as he comes over from St. Albans this year. He's beginning to outgrow the TE position as he gets older and bigger with defensive line as his best position likely in his future, but Patterson is very athletic for his size and will be utilized in their offense. Now in the 6'2 260 range, Patterson is a very impressive athlete for his size and doesn't move how most players his size move and is just entering his junior year. He has good feet for his size and age with very good quickness, especially in the short area and coming out of his breaks. You can get creative with how he's used which will be fun to watch in Nitro's system for how they utilize him. Defensively, Patterson has a ton of potential as a defensive lineman if he dedicates himself to that side of the ball with a very high ceiling. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>You can't teach his size and athleticism which has him ranked among the state's best in his class to this point. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17786904/6547f522b3d3030adcca3620' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66bf6b51eea72"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["894666"],"_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-66be6912da182"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The younger Sowards is another noteworthy prospect for the Wildcats who came over from the Hurricane program for his junior year. He's highly thought of by us in his class as a Top 10 linebacker among rising juniors and should earn a starting spot with his new program this season. Sowards was the fourth-leading tackler for the Redskins as a sophomore last season with 45 total and 6 TFLs at middle linebacker. He has a wrestling background that benefits his play on the football field as a fearless tackler who isn't afraid to get in the mix between the tackles. Sowards is a rangy athlete who can cover ground quickly and has the athleticism to play in space. He pursues the ball well and has a high motor that runs until the whistle. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He'll be a welcomed addition to the Nitro program this season and should be a difference-maker right away for the Wildcats. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17617399/6553d4e85b3d4b09ac86df73' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66bf6b51eeaa2"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["894973"],"_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-66be6912da1c1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Former South Charleston RB/LB [player_tooltip player_id='894973' first='Lyric' last='Berger'] will be another new face to the Nitro program this season who could be utilized in a few different ways. He's been mostly a running back until now but has real linebacker potential as well if he develops at that spot. We got to see Berger at the PRZ WV Combine earlier this year where he impressed with his athletic build that can be molded into a notable prospect in the future. He could be the thunder to Eli Littlehohn's lightening as they look for more depth at the running back position this season with Littlejohn seeing most of the production a year ago.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Berger is a name to tuck away and keep tabs on over the next two seasons as someone who could blossom in his new program in time. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18355082/6568e7da176cd506fc6573bb' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66bf6b51eead2"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["894931"],"_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-66be6912da207"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2026 LB [player_tooltip player_id='894931' first='Bryce' last='Snyder'] made his way over from Poca for his junior year and will be in the mix for one of Nitro's linebacker spots which should be a strength of their defense this season. 2024 graduate Xiomar Henry leaves some big shoes to fill in that group, but Nitro has the bodies in the program to get some good production out of that position with Snyder firmly among them. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's what we recently said about Snyder in our <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/07/2026-prospects-new-to-the-top-125/">2026 rankings New Additions article</a>:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"We're betting on 2026 Nitro LB&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='894931' first='Bryce' last='Snyder']</strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/bryce-snyder/"></a>&nbsp;to take a step forward in his development as a junior with his new team after coming over from Poca. Snyder has good size at 6'0 220 for middle linebacker which gives him a good base to continue building on over the next two years. He's still raw in some areas but has the ability and potential to keep improving and working himself into a more well-rounded prospect. You could see flashes of what he can develop into in his sophomore film if he makes some leaps over the off-season and during his junior season."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18100451/66858e3bc126b5f9dee6807f' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66bf6b51eeb33"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1128467"],"_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-66be6912da248"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Nitro has a very promising 2027 linebacker prospect in [player_tooltip player_id='1128467' first='Braylon' last='Price'] who recently debuted as a Top 5 LB in his class. We got a brief glimpse of his ability as a freshman and should have a full-time starting role as a sophomore in 2024. Price looks bigger and stronger this year from seeing some of his social media posts and should provide more evidence of his potential this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's what we recently said about Price in our <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/07/2027-rankings-debut-41-50-ranked-prospects/">2027 rankings Debut article</a>:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"We're expecting 2027 Nitro LB&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1128467' first='Braylon' last='Price']</strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/braylon-price/"></a>&nbsp;to take a step forward this season for the Wildcats as a sophomore and put more on film to back up his #5 LB ranking. Price contributed to the varsity team as a freshman and was a productive young player who should see an increased role in 2024. He's been working hard over the off-season to get bigger and stronger and is developing well physically to put himself in the position to have a breakout year. With just a two-game sample size of highlights available from his freshman season, a full evaluation of Price's game will come in the future with more film, but he flashed the potential last season to be considered one of the top linebackers in the 2027 class at this early stage."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>OTHER PLAYERS TO KNOW</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1260476' first='Isaac' last='Samples'] - LB/DB | 2025 Watch List</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1129130' first='Jayden' last='Hill'] - OL/DL | 2026 Watch List</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1131600' first='Jens' last='Byrd'] - WR/DB | 2026 Watch List</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1127141' first='Landen' last='Hamilton'] - OL/DL | 2026 Watch List</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1134673' first='Tucker' last='Emswiler'] - DL | 2026 Watch List</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1130335' first='Lukas' last='Shafer'] - WR/DB | 2026 Watch List</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='927607' first='Dillon' last='Casto'] - OL/DL | 2026 Watch List</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='863630' first='Pete' last='Dixon'] - WR/DB | 2027 Watch List</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1221847' first='Takye' last='Porter'] - WR/DB | 2028 Watch List</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1260138' first='Steven' last='Kinney'] - OL/DL | 2028 Watch List</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->