2024 WV Team Preview: Parkersburg Big Reds

<!-- 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>Parkersburg enjoyed a solid 2023 campaign which saw them earn a playoff win over a talented Hurricane squad, but the Big Reds will be searching for many new faces to step up in 2024 after losing a large and talented senior class. You won't recognize too many familiar names this season as the Big Reds will look to previous underclassmen to step into starting varsity roles. That makes Parkersburg an intriguing unknown this season who could end up surprising their opposition and reloading nicely as an under-the-radar team to watch this year. With all of the late classification movement just before the season starts, Parkersburg appears to be in a great position to make the playoffs if nothing else changes and could make some noise there by that point of the season as their new faces gel and improve come playoff time. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2024 TEAM SCHEDULE</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>08/30&nbsp;(H) Morgantown<br>09/06 (A) South Charleston<br>09/13&nbsp;(H) Hurricane<br>09/20&nbsp;(A) Parkersburg South<br>09/27&nbsp;(A) Capital<br>10/04&nbsp;(-) Open<br>10/11&nbsp;(A) George Washington<br>10/18&nbsp;(A) Cabell Midland<br>10/25&nbsp;(H) St. Albans<br>11/01&nbsp;(H) Huntington<br>11/08&nbsp;(H) Musselman</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Record Prediction: </strong>5-5<strong><br>2023 Record:</strong> 7-5</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":["1125967"],"_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-66c5f89b3e609"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Parkersburg will have a returning running back to lean on this season in 2025 RB [player_tooltip player_id='1125967' first='Jakel' last='Shelton'] who split time with a now-graduated senior in 2023. Shelton flashed playmaking ability as a junior and rushed for 400 yards and 7 touchdowns and should take on a much bigger role for the Big Reds this season. He's a quick and elusive runner who's difficult to bring down in the open field and can make defenders miss consistently. He's explosive through the line of scrimmage and has great footwork when choosing his running lane and when making a move on defenders. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We anticipate Shelton potentially doubling the numbers he put up last season and should be one of the Big Reds' offensive players who will also see time at safety. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16077106/6557c71f90eebf04f8440876' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c60053ed75f"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["863383"],"_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-66c5f89b3e679"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The evolution of 2025 Parkersburg DL [player_tooltip player_id='863383' first='Chris' last='Cox'] over the years has been fun to watch as he played safety when we first came across him. Now in the 6'2 260 range, Cox's defensive back days are long gone, and he has developed into a noteworthy defensive lineman heading into his senior year. he's ready to have his best season yet during his senior year and will build on the 53 tackles, 7 TFLs, and 3 sacks he had as a junior in 2023. Cox is an athletic defensive end who may even keep growing into an interior DL at the next level. Cox has quality lateral quickness and can set the edge well while maintaining his assignment discipline. He has some twitch in his pass-rush abilities and pursues the ball well for a big man. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cox could end up being a big stock riser this season if he takes the next step in his game for his senior year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18009225/66973cf693150d1d22fb4a87' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c60053ed7af"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1188914"],"_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-66c5f89b3e6c2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2025 RB [player_tooltip player_id='1188914' first='Aeneas' last='Lauderman'] will be making the trek north to rival Parkersburg for his senior year after being a solid role player for the Parkersburg South Patriots last season. In limited action as a junior, Lauderman averaged just under 10 yards per carry for 224 yards and flashed some ability when opportunities came his way. He could end up being a nice 1-2 punch with Shelton in the Big Reds' backfield this season as they may rely on their running game more with this version of their team. Lauderman is a one-cut-and-go style of runner and will complement their other running backs well as a bigger-bodied athlete. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We'll get a better idea of his game and ceiling as a prospect this season with more touches available at his new program. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18240460/65b70e70578eea0ec432460a">https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18240460/65b70e70578eea0ec432460a</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1126296"],"_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-66c5f89b3e704"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1126296' first='Cyrus' last='Backus'] quietly had a good junior season for the Big Reds in 2023 and will return as a defensive leader as one of their few returning starters. The 2025 DB picked off 4 passes last season and has a knack for being around the ball often. You can trust him in single-man coverage and can match him up with the opposing team's top receiver. Even as an undersized athlete, Backus still showed a high effort to fight off blockers to get to the ball when he isn't in coverage. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He'll be a quality small college prospect to know this season and should have D3 opportunities to choose from. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16929533/65ea64d34210d616bcf8a8f6' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c60053ed80f"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["894730"],"_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-66c5f89b3e743"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2026 Parkersburg DL Adam Edler put together a very good sophomore campaign for the Big Reds and ranks as a Top 10 defensive lineman in the class at this juncture. Elder totaled 75 tackles, 10 TFLs, and 6 sacks in 2023 and was one of the more productive defensive linemen in the state. We got to see him in person at the PRZ WV Combine earlier this year and once he gains the size needed for the position he'll take his game to the next level. Even as a smaller interior lineman, Elder was still able to produce at a high level as an underclassman against bigger and older offensive linemen. He's a physical player who plays above his weight class and can dip under longer offensive linemen which resulted in a high TFL and sack number for him. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Elder will be a prospect to watch closely over the next two years as his body continues to develop and has a high ceiling if he can keep increasing in size. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18348346/65d4bfd3420f9b08b83a0d00' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c60053ed84b"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["894732"],"_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-66c5f89b3e781"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Older brother David captained the Big Reds' offense at a high level last season but younger brother [player_tooltip player_id='894732' first='Tytan' last='Parsons'] will be a prospect to know in his own right. He was a good JV player last season and should carve out a varsity role for his junior season. Linebacker sounds like a possibility for where he'll see a role this year which makes sense given his size with WR potential as well. Parsons has D1 bloodlines and should develop into a quality prospect himself by his senior year. He has the body type to grow into a tight end body as well in the future which may end up being his best position. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We'll see what Parsons does at the varsity level this season but he's impressed enough to this point to be considered a Top 150 prospect in the 2026 class. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17995430/64ebdd754ba8730b28ba8d61' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c60053ed888"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1139401"],"_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-66c5f89b3e7bf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2026 RB/LB [player_tooltip player_id='1139401' first='Sylas' last='Cheuvront'] will see a much bigger varsity role this season for the Big Reds and should impact the game on both sides of the ball. We like him as a linebacker prospect for now, but Cheuvront will also likely see touches on offense at running back this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's what we recently said about Cheuvront in our <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/07/2026-prospects-new-to-the-top-150-pt-1/">2026 rankings New Additions article</a>:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"The Parkersburg Big Reds will be looking for their former underclassmen to step up and take on larger roles this season after graduating a talented senior class with one of those rising juniors being LB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1139401' first='Sylas' last='Cheuvront']</strong>. Cheuvront saw some spot duty on the varsity team last season as a sophomore but should be in line for a potential starting role as a junior in 2024. He also has the athletic versatility to see carries on offense, but we like Cheuvront as a linebacker prospect at this stage of his career. While not the biggest athlete for a linebacker at 5'11 180, Cheuvront plays with an edge and is a hard-hitting physical tackler. He also has quality speed and can fly around the field on offense or defense with potential as an outside linebacker prospect. Cheuvront seeks out contact on both sides of the ball which is a trait we loved seeing on film."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18027084/660423ae83618bfeffe3feb8' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c60053ed8c4"} /--> <!-- /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='1229736' first='Cooper' last='Cancade'] - QB | 2025 Watch List</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1329998' first='Zane' last='Lewis'] - LB | 2025 Watch List</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1329999' first='Conner' last='Petty'] - WR/DB | 2025 Watch List</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='894733' first='Braxton' last='Kupfner'] - TE | 2026 Watch List</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='894766' first='Ethan' last='Jones'] - RB/LB | 2026 Watch List</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='920510' first='Drey' last='Grinter'] - OL | 2027 Top 60</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->