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<p>Western Maryland football is stacked with young talent heading into 2025. These athletes have already proven themselves as key contributors to their teams. This season, they'll have the chance to solidify their status as some of the region's best.</p>
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<p>Note: This article will feature offensive skill players.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1246942' first='Braelyn' last='Younger'] | 6-1 | 196 | RB | Fort Hill | Class of 2026</strong></p>
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<p>Younger finished the 2024 season as a key contributor for the state-champion Fort Hill squad, amassing 595 rushing yards on just 57 carries, averaging an impressive 10.4 yards per carry. His nine touchdowns highlighted his ability to find the end zone with ease. As the team's No. 2 rusher, Younger has laid a solid foundation for what promises to be a productive junior season.</p>
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<p>*When this was initially published, his 2024 season highlights were unavailable. They are now available. His highlights showcase him on both sides of the football. He's a physical back with some size to him. When Younger gets rolling, he's hard to stop. An actual one-cut-and-go type of back, he can occasionally break off chunk runs. Athletic enough to be an asset in the passing game as well. Some highlights are showing his pass-catching skills out of the backfield. Ultimately, his highest ceiling from a recruiting standpoint will likely be on defense. But we had to show him love for what he did on offense this past season. </p>
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<p><strong>Evan Graham | 5-9 | 195 | RB/LB | Northern Garrett | Class of 2026</strong></p>
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<p>Although Graham's highlights are unavailable, his 2024 season stats speak volumes. He rushed 162 times for 770 yards and eight touchdowns, finishing as the second-leading rusher on a team that reached the state championship game. Graham also impacted defense, recording 57 total tackles (18 solos) and 2.5 sacks as a linebacker. With teammate [player_tooltip player_id='273743' first='Luke' last='Ross'] graduating, Graham is set to take on a more significant offensive role in 2025, where he could emerge as the centerpiece of Northern Garrett's attack.</p>
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<p><strong>Caleb Hinebaugh | 5-10 | 165 | RB | Northern Garrett | Class of 2026</strong></p>
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<p>Hinebaugh, Northern Garrett's third-leading rusher in 2024, gained 497 yards and scored six touchdowns on 79 carries. His playoff performance against SEED, where he rushed for 97 yards and a touchdown, highlighted his potential in high-pressure moments. With additional opportunities next season, Hinebaugh is a player to watch as Northern Garrett reloads for another title push.</p>
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<p><strong>Aidyn McKenzie | 5-10 | 150 | RB | Allegany | Class of 2026</strong></p>
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<p>McKenzie displayed efficiency in a run-heavy offense during the 2024 season, rushing for 634 yards on 58 carries, averaging 10.9 yards per attempt. Despite being Allegany's third-leading rusher, his big-play ability outside the tackles stood out. McKenzie's highlights are limited, but his production shows promise. He could be a breakout star in 2025 with more carries and a more prominent role.</p>
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<p><strong>Khiante Bible | 5-10 | 180 | RB | Allegany | Class of 2028</strong></p>
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<p>Bible burst onto the scene as a freshman in 2024, rushing for 887 yards and seven touchdowns on 116 carries. He had six 100-yard games, including a dominant 230-yard, three-touchdown effort against North Garnett. While Bible needs to work on his top-end speed, his ability to find the edge and his north-south quickness is advanced for his age is noticeable. With continued development, the Bible could become a cornerstone of Allegany's offense in the future.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1720807' first='Carter' last='Clites'] | 6-2 | 186 | QB | Mountain Ridge | Class of 2027</strong></p>
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<p>Clites showcased his dual-threat ability in 2024, throwing for 1,152 yards and nine touchdowns while adding 196 rushing yards and four scores. The left-handed quarterback is an athletic player who excels in creating plays with his legs. However, he must refine his passing mechanics and decision-making to take the next step. With an entire offseason to develop, Clites has the potential to elevate Mountain Ridge's offense in 2025.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='514044' first='Carson' last='Bender'] | 5-11 | 180 | RB | Fort Hill | Class of 2027</strong></p>
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<p>Fort Hill's run-heavy offense provided Bender with significant opportunities, as he totalled 418 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on 77 carries in 2024. As the team loses two top rushers to graduation, Bender is poised to take on a more significant role next season. His ability to quickly diagnose defensive gaps and make decisive cuts will make him a key part of Fort Hill's continued success.</p>
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<p>Other articles to read</p>
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<p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/12/2025-season-souther-maryland-skills-players-to-know-part-1/">Southern Maryland 2025 Season Players to Know - Part 1</a></p>
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<p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/12/meet-some-of-the-iacs-offensive-stars-in-the-2026-class-pt-1/">Meet some of the IAC's offensive stars in the 2026 Class – Pt . 1</a></p>
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<p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/12/maryland-d-c-2027-prospects-already-on-the-radar-pt-1/">Maryland/D.C. 2027 prospects already on the radar – Pt. 1</a></p>
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<p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/12/2025-season-western-maryland-skill-players-to-know-part-1/">2025 Season: Western Maryland Skill Players to Know – Part 1</a></p>
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Western Maryland football is stacked with young talent heading into 2025. These athletes have already proven themselves as key contributors to their teams. This season, they'll have the chance to solidify their status as some of the region's best.
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