Winter Exposure Showcase LB/DB MVPs & Top Performers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Over 60 athletes from multiple states made their way to The Highlands Sports Complex in Triadelphia, WV on Sunday Night to compete at the 2nd Annual Winter Exposure Showcase. While it was a smaller camp, there was no shortage of talent on display at each position group from freshmen to seniors. Here are some running back and linebacker top performers at the camp.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>LINEBACKER</strong> MVPs</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1182880"],"_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-67576383d1a50"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The top pure LB prospect in attendance of the Winter Exposure Showcase in my eyes was 2026 North Hills (PA) linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1182880' first='Joey' last='Lutz']. Lutz is a physically built junior who just wrapped up a very good season where he totaled a team-leading 103 tackles, 16 TFLs, and 6.5 sacks. He carried that momentum with him into Sunday night's camp with a strong performance in both skills 1-on-1s and switching over to the OL-DL portion as an edge rusher. Lutz has a good combination of size and athleticism which translated to several winning reps in the skill 1-on-1s including one of the best plays of the night during the goal line portion of the camp ripping away a one-handed interception from the receiver with an across-the-middle throw. In the few reps I saw him as an edge rusher versus the OL group, Lutz was dominant and too strong and powerful for the young linemen in attendance. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Very honored to be named Positional MVP at the winter exposure camp at Linebacker!!! <a href="https://twitter.com/NHIndiansFB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NHIndiansFB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BallHawkMedia1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BallHawkMedia1</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachGordon10?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachGordon10</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/wpialsportsnews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wpialsportsnews</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PAELITE7v7?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PAELITE7v7</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Mr_LTroke?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Mr_LTroke</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BZangaro21?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BZangaro21</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ironcityselect?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ironcityselect</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachMathis922?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachMathis922</a> <a href="https://t.co/5E53qpYqch">pic.twitter.com/5E53qpYqch</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='1182880' first='Joey' last='Lutz'] (@JoeyLutz10) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeyLutz10/status/1865967041695408410?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2024</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1139399"],"_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-67576383d1ab3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Nicholas County's [player_tooltip player_id='1139399' first='Devin' last='Nash'] was a very familiar name at the camp as he also earned Top Performer honors back in the spring at the PRZ WV Combine and showed out again this time earning LB MVP honors. The 2026 LB just wrapped up another very strong season for the Grizzlies leading the team in tackles and posting over 150 tackles in back-to-back seasons. Linebacker is always a tough position to stand out in a camp setting, but Nash consistently gets it done showing dedication to his craft. He's putting on good size and is developing his body well which translated to some physical reps in goal line 1-on-1s stymying running backs before they could break into their routes. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">After the 2024 football season, I had the opportunity to attend a camp where I was honored to receive the MVP award for the linebacker group. It was a valuable experience that allowed me to showcase my skills and continue my development. A big thank you to <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachGordon10?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachGordon10</a> for… <a href="https://t.co/neoyvcIwvz">pic.twitter.com/neoyvcIwvz</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='1139399' first='Devin' last='Nash'] (@DevinNash267082) <a href="https://twitter.com/DevinNash267082/status/1865948779570188474?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2024</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1141998"],"_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-67576383d1af9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2025 Black River RB/LB Seth Gaspari was another talented prospect from the Pirates' program and earned an MVP Award for linebacker at the camp. Gaspari was a very good two-way player this season for Black Hills rushing for over 1,000 yards and 13 touchdowns in addition to 59 tackles on defense. He's a big physical athlete who is filled out well and is athletic for his size. Most of his game film is at running back but linebacker may be his best position at the next level given his skillset as an athlete. Gaspari shows a lot of D3 interest on his X account but looked like an athlete that D2 programs need to get in on more. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>DEFENSIVE BACK MVPs</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Chris Jaquay","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2028","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'8u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"150","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2495","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Ringgold","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6758b25273149"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The surprise of the night in my eyes was 2028 Ringgold (PA) DB Chris Jaquay who ended the camp as the top defensive back and one of two MVPs. Early on, it was easy to overlook the undersized freshman, but Jaquay continued to build momentum as the night went on and finished very strong. Even as a smaller young DB, he went on a run during 1-on-1s seemingly going on a long streak of winning reps. Jaquay was getting some good pointers and motivation from Coach Mathis throughout the camp, and his confidence got stronger and stronger as the camp progressed. Jaquay stuck to receivers very well and ran step-for-step against some talented pass catchers in attendance. He used his hands well during routes without getting too handsy that would've drawn a flag during a real game. His athleticism snuck up on receivers and he had their respect by the end of the night. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Thank you for mvp award for the exposure camp <a href="https://twitter.com/BallHawkMedia1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BallHawkMedia1</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachGordon10?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachGordon10</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RinggoldFball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RinggoldFball</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PAELITE7v7?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PAELITE7v7</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/WPIAL_Insider?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WPIAL_Insider</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/TheWPIALEdition?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheWPIALEdition</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PA_TodaySports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PA_TodaySports</a> <a href="https://t.co/mBsJIVBQll">pic.twitter.com/mBsJIVBQll</a></p>&mdash; Chris Jaquay (@chri15132) <a href="https://twitter.com/chri15132/status/1865952116260393117?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2024</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1228131"],"_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-67576383d1b7d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The other DB MVP of the WInter Exposure Showcase was a familiar name with 2025 St. Albans ATH/DB [player_tooltip player_id='1228131' first='Deuce' last='McClain']. McClain had a stock-rising senior season for the Dragons which earned him a recent offer from WV State. He led St. Albans in tackles this season with 90 and totaled 8 PDs and an interception from his safety spot. McClain is a bit undersized but is a plus athlete and a fearless player who doesn't shy away from contact. He attacks the ball in the air and when supporting coming downhill. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Had a great time at Exposure camp tonight. Thank you to <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachGordon10?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachGordon10</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachMcCannERT?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachMcCannERT</a> <a href="https://t.co/V4IBfB8yxt">pic.twitter.com/V4IBfB8yxt</a></p>&mdash; Marc “Deuce” McClain (@deuce_mcclain) <a href="https://twitter.com/deuce_mcclain/status/1865940880710070579?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2024</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>DB TOP PERFORMERS</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["913388"],"_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-6758b25273220"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2027 North Hills (PA) WR/DB [player_tooltip player_id='913388' first='Johnell' last='Edison'] has a bright future as a DB but is considered a Top 15 WR in the PA 2027 class right now. Edison worked out as a DB at the camp and was one of the top performers in my eyes against a talented WR group. He has quality size for a young DB and pairs that with athletic fluidity. Edison had several winning reps in both portions of 1-on-1s in the full field and during the goal line segment. He has a physical build that translates to physicality in man coverage which you could see during the camp and on his sophomore highlight tape. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1329999"],"_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-6758b25273272"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">An in-state 2025 prospect who impressed me at the Winter Exposure Showcase and has flown under our radar this season was Parkersburg DB [player_tooltip player_id='1329999' first='Conner' last='Petty']. Petty totaled 30 tackles and 5 passes defended during his senior year for the Big Reds at corner but looked like an ideal candidate to move to safety in college from seeing him in person. He has good size and looked like the most put-together defensive back in attendance. Petty was impressive during 1-on-1s winning several reps whose size and physicality caused some issues for receivers. Seeing him move during individual drills, Petty was moving well for his size and there's some size and athleticism to work with for his game that should have D2 and D3 programs checking in on him. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->