PRZ VA Team Previews: Maury

The Maury Commodores repeated as the VHSL Class 5 state champions this past season with a record of 15-0. It was the second time in a row winning the state championship with the exact record. Outside of their games against Wise (20-14 win) and Green Run (20-14), Maury annihilated everyone else.   Here's a look at some of their top players coming back for the 2025 season.    Collins has an offer from Sacred Heart. Collins showcased excellent ball skills last season, playing like a centerfielder from his safety position. He has a knack for high-pointing the football and coming down with interceptions. I love how quickly Collins reacts and closes in on the ball carrier, whether it's a run or pass play. He plays much bigger than his size and has solid tackling skills. I'm not too worried about his size. Collins can put on some good weight and get stronger once he reaches college, so he'll be able to handle the physicality.     Jones, who earned a nod as a first-team All-State offensive lineman, was a big reason why Muary averaged 457 total yards per game last season. Size-wise, he isn't the biggest. However, there aren't many centers in the state that exhibit the physicality that Jones displays. Whether it's running or pass-blocking, he's the one making the attack. He possesses impressive lateral quickness and the agility to block effectively at the second level. Jones generates push at the point of attack and can sustain blocks over time. There's room on someone's team for a player like Jones.     Simmons was an All-VHSL Class 5 First-team all-state selection last season. He chose Pittsburgh over a double-digit list of offers that included Duke, Michigan, Old Dominion, Syracuse, and West Virginia. One of the reasons Simmons will find his way onto a college football field early in his career will have something to do with his play on special teams. He plays with a potent mix of physicality, speed and athleticism. Simmons has an explosive first step, enabling him to disrupt plays quickly. He times his blitzes well and makes numerous plays behind the line of scrimmage. Defenses will have to account for him at all times.       Moss-Williams committed to James Madison on June 22nd, over other schools that included 15-plus other schools, such as Pittsburgh, Virginia, East Carolina, Duke, and Buffalo. He comes into this season as one of the most electrifying players in the state. Moss-Williams excels at making defenders miss and turning routine plays into game-breaking touchdowns. I love his stop-start ability, and he's a versatile receiver who can produce from the inside and outside. I'm excited to see what he does in his final season of high school football.     Wiggins committed to William & Mary back on July 5th. He caught 31 passes for 642 yards and seven touchdowns last season. He lined up at wide receiver, cornerback and free safety for the Commodores last season. Wiggins excelled as a slot receiver last season, proving to be a mismatch for safeties and whoever else tried to guard him. I'm impressed with his top-end speed and his ability to create consistent separation. Wiggins is the guy who can turn what looks like a short gain into a big play for his team. He's elusive and will provide more big plays for the Commodores this upcoming season.       Branche has early offers from Toledo, ODU, Syracuse, and Charlotte. We'll revisit him during the season as he gets some things on film.     Williams' offer list includes ODU, Charlotte, Duke, Syracuse, and Jackson State. If you look at his highlights, the first few plays tell you all you need to know as to why he's being highly recruited as a cornerback. His ability to read the quarterback's eyes, react quickly to the ball, and make plays on the football (like the interceptions, including pick-sixes), put him in the blue-chip category. What stands out to me is his playmaking ability after he intercepts a pass. He's looking to score off the turnovers he gets. Williams has excellent speed, and there aren't many receivers he faces who can run past him. Look for him to have a strong junior year campaign.     Hughes has an offer from Elizabeth City State University. He's a more than solid contributor to the Commodores as both a running back and linebacker. He's one of the anchors in the middle that helps Maury be the dominant defense they've been over the past couple of seasons. His size (height) probably hurts him as far as recruiting goes, but he's a solid linebacker who can find a home somewhere on the next level. I think his ability to be an effective blitzer is due to his quick acceleration. He covers a lot of ground and is a disruptor.     McDaniel committed to North Carolina Central back on July 3rd. Daniel was a key contributor as a wide receiver and cornerback for Maury last season. I respect his wide receiver skills, but I love his ability to make plays on the ball as a cornerback. There are pass-breakups and interceptions, along with forced fumbles, that show he is a difference-maker on the defensive side of the ball.    OTHER PRE-SEASON PREVIEWS   <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/07/prz-va-team-preview-colgan-sharks/">COLGAN SHARKS</a>

The Maury Commodores repeated as the VHSL Class 5 state champions this past season with a record of 15-0. It was the second time in a row winning the state championship with the exact record. Outside of their games against Wise (20-14 win) and Green Run (20-14), Maury annihilated everyone else.