2025 Preseason Preview –  Annandale High School

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Annandale returns a significant portion of its offensive core, along with several multi‑sport athletes who bring size and explosiveness. The offensive line is proven and athletic. The backfield is healthy again. And the passing game has two towering weapons who demand defensive attention. On defense, the Cardinals are replacing several starters but expect to stay aggressive and fast with a blitz‑heavy identity.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are the players expected to lead the way:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1362932' first='Gabe' last='Westman'] – WR/CB</strong><br>At 6‑foot‑3, Westman creates matchup problems with his length, leaping ability, and body control. He's a trusted deep‑ball target and red‑zone option who knows how to high‑point the football. He'll also take snaps at cornerback this season as Annandale fills gaps in the secondary left by seniors who moved on.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Colton Purcell – WR/S</strong><br>A Top‑15 junior basketball player statewide, Purcell is 6‑foot‑3, 205 pounds, and gets vertical. He has added quickness and burst since last season. Expect him to line up across from Westman and help anchor the back end at safety during base or nickel sets.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1257442' first='Isaiah' last='Turner'] – RB/Slot</strong><br>Turner missed nearly all of 2024 due to compartment syndrome and a PCL sprain. Now cleared and healthy at 6‑0, 190, he is a physical, fast and versatile weapon. He can operate from the backfield or in the slot and was on track to play at the junior college or Division II level before injuries sidelined him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1489404' first='Michael' last='Kovall'] – QB</strong><br>The 6‑4, 220‑pound returner enters 2025 fully recovered from a broken ankle suffered in Week 2 last year. He is an experienced dual‑threat quarterback who adds size and mobility. Kovall recently <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/07/612-qbs-final-summer-session-top-performers-pt-2/?itm_source=parsely-api">participated in 612 QBs Final Summer Session</a> and stood out among his peers. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1706523' first='Owen' last='Pederson'] – OT/DE</strong><br>At 6‑3 and 230 pounds, Pederson is a natural fit for both tackle and edge. He has the mobility and size to pull and finish blocks as well as rush from the defensive front. Watch for Pederson as a defensive prospect at the next level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ben Walter – C/DE</strong><br>A three‑year starter at center, Walter brings athleticism and foot speed usually seen in linemen at other positions. He will also rotate in at edge on defense as needed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Adam Clad – G</strong><br>A state‑level wrestler and the starting guard, Clad anchors the interior line with his physical power and leverage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cam Ergen – RB/LB</strong><br>Ergen will contribute inside as a downhill running back and rotate at linebacker. At 5‑9 and 200 pounds, he plays tackle‑hard and gives the team dependable snaps on both sides.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1648447' first='Keagan' last='Grube'] – LB/G</strong><br>After missing most of last year with an ACL injury, Grube is back at full strength. He will be the starting middle linebacker and may also play at guard. He has used the offseason to regain strength in both directions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->