2025 WV Team Preview: Cabell Midland Knights

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 30% Off Your Subscription with Code PRZWV30 at Checkout!</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cabell Midland took its lumps in 2024 under a first-year head coach and will debut yet another head man in 2025 with Eric Fetty taking the reins. Roster turnover presents opportunities to young players and new faces to emerge this season in year one of the Fetty era. He'll still have some weapons to utilize and pieces in the trenches to put together a quality product this fall as they work to get back to where their program was in the past. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2025 Schedule</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8/30: at Pikeville (KY)<br>9/5: vs Capital<br>9/12: vs George Washington<br>9/19: at Spring Valley<br>9/26: vs Hurricane<br>10/3: vs Columbus St. Francis DeSales (OH)<br>10/17: at Parkersburg<br>10/24: vs Fairview Park (OH)<br>10/31: at Huntington<br>11/7: at Parkersburg South</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Record:</strong> 5-6<br><strong>2025 Prediction:</strong> 5-5</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["989040"],"_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-6890f8a7e9d98"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Cabell Midland will have a talented 2026 defensive lineman to build around in the trenches with [player_tooltip player_id='989040' first='Bradley' last='Edens'] this season. Departures along their offensive line due to transfer may have Edens playing both ways as a senior, but he'll be playing interior DL at the next level. The WV State commit is a strong, powerful athlete in the middle of their defensive front that will give centers and guards issues in the running game. Edens is a physical player who can close running lanes and demand double teams. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16918461/672b8df8612a2a6625d82885' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6897b778e7b24"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1690441"],"_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-6890f8a7e9e07"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2026 Cabell Midland LB [player_tooltip player_id='1690441' first='Turner' last='Bailey'] recently debuted as a Top 15 linebacker in our summer rankings update after posting film for the first time. He'll be a defensive leader for the Knights this season and looks the part of a downhill physical middle linebacker. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's what we recently said about Bailey in our <em><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/07/new-additions-to-the-2026-top-150/">2026 Rankings New Additions article</a></em>:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"A new name on our radar this off-season who impressed when watching his film was 2026 Cabell Midland LB&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1690441' first='Turner' last='Bailey']</strong>. He makes his debut in the rankings as a Top 15 linebacker in the class with the potential to climb higher this season. Bailey picked up his first offer earlier this summer from WV State and should add to that list with a solid senior season. He has quality size and an athletic build with the versatility to play inside or outside linebacker, which gives him further upside for the next level."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/15092897/67c609e4fc114bbbce050043' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6897b778e7b9c"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1264001"],"_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-6890f8a7e9e55"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another 2026 Cabell Midland prospect who debuted in the rankings this summer was OL [player_tooltip player_id='1264001' first='Jordan' last='Wheeler']. He's benefitted from transfer departures, which pressed him into action as a junior, and Wheeler made the most of his opportunity. WV State extended him an offer this summer, and he may end up being a stock riser in the rankings after his senior season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's what we recently said about Wheeler in our <em><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/07/new-additions-to-the-2026-top-250-pt-1/">2026 Rankings New Additions article</a></em>:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"Cabell Midland's&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1264001' first='Jordan' last='Wheeler']</strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/jordan-wheeler/"></a>&nbsp;will be called upon to be a leader for the Knights' offensive line group this season after that group has been decimated by transfers. He may have been an afterthought in the same class as three D1 former classmates, but Wheeler stayed the course and earned a starting spot as a junior and is now one of their top returning linemen. He lacks some size, but Wheeler plays his role well as a pulling guard who uses sound technique and opens holes even without prototypical size. Wheeler does a nice job turning his man when the run is coming through his gap and plays with controlled physicality."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19559425/678feb1f742c6987c2109525' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6897b778e7bed"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1185571"],"_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-6897b778ea84d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We're expecting big things from 2027 Cabell Midland TE/EDGE [player_tooltip player_id='1185571' first='Keian' last='Shelton'] this season after developing at the freshman and JV level the past two years. He has all of the physical tools and intangibles to develop into a high-level prospect in time, and we anticipate him to begin showing that as a junior this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's what we recently said about Shelton in our <em><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/07/2027-summer-rankings-update-offensive-stock-risers/">2027 Rankings Stock Risers article</a></em>:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"2027 Cabell Midland TE&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1185571' first='Keian' last='Shelton']</strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/keian-shelton/"></a>&nbsp;has been our #1 ranked tight end in the class since the rankings made their debut, but he makes a big jump to inside the Top 10 heading into his junior year. It's his time to shine on the varsity squad this season, and he can do so at both TE/DE with high upside at both positions. Shelton has the size and athleticism to develop into a future FBS prospect once he produces at the varsity level, and we expect to see that from him beginning this fall."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18282287/670c8bcaeb51e15406629084' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6897b778ea880"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["920539"],"_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-6890f8a7e9e9b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='920539' first='Eli' last='Thompson'] is a prospect we've liked since finding his freshman film two years ago, and he'll now be a team leader as a junior. He'll be a key piece to their success on both sides of the ball as a TE/DE. Thompson has a great frame that can continue to be molded over time as his body transforms. Thompson's length, power, and athleticism give him a high ceiling as a defensive line prospect and should begin to open eyes from colleges this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18285492/681911901647154d0e04ace9' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6897b778ea8f2"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1154944"],"_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-6890f8a7e9ede"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another promising 2027 Cabell Midland big man prospect that we're high on is OL/DL [player_tooltip player_id='1154944' first='Braeden' last='Armstead']. He got his varsity opportunity as a sophomore last season and is steadily developing both physically and fundamentally. Armstead will man the center position in a system that will likely lean heavily on its running game at a key point of contact. Hard work in the weight room over the off-season will prove dividends for his game and ability heading into his junior year and should allow him to take another step forward this year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19548872/6758822a9571ced8dfa0d395' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6897b778ea92c"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1589349"],"_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-6890f8a7e9f20"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The third 2027 Cabell Midland lineman prospect to know is OL/DL [player_tooltip player_id='1589349' first='Aiden' last='Estep']. He's waited his turn for his varsity opportunity which may come during his junior yeat, but is always a top performer at the camps we see him at. Ranked as a DL prospect, Estep can provide quality reps on both sides of the line, and we'll see how his coaches utilize him this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's what we recently said about Estep in our <em><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/07/2027-summer-rankings-update-defensive-stock-risers/">2027 Rankings Stock Risers article</a></em>:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"A steady climber in the 2027 rankings is Cabell Midland's&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1589349' first='Aiden' last='Estep']</strong>, who seemingly looks better every time we see him in person. That was the case again earlier this summer at a camp after first getting eyes on him in January for the first time at our Stock Up Showcase. You could see his potential back then, and it's translating to confidence and steady improvement as he heads into his junior year. WV State also saw that potential as they extended Estep his first college offer back in June. He still hasn't come close to his ceiling as a player and is likely to again be a future stock riser in our rankings once this potential translates to varsity success on Friday nights."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19551033/67395e452c21fb2e4166d63f' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6897b778ea96c"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1616160"],"_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-6890f8a7e9fac"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1616160' first='Andrew' last='LaFon'] will handle the kicking duties for Cabell Midland again this season and has a high ceiling as a specialist prospect. His athletic versatility will get him on the field in more ways than one, but his biggest impact will come on special teams. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's what we recently said about LaFon in our <em><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/07/new-additions-to-the-2027-top-100-pt-1/">2027 Rankings New Additions article</a></em>:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"2027 Cabell Midland K&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1616160' first='Andrew' last='LaFon']</strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/andrew-lafon/"></a>&nbsp;rounds out our Top 5 for kickers in the class as a high upside athlete for the position. He's a good athlete who can play other positions for the Knights, which bodes well for his future as a kicker prospect. That athleticism will translate well for his development as a specialist, as a fluid athlete who can be mechanically sound as a kicker. Game film from LaFon as a kicker is limited, but you can see his potential in practice videos, and he is capable of moving up the rankings once more game film is available to us."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16748006/6885719f31019884f61929f1' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6897b778ea9a3"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":"","_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-6890f8a7e9f62"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>OTHER PLAYERS TO KNOW</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1263981' first='Caleb' last='Ash'] - 2026 OL/DL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1331242' first='Bryson' last='Smith'] - 2027 WR/DB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Braylon Wing - 2027 RB/LB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1743485' first='Logan' last='Shull'] - 2028 QB/LB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->