2025 WV Team Preview: Capital Cougars

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 30% Off Your Subscription with Code PRZWV30 at Checkout!</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Capital should continue to make strides as a program in year two of head coach John Carpenter returning to the sidelines. Even with a 3-7 record in 2024, the Cougars proved that they were headed in the right direction with the bulk of their talent returning in 2025. They have a nice mix of athletes spread out between their 2026-2028 classes to build around for this season and beyond, with some promising young players coming in their freshman class. Look for Capital to take another step forward this fall and continue to get back to where its storied program once was. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2025 Schedule</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8/29: vs Princeton<br>9/5: at Cabell Midland<br>9/19: vs St. Albans<br>9/26: vs South Charleston<br>10/3: vs Huntington<br>10/10: at Oak Hill<br>10/17: at Spring Valley<br>10/24: vs George Washington<br>10/31: at Nitro<br>11/7: at Riverside</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Record:</strong> 3-7<br><strong>2025 Prediction:</strong> 4-6</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1138997"],"_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-6897ba8e4fad9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2026 Capital DB [player_tooltip player_id='1138997' first='Damian' last='Johnson'] earned our #1 DB ranking in the class and enters his senior season with high expectations. He's worthy of FCS looks this fall in our opinion, with the skill set and athleticism he has as a corner. Size is one hurdle that D1 programs may face, but turn on Johnson's film and see the upside he offers. Johnson is a ball hawk and embodies that label in his game, a trait he demonstrated as a junior and should continue to display as a senior. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19077949/6732918ba95ccf78a93759fe' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6897ba8e4fd65"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1139000"],"_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-6897ba8e4fdbe"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Capital has the top two defensive back prospects in the 2026 class in our eyes, with [player_tooltip player_id='1139000' first='Jamal' last='Dotson'] being our top safety. He's done a lot of good things this summer at various camps and should have a great senior season for the Cougars. Dotson is another prospect worthy of FCS looks this fall with a strong senior year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's what we recently said about Dotson in our <em><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/07/2026-summer-rankings-defensive-stock-risers/">2026 Rankings Stock Risers article</a></em>:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"Capital's&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1139000' first='Jamal' last='Dotson']</strong> has had a strong showing at various college camps this summer and moves up to #2 in the defensive back rankings for the 2026 class. The Cougars now hold the Top 2 DB spots in our rankings, with classmate&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1138997' first='Damian' last='Johnson']</strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/damian-johnson-2/"></a>&nbsp;holding onto the #1 spot. Breaking it down positionally, Dotson would be the top safety prospect in the state for 2026 and is rapidly developing heading into his senior year. There's still room for growth, but the potential for D1 looks is there for him this fall."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18052253/6736a20d3f50993b1e0ff09a' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6897ba8e4fde4"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1139359"],"_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-6897ba8e4fe26"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jakori Cark is a physically impressive 2026 LB/EDGE prospect who colleges are going to want to know this season. His body could allow him to play either position in college, depending on how much bigger he gets at the next level. Clark has a lot of upside as a college prospect and could develop into a future star at the next level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's what we recently said about Clark in our <em><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/07/2026-summer-rankings-defensive-stock-risers/">2026 Rankings Stock Risers article</a></em>:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"Another Capital Cougar who we are high on heading into his senior year is 2026 LB/EDGE&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1139359' first='Jakori' last='Clark']</strong>. He has a lot of potential at either position at the next level, depending on how much his body develops in a college program. Clark has an athletic build with good size, which makes him versatile in what you can ask him to do. He holds just one offer from WV State according to his X account, but is deserving of many more this season."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/20158782/67362adf3f4d91c7c003929a' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6897ba8e4fe47"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1050583"],"_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-6897ba8e4fe84"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1050583' first='Christian' last='Robinson'] is yet another talented 2026 defensive back at Capital's disposal who colleges will want to know this season. He's claimed double-digit offers heading into his senior year and is a versatile athlete who can be moved around on defense in various positions and alignments. Robinson is comfortable playing tight to the line of scrimmage as an outside linebacker, but also has the athleticism to play nickel or safety and play in coverage. As he adds size and gets stronger, his ceiling as a college prospect will rise. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19911910/678c4428b4156cecdba563e0' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6897ba8e4fea3"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["894636"],"_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-6897ba8e4fedf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='894636' first='Camdyn' last='Harris'] has been an underrated player for the Cougars since he was an underclassman and has been a valuable piece on both sides of the ball. He was the Cougars' starting running back in his younger years before the emergence of #1 2027 RB [player_tooltip player_id='1155316' first='David' last='Robinson Jr'], but Harris is also a standout linebacker on defense. Size may limit his ceiling as a LB prospect, but his running back background can also be utilized at the next level. Harris is a downhill physical linebacker with the athleticism to make plays in space and fly to the football. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18495385/6736645bf510c6c8ceeb072e' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6897ba8e4fefd"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1607427"],"_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-6897ba8e4ff37"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A 2026 defensive line prospect who's flying under the radar heading into his senior year is Capital's [player_tooltip player_id='1607427' first='Tomas' last='Cintron']. He's a strong, powerful athlete along the interior of their defense and is worthy of D2 looks this fall. A full-season highlight tape would help his college efforts, but there's enough of a sample size to get him on recruiting boards heading into his final season. Cintron does a nice job as a zero-tech and is a difficult 1-on-1 matchup for centers given his power and stocky build. He can force double teams to free up his linebackers and does a nice job making plays at the line of scrimmage in run defense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19911877/675b07fa355aa43e19f36ebc' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6897ba8e4ff55"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["894635"],"_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-6897ba8e4ff90"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='894635' first='Fernando' last='Valdivia'] has been an unsung hero and valuable asset to the Capital program for four years, who is under the radar as a prospect. He's played all over the field and is an unselfish athlete who does what is asked of him. He started as a freshman and sophomore at quarterback before moving to an ATH role as a junior, but an opening again at quarterback is likely filled once again by Valdivia. Size will be an issue for him at that position for colleges, but he's shown quality arm talent in the past. His athletic versatility will be intriguing to D3 or possibly D2 programs, depending on just how athletic he is. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18078179/67f9df7dd26f11473b088343' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6897ba8e4ffaf"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1155316"],"_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-6897ba8e4ffe8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Our #1 ranked running back in the 2027 class is Capital's [player_tooltip player_id='1155316' first='David' last='Robinson Jr'], who will also be fighting for the top overall spot for the next two years as well. He flashed as an athlete as a freshman but exploded onto the scene as a sophomore at running back for the Cougars, rushing for over 1,300 yards and 18 touchdowns. Robinson Jr already holds offers from Marshall and Eastern Michigan, with a likely future at the P4 level in time. As his body further matures as he gets older, Robinson Jr should catch the eyes of bigger college programs, which may happen as soon as his junior year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/20123713/67328e43a3670f630b413b5d' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6897ba8e50006"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1616162"],"_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-6897ba8e5003f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1616162' first='DJ' last='Spencer'] will transfer into the Capital program from George Washington and further solidify the Cougars' DB room. He flashed a lot of potential at GW on their JV team, but should make a big impact on varsity as a junior this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's what we recently said about Spencer in our <em><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/07/new-additions-to-the-2027-top-100-pt-2/">2027 Rankings New Additions article</a></em>:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"Capital will be adding to their already deep and talented defensive back group with 2027 George Washington transfer DJ Spenver this season. He rounds out our 2027 defensive back Top 10 ranking and is someone who has the potential to climb higher in the future once he gets more varsity opportunities. You can see the vision of what he can become in his JV and varsity spot duty sophomore tape from last season, especially once he adds more size to his frame. Spencer is a plus athlete with the speed, quickness, and fluidity to develop into a future lockdown corner for the Cougars, which we should see some evidence of as a junior this season."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/15740645/674651af714426fb7d8e5269' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6897ba8e5005c"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1309678"],"_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-6897ba8e50095"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Capital has a pair of 2028 prospects with high-level potential, with the first being EDGE [player_tooltip player_id='1309678' first='Trevaun' last='Tyson']. We had the pleasure of watching him in person this summer at our camp, where he was an MVP. He's been putting in the work this off-season and should take a big step forward as a sophomore after showing a lot of potential his freshman year on varsity.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's what we recently said about Tyson in our <em><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/07/2028-rankings-debut-the-top-20/">2028 Rankings Debut article</a></em>:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"2028 Capital EDGE&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1309678' first='Trevaun' last='Tyson']</strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/trevaun-tyson/"></a>&nbsp;is on a high upward trajectory as a pass rush prospect for the Cougars. We saw that in person at our Combine Series camp earlier this year, where he earned DL MVP as a freshman. Tyson is ahead of the game compared to most pass rushers with his technique and is quickly and steadily improving. He has quality size and athleticism with good fundamentals at this early stage of his career, to continue to build on over the next three years."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/23198185/67ae4056ed7e1fd1e790b0d6' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6897bcaf1716d"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"[player_tooltip player_id='1138931' first='Jermare' last='Smith'] (Capital) '26 WR/DB -u0026gt; George Washington","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6897ba8e500b1"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1309676"],"_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-6897ba8e500e9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The second 2028 Capital prospect who made a big impact on varsity as a freshman is WR [player_tooltip player_id='1309676' first='Turay' last='Rush']. Rush is a well-known name in that area of the state as an athletic family, and Turay will be the next in line to earn serious college attention. He'll be a big-time playmaker for three more years and could earn some offers early on.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's what we recently said about Rush in our <em><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/07/2028-rankings-debut-the-top-20/">2028 Rankings Debut article</a></em>:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"Capital's top playmaker at receiver last season was 2028 WR&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1309676' first='Turay' last='Rush']</strong>, who flashed a lot of potential and upside as a freshman. Expect him to take a step forward as a sophomore if they can find a new quarterback to get him the ball consistently. He has D1 bloodlines and will have the opportunity to be the next in line to earn offers from that level if he continues to progress from the early signs that he's shown to date."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/22551844/67403678ca1e3e0a353f941e' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6897ba8e50106"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>OTHER PLAYERS TO KNOW</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1687804' first='Josiah' last='Greene'] - 2026 WR</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->