2025 WV Team Preview: Grafton Bearcats

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 30% Off Your Subscription with Code PRZWV30 at Checkout!</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Grafton Bearcats continue to make progress in turning their program around with signs of life in 2024. Although they graduated some key pieces to that team, Grafton returns a large chunk of their team in 2025 and should take another step forward as a program, even if it doesn't show in the win column. There's young talent in the program to build around for the future, which may not fully bloom until the next year or two. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2025 Schedule</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8/29: vs Philip Barbour<br>9/5: vs East Fairmont<br>9/12: at Lincoln<br>9/19: at Hampshire<br>9/26: vs Berkeley Springs<br>10/2: at Elkins<br>10/17: vs Robert C. Byrd<br>10/24: at Bridgeport<br>10/31: at North Marion<br>11/7: vs Lewis County</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Record:</strong> 3-7<br><strong>2025 Prediction:</strong> 3-7</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1691211"],"_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-689ceb6c528ae"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A senior leader for Grafton this season who will make his biggest impact on defense will be 2026 LB [player_tooltip player_id='1691211' first='Brayden' last='Boggs']. He made his debut in the rankings this summer and should have an impactful senior year for the Bearcats. Boggs is a high effort player who gives 100% effort on every play and would be a valuable addition to a D3 program. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's what we recently said about Boggs in our <em><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/07/new-additions-to-the-2026-top-250-pt-2/">2026 Rankings New Additions article</a></em>:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1691211' first='Brayden' last='Boggs']</strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/brayden-boggs/"></a> is a valuable piece to the Grafton program that many people may not be too familiar with yet. He's an under-the-radar prospect heading into his senior year and provides value on both sides of the ball for the Bearcats as a linebacker on defense and a power back/fullback on offense. We like him at middle linebacker at the next level as he's strong between the tackles in the running game. Boggs does a nice job seeking out inside runners and reads the play well with form tackling once he reaches the ball carrier."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18083049/679ba89fcd11cb4765e99652' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-689df42353783"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1605766"],"_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-689ceb6c52932"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2026 Grafton prospect [player_tooltip player_id='1605766' first='Brayden' last='White'] will be a interesting watch this season as he makes a position change for his final season. Needed on the offensive line last season, White will now move to TE on offense and can play DE/LB on defense. His 6'1 215 frame gives him valuable size for the tight end position, and we'll see how his offensive line background translates to the position. White should have the blocking aspect of the position down but we'll see if he can be a factor in the passing game too to better judge his outlook as a college prospect. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16684384/678ed86c3364cd3b259c64e1' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-689df423537d2"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1326533"],"_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-689ceb6c5298b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A 2027 prospect from Grafton who we are high on is RB/LB [player_tooltip player_id='1326533' first='Cash' last='Nestor']. He debuted as a Top 5 running back in the class this summer and should be their workhorse in the backfield this season. Nestor has the size to be a punishing every down running back and has the potential to eclipse 1,000 yards as a junior. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's what we recently said about Nestor 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>"Another 2027 running back who is under the radar and is deserving of more attention is Grafton's <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1326533' first='Cash' last='Nestor']</strong>. He's another athletic running back with good size who should grab colleges' attention sooner rather than later. Nestor also has upside as a linebacker with those physical traits, which may end up being his best position as a prospect. He's a physical player on both sides of the ball, and it shows up in his running style as a downhill runner who consistently breaks tackles and falls forward."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19814582/677cc5c95c4917727fe27590' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-689df42353813"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1616330"],"_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-689ceb6c529d6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another 2027 Grafton prospect that we like a lot is offensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='1616330' first='Abbott' last='Dahl']. He has a high ceiling for the position as he continues to grow into his frame, which will take his game to new levels as he does. His coaches feel that Dahl is one of the best offensive linemen to ever come through the program if he steadily develops over the next two years. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's what we recently said about Dahl 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>"An underrated offensive lineman who colleges are going to want to know for the next two seasons is Grafton's <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1616330' first='Abbott' last='Dahl']</strong>. Once he fills out his 6'3 frame, Dahl has the potential to be a top offensive line prospect in the 2027 class, with signs of a bright future when you watch his sophomore tape. Footwork and physicality are already apparent in Dahl's game and are the two top traits you notice first on film. He'll likely be a future stock riser in our rankings once we see his progression in his junior and senior film."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19860323/6703045aeb7507751713d5c2' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-689df42353850"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1590026"],"_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-689ceb6c52a1f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2028 ATH/QB [player_tooltip player_id='1590026' first='Chace' last='Kinsey'] should be a fun watch for Grafton this season as he transitions from receiver to quarterback for the Bearcats. He was a standout as a freshman pass cacther and clearly has high athletic upside from seeing him at that position. How talented of a passer Kinsey is will be determined this year and in the future, but his versatiliy will garner him college looks as an upperclassman. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's what we recently said about Kinsey in our <em><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/07/2028-rankings-debut-the-https://prepredzone.com/2025/07/2028-rankings-debut-the-top-50/top-50/">2028 Rankings Debut article</a></em>:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"A versatile 2028 athlete who will be moving from receiver to quarterback this season is Grafton's <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1590026' first='Chace' last='Kinsey']</strong>. He showcased his athletic ability in year one as one of their top targets in the passing game, but will now orchestrate their offense as a sophomore behind center. Kinsey's athleticism will provide versatility on offense as someone whose legs can be utilized as much as his arm, if not more. He's done well this summer during 7-on-7s and should make an easy transition to QB1 this season."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/23041142/6737bec10b69e5ada7cddbef' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-689df4235388d"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1590934"],"_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-689ceb6c52a66"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2028 Grafton OL [player_tooltip player_id='1590934' first='Cole' last='Boyles'] should take a step forward as a sophomore for the Bearcats after seeing action as a freshman. He has the potential to make big strides over his career if he puts in the work to get there. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's what we recently said about Boyles in our <em><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/07/2028-rankings-debut-the-top-90/">2028 Rankings Debut article:</a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1590934' first='Cole' last='Boyles']</strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/cole-boyles/"></a> was a varsity letterman for Grafton as a freshman and showed potential to develop into a solid prospect in time. He's expectedly raw as a young lineman, but can steadily progress over the next three years if he puts in the work. Boyles has quality interior lineman size and can give reps on both sides of the line. He's someone to keep tabs on over the next three years to see how he develops, with the potential to develop into a college prospect."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16194967/67643a54652f5043e660ba0b' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-689df423538c9"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>OTHER PLAYERS TO KNOW</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1235251' first='Cole' last='Runner'] - 2026 WR/DB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Michael Newbraugh - 2026 OL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1668419' first='Tanner' last='Lipscomb'] - 2027 ATH/LB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Caden Taylor - 2027 WR/DB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Randall Grogg - 2028 LB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Braxton Rush - 2028 OL/DL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hunter McQuain - 2028 WR/DB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1716456' first='JW' last='Nestor'] - 2029 WR/DB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1716424' first='Rondo' last='Kuntz'] - 2029 RB/LB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1716479' first='Micah' last='Barb'] - 2029 OL/DL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1716481' first='Jordan' last='Watson-Walters'] - 2029 OL/DL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->