2025 WV Team Preview: Herbert Hoover Huskies

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 30% Off Your Subscription with Code PRZWV30 at Checkout!</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Herbert Hoover Huskies finished as runner-ups in Class AAA in 2024, suffering their only loss of the season in the state championship at nearby Laidley Field. That bitter taste has stuck with them over the off-season as they look to be in the mix for a title run yet again in 2025. The Huskies have bolstered their roster with some highly ranked transfers, with some talented returning players already in the program that will have them at the top of the Class AAA rankings all season long. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2025 Schedule</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8/29: at Independence<br>9/5: at Winfield<br>9/12: vs Nitro<br>9/19: at Lincoln County<br>9/26: at Point Pleasant<br>10/3: vs South Charleston<br>10/17: vs Ripley<br>10/24: at Frankfort<br>10/31: vs Parkersburg<br>11/7: at Weir</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Record:</strong> 13-1<br><strong>2025 Prediction:</strong> 9-1</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1137681"],"_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-689fa057a7dde"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A huge addition to the Herbet Hoover program this season, both figuratively and literally, is 2026 WR [player_tooltip player_id='1137681' first='Aiden' last='Hernandez']. We got to see him in person at our Combine Series camp earlier this summer, where he was a physically gifted athlete who impressed with his size and raw athletic ability. The Winfield transfer has been high in the rankings since his sophomore year, but now sits inside the Top 15 in his class with D1 upside in our eyes. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17788413/67ff4b312b345a37ffc748fa' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-689fa057a80ef"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["922040"],"_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-689fa057a815d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2026 RB [player_tooltip player_id='922040' first='Blake' last='Fisher'] has been a top-tier player for the Huskies for two years now and will return as their top offensive weapon this season. He's a versatile player who's as effective a pass catcher as he is running the ball. That versatility makes Fisher a difficult task for defenses to prepare for and contain. He's a smart football player who has developed his game well and should see increased college interest this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17311025/678c03583113556828bebf66' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-689fa057a8185"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1235286"],"_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-689fa057a81cf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2026 Herbert Hoover OL [player_tooltip player_id='1235286' first='Mighty' last='Lopez'] has been a stalwart on the Huskies' offensive line since his sophomore year, and will return as a three-year starter. They can move him around to any spot along the offensive line, but guard or center is where his future is at the next level. Lopez is a strong, powerful athlete with quality interior size who D2 programs should be targeting this fall. He's also asked to pull a lot in their offense and can do so from tackle, which also speaks to Lopez's athletic ability. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17803134/6813ae718638d64a6dd71644' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-689fa057a81f4"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1239033"],"_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-689fa057a823a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the top specialists in the 2026 class resides at Herbert Hoover in kicker Voss Duerberger. He was nearly perfect on PATs last season for the Huskies, converting on 68/69 kicks with a lot of opportunities in their high-powered offense. Deurnberger also made a 36-yard field goal and recorded 17 touchbacks on kickoffs. Listed at 6'2 205, Duernberger has the size and athleticism to become a high-level kicker at the college level and is worthy of scholarship offers this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">3.8 gpa <a href="https://t.co/hPH5jLnZJC">pic.twitter.com/hPH5jLnZJC</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='1239033' first='Voss' last='Duernberger'] (@VossD123) <a href="https://twitter.com/VossD123/status/1876881771658088899?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1692266"],"_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-689fa057a8283"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A top returning all-state player for the Huskies is 2026 WR [player_tooltip player_id='1692266' first='Sam' last='Kee']. He made his debut in our rankings in the summer update as a Top 20 receiver in the state and will be a key piece again in the Huskies' passing attack. Kee has quality size and athleticism to pair with ability and production that should garner college attention this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's what we recently said about Kee 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>"Herbert Hoover should have a dynamic passing attack in 2025, with 2026 WR <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1692266' first='Sam' last='Kee']</strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/sam-kee-2/"></a> being one of their top targets. He was an All-State player as a junior, and is a reliable pass catcher for the Huskies who you can count on to make a big play when you need one. Kee has sticky hands and excels in contested catches as someone you'd feel comfortable throwing the ball up to and letting him go make a play. In his film against Wayne, he was often double-bracketed, which speaks to the respect opposing teams give him and the threat that he is."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18052200/6887fa92d5317ef8fa549e6f' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-689fa057a82a8"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1155315"],"_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-689fa057a82ed"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another huge transfer pickup for this season for the Huskies is our #1-ranked defensive back in the 2027 class, [player_tooltip player_id='1155315' first='Kno'sean' last='Hampton']. He was a productive two-year player for Hurricane and will now finish out his career at Herbert Hoover, giving them another weapon to utilize on both sides of the ball. Hampton has D1 potential in our eyes, as his older brother, Shalik, signed with Mercyhurst this past signing day. Hampton can affect the outcome of the game in all three phases of the game, and is a plus athlete who can be used in a variety of ways. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19487843/67894d609c703c63670ef802' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-689fa057a830f"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1166650"],"_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-689fa057a8353"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2028 QB [player_tooltip player_id='1166650' first='Peyton' last='Grigsby'] will have the tall task of replacing four-year starter and record-holding quarterback Dane Hatfield this season. Those are big shoes to fill, but Grigsby will be a much different player, which will change the Huskies' offense from what it has been in recent years. He should be able to open up the passing game more as an athlete with arm talent to spread the ball to the weapons that will be at his disposal. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's what we recently said about Grigsby in our <em><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/07/2028-rankings-debut-the-top-30/">2028 Rnakings Debut article</a></em>:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1166650' first='Peyton' last='Grigsby']</strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/peyton-grigsby/"></a> was QB1 for Capital as a freshman and will head to Herbert Hoover for the rest of his high school career. He did some good things for the Cougars in year one as a starting varsity freshman quarterback and should progress year after year at his new school. Grigsby will have big shoes to fill with 4-year starter and Northern Illinois signee Dane Hatfield finally graduating, but he will put his spin on the Huskies' offense as more of a passer. If he can keep adding size and progressing in reading defenses, Grigsby has the arm talent to be among the best quarterback prospects in the 2028 class."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Thanks to my coaches for the opportunities this year, and thanks to <a href="https://twitter.com/Jerraldlong?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Jerraldlong</a> for always keeping me prepared. <a href="https://twitter.com/PrepRedzoneWV?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrepRedzoneWV</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/WVMetroNews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WVMetroNews</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/lootpress?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@lootpress</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PhillipsQBA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PhillipsQBA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/QBIQsystem?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@QBIQsystem</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/WVPrepFB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WVPrepFB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RecruitCapital?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RecruitCapital</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoalfieldsCo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoalfieldsCo</a> <a href="https://t.co/pVLLJEl7e4">pic.twitter.com/pVLLJEl7e4</a></p>&mdash; Peyton (PG-13) Grigsby (@grigsby_peyton7) <a href="https://twitter.com/grigsby_peyton7/status/1856688331720892553?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1221550"],"_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-689fa057a839e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of those weapons that Grigsby will be getting the ball to is classmate WR [player_tooltip player_id='1221550' first='Lance' last='Williams Jr']. We're expecting him to see an increased role on offense as a sophomore, as an athlete with a lot of upside and potential. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's what we recently said about Williams Jr in our <em><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/07/2028-rankings-debut-the-top-40/">2028 Rankings Debut article</a></em>:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"We're still waiting on 2028 Herbert Hoover WR <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1221550' first='Lance' last='Williams Jr']</strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/lance-williams-jr/"></a> to produce more game film, but expect him to begin to emerge as a sophomore for the Huskies this season. He's been a standout on the 7-on-7 circuit this summer, and we're anxious to see how it translates to Friday nights beginning this fall. Williams Jr has displayed impressive route-running ability this summer during 7-on-7, with the speed and quickness to create consistent separation. As his body develops and matures further, he should be able to become a top receiver prospect in this class once he proves it on Friday nights."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /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='894987' first='Devin' last='Silvas'] - 2026 RB/LB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1811162' first='Dalton' last='Myers'] - 2026 WR/DB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ryan Gandee - 2026 OL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mykell Taylor - 2026 LB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1669835' first='Tristin' last='Shaffer'] - 2028 OL/LB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->