2025 WV Team Preview: Linsly Cadets

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 30% Off Your Subscription with Code PRZWV30 at Checkout!</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Linsly Cadets had a forgettable season in 2024, but that 0-10 record has been great motivation all off-season that could fuel a good bounce-back season. They return a significant portion of their young roster from last year and have added some key pieces to the program that will make a big difference. Although they aren't eligible for the playoffs or an WVSSAC member, Linsly is a program that colleges need to keep close tabs on as they produce talented college prospects each year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2025 Schedule</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8/30: vs Westinghouse (PA)<br>9/5: at Brooke<br>9/12: at St. Clairsville (OH)<br>9/19: vs Steubenville (OH)<br>9/26: at New Philadelphia (OH)<br>10/10: at Barnesville (OH)<br>10/17: vs Dover (OH)<br>10/24: at Parkersburg South<br>11/1: at Kiski Prep (PA)<br>11/7: vs Huntington</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Record:</strong> 0-10<br><strong>2025 Prediction:</strong> 5-5</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["402801"],"_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-68a3ccdaaecf4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Linsly Cadets will have one of the best quarterbacks in the state of West Virginia at their disposal with 2026 QB [player_tooltip player_id='402801' first='Braden' last='Wade']. He'll have them competitive in every game this season with the arm talent that he possesses, forcing defenses to cover every inch of the field. Wade has the most gifted arm in the class in our eyes, with a natural feel as a passer. His arm strength sticks out right away when watching his film and seeing him live as an effortless passer who can rip it at a high level. If the Cadets want a winning season in 2025, Wade will need to elevate everyone around him against a tough schedule. He's deserving of FCS looks in our eyes with a D1 caliber arm. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17230901/672cce3df51e7100e22e180b' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68a3ccdaaf225"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1137683"],"_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-68a3ccdaaf2e0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Wade's top weapon in the passing game will be 2026 WR [player_tooltip player_id='1137683' first='Jaxon' last='Murray']. He's a long and athletic receiver with natural ball skills and playmaking ability that makes him a threat out wide and a difficult 1-on-1 cover. No film from his junior year will have him under the radar as a prospect, but we got to see him at a camp this summer, and Murray still has the ability and upside we saw as a sophomore. If he posts film this season, expect D2 programs to start extending Murray offers as a multi-sport standout for the Cadets. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18979418/655a81782ab0e70a00db5fb0' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68a3ccdaaf338"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["894678"],"_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-68a3ccdaaf3d0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another highly productive target in the passing game over the past two years and will return as a top threat for Linsly is 2026 WR [player_tooltip player_id='894678' first='Lucca' last='Troullos']. He's an underrated but extremely valuable part of their offense as an athlete who can be moved around in their scheme. They like to line Troullos up offset tight to the line of scrimmage, which makes him a difficult cover for linebackers. Troullos is a good blocker for his size and can be targeted in all three levels of the passing game. You can also be creative with him from that position and use him like a wing-back for handoffs as well. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18029208/68a5167d7452d8cbe837209a' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68a3ccdaaf41e"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1825705"],"_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-68a3ccdaaf4b2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A new name to the Linsly program this season, who colleges will want to keep tabs on is 2026 OL [player_tooltip player_id='1825705' first='Felix' last='Werr']. He's a foreign import that Linsly has had a lot of success with and hails from Germany, but will spend his final season in WV for the Cadets. Linsly needed some bigger bodies on the line of scrimmage with the schedule that they'll be facing, and Werr will answer that call if he acclimates quickly. He's a big, strong athlete who should make an immediate impact this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/12432194/66b36ff9d5451868c1196c01' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68a3ccdaaf4fc"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1615402"],"_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-68a3ccdaaf591"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We got to see 2027 Linsly DL [player_tooltip player_id='1615402' first='Darryn' last='McCormick'] multiple times this summer, which earned him a stock riser label in the rankings. He's progressing well for the Cadets and is developing quickly after a strong sophomore season, where he showed a lot of upside and potential. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's what we recently said about McCormick 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>"2027 Linsly DL&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1615402' first='Darryn' last='McCormick']</strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/darryn-mccormick-2/"></a>&nbsp;impressed at our Combine Series Camp earlier this year and at the Spring Showcase that led to a jump inside the Top 40 of the rankings. He possesses the power and athleticism to finish as a top defensive line prospect in this class by his senior year and is steadily progressing as a player. As he continues to add size, McCormick will raise his ceiling as a prospect and should garner college attention soon."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19776412/67316018b32319cc18ec8ffb' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68a3ccdaaf5dc"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1331230"],"_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-68a3ccdaaf672"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another good athlete for Linsly to spread the ball to in the passing game this season is 2027 WR [player_tooltip player_id='1331230' first='Chris' last='Upton']. We're looking for him to take a step forward as a junior after showing flashes as a sophomore. He'll see increased touches this season and could emerge as a real playmaker for the Cadets. Upton will be battling some talented teammates for targets, but there should be plenty of opportunities to spread the ball around with Wade at quarterback and an improved offensive line to give him time. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19776483/6730e1250f500401a95eda21' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68a3ccdaaf6c1"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1624454"],"_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-68a3ccdaaf74d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2028 Linsly DB [player_tooltip player_id='1624454' first='Georgie' last='Mamakos'] made his debut as a Top 3 defensive back in the rankings this summer after being an important piece on the Cadets' defense as a freshman. That's a very difficult position to play in year one of high school, but Mamkos did a great job and should take a step forward as a sophomore both physically and fundamentally. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's what we recently said about Mamakos in our <em><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/07/2028-rankings-debut-the-top-60/">2028 Rankings Debut article</a></em>:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1624454' first='Georgie' last='Mamakos']</strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/georgie-mamakos/"></a>&nbsp;is a standout wrestler for the Cadets, but his play on the football field shouldn't be overlooked either. He produced as a freshman and may be under-the-radar as a football player, but he showed a lot of upside and fearlessness as a young player. Size will be his biggest hurdle as a football prospect, but Mamakos showed natural instincts and ability as a freshman thrown into the fire. He can play nickel and outside corner with safety ability as well, whose wrestling background makes him strong in run support as well, even while being undersized."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18941524/6733ef7e2d1f23f3e9fe6add' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68a3ccdaaf792"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1673535"],"_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-68a3ccdaaf81d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another 2028 Linsly prospect who made a big impact for the Cadets as a freshman was OL [player_tooltip player_id='1673535' first='Eliott' last='Wade']. Offensive line is another extremely difficult position to play on varsity as a freshman, especially against the schedule that they played, but Wade took his lumps and will benefit from the early experience. Keep an eye on him to produce film this season, but he's a name to know in this class after seeing him at a camp this summer. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's what we recently said about Wade in our <em><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/07/2028-rankings-debut-the-top-70/">2028 Rankings Debut article</a></em>:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"A young offensive lineman who impressed us in person at a camp earlier this year was 2028 Linsly OL&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1673535' first='Eliott' last='Wade']</strong>. He was a freshman varsity starter for the Cadets last season and will be a key piece to their future success along the line as their anchor at center. No game film to evaluate from Wade yet, but from seeing him in person, he'll be a name that colleges will want to monitor over the next three years. His strength and physicality were impressive to see in person against some talented and older defensive linemen at the camp we saw him at, while also showing fearlessness for a young lineman and a quality wrestling background to utilize as well. Wade is the younger brother of our #2-ranked 2026 QB&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='402801' first='Braden' last='Wade']</strong>, so the athletic genes are there for him to develop into a serious college football prospect in the future in some capacity."</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='1139386' first='Donavan' last='Jones'] - 2026 TE/EDGE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='895005' first='Malaki' last='Washington'] - 2026 LB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/19776580/Cole-Kendzerski" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cole Kendzerski</a> - 2027 RB/DB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1673528' first='Hayden' last='Ward'] - 2027 OL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1827299' first='Justin' last='Heckman'] - 2027 WR/DB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Rocco Troullos - 2027 RB/LB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1331233' first='Landon' last='Cottrill'] - 2027 QB/ATH</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1673179' first='Skyler' last='Hunter'] - 2028 WR/DB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->