2025 WV Team Preview: Philip Barbour Colts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 30% Off Your Subscription with Code PRZWV30 at Checkout!</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Philip Barbour Colts had a good 2024 season and will return a large chunk of last year's success. If they can stay healthy during the middle of their schedule against some tough, physical opponents, the Colts could be hosting come playoff time. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2025 Schedule</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8/29: at Grafton<br>9/5: at Buckhannon-Upshur<br>9/12: at North Marion<br>9/19: at Bridgeport<br>9/26: vs Elkins<br>10/3: vs South Harrison<br>10/10: vs Petersburg<br>10/24: at Lewis County<br>10/31: vs East Fairmont<br>11/7: vs Lincoln</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Record: </strong>8-4<br><strong>2025 Prediction:</strong> 7-3</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1138206"],"_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-68a9fd94d747f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Philip Barbour has one of the top offensive lone prospects in the 2026 class with [player_tooltip player_id='1138206' first='Malachi' last='Cross'], who has been a standout for the Colts since his sophomore year. He's developed well over the past two years and is poised for a big senior year as the leader of that group now. Cross is the big, physical athlete that colleges are looking for in their prospects and has D1 ability. Morehead State saw that in him this summer, extending Cross his first offer from that level, and he's capable of adding more this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17560626/6736327c8d2a5d1af851459e' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68a9fd94d78b8"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["928036"],"_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-68a9fd94d7935"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='928036' first='Cameron' last='Bennett'] has been one of our top receiver prospects in the 2026 class since his sophomore year and will be the Colts' top playmaker again this season. He posted over 500 yards and 7 touchdowns as a junior, and they should be able to get him the ball more in the passing game this season with 2028 QB/ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1430947' first='Robbie' last='Jones'] going into the year as the starter. Bennett has the talent to warrant offers from D2 programs in the state and should pick up some this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17569529/673d53f9cc4acc0e5d14eed3' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68a9fd94d797c"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["894893"],"_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-68a9fd94d79e5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">An underrated athlete for the Colts to utilize on both sides of the ball is 2026 ATH [player_tooltip player_id='894893' first='Patrick' last='Webster']. He had a very good year as a defensive back and kick returner in 2024, and should see more touches on offense as a senior. His playmaking ability on special teams would translate well to offense. Webster's athleticism enables him to play deep safety, as he possesses the closing speed and quick reaction to fly around the field. He's capable of earning D2 interest this fall with the athletic traits that he possesses. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17575867/673ccf6a3b3b811a9dd22616' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68a9fd94d7a1d"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1592209"],"_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-68a9fd94d7a6b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1592209' first='Aidan' last='Phillips'] had a good junior year for the Colts as an EDGE player and will be one of their top defensive players this season. D3 program would love what he has to offer and should be targeting him this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's what we recently said about Phillips 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>"Philip Barbour's <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1592209' first='Aidan' last='Phillips']</strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/aidan-phillips/"></a> debuts in the 2026 rankings as a Top 10 EDGE prospect after a productive junior season for the Colts. He totaled 58 tackles, 4 TFLS, and 3 sacks in 2024, coming off the edge, and also played traditional defensive end with his hand on the turf as well. Phillips is versatile in that aspect, as you can shade him inside the tackle and utilize him in run defense. He also lined up at middle linebacker, and is the type of player that you can align all over the front of the defense."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17278869/67647acd6e65650025c0a7b4' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68a9fd94d7a91"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1580728"],"_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-68a9fd94d7adb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2026 Philip Barbour LB [player_tooltip player_id='1580728' first='Tyler' last='Vance'] had a tremendous junior season for the Colts and filled up the stat sheet each week. Vance is an unconventional linebacker at his size, but he doesn't let it stop him from being a menace on the field. Vance totaled 140 tackles, 21 TFLs, and 4 sacks last season and has added size in the offseason that should elevate his game further. D3 and Sprint Football programs would greatly benefit from his services, as he could likely play safety at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17700185/6771d0b48a6b6c88d11bba8b' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68a9fd94d7b00"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1234062"],"_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-68a9fd94d7b47"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another underrated 2026 prospect for Philip Barbour who could project at the next level at a couple of different spots is [player_tooltip player_id='1234062' first='Dayton' last='Morrison']. If he can add significant size in college, Morrison could play offensive line, but long snapper is where we project him at right now. He did a nice job at center last season and played very physically for his size. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17568082/675996e8bc5bf65d24d0415e' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68a9fd94d7b6b"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1154896"],"_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-68a9fd94d7bb1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1154896' first='Mason' last='Jones'] has waited his turn to be the Colts' starting running back, and he'll have his opportunity as a junior. With the incumbent starter transferring out, Jones will be pressed into duty and has the ability to perform well for them. Jones did a great job on defense as a sophomore as their second-leading tackler as a linebacker and will be a good two-way player for them. Size will keep him under the radar as a prospect for now, but don't overlook Jones this season as he's likely to produce on both sides of the ball. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19467877/673bf255ed4eebc1c9b0bbd7' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68a9fd94d7bd4"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1430947"],"_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-68a9fd94d7c1a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2028 Philip Barbour ATH/QB [player_tooltip player_id='1430947' first='Robbie' last='Jones'] will enter his sophomore season as the Colts' starting quarterback. He saw plenty of time there last season, especially late in the season, and he'll allow them to open up the passing game more. Jones also had a great freshman year on defense and is a versatile athlete. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's what we recently said about Jones 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>"2028 Philip Barbour ATH <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1430947' first='Robbie' last='Jones']</strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/robbie-jones-2/"></a> is likely to be the Colts' starting quarterback this season after earning opportunities there as a freshman. It was on defense, however, where Jones emerged as a freshman standout, picking off seven passes on the year. There isn't much game film to evaluate from Jones right now, which likely has him lower in the rankings than he deserves, but it will work itself out as he further makes a name for himself on Friday nights and gets film posted."</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='1692921' first='Malachi' last='Poling'] - 2026 WR/DB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sean Dent - 2027 TE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1719305' first='Ayden' last='Thorne'] - 2029 K</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->