2025 WV Team Preview: Spring Mills Cardinals

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 30% Off Your Subscription with Code PRZWV30 at Checkout!</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Spring Mills is coming off their best season in school history, finishing as runner-ups in the Class AAAA state championship in 2024. The Cardinals lose some talented players to graduation from that team, but will return a lot of athletes with some key transfers mixed in. They'll be right in the mix for AAAA again this season as they try to take another step as a program in 2025. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2025 Schedule</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8/29: at Jefferson<br>9/5: vs Wheeling Park<br>9/12: vs Connellsville (PA)<br>9/19: at Musselman<br>9/26: vs Morgantown<br>10/3: vs Washington<br>10/17: at University<br>10/24: at Martinsburg<br>10/31: at Parkersburg South<br>11/7: vs Hedgesville</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Record:</strong> 12-2<br><strong>2025 Prediction:</strong> 8-2</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["894977"],"_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-68adc18f3c142"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the best athletes in West Virginia will return for his senior season for Spring Mills in TE/DL [player_tooltip player_id='894977' first='Xavier' last='Anderson']. The Cincinnati commit is an imposing and intimidating presence on the field with his 6'6 frame and P4 athleticism. His new quarterback will just need to throw it in his general direction, and Anderson's gifted ability will do the rest. If the Cardinals want to win a title in 2025, Anderson will need to put up video game numbers 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/3/17722800/67d491b3482b055c3f931ddc' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68adc18f3c44d"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["894974"],"_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-68adc18f3c4cc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='894974' first='Isaiah' last='Wang'] isn't talked about enough as one of the top defensive backs in the 2026 class. He earned accolades for his junior season and should be on the short list for more honors as a senior. Wang is quiet on X, so it's hard to say what colleges are interested in him, but every D2 program in the state should be after his services this season. He's long and athletic and can shut down one side of the field when he's playing at his best. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17682739/687dcb21984ac91e36c43791' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68adc18f3c4f8"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["894993"],"_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-68adc18f3c550"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A new player to the Spring Mills program to know this season is Washington transfer WR/DB [player_tooltip player_id='894993' first='Javon' last='Jones']. We're high on his two-way ability as the #6 ATH in the 2026 class. We got to see that versatility on display this summer at a camp, and Jones is equally talented at both positions. Jones is a playmaker on both sides of the ball and will be a difference-maker for the Cardinals this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18058686/67eb6ca9d26f11473b07787c' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68adc18f3c576"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["906674"],"_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-68adc18f3c5c8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another Spring Mills athlete who we saw at a camp this summer and impressed us was 2026 WR/DB [player_tooltip player_id='906674' first='Hope' last='Bokwe']. He has a high ceiling as a safety prospect and did a great job in coverage at the camp. Bokwe is poised for a breakout year and should have heavy D2 interest this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's what we recently said about Bokwe 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>"Getting to see 2026 Spring Mills DB Hope Boke in person earlier this year at camp was eye-opening for us. Previously ranked as a WR, touches were limited in the Cardinals' explosive receiver room last season, which didn't tell the full story of Boke's ability. His potential as a safety at the next level is very high based on watching him compete in 1-on-1s and shutting down his man on seemingly every rep that we caught. Bokwe is a large athlete with the frame to add further significant size once he's in a college program and can take his game to new heights."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17785809/67637a64483950fe9c3414f8' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68adc18f3c5eb"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["894727"],"_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-68adc18f3c63c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='894727' first='Blake' last='Sanders'] had a very good first year in the program for Spring Mills as a junior and should build on his success as a senior. He rushed for over 700 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2024 but is capable of eclipsing the 1,000-yard mark in 2025. Breaking in a new quarterback this season may have the Cardinals leaning on Sanders more, especially early in the season. He's a quick and shifty dynamic runner who can break loose on any given carry and should garner D2 interest this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17699414/673b6b7bed4eebc1c9b07176' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68adc18f3c663"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["894975"],"_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-68adc18f3c6ac"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='894975' first='Rylan' last='Swartz'] has patiently waited for his turn to become the Cardinals' starting quarterback, and it will finally pay off as a senior this year. He's of a different mold than graduated QB Max Anderson, but Swartz can put his own spin on the offense. He's a physically imposing athlete who looks like a tight end playing quarterback, but has the athleticism to be effective as a runner too. Swartz did a nice job at linebacker as a junior and likely projects there or TE at the next level, but don't overlook his arm talent this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18230487/68abb76cd57aa0fded8bbae7' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68adc18f3c6cd"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1689943"],"_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-68adc18f3c72b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the few returning offensive linemen for Spring Mills who will be counted on heavily is 2026 OL [player_tooltip player_id='1689943' first='Kevin' last='Shank']. If he gets his film posted this season, expect D2 programs to take interest in his services. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's what we recently said about Shank in our <em><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/07/new-additions-to-the-2026-top-100/">2026 Rankings New Additions article</a></em>:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"No full season highlight tape for 2026 Spring Mills OL <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1689943' first='Kevin' last='Shank']</strong>, but we liked what we saw from the 6'2 255 big man in the available film. He's a strong, powerful athlete who also possesses the needed athleticism to be a future starter at the D2 level along the interior of the offensive line. Shank proves to be as much of a pulling guard who can quickly get to his spot with brute force behind him at the point of contact. He effortlessly moves his man off the line of scrimmage and has the potential to move up the rankings much higher once more film is available."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17697086/67c7513e0151189a59fda0bf' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68adc18f3c751"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1605314"],"_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-68adc18f3c792"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of many athletes that Spring Mills can target in the passing game is 2026 WR [player_tooltip player_id='1605314' first='Tyree' last='Ramey']. He has dynamic playmaking potential out of the slot with the level of quickness and explosiveness in his game. Ramey does a great job on screens and quick hitches and plays well in space, given his athletic skill set. He can become a bigger factor in stretching the field vertically this season and utilizing his speed to beat defenses over the top. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17980742/672fb8360c37e89ce4e13fce' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68adc18f3c7bb"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1138543"],"_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-68adc18f3c815"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the biggest unsung heroes and underrated players in the Spring Mills program over the past few years has been 2026 Dl [player_tooltip player_id='1138543' first='Abelardo' last='Meza']. He'll be a good two-way player for the Cardinals again this season and projects well as an interior defensive line prospect. We got to see him in person multiple times this summer, and Meza is worthy of D2 looks this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18429528/6810194d9172f463d0d46e4f' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68adc18f3c838"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["894976"],"_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-68adc18f3c878"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another underrated but highly impactful player for the Cardinals during his career has been 2026 LB [player_tooltip player_id='894976' first='Devin' last='King']. He lacks some length as a linebacker or EDGE prospect, but King's production can't be overlooked. He'll be a defensive leader for the Cardinals and has been consistent when his opportunities have come during his career. King is deserving of D2 looks in our opinion, even without prototypical measurables. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17980731/678f031d3113556828c129c5' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68adc18f3c897"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1605315"],"_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-68adc18f3c8d4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We're expecting 2026 DL [player_tooltip player_id='1605315' first='Travis' last='Correia'] to have a breakout year for the Cardinals after showing a lot of upside and potential as a junior. They'll need some linemen to step up in 2025 if they want to make it back to the state championship, and Correia can make an impact on both sides of the line. He has the frame that colleges are looking for and could be molded into an offensive lineman at the next level, too, once he adds more size. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17813365/67a0dba8bb0fbd76fced42fc' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68adc18f3c8f3"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["894994"],"_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-68adc18f3c933"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another Jones coming over from Washington to Spring Mills this season is 2026 RB [player_tooltip player_id='894994' first='Tavon' last='Jones']. He may have a different role for the Cardinals than he did at his former school, but Jones is a quality athlete who can make an impact in a variety of ways. Jones is capable of earning D2 interest if he can produce for his new team, loaded with athletes. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18060402/670a8f11864ff0418c3d2d17' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68adc18f3c952"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1137482"],"_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-68adc18f3c9a1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1137482' first='Bradley' last='Butts'] has been on our radar for a while now and has yet to make the rankings, but he's someone who could quietly have a very good year for the Cardinals. Size is his biggest hurdle as a prospect, but Butts is a good athlete who can fill in at a few different spots. Butts may start at linebacker even as a smaller athlete, which speaks to his toughness and fearlessness. He's someone who D3 programs would find a lot of value in and should be keeping tabs on this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19009427/68ac672cde3ec453e7f87182' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68adc18f3c9c4"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1157627"],"_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-68adc18f3ca03"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1157627' first='Zane' last='Wipf'] has some talented older receivers and defensive backs to compete for reps with, but has carved out a role for himself among them. He has the potential to quickly become his new quarterback's favorite target with his route-running ability in the short and mid levels of the passing game. Wipf has a knack for finding open space and also does a nice job in scramble drills and working to get open for his QB. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/20432059/673d29cd0a64fff5525c9062' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68adc18f3ca21"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1211007"],"_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-68adc18f3ca6a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A young 2028 linebacker who carved out a varsity role as a freshman last season was [player_tooltip player_id='1211007' first='Nolan' last='Forrest']. He has the potential to be a starter as a sophomore, but will be a great depth piece if not. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's what we recently said about Forrest in our <em><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/07/2028-rankings-debut-the-top-50/">2028 Rankings Debut article</a></em>:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"A 2028 LB prospect who earned varsity playing time as a freshman on one of the best teams in the state last season was Spring Mills' <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1211007' first='Nolan' last='Forrest']</strong>. He should see increased varsity playing time as a freshman on a very talented roster, which speaks to his ability as a young player. Size will be the biggest question for Forrest as a linebacker prospect moving forward, but his ability is obvious when watching his film. He's a fearless and aggressive player for his age, which are two traits we look for in young linebackers. He'll provide depth in the backfield on offense as well at running back, and should develop into one of their top players in time."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Freshman Year Highlights<a href="https://twitter.com/PrepRedzoneWV?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrepRedzoneWV</a> <a href="https://t.co/U1dVUa7Ui6">pic.twitter.com/U1dVUa7Ui6</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='1211007' first='Nolan' last='Forrest'] (@NForrest21) <a href="https://twitter.com/NForrest21/status/1943735952460935439?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /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='1635753' first='Douglas' last='Mayer'] - 2027 WR</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1260051' first='Jacob' last='Long'] - 2027 WR/LB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Johnny Droneburg - 2027 OL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Matthew Nair - 2027 OL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->