First 3 Games Tape Spotlight: ATHs

Get 30% Off Your Subscription with Code PRZWV30 at Checkout!   The first three weeks of the season have passed, and we'll be highlighting prospects who have produced highlight tapes for their first few games. Colleges will evaluate prospect film from the first three games of the season to assess their progress from last year and the off-season, as they update their recruiting boards. Here are some ATH prospects to check out from the first three weeks of the season with film!    2026 Morgantown ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1686033' first='Carter' last='Cooper'] and the Mohigans are off to a blazing fast start through the first three weeks of the season. The two-way standout has shown why he has the ATH label in our rankings, with dynamic plays at both receiver and defensive back in the first three games. Cooper is a surefire D1 prospect who needs to start seeing more opportunities at that level to pair with his Morehead State offer from this summer. He's an explosive playmaker on both sides of the ball and can be a difference maker at the next level on offense or defense.      Another team off to a fast start this season is the Independence Patriots, in large part due to the play of 2026 ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1136973' first='Sylas' last='Nelson']. He's continued his dominant play at running back from his junior year, where he rushed for nearly 2,000 yards, but Nelson's ability on defense shouldn't be overlooked either. That may be where he ends up at the next level with a big, physical body type with high-level athleticism to pair with it. Nelson's versatility as an athlete is why we consider him a Top 5 ATH in his class, and he's deserving of a lot of college attention this fall.      We already knew 2026 University ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1137708' first='Glenn' last='Brown']'s ability as an offensive playmaker, but he's gotten to showcase his defensive prowess more this season through the first three weeks for the Hawks. His ceiling was always high on that side of the ball once more opportunities came his way to showcase it, and Brown has proven that in the first three games. Brown's quickness and agility allow him to react and close on the ball in pass coverage at a high level, with the flexibility to turn upfield explosively when tracking the ball. He's a very underrated prospect in the 2026 class and needs more college attention.      Another 2026 University ATH prospect who has done a nice job through the first three weeks of the season is [player_tooltip player_id='1324951' first='Jack' last='Byrer']. He's been a very unselfish player for the Hawks during his career and has played all over the field where they've needed him. Byrer was in a QB competition this summer and is now playing a new position at defensive end for the Hawks in his senior year. He very easily could've shut it down after not becoming the starting quarterback, but Byrer has found a new home and role on the team and could potentially excel as an EDGE player in college with continued development.      2027 Huntington ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1260046' first='Donte' last='Newsome'] is beginning to showcase the high-level potential that we saw in him early on in his career this season for the Highlanders. He's made an impact on both sides of the ball and is coming off a strong week running the ball against Spring Valley, where he rushed for 104 yards and a score. Newsome's play on defense is what has really stood out in the first three games as a downhill safety. He's played the run and underneath passes well with his closing speed and should see more pass coverage opportunities in the future against more pass-happy teams.      2027 Riverside ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1155320' first='Tavion' last='Woods'] has emerged on the offensive side of the ball this season for the Warriors at quarterback, on top of his usual defensive prowess. Woods is showcasing his high-level potential that we saw from him as a freshman more this season as a junior and has taken the next step as a player. Moving down to linebacker full-time has been a great development for Woods, as he's also physically grown into the position. Through three games, Woods has totaled 36 tackles, 7 TFLs, 1 INT, and 9 total touchdowns.      2027 Tucker County ATH [player_tooltip player_id='862706' first='Lucas' last='Barb'] has done just about everything for the Mountain Lions this season through the first three games and has showcased his athletic versatility. He started at quarterback to begint he season as his teammate recovered from an injury, and is now one of the top targets in the passing game as a receiver, coming off a 5 catches for 151 yards and 2 touchdowns performance against East Hardy last week. Barb does an excellent job on defense as well where he has 19 tackles, 7 TFLs, and 5 sacks in three games.      [player_tooltip player_id='1292038' first='Brody' last='Kehler'] is doing what we expected him to do this season for University, and it's going to translate to D1 offers sooner rather than later. He has 464 all-purpose yards and 9 touchdowns through the first three games, along with 2 interceptions on defense. Kehler is a high-level athlete who can do it all for the Hawks, and D1 colleges are beginning to take notice and see why we consider him the #1 ATH in the 2028 class. He's made stops at WVU, Marshall, and Kent State for agmeday visits so far this season, and we expect one of those programs to extend Kehler his first offer soon.      2028 Liberty ATH/QB [player_tooltip player_id='1221844' first='Jaxson' last='Workman'] has done a great job behind center for the Raiders this season through the first three weeks. He's a physical, downhill runner at the position behind his 6'1 225 frame, and is coming off a 252-yard and 3 touchdown performance against Greenbrier West. The passing game is still a work in progress, but you can see Workman transitioning to an H-Back or EDGE at the level, even as a young player still. How his body develops over the next two years will determine where he eventually ends up, but Workman is making a big impact early on for his team.

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