Final 2026 Rankings: Defensive Stock Risers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p id="block-32896c7d-e14b-42fd-9249-e04a7ae8bf4f"><strong><em>Get 30% Off Your Subscription with Code PRZWV30 at Checkout!</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The final 2026 rankings have grown to nearly 400 total prospects in the state of West Virginia, with many previously ranked athletes seeing a bump in their rankings. After a season of watching players develop and new names emerging, here are the defensive players who made the biggest jumps in the final 2026 rankings update.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1475994"],"_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-694016f37e583"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2026 Princeton LB [player_tooltip player_id='1475994' first='Landon' last='Crane'] had an excellent senior season in his lone year with the Tigers, helping lead them to their first state championship in school history. Crane saved his best for last in his final high school season, which has resulted in D1 opportunities. He's an FCS prospect in our eyes and took the next step in his development from his junior year, resulting in a large rankings boost into the Top 25.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1050583"],"_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-694016f37e61f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2026 Capital LB/DB [player_tooltip player_id='1050583' first='Christian' last='Robinson'] has been underrated in our rankings for a while now, but he's worked his way up to the Top 60. He's been a versatile defender for the Cougars as a linebacker who can play Nickel at the next level. Robinson does a nice job in both run and pass defense and has been rewarded with over a dozen college opportunities because of that ability. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /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-694016f37e689"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the more undervalued defensive back prospects in the 2026 class has been Spring Mills DB [player_tooltip player_id='906674' first='Hope' last='Bokwe']. He quietly had a strong senior season for the Cardinals and had one of the better individual seasons at defensive back in this class in our eyes. Bokwe has the frame and mindset to be a high-value D2 prospect with potential to earn FCS opportunities if they get eyes on his film. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1139377"],"_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-694016f37e6f4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2026 Chapmanville LB [player_tooltip player_id='1139377' first='Preston' last='Kovach'] took a big leap in his senior season for the Tigers on both sides of the ball. He emerged as a running back this year and had a strong year on the ground. Kovach will play on the defensive side of the ball at the next level, but his ability on offense further proved his ability as a pure football player with a great mindset for the game that will be attractive to college programs. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["895913"],"_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-694016f37e751"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2026 Martinsburg LB [player_tooltip player_id='895913' first='Terrell' last='Cofield'] got his chance to fully shine in his senior year for the state runner-up Bulldogs. He's a physical specimen at middle linebacker and should have plenty of D2 opportunities after a strong senior campaign. Cofield is what you're looking for in a MLB prospect, from body type to physicality and athleticism. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1683404"],"_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-694016f37e7af"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Seeing 2026 Spring Valley RB/EDGE [player_tooltip player_id='1683404' first='Zeke' last='Lewis'] in person this summer gave us an inkling of what kind of season he was capable of this year. He did just that for the Timberwolves on both sides of the ball, but especially emerging at running back in their Wing-T system. Lewis's size and athleticism are a rare combination, which proved to cause issues for oppsoing defenses all season long. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1605272"],"_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-694016f37e809"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another Martinsburg Bulldog who had a strong senior season and was deserving of a rankings boost was 2026 DB [player_tooltip player_id='1605272' first='Mason' last='Walley']. He got to show what he's fully capable of this season after missing time due to injury as a junior, and proved to be one of the top defensive backs in the state. D2 programs would be wise to get Walley on their recruiting boards, and he will excel at the next level after some time getting bigger and stronger. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1605319"],"_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-694016f37e862"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Wheeling Parks Patriots had a big hole to fill at middle linebacker after graduating standout Jameson Maynard. 2026 LB [player_tooltip player_id='1605319' first='Nolan' last='Yanchak'] filled in admirably as a senior and had one of the best linebacker seasons in the state this year. He'll head to West Liberty to pursue baseball as a two-sport star, but Yanchak's play on the football field deserved praise. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1580725"],"_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-694016f37e8bb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2026 Oak Glen DL [player_tooltip player_id='1580725' first='Kameron' last='Hebrock'] has been one of the more productive defensive linemen in the state over the past two seasons and should be rewarded with college opportunities because of it. He was a terror for the Golden Bears this season with 102 tackles, 23 TFLs, and 13 sacks, with film to match the production. Hebrock is a no-doubt D2 prospect in our eyes and should add to his offer list before Signing Day. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /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-694016f37e914"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2026 Spring Mills DL [player_tooltip player_id='1138543' first='Abelardo' last='Meza'] has been a steady force for the Cardinals throughout his career and was deserving of a rankings boost. He's seen significant college interest in his senior year and will make his future program happy to have him. Meza is a competitior and battles well in the trenches on both sides of the line, that's allowed him to be one of the top DL prospects in his class. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1683761"],"_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-694016f37e976"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We've waited for 2026 Fairmont Senior DL [player_tooltip player_id='1683761' first='Jaevin' last='Papal'i'i'] to produce game film after seeing him in person this summer, and he closed his high school career out with a bang. He's a high ceiling prospect with more levels to elevate his game to at the next level. A college program can mold Papal'i'i into a future standout with a frame and motor that'll translate well. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1137703"],"_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-694016f37e9d3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1137703' first='Kayden' last='Hackman']'s senior season was unfortunately cut short due to injury, but he was playing very well for South Charleston up until then. Settling in at EDGE was a great move and spot for him to best utilize his skillset as a player. Hackman has high upside as a pass rusher with physical tools to play the run as well, which should have colleges after his services. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["894636"],"_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-694016f37ea37"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2026 Capital LB [player_tooltip player_id='894636' first='Camdyn' last='Harris'] finished his high school career with his best season yet for the Cougars. He did a great job at linebacker over the past two years and has put himself in a position to play at the next level on scholarship. Harris has developed his body well over the years, which has elevated his game as an upperclassman improving year over year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1605099"],"_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-694016f37ea99"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another 2026 linebacker who was deserving of a rankings boost was Shady Spring's [player_tooltip player_id='1605099' first='Kaiden' last='Helmer']. He has the size and athleticism to earn D2 opportunities after a very good senior year for the Tigers. Helmer has the physical tools to develop into a good college player in time and is worth a look for programs in the state. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1139384"],"_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-694016f37eb01"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2026 James Monroe RB/LB [player_tooltip player_id='1139384' first='Brock' last='Parker'] is a great example of a case where you can overlook size. He's always had the ability to play at the D2 level as a very good athlete who also produces on the field. We saw that firsthand at a camp this summer with his raw testing scores, and Parker produced on the field for the Mavericks on both sides of the ball as a hardworking athlete who will be a valued addition to a college program. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->