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Offseason Predictions: 5 Breakout Players in 2026 (Pt. 6)

Offseason Predictions: 5 Breakout Players in 2026 (Pt. 6)
Matthew Layton
Matthew Layton February 16, 2026 @ 01:00 PM
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Chris Williams
Chris Williams 6'0" | 191 lbs | RB | 2027
WV
Roscoe Dean
Roscoe Dean 6'0" | 200 lbs | RB/LB | 2027
WV
Mayshaun Okonkwo
Mayshaun Okonkwo 5'9" | 175 lbs | RB | 2028
WV
Riley Armstrong
Riley Armstrong 5'9" | 155 lbs | WR | 2028
WV
Shannon Mitchell
Shannon Mitchell 5'8" | 160 lbs | DB/WR | 2028
WV
<!-- 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>We're still 6 months away from the 2026 season, but there's no better time to predict breakout stars during the offseason who have flashed in the past but haven't fully broken out yet. The transfer landscape has yet to be finalized, which may impact some of these predictions in the future. However, here is one player from each school, listed in alphabetical order, that we believe will have a breakout season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>HAMPSHIRE TROJANS</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1683406"],"_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-69934d39b90ee"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><br>[player_tooltip player_id='1683406' first='Roscoe' last='Dean'] heads into his senior offseason coming off a junior year that backed up his reputation as one of the more productive backs in the state. The Hampshire 2027 RB totaled over 1,000 rushing yards, added 400-plus receiving yards, and scored 15 touchdowns, showing he can handle volume carries while also contributing in the passing game. At 6'0, 195, he runs with good balance and strength, finishes through contact, and has the athletic ability to be a reliable three-down option. With continued development over the offseason, Dean has a real opportunity to elevate his standing in the 2027 class and put together a senior season that demands even more attention.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19506479/691a5b361e12c59908cdd3ec' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69934d39b93c2"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>HEDGESVILLE EAGLES</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1810530"],"_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-69934d39b941d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hedgesville 2027 RB/ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1810530' first='Chris' last='Williams'] closed his junior season as one of the Eagles' most dynamic offensive pieces and a player trending upward heading into a pivotal senior year. Emerging as a go-to playmaker in a more run-focused scheme, Williams proved he can impact the game in multiple phases, whether carrying the load offensively or flipping field position as a dangerous kick returner. His ability to operate in space, follow blocks, and hit a crease with top-end speed makes him a constant big-play threat. The next step for Williams will be to build on that late-season momentum, continue refining his all-around game, and take on an even larger role in the offense. If he does, he has a real chance to elevate both his production and recruiting profile as one of the more versatile playmakers in the 2027 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19366501/69586d57e973529892f9f01b' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69934d39b9445"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>HERBERT HOOVER HUSKIES</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1221854"],"_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-69934d39b948c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Herbert Hoover 2028 DB [player_tooltip player_id='1221854' first='Shannon' last='Mitchell'] heads into the offseason firmly established as one of the top young secondary prospects in the class after a solid sophomore campaign. Now sitting as a Top 5 defensive back, Mitchell's instincts, ball skills, and natural athleticism give him a strong foundation to continue building over the next two seasons. He's already carried that momentum into offseason 7-on-7 competition, where he's continued to flash the traits that made him rise in the rankings. The next step in his development will be adding size and strength to match his natural ability, which could unlock another level to his game. If that physical growth comes as expected, Mitchell has the upside to elevate himself even further as one of the premier defensive backs in the 2028 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/22669082/69264e253b2b0f612dbc42f6' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69934d39b94b0"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>HUNTINGTON HIGHLANDERS</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1624358"],"_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-69934d39b94f1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Huntington 2028 running back [player_tooltip player_id='1624358' first='Mayshaun' last='Okonkwo'] wrapped up his sophomore season exactly as many expected, as a dynamic varsity contributor with clear long-term upside. After rushing for 995 yards and seven touchdowns while averaging an eye-popping 10.7 yards per carry, Okonkwo established himself as one of the most explosive young playmakers in the class. His ability to turn routine touches into big gains makes him a constant home-run threat, and his production suggests there's still another level to tap into. The focus this offseason will be on continued physical development, expanding his all-around skill set, and proving he can handle an even larger workload. If he builds on this momentum, Okonkwo has the tools to firmly entrench himself among the top prospects in the 2028 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/22745284/695d52623156a0af317d00cf' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69934d39b9512"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>HURRICANE REDSKINS</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1605965"],"_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-69934d39b9551"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hurricane 2028 WR [player_tooltip player_id='1605965' first='Riley' last='Armstrong'] closed his sophomore season as one of the key building blocks in the program's youth movement. After emerging as a top option in the passing game and eclipsing 1,000 all-purpose yards with 9 touchdowns, Armstrong proved he can handle featured responsibility at a young age. The flashes he showed early in his career have now translated into real production, and the next step will be turning that breakout into sustained consistency. As Hurricane continues to develop its young core, Armstrong's continued growth, both physically and within the offense, could position him to take another leap. If he builds on this momentum, he has the upside to solidify himself as one of the more productive and reliable receivers in the 2028 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/23129592/6912953eb961307c342808ed' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69934d39b9571"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->

Get 30% Off Your Subscription with Code PRZWV30 at Checkout!

Roscoe Dean

Roscoe Dean

WV
RB/LB
HEIGHT 6'0"
WEIGHT 200
POS RB/LB
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Roscoe
Dean RB/LB
Class
2027
Height
6'0"
Weight
200
HS
Hampshire
|
WV
Offseason Predictions: 5 Breakout Players in 2026 (Pt. 6)
Roscoe Dean heads into his senior offseason coming off a junior year that backed up his reputation as...
Written by Matthew Layton
Read more at PrepRedzone​.com
Prep Redzone

Roscoe Dean

Instagram Twitter
State: West Virginia
School: Hampshire
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Chris Williams

Chris Williams

WV
RB
HEIGHT 6'0"
WEIGHT 191
POS RB
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Chris
Williams RB
Class
2027
Height
6'0"
Weight
191
HS
Spring Mills
|
WV
Offseason Predictions: 5 Breakout Players in 2026 (Pt. 6)
Hedgesville 2027 RB/ATH Chris Williams closed his junior season as one of the Eagles’ most dynamic offensive pieces...
Written by Matthew Layton
Read more at PrepRedzone​.com
Prep Redzone

Chris Williams

State: West Virginia
School: Spring Mills
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Shannon Mitchell

Shannon Mitchell

WV
DB/WR
HEIGHT 5'8"
WEIGHT 160
POS DB/WR
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Shannon
Mitchell DB/WR
Class
2028
Height
5'8"
Weight
160
HS
Hoover
|
WV
Offseason Predictions: 5 Breakout Players in 2026 (Pt. 6)
Herbert Hoover 2028 DB Shannon Mitchell heads into the offseason firmly established as one of the top young...
Written by Matthew Layton
Read more at PrepRedzone​.com
Prep Redzone

Shannon Mitchell

Twitter
State: West Virginia
School: Hoover
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Mayshaun Okonkwo

Mayshaun Okonkwo

WV
RB
HEIGHT 5'9"
WEIGHT 175
POS RB
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Mayshaun
Okonkwo RB
Class
2028
Height
5'9"
Weight
175
HS
Huntington
|
WV
Offseason Predictions: 5 Breakout Players in 2026 (Pt. 6)
Huntington 2028 running back Mayshaun Okonkwo wrapped up his sophomore season exactly as many expected, as a dynamic...
Written by Matthew Layton
Read more at PrepRedzone​.com
Prep Redzone

Mayshaun Okonkwo

State: West Virginia
School: Huntington
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Riley Armstrong

Riley Armstrong

WV
WR
HEIGHT 5'9"
WEIGHT 155
POS WR
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Riley
Armstrong WR
Class
2028
Height
5'9"
Weight
155
HS
Hurricane
|
WV
Offseason Predictions: 5 Breakout Players in 2026 (Pt. 6)
Hurricane 2028 WR Riley Armstrong closed his sophomore season as one of the key building blocks in the...
Written by Matthew Layton
Read more at PrepRedzone​.com
Prep Redzone

Riley Armstrong

State: West Virginia
School: Hurricane
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Highlights

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