2029 Rankings Debut: The Top 50

Get 30% Off Your Subscription with Code PRZWV30 at Checkout!   The release of our inaugural 2029 Top 100 rankings provides an early look at some of the top young talent across West Virginia. With most of these prospects just beginning their high school careers, evaluations are based on a combination of freshman film, camp performances, live exposures, athletic traits, and long-term upside. At this stage, projection plays a large role, but there is already plenty of talent emerging throughout the state. These rankings are far from final and will continue to evolve as players gain experience, develop physically, and put more film out for evaluation. For now, this serves as our first look at the names we believe have positioned themselves among the top prospects in the Class of 2029.    2029 Huntington WR Jaxon Seals checks in as the early #11 wide receiver, but he has a great opportunity to climb the rankings with a strong sophomore season. Seals brings a lanky 6'1 frame along with the athleticism to continue developing into a dangerous target for the Highlanders. As the son of a coach, his football IQ and instincts are noticeable, allowing him to consistently put himself in a position to make big plays. He has reliable hands and looks like a natural when the ball is in the air and after the catch. With an expected varsity role this fall, Seals should have every opportunity to show what he can do against higher-level competition. Don't be surprised if he becomes one of the bigger risers at the position over the next couple of seasons.      2029 Fairmont Senior RB [player_tooltip player_id='1716419' first='Lynex' last='Williams'] may have spent most of his freshman season on the JV team, but his film suggests much bigger things are on the horizon. Williams is a plus athlete whose burst and home-run speed immediately stand out on tape. He consistently turned the corner with ease against younger competition and showed the acceleration to separate once he reached the open field. Williams also runs with good vision and contact balance, allowing him to maximize each carry and create extra yards after contact. While he is still waiting for an expanded varsity role, the traits are there for him to become a major offensive weapon in time. If his game translates the way I expect it will against varsity competition, Williams has the potential to develop into one of the more explosive running backs in the class.      2029 Linsly ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1673178' first='Tairee' last='Smith'] wasted little time making an impact after earning a varsity starting role at cornerback as a freshman. Smith also contributed offensively, giving the Cadets an athletic playmaker who can affect the game in multiple ways. While he may not be one of the bigger prospects in the class, his quickness and athleticism allow him to overcome that. Smith has the versatility to continue helping on both sides of the ball as his role expands over the next few seasons. Linsly has a strong track record of developing talent, and he appears to be another player who should benefit from that environment. With his athletic ability and early varsity experience, Smith has the potential to develop into one of the Cadets' top playmakers as his career progresses.      Few freshmen offensive linemen handled varsity football as well as 2029 Moorefield OL [player_tooltip player_id='1716468' first='Gage' last='Baker'] in 2025. Baker stepped into a starting role for the Yellow Jackets and consistently played beyond his years while also contributing on the defensive side of the ball. His lanky frame still has plenty of room for additional size, but he already plays with the toughness and physicality coaches want to see in the trenches. Baker brings a noticeable mean streak to the field, looking to finish blocks and set the tone up front. His combination of early varsity experience, physical mindset, and long-term growth potential gives him a bright future. Expect Baker to remain near the top of the offensive line rankings as he continues to develop over the next three seasons.      2029 Woodrow Wilson WR/DB [player_tooltip player_id='2114183' first='Christian' last='Wilson'] is a player whose long-term outlook is bright. Wilson was one of the top performers at our Exposure Series as a freshman, with clear early ability and athletic upside. Playing in Woodrow Wilson's Wing-T offense may naturally limit his receiving opportunities, but I expect him to capitalize on the chances he gets. His skill set projects well to the slot, where his quickness and playmaking ability can create explosive plays with the ball in his hands. Wilson also brings value as a defensive back, giving him legitimate two-way upside as he continues to develop. As his game matures over the next three seasons, he has the potential to establish himself among the top wide receivers in the class.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/tk_christian8/status/2056159946442412314 </div></figure>     2029 Herbert Hoover DB [player_tooltip player_id='1652925' first='Cedric' last='Coping'] enters the rankings as the early #2 defensive back after a quality freshman season at Riverside. Coping flashed the athletic ability and instincts that make him one of the more promising young defensive backs in the class. His lanky frame still has plenty of room for physical development, and that added strength should only raise his ceiling over the next few years. Even at this stage, he showed the ability to make plays and compete at a high level against varsity competition. The flashes he put on tape as a freshman make it easy to project continued growth as he settles in at Herbert Hoover. If his development stays on track, Coping has all the tools to remain among the state's top defensive back prospects throughout his high school career.      2029 George Washington QB [player_tooltip player_id='1716398' first='De'Sean' last='Isabell'] showed plenty of promise during his freshman season after taking over as the starting quarterback midway through the year at Capital before transferring to George Washington. Isabell is a true dual-threat quarterback whose athleticism makes him dangerous whenever a play breaks down. His burst as a runner stands out immediately, allowing him to get north and south quickly once he finds a crease, and he has the elusiveness to make defenders miss in the open field. While there is still room for growth as a passer, that is to be expected for a quarterback this early in his career. His ability to stress defenses with his legs already gives him a strong foundation to build from as he continues refining the rest of his game. With three more seasons of development ahead, Isabell has the talent to become one of the more dynamic quarterbacks to watch in the state.      2029 RB/LB [player_tooltip player_id='1716425' first='Diesel' last='Byrne'] debuts as the early #5 running back after flashing an impressive blend of size, power, and physicality during his freshman season. His first name fits his playing style well, as Byrne is a downhill runner who embraces contact and consistently finishes runs with authority. He has the type of build that allows him to wear on defenses, while his physical mindset also makes linebacker an intriguing long-term projection. Although his current evaluation is centered around what he showed as a running back, his versatility adds another layer to his overall value. Byrne has the tools to become a productive two-way player as he continues to develop physically and gain experience.     2029 Cabell Midland DB [player_tooltip player_id='1716375' first='Zavion' last='Beckett'] established himself as one of the top young defensive backs to know after earning All-MSAC honors as a freshman. Beckett already plays with physicality, showing a willingness to come downhill and make plays against the run. His motor also stands out, as he gives consistent effort chasing plays from sideline to sideline, regardless of where the ball is headed. While there is still more to evaluate in coverage, the flashes from his freshman season were encouraging. Beckett has laid a solid foundation early in his career and should remain one of the top defensive back prospects to watch over the next few seasons.      2029 Hurricane DB [player_tooltip player_id='1716428' first='Cael' last='Sack'] has already begun carving out his own path after earning valuable varsity experience as a freshman. Cael brings a good athletic profile with his long 6'3 175 frame and versatility on both sides of the ball. Early Friday night reps should pay dividends for his development as he continues to adjust to the speed of the varsity game. His length gives him plenty of upside as a defensive back, though he also has the athleticism to contribute at wide receiver if needed. With a young Hurricane roster continuing to gain experience, Sack should see his role expand over the next few seasons. His combination of size, athleticism, and early varsity exposure makes him a player with a high long-term ceiling.

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