Highest Impact Defensive Transfers in Class AA/A This Season

Get 30% Off Your Subscription with Code PRZWV30 at Checkout!   Every offseason brings change, but few moves can alter a team's outlook like adding a proven transfer playmaker. Class AA/A saw several notable defensive transfers this offseason, with players changing programs for a variety of reasons while creating new opportunities for themselves and their new teams. Some are expected to step in as immediate stars, while others fill critical needs that could help push a contender over the top. In this series, we're breaking down the defensive transfers who have the best chance to make an immediate impact during the 2026 season and could play a major role in shaping the Class AA/A playoff race.    Man -> Logan   Logan landed one of the more impactful additions in Class AA with 2027 TE/DL Jake Endicott. The former Man standout arrives after establishing himself as one of the top small school players at the Class A level and already holds an offer from Glenville State. Endicott brings proven production on both sides of the ball, giving the Wildcats a physical presence at tight end and a disruptive option along the defensive line. His combination of size and athleticism should translate well against the jump in competition, and he's expected to make an immediate impact on both sides of the ball. Endicott gives Logan a proven senior leader as the Wildcats look to put together a strong 2026 campaign.     Oak Hill -> Independence   Antoine Hicks could end up being one of the better under-the-radar additions in Class AA from Oak Hill. The 2027 DB gives Independence another talented athlete to plug into a secondary that has plenty of production to replace from last season. We're still waiting on extended game film to get a complete evaluation, but the flashes and physical tools are encouraging, with a Bluefield State offer in hand before his senior year. Hicks has every opportunity to break out this season, and don't be surprised if he finishes his senior season as one of the better defensive backs in the state.     Capital -> Bluefield   Bluefield filled an important need with the addition of 2029 OL/DL Zion Pitts. After making the long move from Capital, Pitts gives the Beavers a big, physical presence on the interior of the defensive line and should step right into a starting role. His arrival provides more size in the trenches while complementing a roster already loaded with talent at the skill positions. Every championship contender needs to be strong up front, and Pitts helps Bluefield become a more complete football team. He could prove to be one of the more important additions the Beavers got as they chase a state title this season.     Graham (VA) -> Bluefield   Bluefield didn't have to look far to find another impact addition for its defensive front. The Beavers brought in 2027 DL Chaun Dowell from Graham (VA), giving them a productive lineman with proven experience against quality competition. Dowell adds another physical presence alongside Zion Pitts, strengthening a unit that was an area of need to get over the championship hump. Holding offers from WV State and Bluefield State, he's established himself as a legitimate college prospect and should have no trouble carrying over his production and ability to the Beavers' program. His arrival gives Bluefield even more depth in the trenches as the Beavers continue building a roster capable of making another title game run.     Weir -> Madonna   Madonna needed experienced players to help jumpstart the program's return, and 2027 ATH Connor Lancaster checks that box. The Weir transfer stays in Weirton for his senior season and brings valuable versatility to the Blue Dons, with the ability to line up wherever he's needed on either side of the ball. His experience and versatility should make him one of Madonna's go-to players from the opening week, especially for a team coming back from a year away from the field. Lancaster has a chance to be one of the driving forces behind the Blue Dons' return and a key reason they're able to compete right away in Class A.     Logan -> Mingo Central   Mingo Central added one of the more productive two-way players in Class AA with the arrival of 2028 RB/LB Luvante Kenney from Logan. After helping Logan reach the playoffs last season, Kenney heads to the Miners' program following a sophomore campaign that showcased his value on both sides of the ball. He's a physical runner who gives Mingo Central another reliable option in the backfield to complement its returning talent, while his instincts and playmaking ability at linebacker should earn him an important defensive role as well. The Miners were already expected to contend for the playoffs again this season, and adding a proven contributor like Kenney only makes a talented roster even stronger.     Greenbrier East -> Independence   While some of Independence's transfers have drawn plenty of attention, don't overlook 2027 DL Harrison Smith. The Greenbrier East transfer flashed on his junior film, and there's likely another level to his game to unlock in the Patriots' program. Independence has developed its share of productive defensive linemen, and Smith has the tools to follow that path. He may not be the most talked-about addition, but he has the potential to become an important contributor up front and provide a complementary presence alongside their returning talent.     Point Pleasant -> Wahama   The move to Wahama could be exactly what 2027 RB/LB Jairus Robinson needed entering his senior season. After spending his first three years at Point Pleasant, Robinson joins a perennial Class A power that has an opening at linebacker following some key departures. His 5'9 190 build fits the position well, and he can thrive in the White Falcons' defense. Robinson can also contribute in the backfield, giving Wahama another versatile athlete to work into the rotation. Surrounded by a strong supporting cast, don't be surprised if this is the season Robinson puts everything together and emerges as a player to know in Class A.     Calhoun County -> Roane County   Roane County didn't just add a new quarterback from Calhoun County, but also picked up 2027 RB/DB Charter Cottrell, giving them another experienced playmaker entering his senior season. Cottrell follows Brennen Carpenter after producing more than 700 all-purpose yards offensively while adding 88 tackles and 4 interceptions on defense at the Class A level. Although there isn't game film available to evaluate, that level of production is hard to ignore. He should have every opportunity to carve out a role on both sides of the ball and give Roane County another quality addition as it looks to build on its success as a program.

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