2026 Team Preview: Herbert Hoover Huskies

Get 30% Off Your Subscription with Code PRZWV30 at Checkout!   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2025 SEASON RECAP</h2>   Biggest Losses: RB Blake Fisher - RB/LB Devin Silvas - OL/DL Mighty Lopez - WR/LB Dalton Myers - LB Mykell Taylor - OL Ryan Gandee - WR/DB Aiden Hernandez - WR/DB Sam Kee - K Voss Duernburger   Herbert Hoover had another strong season in 2025, finishing 9-3 and advancing to the Class AAA quarterfinals before falling to eventual state champion Princeton. The Huskies remained in the championship conversation throughout the year and continued the consistency the program has built under head coach Joey Fields. Herbert Hoover has established itself as one of the state's top AAA programs in recent years, and nothing from last season suggested that is changing anytime soon. Expect the Huskies to remain firmly in the title mix heading into 2026.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2026 SCHEDULE</h2>   8/28: vs Fairmont Senior 9/4: vs Winfield 9/11: at Nitro 9/18: vs Woodrow Wilson 10/2: at South Charleston 10/9: vs Point Pleasant 10/16: at Ripley 10/23: vs Princeton 10/30: at Parkersburg 11/6: at Huntington   2025 Record: 9-3 (Playoff Quarterfinals) 2026 Prediction: 8-2   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2026 OUTLOOK</h2>   Herbert Hoover will have some production to replace after graduating several high-impact players, but expect them to take a step forward in 2026 after a good 2025 season. The Huskies return a talented core while adding an impressive group of transfers that has the potential to elevate an already strong roster. Building chemistry with so many new faces will be one of the biggest challenges early in the season, but the talent is there to make Herbert Hoover one of the favorites in Class AAA. If everything comes together, don't be surprised to see the Huskies playing in Charleston this December with a state championship on the line.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">COLLEGE PROSPECTS TO KNOW</h2>    TRANSFER TO KNOW   Adding 2027 RB [player_tooltip player_id='1155316' first='David' last='Robinson Jr'] immediately changes the outlook of Herbert Hoover's offense heading into 2026. The Capital transfer arrives after three highly productive seasons and gives the Huskies an established playmaker in the backfield to replace All-State RB Blake Fisher, one of their biggest holes that needed to be filled this season. His ability to handle a heavy workload should complement Herbert Hoover's dynamic passing attack, making the offense even more difficult for defenses to prepare for each week. Robinson's addition is one of several reasons the Huskies enter the season with legitimate expectations of competing for the Class AAA state championship.      RETURNING STANDOUT   Versatility is one of the biggest strengths 2027 WR/DB Kno'Sean Hampton brings to Herbert Hoover. Hampton has developed into a playmaker on both sides of the ball, giving the Huskies another reliable target in the passing game while continuing to showcase the traits that make him such an intriguing defensive back prospect. He finished with 39 receptions for 607 yards and three touchdowns, added another 230 kickoff return yards, and also recorded 31 tackles and an interception on defense. Whether he's making plays at receiver, locking down opposing pass catchers, or flipping field position on special teams, Hampton's all-around athleticism gives Herbert Hoover another weapon capable of impacting the game in multiple ways.      TRANSFER TO KNOW   Linebacker is another position that received a boost this offseason with the addition of 2027 LB [player_tooltip player_id='1128467' first='Braylon' last='Price'] from Nitro. Price has flashed his potential over the past three seasons and now gets a fresh opportunity heading into his senior year with the Huskies. His physical style of play fits well with what Herbert Hoover wants to do defensively, and he'll have every chance to emerge as a defensive leader. If everything comes together, Price has the talent to develop into one of the more productive linebackers in Class AAA.      RETURNING STANDOUT   Herbert Hoover returns another disruptive defender in 2027 EDGE [player_tooltip player_id='1616326' first='Jay'Sean' last='Walker']. His explosiveness immediately puts offensive tackles on their heels, and he could have a big senior season coming off the end. Walker plays with active hands, closes well on the football, and has the athleticism to chase plays down from the backside. He creates sudden pressure and brings the type of energy that can change the momentum of a series. With another offseason of development, Walker has all the tools to become one of the Huskies' most impactful defenders this fall.      RETURNING STANDOUT   [player_tooltip player_id='2089302' first='Colton' last='Tawney'] is another linebacker who will make a noticeable impact for Herbert Hoover this fall. The 2027 prospect plays with the athleticism, instincts, and competitiveness that coaches love at the position. He may not have prototypical length, but Tawney attacks downhill, fills running lanes aggressively, and isn't afraid to take on blockers. His high motor, ability to blitz, and knack for finding the football will make him a productive defender on an already strong Huskies defense.      TRANSFER TO KNOW   The competition for touches at wide receiver only became tougher with the addition of 2028 WR [player_tooltip player_id='1309676' first='Turay' last='Rush'] from Capital. Rush has shown tremendous potential over his first two varsity seasons and earned his first D1 offer from Kent State, highlighting the upside he brings to Herbert Hoover's offense. Even in a crowded group of playmakers, Rush has the athleticism and big-play ability to emerge as their top outside threat. If everything clicks this fall, he has the talent to be one of the Huskies' most dangerous offensive weapons and showcase the D1 upside he's flashed.      RETURNING STANDOUT   Everything is in place for 2028 QB [player_tooltip player_id='1166650' first='Peyton' last='Grigsby'] to put together another outstanding season in 2026. Grigsby has consistently shown the production and playmaking ability, and he enters 2026 with one of the strongest supporting casts in West Virginia. The offseason additions to the Huskies' program only give him more options to distribute the football, while his experience and playmaking ability should keep the Huskies operating at a high level. If Herbert Hoover performs the way many expect, don't be surprised if Grigsby is at the center of one of the state's most explosive offenses and earning more accolades in his junior season.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/grigsby_peyton7/status/1996273139639320663 </div></figure>     TRANSFER TO KNOW   Herbert Hoover continued to add speed and versatility this offseason with the addition of 2028 ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1221847' first='Takye' last='Porter'] from Nitro. Porter emerged as one of the state's most exciting playmakers last year and gives the Huskies another athlete who can impact the game in a variety of ways. Whether he's lined up in the slot, working out of the backfield, or creating explosive plays in the return game, Porter brings the type of versatility that allows the coaching staff to be creative with how they use him.      TRANSFER TO KNOW   Replacing several experienced offensive linemen became a much easier task with the addition of 2028 OL [player_tooltip player_id='1260138' first='Steven' last='Kinney'] from Nitro. The 6'0 260 lineman has been a varsity starter since his freshman season and arrives with plenty of experience. Kinney consistently wins with sound technique, toughness, and athleticism, giving Herbert Hoover a reliable option in both the run and pass game. He also has the versatility to contribute along the defensive line if called upon, making him a valuable addition as the Huskies reshape the trenches heading into 2026.      RETURNING STANDOUT   2028 WR [player_tooltip player_id='1221550' first='Lance' last='Williams Jr'] emerged as one of Herbert Hoover's top offensive weapons during his sophomore season and looks primed for an even bigger junior year. His natural playmaking ability, athleticism, and feel for the position consistently show up on film, making him a difficult matchup for defenders. As he continues to add strength and mature physically, his game should only become more complete. With [player_tooltip player_id='1166650' first='Peyton' last='Grigsby'] returning at quarterback and even more talent surrounding him, Williams Jr has the potential to build on last year's breakout campaign and establish himself among the top receivers in Class AAA.      RETURNING STANDOUT   Herbert Hoover returns one of the top young defensive backs in the state in 2028 DB [player_tooltip player_id='1221854' first='Shannon' last='Mitchell']. Mitchell has done a great job adding good weight this offseason while continuing to show why he's regarded as one of the better prospects in the class. His strong camp performances and growing list of D2 offers only reinforce what he's capable of on Friday nights. After a promising sophomore season, Mitchell looks poised to take another step forward and should be a cornerstone of a Herbert Hoover secondary that has the talent to match up with anyone in Class AAA.      TRANSFER TO KNOW   Building the offensive line continues with the addition of 2028 OL [player_tooltip player_id='2104110' first='Jason' last='Martin'] from Capital. Martin gives the Huskies another young lineman with varsity experience and two more seasons to develop within the program. We liked the ability and upside he showed on his sophomore film, and this feels like a great opportunity for him to continue progressing at a top program. Alongside fellow transfer [player_tooltip player_id='1260138' first='Steven' last='Kinney'], Martin helps reinforce a position group that graduated experienced contributors and provides Herbert Hoover with another quality option in the trenches.      TRANSFER TO KNOW   One position that became much stronger this offseason was tight end with the addition of 2029 TE [player_tooltip player_id='1408734' first='Aiden' last='Barnett']. The 6'3 220 freshman transferred to Herbert Hoover after originally appearing set for a varsity role at Huntington, giving the Huskies a talented player who can impact both sides of the ball. Barnett has the size and upside to develop into a valuable blocker while creating mismatches as a pass catcher, and he also has the tools to contribute along the defensive line. With three seasons still ahead of him, Barnett gives Herbert Hoover another talented young player who can grow into a future star with time.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Aiden_Barnett5/status/2048927557114876007 </div></figure>     TRANSFER TO KNOW   The Huskies also added one of the top young defensive backs in the state with the addition of 2029 DB/ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1652925' first='Cedric' last='Coping']. Recently ranked as the #2 defensive back in the 2029 class, Coping brings plenty of athleticism and versatility to an already talented roster. With so many experienced players ahead of him, he may not be rushed into a major workload this fall, but that only gives him more time to develop within the program. Whether it's in the secondary, on offense, or special teams, Coping has the type of all-around ability that should eventually make him an important contributor as the Huskies continue to reload over the next few seasons.     <h2 class="wp-block-heading">OTHER PLAYERS TO KNOW</h2>   Aidain Connett - 2027 OL/DL   Bradley Crowder - 2027 OL   [player_tooltip player_id='1624348' first='Cody' last='Redmon'] - 2028 RB/LB   Ty Mullins - 2028 LB   Tristin Shaffer - 2028 OL/LB   Jake Wible - 2028 LS   Preston Rhodes - 2028 ATH   [player_tooltip player_id='1958016' first='Ryder' last='Andruzis'] - 2029 ATH

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