Friday Night Freshmen: The Future of Class AAAA

Get 30% Off Your Subscription with Code PRZWV30 at Checkout!   The Stock Up Showcase is Returning to West Virginia on January 3rd in Bridgeport! Use Code SUWV25OFF for a 25% off discount at checkout! Register <a href="https://events.prepredzone.com/e/2594/register/stock-up-showcase-west-virginia">HERE</a>   The freshman class is already flashing intriguing talent across the state, with several young players earning varsity opportunities and making an impact in year one. For freshmen, simply getting on the field is an accomplishment, but their early film lets us see which players have the athletic traits, physical tools, and instincts to become future standouts. This spotlight highlights some freshmen making their presence felt on Friday nights and offers an early look at the future of Class AAAA.    Starting varsity as a freshman at the Class AAAA level is impressive on its own, but 2030 RB/Lb Rajan Thompson has already made a real impact on both sides of the ball for Cabell Midland. He has 17.5 tackles, three interceptions, and three forced fumbles on defense, along with three touchdowns and 190 all-purpose yards as an offensive playmaker. Thompson brings natural athleticism to both positions and has shown a knack for making impactful plays. There's still physical development ahead, but the early production and athletic traits give Thompson a very high ceiling in this class.      George Washington has a promising freshman defender making an early impact in 2030 LB Kase Kearns. Kearns has recorded 20 tackles and two TFLs through four games, showing he's more than capable of holding his own on Friday nights against some good teams. The 5'9 195 linebacker is a physical player at the position and does a good job getting involved and being fearless coming downhill. Kearns plays with a natural toughness and looks comfortable in the middle of the Patriots' defense as a freshman. It's an impressive start for a freshman who will be a top 2030 name to know in Class AAAA.      2030 Parkersburg South OL Garett Moon has already taken on an impressive role as a freshman, earning the starting center job for the Patriots and proving he belongs on varsity in year one. He has the physicality you want from a young interior lineman and has handled the demands of playing up against older competition well. Moon also has good technique for his age, giving him a strong foundation to continue developing as he gets stronger and gains more experience. Starting at center as a freshman says a lot about the confidence the coaching staff has in him, and Moon is a promising 2030 offensive lineman to keep close tabs on over the years.      Musselman has a young athlete starting to make his presence felt on Friday nights, with Jackson Thomas earning early varsity opportunities early in his high school career. The 2030 ATH has a good 6'0 185 frame for his age, and the athleticism is obvious when you watch him play. Thomas is getting early reps as Musselman's version of a quarterback in its single-wing offense, and he's also flashed as a talented runner with the ball in his hands. As the son of head coach Brian Thomas, he's been prepared well for the opportunity, and there's a lot to like about his future as he gets more comfortable and continues gaining varsity experience.      Musselman has another young backfield talent to keep an eye on in 2030 RB Mason Johnson, who has already flashed big-play potential early in his high school career. He has good burst and feet for his age, allowing him to hit openings quickly and break into the open field. Johnson has made the most of his limited touches and has proven that he can create explosive plays that should lead to a bigger role as the season progresses. Johnson has a lot of juice with the football in his hands and looks like a young athlete who could develop into a standout for the Applemen in time.

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