Friday Night Freshmen: The Future of Class AA

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 AA.    The move to a Wing-T offense has given 2030 RB [player_tooltip player_id='2332244' first='Bentley' last='Halley'] a chance to make an early impact, and he's taken advantage of his opportunity as a freshman for Scott. Halley has emerged as a top option in the Skyhawks' backfield and has already flashed the speed and burst to gash defenses when he finds a crease. He's put up some big numbers at times through the first five weeks, showing impressive early athleticism and giving Scott a young back to build around for the next four years. There's still a lot of football ahead of Halley, but the early flashes explain why the Skyhawks were excited about him heading into the season.      Doddridge County has a very exciting young player in [player_tooltip player_id='2424121' first='Corben' last='Hall'], who has made a big impact in his first season of high school football. The 2030 RB/LB has a well-built frame for his age and has already been very productive on both sides of the ball, averaging 12 yards per carry with 328 rushing yards and five touchdowns at running back, and has recorded 42 tackles through four games at linebacker. He's an instinctual player on both sides of the ball who comes from an athletic family, with the athleticism and playmaking ability that comes naturally. The early flashes suggest Hall is likely to develop into a key prospect in the 2030 class.     Sissonville has a talented senior class driving its turnaround, but the Indians have some exciting young athletes coming up behind them, including 2030 ATH [player_tooltip player_id='2424128' first='Jackson' last='Cook']. Cook has already earned a starting role as a freshman and has made an impact as the team's third receiver, hauling in 16 passes for 208 yards and a touchdown so far. That production is impressive considering the amount of returning talent on this year's roster, and it shows the kind of upside Cook has at an early stage of his career. He could potentially step into the quarterback role after this season, but his overall athleticism gives Sissonville plenty of options with him moving forward. Cook is a young player I'll be watching closely as a very promising freshman.      The Red Riders have had a rough season so far, but [player_tooltip player_id='2424138' first='Gavin' last='McAllister'] is giving Weir something to be excited about for the future. The 2030 RB/LB has emerged as their #2 running back as a freshman, has made the most of his opportunities, and is also seeing action on the defensive side of the ball. McAllister will make strides as he physically develops, but the burst and quickness he shows with the ball in his hands already stand out for a young player. There's a lot of room for him to grow, but McAllister is a name to tuck away now and keep an eye on as his career develops.      Petersburg has another Metheny to keep an eye on, with 2030 ATH [player_tooltip player_id='2424140' first='Parker' last='Metheny'] already making an impact as a freshman. He's a versatile playmaker who can line up at running back or receiver and can also change the game on special teams, totaling 438 all-purpose yards and five touchdowns through four games. Metheny is a natural athlete and is filled out well for his age, which is a big reason for how quickly he's making an impact at the varsity level. With standout quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1421223' first='Payton' last='Metheny'] as his older brother, don't be surprised to see a lot of Metheny-to-Metheny highlights over the rest of this season and into next year.     [player_tooltip player_id='2111875' first='Keysean' last='Washington'] is an intriguing young athlete for Moorefield, and the 2030 ATH has already shown why his coaches are excited about his future. Washington has stepped in along the offensive line out of necessity as a freshman, but his strength and athleticism stand out in a role that isn't likely to be his long-term position. He's gifted in the weight room and has the physical tools to eventually make an impact at running back or linebacker in the future when the opportunities come. He'll be a four-year contributor for the Yellow Jackets and a name to keep tucked away in the 2030 class.     [player_tooltip player_id='2325515' first='Dakon' last='Taylor'] is another promising young Yellow Jacket making an impact on both sides of the ball as a freshman. The 2030 ATH has a lot of raw tools to work with alongside a strong 6'2 195 frame for his age and has already shown flashes of what he could become. He's an effective blocker in Moorefield's Wing-T offense and does a nice job coming off the edge on defense. His size and athleticism give him several potential paths positionally as he develops, and he could grow into a standout at multiple different positions. Taylor is still early in the development process, but the natural tools are there.     Moorefield has a third freshman making an early varsity impact in 2030 OL/DL Alek Ketterman, who is already starting along both sides of the line for the Yellow Jackets. Ketterman has taken over at center on offense, which says a lot about the trust his coaches have in him at a young age, and he's handled the opportunity well. Ketterman also sees time on the defensive line and plays with a great motor and toughness that have helped him earn a varsity role this early. Ketterman will be a four-year starter for the Yellow Jackets and a good building block for them up front.

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