Midseason Underclassmen Specialist Spotlight

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 30% Off Your Subscription with Code PRZWV30 at Checkout!</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>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></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The specialists don't always get the same attention as the players making plays on offense or defense, but their impact can be just as important on Friday nights. As the season reaches the midway point, we're taking a closer look at the senior kickers and punters who have stood out. This group features specialists who have given their teams an advantage in the kicking game and have shown traits that could translate to the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1625334"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ac91a34b78c0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The rise of 2028 Chapmanville K [player_tooltip player_id='1625334' first='Ashton' last='McClanahan'] has been fun to watch and has him trending toward the top spot in the specialist rankings for his class. McClanahan has been efficient on PATs and field goals this season, with a 42-yard make early in the year highlighting the range he brings to the Tigers' kicking game. His mechanics are sound, and his technique holds up across different phases of special teams, giving him a well-rounded profile for a junior. He's become the most complete specialist in the 2028 class in my eyes, and his performance this season is backing up that evaluation. McClanahan has the tools to draw D1 interest as he continues to develop.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/McCl8822/status/2106801732189561259","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/McCl8822/status/2106801732189561259 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2224115"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ac91a34b78fe"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2028 Musselman K [player_tooltip player_id='2224115' first='Eric' last='Hugas'] caught our attention as a sophomore last season and has the leg strength to become one of the higher-ceiling specialists in his class. Hugas generates impressive power on kickoffs and drives the ball with good force. His athleticism and physical 6'1 220 build give him a strong starting point, and continued refinement of his swing and mechanics will elevate his game further. Hugas is still developing, but the raw leg talent is intriguing and makes Hugas a prospect college programs should get familiar with. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/eh_highlights/status/2101377186615751062","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/eh_highlights/status/2101377186615751062 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1624456"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ac91a34b7924"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2028 Parkersburg South K [player_tooltip player_id='1624456' first='Wyatt' last='Bartley'] has been a steady performer for the Patriots and is showing encouraging progress as his leg strength continues to develop. His 43-yard field goal in Week 5 was a good example of the range he's starting to show, and he's converted both of his field-goal attempts this season. Bartley has a quick, smooth swing on PATs and field goals with no wasted motion, giving him a sound technical base to build on. His kickoff power and technique are still developing, but he's making strides as he gets bigger and stronger. Bartley is one of the better specialists to know in the 2028 class. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/bartley_wy2638/status/2103900739797958789","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/bartley_wy2638/status/2103900739797958789 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1624464"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ac91a34b7945"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The consistency 2028 Buckhannon-Upshur K [player_tooltip player_id='1624464' first='Aiden' last='Snyder'] has shown throughout his high school career sets him apart among most specialists in his class. After a strong sophomore campaign, Snyder has maintained that level into his junior season with continued improvement. His placekick approach is efficient and repeatable, with quick steps into his kick. The year-over-year progress has been encouraging to see, and Snyder remains one of the top kickers in the 2028 class. He's backing up his spot near the top of the rankings with another solid season for the Buccaneers so far. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/snyder_aiden2/status/2106462097991180767","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/snyder_aiden2/status/2106462097991180767 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1221859"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ac91a34b7966"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The progress 2028 Fairmont Senior K [player_tooltip player_id='1221859' first='Ben' last='Smith'] has made since his freshman year is starting to pay off. The lefty has begun his junior season without a miss on place kicks, going 11/11 on PATs and 2/2 on short field goals. That consistency has helped him develop into one of the top kickers in the class as he continues to develop. His strong lower-body base translates well to leg strength, giving him a solid physical foundation to build on. There's still room to refine his fundamentals, but Smith has worked to improve and has plenty of upside remaining. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/benthekicker09/status/2098931259367944247","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/benthekicker09/status/2098931259367944247 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2443427"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ac91a34b7988"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Martinsburg has a strong track record of developing talented specialists, and 2028 K [player_tooltip player_id='2443427' first='Andrew' last='Bean'] is the next Bulldog starting to emerge. Bean has been steady on PATs this season, showing consistency in that part of the kicking game while continuing to develop the rest of his skill set. We're still waiting to see him get live field-goal opportunities to gauge his range, and his kickoff power has room to grow as well. The encouraging part is that Bean already has strong mechanics to build from. He's a kicker to keep on the radar heading into his senior season, with college potential as his game develops.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/28185931/6abf000b447e2d5fbafcb247u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ac91a34b79b7"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2443425"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ac91a34b79da"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2028 Keyser K [player_tooltip player_id='2443425' first='Camden' last='Larkin'] is a new name on our specialist radar this season, and he has the physical tools to develop into one of the better kickers in his class. Following last year's top kicker in the class, Tommy Nash, is no easy task, but Larkin has plenty of upside in his own right. His 6'0 205 frame helps him generate impressive power on kickoffs, which is the strongest part of his game right now. He's still raw mechanically on PATs and field goals, but more reps and dedicated training should help him refine his technique and become more consistent. Larkin has a good base to build from, and his physical tools give him a chance to climb the rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/22575270/6ac54bfa8a64977881d0b4d5u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ac91a34b79ea"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2443418"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ac91a34b7a07"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2028 Spring Valley LS [player_tooltip player_id='2443418' first='Maveric' last='Adkins'] is a new name on our radar this season and has potential as one of the top long snappers to know in his class. Adkins has a good 5'11 210 frame that should continue to fill out, but his effort after the snap is what stands out most on film. He hustles downfield to cover punts, an encouraging trait for a young long snapper who understands that his job doesn't end once the ball leaves his hands. His snap speed on punts and location consistency on place kicks still need work, but those areas can improve quickly with more training. Adkins has a good starting point heading into the next stage of his development, and I expect him to make strides before his senior season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/MavericAdkinsLS/status/2101684089816244382","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/MavericAdkinsLS/status/2101684089816244382 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1354455"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ac91a34b7a27"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Martinsburg's [player_tooltip player_id='1354455' first='David' last='Summers'] is an early 2028 standout in the long snapper class after performing well for the Bulldogs over multiple seasons. His bigger build should help him hold up in protection, and his snap speed and spiral on place kicks are already strong traits on film. Martinsburg's explosive offense has limited his opportunities to snap on punts, so that part of his game remains an area to evaluate as more film becomes available. He's a notable name in the class with a reliable track record so far during his career. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19468671/6ac8f1b05b7d2e27d09ec7f3u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ac91a34b7a35"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2443450"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ac91a34b7a51"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2028 Hurricane P [player_tooltip player_id='2443450' first='Dylan' last='Mannina'] has quickly become a major name to know in the class after transferring from Winfield to the Redskins. The junior is flashing significant upside in the punting game, with an athletic 6'3 180 frame that translates well to his punting mechanics. Mannina has a smooth, powerful swing that generates both distance and height, and his punts have good hang time on the limited film available. There's still more to evaluate as he posts more tape, but the early traits are impressive to see. Based on what I've seen so far, Mannina has the potential to become the next D1 punter to come out of West Virginia.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/26922113/6aaefcc8f7698dcad2909fe2u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ac91a34b7a5e"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1719305"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ac91a34b7a7b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1719305' first='Ayden' last='Thorne'] is continuing to build on his breakout freshman season at Philip Barbour, further cementing his status as the top kicker in the 2029 class. The sophomore has converted 90% of his PATs and is 3/5 on field goals, with a long of 44 yards already showing impressive range that he can bring to the Colts' kicking game. Thorne has an athletic 6'1 frame and has even seen time as a skill player this season. He's still developing, but the physical tools are there, in my eyes, to develop into a future D1 specialist.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/26736901/6aa72bc55e521db472b8477au0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ac91a34b7a88"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1716514"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ac91e48d1940"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Paxton Bocook is ranked as one of the top tight end prospects in the 2029 class, but the Hurricane product is also showing promise as a specialist. The left-footed 2029 TE/K has flashed as a kickoff specialist for the Redskins this season and has done well handling PATs effectively. His bigger build helps him generate impressive power for this stage of his development, giving him an early advantage over many of the kickers in his class. There's still room to grow as a kicker, but his natural leg strength and early mechanical development are an encouraging starting point. Bocook's future at tight end is still intriguing, but his kicking ability adds another dimension to his value as he develops at both positions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/PaxtonBocook/status/2107854249514443141","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/PaxtonBocook/status/2107854249514443141 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2385020"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ac91a34b7aa3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Despite a difficult season for St. Albans, 2029 K [player_tooltip player_id='2385020' first='Maddox' last='Saunders'] is a new name to know in the Red Dragons' program. Saunders has a long, lanky 6'2 frame that gives him higher upside than most as a young specialist. His mechanics are raw, but there's already noticeable pop off his foot that he can build on as he learns the mechanics and technique of the position. With his frame and early flashes of leg strength, he's a young prospect to keep on your radar as he continues refining his game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->