Josh Holden, - Prep Redzone

Josh Holden

Linebacker

2026 Class

6'1" Height

220 Weight

North Marion School

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Expert Analysis

Matthew Layton

Prep Redzone Lead Scout

2026 North Marion LB Josh Holden Josh Holden 6'1" | 220 lbs | LB North Marion | 2026 State WV continues to be a steady, consistent player for the Huskies at middle linebacker through the first four weeks of his senior season. He has filled out well since emerging late in his sophomore season and has steadily grown and strengthened over the past two years. Defensive end or EDGE is likely his future at the next level, given his size trajectory and athletic skill set. However, Holden is still his usual downhill, physical self at MLB this season and has D2 potential in our eyes.

Written 7 months ago

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Matthew Layton

Prep Redzone Lead Scout

2026 North Marion LB Josh Holden Josh Holden 6'1" | 220 lbs | LB North Marion | 2026 State WV first made his name known in the 2023 state championship game as a sophomore, intercepting a pass, and has been a quality player for the Huskies since then. He has a big frame that can be further molded into a DE/EDGE player at the next level, which is likely where he translates best as a prospect. Holden led the Huskies in tackles as a junior with 118 total tackles and will return as a defensive leader. He’s at his best getting downhill in run support from his middle linebacker spot as a tough, physical athlete.

Written 9 months ago

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Matthew Layton

Prep Redzone Lead Scout

North Marion 2026 LB Josh Holden Josh Holden 6'1" | 220 lbs | LB North Marion | 2026 State WV recently debuted as a Top 10 linebacker in the class based largely on potential and future development. His best football is ahead of him, and we’ll be looking for him to show he’s capable of maintaining that high ranking at the combine as he continues to progress his game over the next two years. Quicker reaction time and attack/pursuit speed are the areas we saw on film that we want him to take the next steps in, and Holden will have some opportunities in pass coverage during 1-on-1s to show his progress in those areas. The lack of a true running game in a camp setting makes it difficult for linebackers, but proving he’s a capable coverage linebacker too will speak highly of his ability if he can do so. That’s our main question for Holden heading into the combine along with just getting a better idea of his athletic ability from his testing numbers.

Written 2 years ago

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Matthew Layton

Prep Redzone Lead Scout

I expect North Marion linebacker Josh Holden Josh Holden 6'1" | 220 lbs | LB North Marion | 2026 State WV to take a big step forward next season for the Huskies as a junior where they’ll be looking for some underclassmen to step up in a big way after reaching the Class AA state championship last season. We’ll get a great look at Holden at our combine coming to Morgantown on May 4th and are excited to see him in that environment after getting some run last season as a sophomore on a very good North Marion team. His best football will be coming over the next two seasons, but Holden showed early traits as a young player in 2023. He does a nice job reading plays as they develop and can make strides in reacting quicker and playing faster heading into his junior season. Added strength over the off-season will also greatly benefit him next season where I expect him to make a big jump and take the next step in his development. Holden was able to learn from one of the state’s best linebackers the past two seasons with 2024 LB Casey Minor Casey Minor 6'1" | 190 lbs | LB North Marion | 2024 State WV so watch out for him to have a breakout junior season for the Huskies.