WV Combine Series: Evaluating the Defensive Line

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Code PRZWV30 for a discount on your subscription at checkout!</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2025 West Virginia Combine Series camp took place at the beautiful indoor Highlands Sports Complex in Triadelphia, WV, on Saturday, with over 75 WV prospects competing and learning from college coaches across the state and region. Here is our evaluation of every defensive lineman in attendance at the camp!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>MVP</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1309678"],"_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"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6817bb180ba7f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2028 Capital EDGE [player_tooltip player_id='1309678' first='Trevaun' last='Tyson'] was the star of the camp among the DL group, which featured some talented and older prospects. Tyson's early size and athleticism make him a great fit for the EDGE position, where he was a productive player for the Cougars as a freshman this past season. He has the frame to add significant size over the next three years, which will take his already established game to new heights. Tyson is very quick off the edge as a speed rusher with great bend and flexibility to dip under offensive tackles. He does a nice job as a young edge rusher of using his hands, with the ability to add more pass rush moves to his arsenal with continued development. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">had a great day at <a href="https://twitter.com/PrepRedzoneWV?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrepRedzoneWV</a> camp in Triadelphia Wv I got MVP for the defensive line out of the whole camp and also got picked for the best of the best at the camp <a href="https://twitter.com/304TuranRush?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@304TuranRush</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PrepRedzone?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrepRedzone</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RecruitCapital?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RecruitCapital</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachChuck90?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachChuck90</a> <a href="https://t.co/0iGl3QA93W">pic.twitter.com/0iGl3QA93W</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='1309678' first='Trevaun' last='Tyson'] (@Trevaun_tyson5) <a href="https://twitter.com/Trevaun_tyson5/status/1918749132589539444?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>TOP PERFORMERS</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1615402"],"_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"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6817bb180bae1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2027 Linsly DL [player_tooltip player_id='1615402' first='Darryn' last='McCormick'] was the top interior defensive lineman at Saturday's Combine Series and was right in the mix for MVP of the group. He was an evaluation hit in our rankings as a Top 5 DL in the 2027 class with the potential to move up even further after getting to see him live in person for the first time. McCormick's ceiling is very high, especially if he can add some more size over the next two years. He's very athletic for a young interior defensive lineman, which was apparent during both the combine testing drills and throughout 1-on-1s and the individual periods. McCormick has tremendous potential and upside to develop into a high-level DL prospect in the 2027 class if he continues to take the next steps. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">DL Top 3 Performer 2027 Linsly DL <a href="https://twitter.com/Darryn_Mcor77?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Darryn_Mcor77</a> <br><br>Powerful and athletic young interior lineman with a ton of potential and upside! 👇<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/wvprepfb?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#wvprepfb</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PRZCombineSeries?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PRZCombineSeries</a> <a href="https://t.co/16weehzZhr">pic.twitter.com/16weehzZhr</a></p>&mdash; Prep Redzone West Virginia (@PrepRedzoneWV) <a href="https://twitter.com/PrepRedzoneWV/status/1919096557720281303?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1666004"],"_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"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6817bb180bb2a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2027 Fairmont Senior DL [player_tooltip player_id='1666004' first='King' last='Abercrombie'] was a pleasant surprise at Saturday's camp, coming into the day with no previous film and leaving as a Top 3 DL Top Performer. He should earn a ton of playing time for the Polar Bears this upcoming season as a junior after waiting his turn behind some talented players and showcased a ton of potential and upside this weekend. Abercrombie is well built for his age and position, with a wrestling background that will benefit him as an interior defensive lineman. He looked very strong and powerful as a bull rusher throughout the camp, which gave opposing offensive linemen fits. Even without game film, he's likely to place highly in our upcoming rankings update. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Had a great day at <a href="https://twitter.com/PrepRedzoneWV?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrepRedzoneWV</a> camp in tridelphia wv top 3 at the camp can't wait to compete again <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachSampson90?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachSampson90</a> <a href="https://t.co/FSAaq9ae9Q">pic.twitter.com/FSAaq9ae9Q</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='1666004' first='King' last='Abercrombie'] (@KingAbercrombi) <a href="https://twitter.com/KingAbercrombi/status/1919111243282952677?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>UNDER-THE-RADAR NAMES TO KNOW</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1656366"],"_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"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6817bb180bb70"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Seeing 2028 Morgantown DL [player_tooltip player_id='1656366' first='Grant' last='Robinson'] in person, you'd have no idea that he was only a freshman by the way that he's built for his age. Robinson is physically impressive for an athlete wrapping up his first year of high school, which bodes well for his future outlook and development. He's another prospect with a wrestling background, which explains those physical developments. As a pure defensive line prospect, Robinson is undersized but has the frame to play EDGE pending further physical growth and appears to have the athleticism as well to be a natural fit at that position. He's a tough physical athlete who played along the interior a lot on the Morgantown freshman team this past season and will likely vie for playing time on the varsity squad this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1663603"],"_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"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6817bb180bc3a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Keyser's [player_tooltip player_id='1663603' first='Ian' last='Braithwaite'] is undersized as a pure DL prospect but has the athletic tools to develop into an EDGE rusher or even OLB at the next level based on what he showed at Saturday's camp. If he can add some mass to his frame, Braithwaite looked very athletic during the combine testing period and continued that during the individual position drills. In the 6'2 190 range, Braithwaite has an ideal frame from an EDGE prospect if he can add mass at the next level with long-snapping capabilities as well showing versatility that will get him on the field in some capacity. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1662294"],"_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"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6817bb180bbf7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Martinsburg has a young lineman prospect coming up the ranks in 2028 OL/DL [player_tooltip player_id='1667816' first='Pedro' last='Espinoza'], who did some good things on their freshman team this past season. Espinoza has done a nice job developing his frame to date and is well put together physically for his age. While he doesn't have an elite frame yet, Espinoza has maximized it thus far, which showed up in physicality at Saturday's camp. He's a strong young player who was fearless when facing older and bigger offensive linemen and didn't shy away from contact. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1657565"],"_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"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6817bb180bcc2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Weir's [player_tooltip player_id='1657565' first='Connor' last='Lancaster'] is another prospect who could develop into an EDGE type role given his size and athleticism. He looked athletic during the combine testing period which leads you to believe he could rush the passer off the edge. Lancaster admirably played along the interior this past season for the Red Riders even lining up as a nose tackle at times. His short area quickness and leverage ability allowed him to have success in that role, but as a college prospect, Lancaster fits better as an EDGE.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1662351"],"_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"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6817bb180bbb3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Huntington's [player_tooltip player_id='1662351' first='Tommy' last='Conner IV'] is another young big man prospect in the Highladers' ranks who showed potential and upside during Saturday's camp. He's expectedly raw as a player as he wraps up his freshman year of high school, but Conner will be developed well at a program known for producing high-level big men prospects. Conner has upside on both sides of the line, but worked as a defensive lineman at the Combine Series and flashed potential. He got reps at offensive tackle last season on the Highlanders' younger squad, showing he has the early footwork to play in space with further development coming as he gets older. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1609865"],"_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"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6817bb180bc7f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Musselman's [player_tooltip player_id='1609865' first='Deacon' last='Nguyen'] has a bright future for the Applemen and saw varsity action as a freshman this past season. Nguyen is put together well for his age with an ideal interior DL frame. He can play on both sides of the line, but we like his potential as an interior defensive lineman. Nguyen shows flashes on both film and at the Combine Series camp as he builds up his confidence as a young lineman. He's physically strong and will continue to develop his technique to put himself in a position to have success as he gets older and more experienced. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1647769"],"_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"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6817bb180bd06"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">University's [player_tooltip player_id='1647769' first='Gavin' last='Stone'] has upside as an EDGE prospect with his size and athleticism. Stone can put his hand on the turf as a traditional DE, but his skill set fits well on the edge. He has good bend and plays low, which will give offensive tackles trouble in pass protection. Stone uses his hands well and does a nice job of hand fighting when block shedding. He moves fluidly with quality short-area quickness, with the ability to redirect himself mid-rush. We're looking forward to seeing some game tape from Stone this season to see how well his game translates in pads. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->