2025 WV Team Preview: Jefferson Cougars

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 30% Off Your Subscription with Code PRZWV30 at Checkout!</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A sleeper team in Class AAAA this season is the Jefferson Cougars. They return a large chunk of their talent from 2024 and should be among the top teams in the state this season. Jefferson has returning experience on the line of scrimmage and a plethora of athletes to spread the ball to. They'll have their usual tough battles in the EPAC with some talented out-of-conference foes to battle too, but keep an eye on the Cougars to make some noise in 2025. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2025 Schedule</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8/29: vs Spring Mills<br>9/5: vs Morgantown<br>9/12: at Sherando (VA)<br>9/26: at Martinsburg<br>10/3: vs Hedgesville<br>10/11: at George Washington<br>10/17: vs Loudon County (VA)<br>10/24: vs Musselman<br>10/31: vs John Champe (VA)<br>11/7: vs Washington</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Record:</strong> 8-4<br><strong>2025 Prediction:</strong> 7-3</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1605206"],"_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-68a2372d61ed3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jefferson will have one of the most explosive players in the state this season with 2026 WR [player_tooltip player_id='1605206' first='Tony' last='Allen']. He doubles as one of the fastest athletes around, and they'll utilize that speed as much as possible. Allen is a threat to score any time he touches the ball, with very few defenders in the state capable of chasing him down in the open field. He can be targeted on deep balls or easy catches on screens and short throws, with dynamic playmaking ability in either facet. D1 programs should be keeping close tabs on Allen this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/9264583/67e54bf0b503e35af6e64003' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68a3399eee7da"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["894673"],"_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-68a2372d61f5d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A high upside 2026 Jefferson prospect to know this season is LB [player_tooltip player_id='894673' first='Takiem' last='Drake']. He's a very athletic OLB/EDGE player for the Cougars and executes that role well. Drake's quickness and bend off the edge create issues for offensive tackles, with the speed and flexibility to get around them if their footwork is slow. Drake flies to the football and closes space at a high level. His crashing ability makes it even difficult to run away from his play side if he isn't chipped as a havoc creator. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14949094/673b73661216e129528a2ab1' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68a3399eee844"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["896585"],"_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-68a2372d61fbe"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A multi-year veteran to know for the Cougars again this season is 2026 ATH [player_tooltip player_id='896585' first='Jackson' last='Rockwell']. He's an equally talented two-way player who can be a difference maker as a receiver or defensive back. Rockwell is a natural athlete who has a good feel for the game and knows how to get open, what to do with the ball in his hands, and where to be to make a play on defense. His recruitment has been quiet on X, but Rockwell is someone who should see D2 looks this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16110031/671663728839e5eda0cf5ebd' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68a3399eee88e"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1260005"],"_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-68a2372d62028"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another versatile athlete for Jefferson to utilize this season is 2026 ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1652519' first='Tre'Von' last='Ledbetter']. He can line up anywhere from running back and receiver to outside linebacker and safety if needed. Ledbetter was a top performer as a running back at our Combine Series camp earlier this summer, and has the athleticism to perform well at multiple positions. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18074863/674ccf51e429f4576624f5f3' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68a3399eee8d2"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1183506"],"_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-68a2372d6208e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A returning three-year starter this season for the Cougars is 2026 OL [player_tooltip player_id='1183506' first='Silas' last='Speet']. He was thrown into the fire as a sophomore, and that early experience has paid off for Speet as an upperclassman. Speet will man one of the tackle spots again this year, but should settle in at guard at the next level. He's deserving of D2 looks this fall as an interior prospect and has shown the ability to play at that level during his career. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17760645/679c41ae9055437c7ab10c5b' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68a3399eee912"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1227638"],"_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-68a2372d620ea"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another 2026 Jefferson OL prospect to know this season is [player_tooltip player_id='1227638' first='Kip' last='Waldeck']. He's another offensive lineman for the Cougars who has started since his sophomore year and will be a team leader as a senior. Waldeck has one of the better physiques in the state for linemen, but the biggest question for him as a prospect is whether he can add the necessary size to play offensive line in college. He could likely perform well along the defensive line, where Waldeck has some experience. The ability is there, which we saw firsthand at a camp this summer, and is someone that D2 schools should take a flyer on and figure out where he fits best positionally later. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17793590/675a3c6943194d09223105f6' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68a3399eee957"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1227636"],"_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-68a2372d62146"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">An underrated 2026 prospect for Jefferson who had a solid junior year for the Cougars is EDGE [player_tooltip player_id='1227636' first='Leeland' last='Benner']. He's a talented pass rusher who will play traditional defensive end with his hand in the turf, but projects as a stand-up EDGE rusher at the next level. Benner is quick off the ball and uses his hands well to defeat blocks consistently. He also plays with low leverage and good bend with his current role, which will translate well as an EDGE at the next level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14993225/6723b822f55b52fb564feb0a' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68a3399eee994"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["894992"],"_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-68a2372d621a6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2026 QB/ATH [player_tooltip player_id='894992' first='Ryan' last='Weant'] returns to West Virginia for his Senior season after a year across the border in Virginia. He'll head into the season as QB1 for the Cougars, but he has athletic versatility to move around positionally as well. Weant did some good things at linebacker last season at his previous school and could see action there as well, depending on how things shake out at quarterback. Weant has shown the capability to play quarterback in the past and should do some good things there this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18055931/6738edf02c21fb2e416669ea' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68a3399eee9d2"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["862698"],"_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-68a2372d62217"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The other quarterback at Jefferson's disposal later in the year, as he works his way back from an injury this offseason, is 2027 QB/ATH [player_tooltip player_id='862698' first='Braylon' last='Holmes']. He's yet to fully show what he's capable of as a player, but the adversity should eventually pay off for Holmes with some patience. He'll be a better player for doing so in time, once his opportunity comes on a larger scale. Our belief in his ability is represented by his Top 25 ranking in the class, as Holmes has shown flashes of high-level ability in the past. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19238505/673a15102c21fb2e4167b341' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68a3399eeea10"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["894658"],"_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-68a2372d62279"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jefferson will have a big 2027 offensive line prospect to utilize again this season in [player_tooltip player_id='894658' first='Noah' last='Hockman']. We got to see him in person each of the past two summers, and he's steadily progressing both physically and fundamentally. Hockman is still far away from his ceiling as a player, but he's improving every year and should take another step forward as a junior. The upside and potential are there in his game to develop into a future top OL prospect in this class. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18106061/677c6b11e67c0ae59394e18e' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68a3399eeea4f"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1160617"],"_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-68a2372d622d6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another 2027 big man who started as a sophomore for the Cougars is OL [player_tooltip player_id='1160617' first='Channing' last='Proctor']. He's a big interior prospect with a wide frame who started at center last season, which speaks to his ability as a young player. Proctor showed power and physicality as a first-year starter at a difficult position to play, especially as a young player, which speaks to his future outlook as a prospect. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19429951/67880af6ea02d10655a71c02' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68a3399eeea8f"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>OTHER PLAYERS TO KNOW</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1206525' first='Ricardo' last='Lewis'] III - 2026 WR/DB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jonas Wiser - 2026 OL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Anthony Gautreaux - 2026 DL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1335560' first='Chayce' last='Miller'] - 2027 LB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1624371' first='Isiah' last='Simmons-Kelly'] - 2028 WR</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->