2024 Summer Stockrisers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The junior class in the Mountain State sits packed with talent as we enter the countdown to the gridiron season. From offensive lineman to tight ends, and linebackers to running backs, there's no doubt that all 11 positions are covered maybe not equally, but fairly enough. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are five players who rose through the ranks after strong summers:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="370278" first="Caleb" last="Norman"], Parkersburg, OL, 295, 6-8 </strong>(Unranked to No. 4) - This young man learned a lot from former PHS head coach Mike Byus and the offensive coaches the last few years, as such, sits as someone really deserving of his stock in the rankings. No matter where he lines up on, he delivers quality blocking. His 80-inch wingspan allows him the ability to flip his hips quickly and engage with a defender before the other is out of their stance. He fires off the ball and has great footwork for his size. It should be no surprise he's ranked where he is. If I needed a O-lineman to start my group, there are few better in the junior class. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="370257" first="Amir" last="Hairston"], Bluefield, RB, 5-11, 180 (Unranked to 7) </strong>- Hairston is someone who would be higher on this list if not for the talent in front of him. Regardless of the situation, there's no helping being impressed with him. Thanks to tutoring from some of the top running back coaches in the state, Hairston he wrecks opposing defenses with great abandon similar to predecessors before him like Kennedy Award winner Mookie Collier and Truck Edwards. He busts through the offensive line with a quick first step and doesn't present a huge target for defenders to grab a hold of. If you do get a hold of him, you better take him down, because he isn't likely to go down after the first hit. His ball security is second-to-none and his footwork is immaculate. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="370366" first="Keyshawn" last="Robinson"], Jefferson, WR, 190, 6-2 (Unranked to 13)</strong> - This young man's strength, versatility and athleticism on the gridiron put him in the top 15. He really shines at wide receiver, though. Anyone who can go mano-a-mano with a Martinsburg defender simply can't be ignored. The Bulldogs' secondary carries a few of the most talented defensive backs in the state, and Robinson can keep up with them and even make moves to beat them. He releases off the line quickly, running a speedy, solid and precise route, while keeping good timing with his quarterback. As the spread game has exploded in college, these crucial pieces put him ahead of the competition. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="370321" first="Wayne" last="Harris"], Huntington, WR, 165, 5-10 (Unranked to 8)</strong> - Harris rockets up this debut list thanks to a number of different factors. First, his transfer from South Charleston to Huntington means an upgrade at quarterback with recent Division I commit [player_tooltip player_id="169014" first="Gavin" last="Lochow"]. Lochow passed for over 2,000 yards last year and just inherited one of the top receivers in terms of yards (1st) and touchdowns (2nd) in the state. Second, he's joining an offense piloted by one of the smartest minds in the state in Billy Seals. The Highlander head man surely will have some special plays drawn up for his new weapon, and he's a guy who likes using what works. Third, Harris looked brilliant in several camps over the summer with a quick explosive first step and understanding of his route and assignment regardless of where he was lined up close to the sticks. He is a possession receiver capable of picking up some YACs or cruising all out for the deep ball. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="370324" first="Maxwell" last="Molessa"], Williamstown, DB, 175, 5-10</strong> - Sure, Molessa already committed to West Virginia University for baseball, but there's no avoiding his talent. It flows from him on the gridiron at QB, but especially at defensive back. His strong hands and wonderful footwork, thanks to his job as shortstop on the Williamstown baseball team, make him a menace for wide receivers. He's able to keep most assignments in front of him, put has the speed to catch up if beat. Every ball is a 50-50 ball if this kid is guarding someone thanks to his strong hands and knack for being in the right place at the right time. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->