RETURNING STANDOUT

2029 Ritchie County LB Ashton Byrd Ashton Byrd 6'0" | 170 lbs | LB Ritchie County | 2029 State WV had an impressive freshman season with 80 tackles and 10 tackles for loss, establishing himself as one of the top young defenders in Class A. Byrd plays with a high motor and good instincts, consistently getting downhill and finding the football before plays develop. He saw some snaps along the defensive line, but his skill set fits naturally at linebacker, where his ability to pursue and finish tackles stands out. Byrd has already shown a knack for consistently being around the ball, and adding more size and developing over the next three years could turn him into a future college prospect

2029 Ritchie County LB Ashton Byrd Ashton Byrd 6'0" | 170 lbs | LB Ritchie County | 2029 State WV is one of the top small school defenders to know in the class after a standout freshman season. Byrd piled up 80 tackles and 10 tackles for loss, making his presence felt every snap for the Rebels. Although he spent some time along the defensive line, we see his long-term future at linebacker, where his motor, instincts, and effort to the football stand out. He’s a dependable tackler who consistently finishes plays and doesn’t waste time getting downhill. Production like that is hard to ignore, and Byrd has already established himself as one of the more promising young linebackers in Class A.