The Parkersburg Big Reds’ top playmaker is super sophomore WR Brady Thorn Brady Thorn 6'0" | 175 lbs | WR/ATH Parkersburg | 2028 State WV , who represents our playoff X-Factor selection. He’s earning serious D1 interest, making visits to some of the top college programs in the region, and could soon earn his first D1 opportunity. Thorn can take the top off the defense on go balls or utilize his route-running ability to move the chains. He’s also dangerous after the catch and will make a big impact as a defensive back as well. If Parkersburg wants to earn a round one upset, they’ll need Thorn to take over the game.

2028 Parkersburg WR Brady Thorn Brady Thorn 6'0" | 175 lbs | WR/ATH Parkersburg | 2028 State WV is capable of having an explosive sophomore year if he takes a step forward and the Big Reds can get him the ball. He showed high-level potential as a freshman, but Thorn can elevate his game further as he gets older and more experienced. Thorn has made advancements physically over the off-season, which should translate to an even better sophomore year.

Here’s what we recently said about Thorn in our 2028 Rankings Debut article:

“2028 Parkersburg WR  Brady Thorn Brady Thorn 6'0" | 175 lbs | WR/ATH Parkersburg | 2028 State WV  flashed as a freshman on varsity for the Big Reds last season and was their best offensive weapon. We’re expecting him and the offense as a whole to take a step forward in 2025 and showcase his potential even further. Thorn can develop into a big-time playmaker for them, which you saw glimpses of as a freshman against a tough schedule. He has the physical traits to eventually garner D1 attention in the future if he continues on this development path.”

2028 Parkersburg WR Brady Thorn Brady Thorn 6'0" | 175 lbs | WR/ATH Parkersburg | 2028 State WV flashed as a freshman on varsity for the Big Reds last season and was their best offensive weapon. We’re expecting him and the offense as a whole to take a step forward in 2025 and showcase his potential even further. Thorn can develop into a big-time playmaker for them, which you saw glimpses of as a freshman against a tough schedule. He has the physical traits to eventually garner D1 attention in the future if he continues on this development path.

A young 2028 receiver out of Parkersburg to know for the future is Brady Thorn Brady Thorn 6'0" | 175 lbs | WR/ATH Parkersburg | 2028 State WV . He was very productive as a freshman for the Big Reds with a ton of potential and athleticism to utilize over the next three years. Thorn has long arms and big hands for his size and age, which will greatly benefit him as a pass catcher. His current frame will give him the versatility to play inside and outside, with a frame to develop into a physically imposing receiver. Thorn already has a good understanding of the position technically and fundamentally and is an early top WR prospect in the 2028 class.

2028 Parkersburg WR Brady Thorn Brady Thorn 6'0" | 175 lbs | WR/ATH Parkersburg | 2028 State WV led the Big Reds in receiving as a freshman and totaled over 500 all-purpose yards and 5 touchdowns in year one at the high school level. Thorn is a well-developed route runner at this stage of his career and can execute the full route tree showcasing he can make plays at all three levels of the passing game on his freshman tape. He can stretch the field on go balls, deep posts, and corner routes but also does a nice job finding space in the intermediate game with screen potential. Thorn flashed reliable hands throughout his highlights with several catches in traffic and some over-the-shoulder catches in stride. He’ll be a name to know for four years at one of the biggest schools in the state.

It will be interesting to see where Thorn ultimately ends up, as he starts his high school football journey. Thorn was a thorn in the side for any team he played against last season as an 8th grader at Jackson Middle School, with numbers that tell the whole story. In eight games, had 29 receptions for 920 yards and 14 touchdowns and 19 carries for 3725 yards and four touchdowns. Defensively, he recorded 74 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and two forced fumbles. On special teams, returned two kickoffs for touchdowns, recovered three onside kicks and blocked two extra point attempts.