2027 Winfield LB Carson Samples earns a spot in the rankings after another productive season for the Generals’ defense. Samples finished third on the team with 89 tackles as a junior, consistently finding his way to the football and making plays. While he may not have the ideal size for the position, he compensates with athleticism, instincts, and a relentless motor that shows up throughout the game. Samples plays bigger than his measurements and has a knack for putting himself in a position to make stops. His production and effort make him a player worth knowing heading into his senior season and a prospect that should draw attention from D3 programs.

The Winfield Generals had a tough opening round loss to Herbert Hoover, but 2027 LB Carson Samples Carson Samples 5'10" | 170 lbs | LB/ATH Winfield | 2027 State WV was all over the field on defense. He’s deserving of a spotlight for his play on defense with high effort pursuit of the football. Samples is an undersized but scrappy player that allows him to overcome those size concerns. He reads plays well and plays with physciality to get off blocks and get to the ball tenaciously.

Winfield has a strong linebacker corps this season, with 2027 LB Carson Samples Carson Samples 5'10" | 170 lbs | LB/ATH Winfield | 2027 State WV being one of their top players there. He’s totaled 36 tackles in four games this season for the Generals, while coming off a productive sophomore campaign, too. What he lacks in size, Samples makes up for with athleticism and tenacity at the position. He’s fast to the ball and is as quick laterally as he is vertically, which translates to quick pursuit. Samples does a nice job of dipping under and evading blocks that lead to his high production numbers.