2027 LB Derek Valentine gives George Washington some valuable flexibility on both sides of the ball, working at linebacker and defensive back while taking on a larger offensive role this season. Valentine has the frame for the position but moves with the athleticism of a safety, an intriguing combination for college coaches to evaluate. His ability to contribute in multiple roles adds to his value as a prospect, and his physical tools and frame give him high upside at linebacker. Valentine is an under-the-radar name in the 2027 class who deserves a closer look from D2 programs.

2027 George Washington LB Derek Valentine Derek Valentine 6'0" | 195 lbs | LB/RB George Washington | 2027 State WV has been a versatile piece for the Patriots this season. He’s seeing time at both linebacker and defensive back for the 4-0 Patriots, while also increasing his offensive role that adds another example of the versatility and athleticism he brings to the field. Valentine has a linebacker frame but moves like a safety, and that athleticism gives him an intriguing ceiling at the position. His physical tools should earn him some college looks this fall and is an underrated prospect in the 2027 class to check out.

BREAKOUT CANDIDATE

2027 George Washington LB Derek Valentine Derek Valentine 6'0" | 195 lbs | LB/RB George Washington | 2027 State WV returns as one of the leaders of a Patriots defense with high expectations entering the season. After taking a major step forward as a junior, Valentine has developed into a dependable presence at linebacker and will be counted on to anchor the middle of the defense. His combination of size, athleticism, and experience gives George Washington another reliable defender against both the run and pass. With the Patriots aiming to compete for a state championship, Valentine will be a key piece in keeping the defense among the best in Class AAAA.

George Washington 2027 LB Derek Valentine Derek Valentine 6'0" | 195 lbs | LB/RB George Washington | 2027 State WV enters the offseason with clear upward momentum after making a significant leap from his sophomore to junior year. His physical growth and overall development have elevated him into the Top 10 among linebackers in the class, and the foundation is now in place for an even bigger senior campaign. Valentine brings a strong frame and athletic upside that project well moving forward, and the next step will be refining the details of his game while stepping into a larger leadership role. If that progression continues, he has the potential not only to solidify his standing but to climb even higher within the 2027 linebacker rankings heading into his final season.

2027 George Washington LB Derek Valentine Derek Valentine 6'0" | 195 lbs | LB/RB George Washington | 2027 State WV took a big step forward from his sophomore to junior year, both physically and developmentally. That improvement and development have now made him a Top 10 linebacker prospect in the class for now, with the potential to climb higher if he takes his game to another level as a senior. Valentine has a quality frame and athletic upside that lead us to believe he’ll be a top LB prospect in the 2027 class.

Another 2027 linebacker emerging this season is George Washington’s Derek Valentine Derek Valentine 6'0" | 195 lbs | LB/RB George Washington | 2027 State WV . He’s leading the Patriots in tackles as a junior through the first four games with 29 stops, and is a new name to add to your college recruiting boards. Valentine has quality size and an athletic frame that should allow him to develop well over the next year and a half. His athleticism allows him to play well in space at OLB and can pursue the ball quickly. Valentine’s discipline and play recognition ability showed up against Wing offenses against Cabell Midland and Spring Valley, which are also great signs that he could emerge as one of the better linebacker prospects in the 2027 class in time.