Parkersburg will have a returning running back to lean on this season in 2025 RB Jakel Shelton Jakel Shelton 5'8" | 190 lbs | RB Parkersburg | 2025 State WV who split time with a now-graduated senior in 2023. Shelton flashed playmaking ability as a junior and rushed for 400 yards and 7 touchdowns and should take on a much bigger role for the Big Reds this season. He’s a quick and elusive runner who’s difficult to bring down in the open field and can make defenders miss consistently. He’s explosive through the line of scrimmage and has great footwork when choosing his running lane and when making a move on defenders.

We anticipate Shelton potentially doubling the numbers he put up last season and should be one of the Big Reds’ offensive players who will also see time at safety.

An under-the-radar running back prospect to know this season is Parkersburg’s Jakel Shelton Jakel Shelton 5'8" | 190 lbs | RB Parkersburg | 2025 State WV . Making his debut in the 2025 rankings as a Top 20 RB in the class, Shelton is ready for a breakout senior year after splitting time last season for the Big Reds. The 5’8 190 rising senior rushed for just over 400 yards and 7 touchdowns as a junior in 2023 while being utilized in the passing game some with 20 catches for 170 yards and another score. Shelton also has defensive back versatility where he totaled 40 tackles and 4 TFLs with the potential to play on that side of the ball in college as well. Shelton has quality athleticism with a quick burst and high top-end speed as a scat-back type of RB. He can be a home run hitter for the Big Reds during his senior season as they’ll need some guys to step up after graduating a talented senior class.

If Shelton can take a step forward in his development and secure the main option at running back, he has the potential to make a nice climb in the final rankings update with a big year.