Another team off to a fast start this season is the Independence Patriots, in large part due to the play of 2026 ATH Sylas Nelson Sylas Nelson 6'1" | 195 lbs | ATH Independence | 2026 State WV . He’s continued his dominant play at running back from his junior year, where he rushed for nearly 2,000 yards, but Nelson’s ability on defense shouldn’t be overlooked either. That may be where he ends up at the next level with a big, physical body type with high-level athleticism to pair with it. Nelson’s versatility as an athlete is why we consider him a Top 5 ATH in his class, and he’s deserving of a lot of college attention this fall.

2026 Independence RB Sylas Nelson Sylas Nelson 6'1" | 195 lbs | ATH Independence | 2026 State WV got going in week two against a good Martins Ferry (OH) squad. He carried the load on the ground for the Patriots with 157 yards on 25 carries and a touchdown. Nelson’s bruising running style gave the Purple Riders’ defense fits as the Patriots won the line of scrimmage battle up front. He often broke first and second contact throughout the night and racked up a lot of yards after contact.

2026 ATH Sylas Nelson Sylas Nelson 6'1" | 195 lbs | ATH Independence | 2026 State WV will return as the Patriots’ leading rusher, where he nearly eclipsed 2,000 yards in 2024. His versatility as an athlete is highly impressive, as he’s played all over the field at a high level during his career. Nelson will need to stay healthy for Independence to reach its goal of a state championship in 2025, with how important he is to their program.

Here’s what we recently said about Nelson in our 2026 Rankings Stock Risers article:

“We also got to see 2026 Independence ATH  Sylas Nelson Sylas Nelson 6'1" | 195 lbs | ATH Independence | 2026 State WV  at the Fairmont State Prospect Camp earlier this summer, and he performed well as a receiver. He’s played all over the field for the Patriots, giving him many options for which position he ultimately plays at the next level. With his frame and level of athleticism, Nelson could fit in well at linebacker in our eyes in college, but could excel at a few different spots. He’s the type of athlete that you sign and figure out later which spot to put him in, a great problem to have.”

We also got to see 2026 Independence ATH Sylas Nelson Sylas Nelson 6'1" | 195 lbs | ATH Independence | 2026 State WV at the Fairmont State Prospect Camp earlier this summer, and he performed well as a receiver. He’s played all over the field for the Patriots, giving him many options for which position he ultimately plays at the next level. With his frame and level of athleticism, Nelson could fit in well at linebacker in our eyes in college, but could excel at a few different spots. He’s the type of athlete that you sign and figure out later which spot to put him in, a great problem to have.

2026 Independence ATH Sylas Nelson Sylas Nelson 6'1" | 195 lbs | ATH Independence | 2026 State WV can be plugged and played at any skill position on both sides of the ball on the football field. He had a great junior season at running back after spending time at WR and QB as a sophomore with LB/Safety upside as well on defense. Nelson elected to work out as a receiver at the Fairmont State Elite Camp and made some nice plays during 1-on-1s. He has a strong build and the frame and athleticism to plug in at a variety of spots at the next level. That was proved during the testing portion of the camp, where he ran a 4.71 40, broad jumped 9.5 feet, and had a 4.5 shuttle time.

Independence’s Sylas Nelson Sylas Nelson 6'1" | 195 lbs | ATH Independence | 2026 State WV is another 2,000-yard rusher who moves up inside of the Top 60 as the #3 ATH in the 2026 class. Nelson has played all over the field for the Patriots during his first three years lining up at receiver, quarterback, and now running which may just be his best position on offense. He’s a well-rounded athlete with good size and athleticism that will give him options at the next level. Nelson is the definition of a “football player” in every sense of the term who has shown selflessness during his career and has made big plays at every spot his coaches put him in.

2026 Independence ATH Sylas Nelson Sylas Nelson 6'1" | 195 lbs | ATH Independence | 2026 State WV is the definition of the athlete tag in our rankings and is now lining up at running back for the Patriots after starting at quarterback and receiver at times last season. Running back feels like his most natural fit on offense and he’s thriving in his new position with 458 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns while averaging 6.5 yards per carry through three games.

Nelson is a big physical athlete and a natural football player whose versatility should make him a sought-after prospect in his senior year. He has the frame and power to get you tough yards and break tackles consistently but also has the speed to break away from defenders in the open field once he gets there. Nelson is a well-rounded athlete who can execute just about every duty on the field.