The state of West Virginia hasn’t been traditionally known as a great state for high school football, but recently there have been a few in-state prospects that have gotten a lot of attention from schools in top BCS conferences from all over the nation. Here is a list of some of the top prospects in the Mountain State:
Connor Kornbrath, K, Bridgeport – He is ranked as a 3-star prospect by Scout.com and has already committed to the Iowa Hawkeyes. Kornbrath (pictured right) got interest from West Virginia, Maryland, Vanderbilt, Houston and many other schools. In his junior season, he made two 50+ yard field goals and two game winning fields. He also earned 1st team All-State honors.
Justin Wade, OT, John Marshall – Heading into his junior season Wade was getting a good bit of interest from new Big Ten member Nebraska and has also been getting looks from schools like Notre Dame, Duke, Marshall and West Virginia. The senior is one of the biggest offensive linemen in the state at 6-foot-5, 330 pounds. Last season playing behind Wade, Monarchs quarterback Aaron Fonner threw for 1,800 yards and 13 touchdowns and ran for 580 yards and 13 scores.
Travis Maraney, QB, University – Maraney is heading into his third year as a starter for the University High Hawks. He plays in an offense that runs the ball a good bit, but when Maraney has to throw the ball he’s very accurate. The 6-foot-1 gunslinger has already been offered a walk-on spot on the WVU football team with a chance to earn a scholarship.
Vincent Fusco, DT, Robert C. Byrd – The 6-foot-1, 279 pound run stopper has received interest from Maryland, Pittsburgh and West Virginia. According to many recruiting outlets, he has great upside and has the potential to have a solid future at the next level.
John Weber, DE, Parkersburg – Weber was selected for 1st team all-state honors as a junior and returns as one of the top, if not the top, defensive end in the state. He is getting interest from Maryland, Ohio State, Penn State, Princeton and West Virginia.
Ryan Switzer, RB, George Washington – He may be the top prospect in all of West Virginia and he has two more years of high school football to go. Switzer is getting interest from high level BCS programs including Notre Dame, Oregon, Florida State, Penn State, Virginia Tech, West Virginia and many more. He also played a pivotal role on the GW basketball team when they won the Class AAA state championship last year. The 5-foot-9 athlete is Mr. Do-it-all for the Patriots, not only is he a running back, but he plays safety, returns punts and kickoffs and is the team’s place kicker.
Cedric Brown, WR, Martinsburg – Brown is one of the more unknown prospects in the state of West Virginia. Go figure, the guy wins the Bulldogs first ever state championship and has a 1,000+ yards receiving as a sophomore and still gets no love. With another solid season Brown will get that well deserved recognition. His numbers are too good to go unnoticed. If he does that and attends a few camps next summer he will get attention from some Division I schools.