HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Spring Valley has played their way to the semifinals in each of the last four years, advancing to the Super Six from 2016 to 2018. While many of the Timberwolves’ top skill players graduated in the offseason, their line shapes up to be one of, if not the best unit in the state.
“We’ve got everybody back up front except for our center,” Spring Valley head coach Brad Dingess said. “Only having to replace one guy is not a big, big problem. Jake Hutchison was a three-year starter for us at center.”
Senior Wyatt Milum is one of the top college recruits from West Virginia in recent years. In March, he committed to play at WVU ahead of offers from Alabama, Notre Dame and Penn State.
“He is one of the first guys here. His work ethic in practice is next to none. He is a great leader. He is just kind of a throwback guy. He shows up every day and clocks in to go to work.”
Milum says he has been made better in practice every day by going up against two more future Division I players. Senior Bryce Biggs has eight FBS offers. Junior tight end Corbin Page has five FBS offers, including Cincinnati, Louisville and Virginia Tech.
“We compete against each other and I love it. I love challenges. Competing against each other is awesome and it makes us better,” Milum said.
“Corbin is a big guy and his blocking is a lot better this year than what it was last year. He can run and catch the football,” Dingess said. “Bryce, last year was his first year playing offensive line. He has gotten so much better.”
That line will lead the way for a new group of running backs. Senior Brody Brumfield figures to be the top option in the backfield.
“Having guys 6-6, 6-7 in front of you blocking, and they are Division I athletes, it is nice and it is comforting,” said Brumfield.
“Brody has kind of grown into that spot of being the featured tailback a little bit on this team,” Dingess said. “But we have some other kids like Jace Caldwell, Trace Snider, Cole Diamond, those kids can go in there. And Zane Brumfield can go in there and carry the football.”
Although the Timberwolves have trademarked themselves as a run-first, Wing-T offense, first-year starting quarterback Jack Roy could add a new vertical element into their passing game.
“We do a lot of stuff under center and he is not used to that,” Dingess said. “But Jack has done a great job. He has stepped in and become a leader on this football team. And he can spin it a little bit.”