Vote: Who was West Virginia's top sophomore football player of 2023?
The 2023 high school football season is complete and we are going around the East Coast, reflecting on the last few months.
One of the big questions is what newcomers on the scene made the biggest impact to a football program or state even? That’s where sophomores that saw extensive playing time come into the mix.
That’s why we ask the question: Who was the top sophomore football player of 2023?
We will go state-by-state along the East Coast and once that voting is done, do a final poll including all the sophomores that won going head-to-head.
We’ve selected 11 worthy candidates and ask you the fan to vote for who you think topped them all.
Voting will end on February 14th, 2024.
Editor’s note: Our corresponding poll is intended to be fun, and we do not set limits on how many times a fan can vote during the competition. This poll is specifically for fans to vote on the players that have been nominated and in no way discredits any other player that may not be mentioned in our poll.
Here are the nominees:
Chance Barker, QB, Princeton: The Tigers signal caller completed 183-of-264 passes for 3,552 yards, 49 touchdowns and just a mere four interceptions this past season. Incredible sophomore numbers.
Brysen Dixon, QB, Doddridge County: Dixon completed 90-of-159 passes for 1,387 yards and 14 touchdowns for Bulldogs in 2023.
Tyler Smith, QB, Witt County: Smith played very efficiently under center for Witt County, throwing for 1,172 yards, 13 touchdowns and just six interceptions this past season.
Toby Michael, RB/LB, Hundred: Undoubtedly one of the best running backs of the sophomore class was Michael, who rushed for 1,469 yards and punched in 12 touchdowns. At linebacker, Michael made 157 tackles and 14 went for a loss.
Brayden Neff, RB, Paden City: Another sophomore tailback that really had himself a strong season was Neff. The running back carried the ball 104 times for 1,310 yards and 17 touchdowns.
Bryson Elia, ATH, Tug Valley: I mean, what didn't Elia do for Tug Valley? The all-around athlete compiled 2,115 yards of offense and 32 total touchdowns. Just a triple threat as a passer, runner and receiver.
Malachi Thompson, WR, Nitro: Leading the way for all sophomore receivers in West Virginia was Thompson last fall. Thompson hauled in 57 passes for 1,257 yards and 20 touchdowns.
Brad Mossor, WR, Princeton: Another sophomore wide receiver that really impressed was Mossor. The speedy pass catcher made 48 catches for 805 yards and scored eight touchdowns.
Devin Nash, LB, Nicholas County: Nash was unreal at linebacker for a sophomore and was seemingly everywhere on the field. The backer totaled 201 tackles and also rushed for 98 yards, two touchdowns on offense.
Adam Elder, DE, Parkersburg: The defensive edge rusher had a strong 2023 campaign for Parkersburg. Elder finished the season notching six sacks along with 75 tackles and 10 going for a loss.
Jackson McClanahan, DB, Poca: McClanahan was an absolute ball hawk for Poca in the secondary. The cornerback tallied eight interceptions, six pass breakups and 50 tackles.
-- Andy Villamarzo | villamarzo@scorebooklive.com | @sblivesports
