W.Va. Makes Up for Lack of Size With Strength, Speed
West Virginia really likes its skill-position players for the annual OVAC Rudy Mumley All-Star Football Game.
However, head coach John Kelley knows even with talented skill players, line play — on both sides of the ball — is usually key to determining the ultimate success of winning and losing.
When Kelley, who is the head coach at University High School, surveys his line options, he’s comfortable with what he sees.
“We don’t have the size that we thought we would, but we have the ability to form a nice rotation, so kids don’t get worn down in the heat,” Kelley said. “I really like our defensive ends. I think they have some nice speed. We’ll be okay up front. We have some really strong kids.”
Here’s a capsule look at the players:
JONATHAN ARNETT, Clay-Battelle — This former CeeBee shined at tight end and defensive end for Coach Ryan Wilson’s team.
The 6-1, 220-pounder recorded 48 tackles as a senior. He also had five sacks, a fumble recovery and an interception, which he took back for a touchdown.
Arnett was named First Team All-OVAC, All-Mason Dixon and Honorable Mention All-State.
Jonathan, who will attend Waynesburg University, is the son of Laurie Herrington-Arnett and Charles Arnett.
AYDEN BAKER, Wheeling Central — This defensive standout put forth a season to remember for Coach Mike Young’s team.
The 6-6, 235-pounder posted 14 sacks, 77 tackles and 24 tackles for loss.
Baker’s fine season earned him First Team All-State, All-OVAC and All-Valley. He was the West Virginia Defensive Player of the Year.
Along with football, Baker played basketball and was a member of the Student Affairs Board.
Ayden, who will attend Columbia University, is the son of Jane Baker.
CORNEL BROWN, Morgantown — This former Mohigan shined along the offensive line for Coach Sean Biser’s team.
Brown, who is undecided on his future plans, is the son of Cornel Brown and Christy Berkshire.
CLAYTON BRYAN, Cameron — This former Dragon battled his way back from a broken collarbone to make an impact in the latter part of the season for Coach Tim Brown’s team.
The 6-3, 220 pounder played offensive tackle and defensive end for the Dragons and played in the final three games.
Away from football, Bryan was part of the student council, Drug Free Club and FFA. He also played basketball and baseball.
Clayton, who is the son of Johnny and Nichole Bryan, plans to attend West Virginia Northern to enter the Petroleum Technology program.
JACOB DONLEY, Brooke — This former Bruin shined at offensive guard for Coach Mac McLean’s team.
During his career, Donley recorded an 83% blocking rate and 12 pancake blocks.
The 6-1, 270-pounder was honorable mention All-State, All-Valley Second Team, All-Area Second Team and a team captain.
Donley also shined in swimming, qualifying for the state meet four times. He was part of the OVAC Leadership Board, National Honor Society, the Brooke Honors Program and Bruins Best.
Jacob, who plans to attend West Virginia, is the son of Henry and Yvonne Donley.
DE’SHAWN GRAY, Oak Glen — This former Golden Bear shined along the offensive line for Coach Ted Arnuealt Jr.’s team.
The 5-10, 275 pounder was a versatile athlete in high school. He demonstrated that by his efforts in track and field.
De’Shawn is the son of Renee Duffield.
DANIEL HENDERSON, University — This former Hawk was a talented defensive end for Coach Kelley’s team.
Daniel is the son of Jeana McCardle.
BRADEN HUPP, Wheeling Park — This former Patriot anchored the defensive line at nose guard for Coach Chris Daugherty’s team.
The 6-2, 280 pounder also shined in the classroom. He’s a member of the National Honor Society and National Teen Honor Society.
Hupp is also active in the community. He volunteers at St. John Home for Boys and with the Vinyard Youth Football Camp.
Braden, who is the son of Chablis Hupp and Greg Vasey, plans to enter the United States Army.
GRANT NEISWONGER, John Marshall — This former Monarch was a two-way standout for Coach Justin Kropka’s team last season.
The 6-2, 190 pounder recorded 58 tackles, six sacks, 14 tackles for loss and two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. He graded out at 92% as an offensive lineman.
Neiswonger was a First-Team All-OVAC, All-Valley and All-TRAC selection. He was also a member of the Second-Team All-State squad.
Along with football, Neiswonger was an All-OVAC basketball player and played in the OVAC All-Star Game.
Neiswonger also shines in the classroom where he was a member of the National Honor Society and part of the Drug Free Club.
Grant, who plans to attend West Liberty, is the son of Kevin and Taunia Neiswonger.
DANIEL RAWSON, Brooke — This former Bruin was a regular along the defensive line for McLean’s Bruins.
The 5-10, 310-pounder recorded four sacks and 10 tackles for loss in eight games last season.
Rawson also shined in wrestling and owns a black belt.
Daniel, who plans to attend Geneva College to play football, is the son of Lee and Kathleen Rawson.
MYLES RICE, Weir — This former Red Rider was a mainstay at offensive tackle for Coach Frank Sisinni’s team.
The 6-2, 320 pounder made 26 consecutive starts for the Red Riders.
Rice is a member of the National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society and was named All-OVAC Honorable Mention.
Myles, who is the son of Tommy and Barbara Rice, plans to attend Bluefield State.






