2027 7–7
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Under the golden haze of the June sun at a high-stakes 7-on-7 tournament in Canton, Ohio, a little-known linebacker from Pittsburgh changed the trajectory of his football future in a single afternoon. Kaden “KJ” Farlow, a hard-hitting, instinctive 2027 linebacker out of Westinghouse High School, stunned scouts and coaches alike with a jaw-dropping performance that ultimately earned him an official offer from West Virginia University.
What made this offer more shocking wasn’t just KJ’s status as an unranked prospect—it was that no major program had even blinked his way before. That all changed after the 6’1″, 215-pound sophomore dominated in the box and flashed elite coverage instincts rarely seen in players his age. He tallied 3 interceptions, 4 pass breakups, and 2 forced fumbles during pool play. His sideline-to-sideline speed had whispers turning into murmurs, murmurs into buzz. And by the championship game, every scout in the facility had their eyes glued to No. 8 in black and gold.
WVU linebackers coach Jeff Koonz, originally on hand to evaluate a top 4-star prospect from Detroit, found himself captivated by Farlow’s intensity, natural feel for the game, and quiet leadership. “I wasn’t there for him,” Koonz admitted, “but sometimes football finds you. That kid was the alpha on that field—point blank. He reminded me of a young David Long Jr.”
Within 24 hours, Farlow and his family were on a video call with WVU head coach Neal Brown and Director of Player Personnel, Casey Smithson. The call ended with Farlow holding back tears and Brown delivering a simple but powerful message: “You’ve earned this, son. We believe in you.”
The offer marks KJ Farlow’s first Power Five invitation—though it likely won’t be his last. Since the WVU announcement, Pitt, Maryland, and Michigan State have reportedly begun evaluating his film. But it was the Mountaineers who saw something first.
Farlow’s head coach at Westinghouse, Marcus “Coach M” Jenkins, wasn’t surprised. “KJ’s been doubted since Pop Warner. He’s not flashy off the field. He just grinds, studies, and leads by example. That WVU staff saw what I’ve been seeing since he was 14.”
Farlow is expected to attend WVU’s Junior Day later this summer, where he’ll tour the facilities, meet with defensive coordinator Jordan Lesley, and sit down for film study with Koonz. His stock is rapidly rising, but for now, he’s just grateful.
“I’m humbled. I’ve been overlooked my whole life. This means everything to me and my city,” KJ said.
One offer, one opportunity—WVU may have just found its next defensive gem in the heart of Pittsburgh.