PG’s top 10 Overhyped WPIAL prospects for 2025

[pittmeister]

My commentary after each player:


1. Tikey Hayes, Aliquippa, RB – (Penn State) - PSU has already recruited Alvin Henderson, another 4-star player in the same class along with high 3-star player in Kiandrea Barker. In addition, they also have true freshmen 4 star running backs Quinton Martin and Cory Smith. No worries though he’s gonna beat them all out just like fellow Aliquippa star Rushell Shell… Someone’s gonna be sitting and not making NIL money.

2. Alex Tatsch, Latrobe, LB - (Penn State) — PSU has already recruited 4-Star LB, DJ McClary in this class along with fellow 4-Star Pittsburgher Dayshaun Burnett. In addition, PSU has two 4-Star freshman in Anthony Speca and Kari Jackson. Add two 4-Star players from the 2023 class (Ta’mere Robinson, Tony Rojas) and a high 3-Star player (Kaveion Keys).

3. Bradley Gompers, Central Catholic, LB – (N/A) Holding out for that PSU offer. When he receives it, he’ll be committed to them, I’m sure. See Alex Tatsch for further analysis.

4. Dayshaun Burnett, Imani Christian, LB – (Penn State) See Alex Tatsch. They all wanna play with the big boys. Problem is, someone ain’t gonna be playin’.

5. Brady O’Hara, North Catholic, TE-DE — (Penn State) Will end up as a tight end. Already have a 4-Star TE in Matt Henderson committed, along with True freshman 4-Star recruit in Luke Reynolds. The 2023 class has THREE 4-Star TE’s…. LOL. I hope he likes the view from the bench.

6. Mickey Vaccarello, Peters Township, LB — (Stanford) Offers from Maryland, Boston College and Syracuse. Good Luck

7. Antwan Black, Laurel Highlands, DB — (N/A) Pitt, Penn State, West Virginia and Michigan State have all offered. Probably WVU bound due to proximity to Morgantown

8. Xxavier Thomas, Central Catholic, DB — (Penn State) Had limited offers before Penn State came along. No loss.

9. Shep Turk, Thomas Jefferson, OL – (PITT) A WPIAL wrestling champ.

10. John Wetzel, Latrobe, DB — (N/A) has offers from West Virginia & MAC Teams.

Epilogue: You can’t make any NIL money when you’re sitting on the bench. It’s bad business for them. Should be interesting to watch.

Question: Do you know why OSU and Michigan beat PSU every year?

Answer: They have very few overhyped WPIAL kids on their rosters.

 

[HailtoPitt]

My commentary after each player:


1. Tikey Hayes, Aliquippa, RB – (Penn State) - PSU has already recruited Alvin Henderson, another 4-star player in the same class along with high 3-star player in Kiandrea Barker. In addition, they also have true freshmen 4 star running backs Quinton Martin and Cory Smith. No worries though he’s gonna beat them all out just like fellow Aliquippa star Rushell Shell… Someone’s gonna be sitting and not making NIL money.

2. Alex Tatsch, Latrobe, LB - (Penn State) — PSU has already recruited 4-Star LB, DJ McClary in this class along with fellow 4-Star Pittsburgher Dayshaun Burnett. In addition, PSU has two 4-Star freshman in Anthony Speca and Kari Jackson. Add two 4-Star players from the 2023 class (Ta’mere Robinson, Tony Rojas) and a high 3-Star player (Kaveion Keys).

3. Bradley Gompers, Central Catholic, LB – (N/A) Holding out for that PSU offer. When he receives it, he’ll be committed to them, I’m sure. See Alex Tatsch for further analysis.

4. Dayshaun Burnett, Imani Christian, LB – (Penn State) See Alex Tatsch. They all wanna play with the big boys. Problem is, someone ain’t gonna be playin’.

5. Brady O’Hara, North Catholic, TE-DE — (Penn State) Will end up as a tight end. Already have a 4-Star TE in Matt Henderson committed, along with True freshman 4-Star recruit in Luke Reynolds. The 2023 class has THREE 4-Star TE’s…. LOL. I hope he likes the view from the bench.

6. Mickey Vaccarello, Peters Township, LB — (Stanford) Offers from Maryland, Boston College and Syracuse. Good Luck

7. Antwan Black, Laurel Highlands, DB — (N/A) Pitt, Penn State, West Virginia and Michigan State have all offered. Probably WVU bound due to proximity to Morgantown

8. Xxavier Thomas, Central Catholic, DB — (Penn State) Had limited offers before Penn State came along. No loss.

9. Shep Turk, Thomas Jefferson, OL – (PITT) A WPIAL wrestling champ.

10. John Wetzel, Latrobe, DB — (N/A) has offers from West Virginia & MAC Teams.

Epilogue: You can’t make any NIL money when you’re sitting on the bench. It’s bad business for them. Should be interesting to watch.

Question: Do you know why OSU and Michigan beat PSU every year?

Answer: They have very few overhyped WPIAL kids on their rosters.

Because Michigan and Ohio State recruit more nationally than Penn State. They are more prominent programs and therefore have a larger pool of recruits to make realistic offers to.

And just because Franklin is whipping Pitt in WPIAL recruiting, doesn't mean those players are over hyped. Blame Pitt for the failures, instead of talking trash on Penn State.

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

Penn State has built a fence around the WPIAL. Total failure by Narduzzi. What ashame.

 

[Pittisit4me]

How many of these WPIAL kids will go on to star up there, or even play before they are juniors? Even Miles Sanders had to wait behind Barkley. Daquan Hardy plays special teams and some nickel, but hardly a standout player. I'm really curious to see when and where Quinton Martin plays. What about Tikey Hayes? They are loaded at that position. WPIAL linebackers think they can go up there and be stars. They also recruit that position rather well. Needless to say, several players on that list are never going to see the field , but, jimmy franks will be heralded for landing them.

 

[Slick Manager of Champs]

How many of these WPIAL kids will go on to star up there, or even play before they are juniors? Even Miles Sanders had to wait behind Barkley. Daquan Hardy plays special teams and some nickel, but hardly a standout player. I'm really curious to see when and where Quinton Martin plays. What about Tikey Hayes? They are loaded at that position. WPIAL linebackers think they can go up there and be stars. They also recruit that position rather well. Needless to say, several players on that list are never going to see the field , but, jimmy franks will be heralded for landing them.

Quinton Martin may be the next Derrick Davis; dominating in high school since they are such good athletes but not able to find a position in college. Tatsch I think will be the best of the bunch. Gompers would be a nice one to get as I think he has room to grow.

Hayes, not sure, I've never seen him play to make a judgement. He's started since a freshman and the Quips are usually playing until December (i.e. 15 games) so he will have absorbed a lot of punishment by the time he enrolls in nitterville.

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

How many of these WPIAL kids will go on to star up there, or even play before they are juniors? Even Miles Sanders had to wait behind Barkley. Daquan Hardy plays special teams and some nickel, but hardly a standout player. I'm really curious to see when and where Quinton Martin plays. What about Tikey Hayes? They are loaded at that position. WPIAL linebackers think they can go up there and be stars. They also recruit that position rather well. Needless to say, several players on that list are never going to see the field , but, jimmy franks will be heralded for landing them.

Martin and Tikey can hardly wait ride the pine for 2 years just like Miles. These guys love passing out water at Penn State. Why play?

 

[Macchiato]

PSU spends between $10-15 million annually on NIL, with many teams spending more. Each year, they must re-recruit their players as other teams attempt to poach their talent. Penn State structures its NIL deals based on performance, meaning players don't get paid if they are sitting on the bench.

It's still unclear whether focusing NIL money on high school recruits or transfers is better. Perhaps it should be split between both. Paying for multiple players at one position from the high school ranks in a single year may not yield a great return on investment.

 

[pittmeister]

Because Michigan and Ohio State recruit more nationally than Penn State. They are more prominent programs and therefore have a larger pool of recruits to make realistic offers to.

And just because Franklin is whipping Pitt in WPIAL recruiting, doesn't mean those players are over hyped. Blame Pitt for the failures, instead of talking trash on Penn State.

Go piss up a rope. Look at the 4-Star players that have come out of the WPIAL and tell me how many have been successful. Stop apologizing and look at it objectively.

 

[Pitt_Boss]

I just read in this thread that Daquan Hardy was not really a standout player. He was just drafted into the NFL. Hate much lol

 

[pittmeister]

Because Michigan and Ohio State recruit more nationally than Penn State. They are more prominent programs and therefore have a larger pool of recruits to make realistic offers to.

And just because Franklin is whipping Pitt in WPIAL recruiting, doesn't mean those players are over hyped. Blame Pitt for the failures, instead of talking trash on Penn State.

Here is a list from 2016 to 2024 of the WPIAL stars. The names in bold have done well (3 year starter, all conference, All-American, drafted by NFL). Some are too soon to tell. Did I miss anyone, bright boy? Can you be objective?????

CAMERON LINDSEY - OLB - ALIQUIPPA - 2024 - PITT
ZURIAH FISHER - OLB ALIQUIPPA 2020 PSU
MARLIN DEVONSHIRE - CB ALIQUIPPA 2019 KY / PITT
WILL GIPSON - WR ALIQUIPPA 2019 PITT / TRANS
KWANTEL RAINES - S ALIQUIPPA 2018 WVU / TRANS
KAEZON PUGH - OLB ALIQUIPPA 2016 PITT / TRANS
DORIEN FORD - DT BALDWIN 2021 PITT
JOSH HOUGH - RB BEAVER FALLS 2021 SYRACUSE
DONOVAN JETER - DT BEAVER FALLS 2017 MICH
BLAKE ZUBOVIC - DT BELLE VERNON 2018 PITT
JAMES GMITER - DT BETHEL PARK 2018 WVU
JASON CROSS - S BISH. CANAVIN 2024 WVU
TA'MERE ROBINSON - OLB BRASHEAR 2023 PSU
THERRAN COLEMAN - CB BRASHEAR 2016 PITT
JAKE KRADEL - OT BUTLER 2018 PITT
ANTHONY SPECA - ILB CEN. CATHOLIC 2024 PSU
COLE SULLIVAN - OLB CEN. CATHOLIC 2024 MICH
PETER GONZALEZ - WR CEN. CATHOLIC 2024 PSU
TY YUHAS - DE CEN. CATHOLIC 2024 PITT
DONOVAN HINISH - DT CEN. CATHOLIC 2022 ND
ELLIOT DONALD - DT CEN. CATHOLIC 2021 PITT
AARON BEATTY CEN. CATHOLIC 2020 N. CAROLINA
DAVID GREEN - DT CEN. CATHOLIC 2018 PITT
C.J. THORPE - OG CEN. CATHOLIC 2017 PSU
DAVID ADAMS CEN. CATHOLIC 2017 ND / MEDICAL
KURT HINISH - DT CEN. CATHOLIC 2017 ND
DAMAR HAMLIN - S CEN. CATHOLIC 2016 PITT
RASHAD WHEELER - DT CEN. CATHOLIC 2016 DT
BRICEN GARNER - S CEN. CATHOLIC 2016 PITT / TRANS
RONNIE JONES - RB CEN. CATHOLIC 2016 TOLEDO
SEAN FITZSIMMONS - DE CEN. VALLEY 2022 PITT
STEPHON HALL - S CEN. VALLEY 2021 PITT
LAMONT PAYNE - CB CHAR. VALLEY 2023 PSU
LAMONT WADE - S CLARION 2017 PSU
NOAH HAMLIN - WR CLARION 2017 CINN
AARON MATHEWS - ATH CLARION 2016 PITT
TJ BANKS - TE E. ALLEGHENY 2018 WVU / TRANS
KYI WRIGHT - OLB FARRELL 2019 PITT / TRANS
LOGAN THIMONS - ILB FREEPORT 2016 WVU
PATRICK BODY - ATH GATEWAY 2022 CIN / TRANS
DERRICK DAVIS - S GATEWAY 2021 LSU / PITT
TUI BROWN - ATH GATEWAY 2020 UCONN
COURTNEY JACKSON - WR GATEWAY 2019 SYRACUSE
AIDAN HOWARD - WR GATEWAY 2016 VA
KENNY ROBINSON - OLB IMANI CHRIS. 2017 WVU
SOL MORELAND - DT INMANI CHRIS. 2019 BALL STATE
BRANDON MOORE - OT KISKI AREA 2022 MIAMI OH
R. GALLAGHER - WR L. HIGHLANDS 2023 WVU
B. LOVELACE - OLB LEECHBURG 2023 PITT
MICHAEL CARMODY - OT MARS 2020 ND
ANTOINE COOK MCKEESPORT 2017 YSU
KHALEKE HUDSON - ATH MCKEESPORT 2016 MICH
TYLER SEAR - TE NESHANNOCK 2017 PITT / TRANS
MARCUS HOOKER - ATH NEW CASTLE 2018 OHIO ST / TRANS
KHALIL DINKINS - TE N. ALLEGHENY 2021 PSU
JOEY PORTER JR. - CB N. ALLEGHENY 2019 PSU
JOSHUA LUGG - OT N. ALLEGHENY 2017 ND
GRIFFIN SESTILI - TE N. ALLEGHENY 2017 TEMPLE
JAKE LUGG - OG N. ALLEGHENY 2020 HARVARD
JACK SALOPEK - QB NORWIN 2020 W. MICHIGAN
JULIAN MAJOR - WR PENN HILLS 2018 MSU
DAEQUAN HARDY - DB PENN HILLS PSU
RICK SQUIRES - ATH PENN HILLS 2017 BUFFALO
JULIAN DUGGER - DUAL PENN HILLS 2024 PITT
CADE YACAMELLI - ATH PENN TRAFF. 2022 WISCONSIN
TYREESE FEARBRY - DE PERRY 2022 KENTUCKY
DONOVAN MCMILLON - S PETERS TSP 2021 FLA / PITT
PHIL JURKOVEC - QB PINE-RICH. 2018 ND / BC/ PITT
KENNY WHITE - CB PINE-RICH. 2018 ?
RYAN CORY - OG PINE-RICH. 2024 WISCONSIN
JALEN KLEMM - OT PINE-RICH. 2022 KSU
JEREMIAH HASLEY - OLB PINE-RICH. 2022 DUKE
ANDREW KRISTOFIC - OT PINE-RICH. 2019 ND
MICHAEL KATIC - OG PINE-RICH. 2019 INDIANA
RAHMON HART - WR PINE-RICH. 2019 BALL STATE
TYLER KING - ILB PINE-RICH. 2019 NAVY
GRANT CARRIGAN - TE PINE-RICH. 2017 PITT
J. KALTENBERGER - OG SEN. VALLEY 2020 PURDUE
DINO TOMLIN - ATH SHADY SIDE 2019 MARYLAND / BC
RYAN O'HAIR - OT SO. FAYETTE 2021 MIAMI OH
CRUCE BROOKINS - CB STEEL VALLEY 2023 PITT
PARIS FORD - S STEEL VALLEY 2017 PITT
DEWAYNE MURRAY - RB STEEL VALLEY 2017 ?
JORDAN MAYER - DE T. JEFFERSON 2023 WISCONSIN
DEVIN DANIELSON - DT T. JEFFERSON 2018 PITT
NOAH PALMER - DE T. JEFFERSON 2018 PITT / TRANS
ZANE ZANDIER T. JEFFERSON 2017 VA
AARON GUNN - OT UNION AREA 2021 LOUISVILLE
GABE HOUY - OT UP. ST CLAIR 2017 PITT
BRANDON FORD - OT UP. ST CLAIR 2016 PITT
ANDRE' PORTER - DT WASHINGTON 2021 MARYLAND
NAHKI JOHNSON - DE WEST MIFFLIN 2021 PITT
DAYON HAYES - DE WESTINGHOUSE 2020 PITT
JOSH RAWLINGS - TE WOOD. HILLS 2020 VIRGINIA
MILES SANDERS - RB WOOD. HILLS 2016 PSU
JO-EL SHAW – RB - WOOD. HILLS 2016 SYR

STHU you apologist....

 

[cruzer]

My commentary after each player:


1. Tikey Hayes, Aliquippa, RB – (Penn State) - PSU has already recruited Alvin Henderson, another 4-star player in the same class along with high 3-star player in Kiandrea Barker. In addition, they also have true freshmen 4 star running backs Quinton Martin and Cory Smith. No worries though he’s gonna beat them all out just like fellow Aliquippa star Rushell Shell… Someone’s gonna be sitting and not making NIL money.

2. Alex Tatsch, Latrobe, LB - (Penn State) — PSU has already recruited 4-Star LB, DJ McClary in this class along with fellow 4-Star Pittsburgher Dayshaun Burnett. In addition, PSU has two 4-Star freshman in Anthony Speca and Kari Jackson. Add two 4-Star players from the 2023 class (Ta’mere Robinson, Tony Rojas) and a high 3-Star player (Kaveion Keys).

3. Bradley Gompers, Central Catholic, LB – (N/A) Holding out for that PSU offer. When he receives it, he’ll be committed to them, I’m sure. See Alex Tatsch for further analysis.

4. Dayshaun Burnett, Imani Christian, LB – (Penn State) See Alex Tatsch. They all wanna play with the big boys. Problem is, someone ain’t gonna be playin’.

5. Brady O’Hara, North Catholic, TE-DE — (Penn State) Will end up as a tight end. Already have a 4-Star TE in Matt Henderson committed, along with True freshman 4-Star recruit in Luke Reynolds. The 2023 class has THREE 4-Star TE’s…. LOL. I hope he likes the view from the bench.

6. Mickey Vaccarello, Peters Township, LB — (Stanford) Offers from Maryland, Boston College and Syracuse. Good Luck

7. Antwan Black, Laurel Highlands, DB — (N/A) Pitt, Penn State, West Virginia and Michigan State have all offered. Probably WVU bound due to proximity to Morgantown

8. Xxavier Thomas, Central Catholic, DB — (Penn State) Had limited offers before Penn State came along. No loss.

9. Shep Turk, Thomas Jefferson, OL – (PITT) A WPIAL wrestling champ.

10. John Wetzel, Latrobe, DB — (N/A) has offers from West Virginia & MAC Teams.

Epilogue: You can’t make any NIL money when you’re sitting on the bench. It’s bad business for them. Should be interesting to watch.

Question: Do you know why OSU and Michigan beat PSU every year?

Answer: They have very few overhyped WPIAL kids on their rosters.

You didn't really make the case that these guys are necessarily overrated....you made a case that Penn State has a heck of a lot of talent and these guys might get stuck behind some very good players. Pitt would be thrilled to have that type of problem.

 

[DGT1977]

Martin and Tikey can hardly wait ride the pine for 2 years just like Miles. These guys love passing out water at Penn State. Why play?

At least Maryin has position flexible if RB is too deep. I think Hayes is pretty much a RB

 

[DGT1977]

Here is a list from 2016 to 2024 of the WPIAL stars. The names in bold have done well (3 year starter, all conference, All-American, drafted by NFL). Some are too soon to tell. Did I miss anyone, bright boy? Can you be objective?????

CAMERON LINDSEY - OLB ALIQUIPPA 2024 PITT

ZURIAH FISHER - OLB ALIQUIPPA 2020 PSU

MARLIN DEVONSHIRE - CB ALIQUIPPA 2019 KY / PITT

WILL GIPSON - WR ALIQUIPPA 2019 PITT / TRANS

KWANTEL RAINES - S ALIQUIPPA 2018 WVU / TRANS

KAEZON PUGH - OLB ALIQUIPPA 2016 PITT / TRANS

DORIEN FORD - DT BALDWIN 2021 PITT

JOSH HOUGH - RB BEAVER FALLS 2021 SYRACUSE

DONOVAN JETER - DT BEAVER FALLS 2017 MICH

BLAKE ZUBOVIC - DT BELLE VERNON 2018 PITT

JAMES GMITER - DT BETHEL PARK 2018 WVU

JASON CROSS - S BISH. CANAVIN 2024 WVU

TA'MERE ROBINSON - OLB BRASHEAR 2023 PSU

THERRAN COLEMAN - CB BRASHEAR 2016 PITT

JAKE KRADEL - OT BUTLER 2018 PITT

ANTHONY SPECA - ILB CEN. CATHOLIC 2024 PSU

COLE SULLIVAN - OLB CEN. CATHOLIC 2024 MICH

PETER GONZALEZ - WR CEN. CATHOLIC 2024 PSU

TY YUHAS - DE CEN. CATHOLIC 2024 PITT

DONOVAN HINISH - DT CEN. CATHOLIC 2022 ND

ELLIOT DONALD - DT CEN. CATHOLIC 2021 PITT

AARON BEATTY CEN. CATHOLIC 2020 N. CAROLINA

DAVID GREEN - DT CEN. CATHOLIC 2018 PITT

C.J. THORPE - OG CEN. CATHOLIC 2017 PSU

DAVID ADAMS CEN. CATHOLIC 2017 ND / MEDICAL

KURT HINISH - DT CEN. CATHOLIC 2017 ND

DAMAR HAMLIN - S CEN. CATHOLIC 2016 PITT

RASHAD WHEELER - DT CEN. CATHOLIC 2016 DT

BRICEN GARNER - S CEN. CATHOLIC 2016 PITT / TRANS

RONNIE JONES - RB CEN. CATHOLIC 2016 TOLEDO

SEAN FITZSIMMONS - DE CEN. VALLEY 2022 PITT

STEPHON HALL - S CEN. VALLEY 2021 PITT

LAMONT PAYNE - CB CHAR. VALLEY 2023 PSU

LAMONT WADE - S CLARION 2017 PSU

NOAH HAMLIN - WR CLARION 2017 CINN

AARON MATHEWS - ATH CLARION 2016 PITT

TJ BANKS - TE E. ALLEGHENY 2018 WVU / TRANS

KYI WRIGHT - OLB FARRELL 2019 PITT / TRANS

LOGAN THIMONS - ILB FREEPORT 2016 WVU

PATRICK BODY - ATH GATEWAY 2022 CIN / TRANS

DERRICK DAVIS - S GATEWAY 2021 LSU / PITT

TUI BROWN - ATH GATEWAY 2020 UCONN

COURTNEY JACKSON - WR GATEWAY 2019 SYRACUSE

AIDAN HOWARD - WR GATEWAY 2016 VA

KENNY ROBINSON - OLB IMANI CHRIS. 2017 WVU

SOL MORELAND - DT INMANI CHRIS. 2019 BALL STATE

BRANDON MOORE - OT KISKI AREA 2022 MIAMI OH

R. GALLAGHER - WR L. HIGHLANDS 2023 WVU

B. LOVELACE - OLB LEECHBURG 2023 PITT

MICHAEL CARMODY - OT MARS 2020 ND

ANTOINE COOK MCKEESPORT 2017 YSU

KHALEKE HUDSON - ATH MCKEESPORT 2016 MICH

TYLER SEAR - TE NESHANNOCK 2017 PITT / TRANS

MARCUS HOOKER - ATH NEW CASTLE 2018 OHIO ST / TRANS

KHALIL DINKINS - TE N. ALLEGHENY 2021 PSU

JOEY PORTER JR. - CB N. ALLEGHENY 2019 PSU

JOSHUA LUGG - OT N. ALLEGHENY 2017 ND

GRIFFIN SESTILI - TE N. ALLEGHENY 2017 TEMPLE

JAKE LUGG - OG N. ALLEGHENY 2020 HARVARD

JACK SALOPEK - QB NORWIN 2020 W. MICHIGAN

JULIAN MAJOR - WR PENN HILLS 2018 MSU

DAEQUAN HARDY - DB PENN HILLS PSU

RICK SQUIRES - ATH PENN HILLS 2017 BUFFALO

JULIAN DUGGER - DUAL PENN HILLS 2024 PITT

CADE YACAMELLI - ATH PENN TRAFF. 2022 WISCONSIN

TYREESE FEARBRY - DE PERRY 2022 KENTUCKY

DONOVAN MCMILLON - S PETERS TSP 2021 FLA / PITT

PHIL JURKOVEC - QB PINE-RICH. 2018 ND / BC/ PITT

KENNY WHITE - CB PINE-RICH. 2018 ?

RYAN CORY - OG PINE-RICH. 2024 WISCONSIN

JALEN KLEMM - OT PINE-RICH. 2022 KSU

JEREMIAH HASLEY - OLB PINE-RICH. 2022 DUKE

ANDREW KRISTOFIC - OT PINE-RICH. 2019 ND

MICHAEL KATIC - OG PINE-RICH. 2019 INDIANA

RAHMON HART - WR PINE-RICH. 2019 BALL STATE

TYLER KING - ILB PINE-RICH. 2019 NAVY

GRANT CARRIGAN - TE PINE-RICH. 2017 PITT

J. KALTENBERGER - OG SEN. VALLEY 2020 PURDUE

DINO TOMLIN - ATH SHADY SIDE 2019 MARYLAND / BC

RYAN O'HAIR - OT SO. FAYETTE 2021 MIAMI OH

CRUCE BROOKINS - CB STEEL VALLEY 2023 PITT

PARIS FORD - S STEEL VALLEY 2017 PITT

DEWAYNE MURRAY - RB STEEL VALLEY 2017 ?

JORDAN MAYER - DE T. JEFFERSON 2023 WISCONSIN

DEVIN DANIELSON - DT T. JEFFERSON 2018 PITT

NOAH PALMER - DE T. JEFFERSON 2018 PITT / TRANS

ZANE ZANDIER T. JEFFERSON 2017 VA

AARON GUNN - OT UNION AREA 2021 LOUISVILLE

GABE HOUY - OT UP. ST CLAIR 2017 PITT

BRANDON FORD - OT UP. ST CLAIR 2016 PITT

ANDRE' PORTER - DT WASHINGTON 2021 MARYLAND

NAHKI JOHNSON - DE WEST MIFFLIN 2021 PITT

DAYON HAYES - DE WESTINGHOUSE 2020 PITT

JOSH RAWLINGS - TE WOOD. HILLS 2020 VIRGINIA

MILES SANDERS - RB WOOD. HILLS 2016 PSU

JO-EL SHAW – RB - WOOD. HILLS 2016 SYR

STHU you apologist....

I really thought Raines and Fearbry were going to be soild

 

[pittmeister]

You didn't really make the case that these guys are necessarily overrated....you made a case that Penn State has a heck of a lot of talent and these guys might get stuck behind some very good players. Pitt would be thrilled to have that type of problem.

This will be Narduzzi's 10th recruiting class. In that time the list I provided reflects on how well the WPIAL kids have performed, especially the 4-Star players. For every Miles Sanders, you have a Elliott Donald, Derrick Davis, Donovan Jeter, Phil Jurkovec, Nahki Johnson, Kaezon Pugh, C.J. Thorpe, etc... It has been especially bad over the last 10 years. It's too early to tell on the recent classes, but it doesn't look good.

Sure, it might be a nice problem to have, but we will not know unless they play. As I said before, you can't make any NIL money if you're sitting on the bench. You make it, by proving your worth on the field. It would be smart to choose a place where they can get on the field quickly.

 

[Slick Manager of Champs]

I really thought Raines and Fearbry were going to be soild

I thought Fearbry was on the 2-deep at Kentucky?

 

[Slick Manager of Champs]

At least Maryin has position flexible if RB is too deep. I think Hayes is pretty much a RB

Where else do you see Martin playing? Is he a DB?

 

[Slick Manager of Champs]

Here is a list from 2016 to 2024 of the WPIAL stars. The names in bold have done well (3 year starter, all conference, All-American, drafted by NFL). Some are too soon to tell. Did I miss anyone, bright boy? Can you be objective?????

CAMERON LINDSEY - OLB - ALIQUIPPA - 2024 - PITT
ZURIAH FISHER - OLB ALIQUIPPA 2020 PSU
MARLIN DEVONSHIRE - CB ALIQUIPPA 2019 KY / PITT
WILL GIPSON - WR ALIQUIPPA 2019 PITT / TRANS
KWANTEL RAINES - S ALIQUIPPA 2018 WVU / TRANS
KAEZON PUGH - OLB ALIQUIPPA 2016 PITT / TRANS
DORIEN FORD - DT BALDWIN 2021 PITT
JOSH HOUGH - RB BEAVER FALLS 2021 SYRACUSE
DONOVAN JETER - DT BEAVER FALLS 2017 MICH
BLAKE ZUBOVIC - DT BELLE VERNON 2018 PITT
JAMES GMITER - DT BETHEL PARK 2018 WVU
JASON CROSS - S BISH. CANAVIN 2024 WVU
TA'MERE ROBINSON - OLB BRASHEAR 2023 PSU
THERRAN COLEMAN - CB BRASHEAR 2016 PITT
JAKE KRADEL - OT BUTLER 2018 PITT
ANTHONY SPECA - ILB CEN. CATHOLIC 2024 PSU
COLE SULLIVAN - OLB CEN. CATHOLIC 2024 MICH
PETER GONZALEZ - WR CEN. CATHOLIC 2024 PSU
TY YUHAS - DE CEN. CATHOLIC 2024 PITT
DONOVAN HINISH - DT CEN. CATHOLIC 2022 ND
ELLIOT DONALD - DT CEN. CATHOLIC 2021 PITT
AARON BEATTY CEN. CATHOLIC 2020 N. CAROLINA
DAVID GREEN - DT CEN. CATHOLIC 2018 PITT
C.J. THORPE - OG CEN. CATHOLIC 2017 PSU
DAVID ADAMS CEN. CATHOLIC 2017 ND / MEDICAL
KURT HINISH - DT CEN. CATHOLIC 2017 ND
DAMAR HAMLIN - S CEN. CATHOLIC 2016 PITT
RASHAD WHEELER - DT CEN. CATHOLIC 2016 DT
BRICEN GARNER - S CEN. CATHOLIC 2016 PITT / TRANS
RONNIE JONES - RB CEN. CATHOLIC 2016 TOLEDO
SEAN FITZSIMMONS - DE CEN. VALLEY 2022 PITT
STEPHON HALL - S CEN. VALLEY 2021 PITT
LAMONT PAYNE - CB CHAR. VALLEY 2023 PSU
LAMONT WADE - S CLARION 2017 PSU
NOAH HAMLIN - WR CLARION 2017 CINN
AARON MATHEWS - ATH CLARION 2016 PITT
TJ BANKS - TE E. ALLEGHENY 2018 WVU / TRANS
KYI WRIGHT - OLB FARRELL 2019 PITT / TRANS
LOGAN THIMONS - ILB FREEPORT 2016 WVU
PATRICK BODY - ATH GATEWAY 2022 CIN / TRANS
DERRICK DAVIS - S GATEWAY 2021 LSU / PITT
TUI BROWN - ATH GATEWAY 2020 UCONN
COURTNEY JACKSON - WR GATEWAY 2019 SYRACUSE
AIDAN HOWARD - WR GATEWAY 2016 VA
KENNY ROBINSON - OLB IMANI CHRIS. 2017 WVU
SOL MORELAND - DT INMANI CHRIS. 2019 BALL STATE
BRANDON MOORE - OT KISKI AREA 2022 MIAMI OH
R. GALLAGHER - WR L. HIGHLANDS 2023 WVU
B. LOVELACE - OLB LEECHBURG 2023 PITT
MICHAEL CARMODY - OT MARS 2020 ND
ANTOINE COOK MCKEESPORT 2017 YSU
KHALEKE HUDSON - ATH MCKEESPORT 2016 MICH
TYLER SEAR - TE NESHANNOCK 2017 PITT / TRANS
MARCUS HOOKER - ATH NEW CASTLE 2018 OHIO ST / TRANS
KHALIL DINKINS - TE N. ALLEGHENY 2021 PSU
JOEY PORTER JR. - CB N. ALLEGHENY 2019 PSU
JOSHUA LUGG - OT N. ALLEGHENY 2017 ND
GRIFFIN SESTILI - TE N. ALLEGHENY 2017 TEMPLE
JAKE LUGG - OG N. ALLEGHENY 2020 HARVARD
JACK SALOPEK - QB NORWIN 2020 W. MICHIGAN
JULIAN MAJOR - WR PENN HILLS 2018 MSU
DAEQUAN HARDY - DB PENN HILLS PSU
RICK SQUIRES - ATH PENN HILLS 2017 BUFFALO
JULIAN DUGGER - DUAL PENN HILLS 2024 PITT
CADE YACAMELLI - ATH PENN TRAFF. 2022 WISCONSIN
TYREESE FEARBRY - DE PERRY 2022 KENTUCKY
DONOVAN MCMILLON - S PETERS TSP 2021 FLA / PITT
PHIL JURKOVEC - QB PINE-RICH. 2018 ND / BC/ PITT
KENNY WHITE - CB PINE-RICH. 2018 ?
RYAN CORY - OG PINE-RICH. 2024 WISCONSIN
JALEN KLEMM - OT PINE-RICH. 2022 KSU
JEREMIAH HASLEY - OLB PINE-RICH. 2022 DUKE
ANDREW KRISTOFIC - OT PINE-RICH. 2019 ND
MICHAEL KATIC - OG PINE-RICH. 2019 INDIANA
RAHMON HART - WR PINE-RICH. 2019 BALL STATE
TYLER KING - ILB PINE-RICH. 2019 NAVY
GRANT CARRIGAN - TE PINE-RICH. 2017 PITT
J. KALTENBERGER - OG SEN. VALLEY 2020 PURDUE
DINO TOMLIN - ATH SHADY SIDE 2019 MARYLAND / BC
RYAN O'HAIR - OT SO. FAYETTE 2021 MIAMI OH
CRUCE BROOKINS - CB STEEL VALLEY 2023 PITT
PARIS FORD - S STEEL VALLEY 2017 PITT
DEWAYNE MURRAY - RB STEEL VALLEY 2017 ?
JORDAN MAYER - DE T. JEFFERSON 2023 WISCONSIN
DEVIN DANIELSON - DT T. JEFFERSON 2018 PITT
NOAH PALMER - DE T. JEFFERSON 2018 PITT / TRANS
ZANE ZANDIER T. JEFFERSON 2017 VA
AARON GUNN - OT UNION AREA 2021 LOUISVILLE
GABE HOUY - OT UP. ST CLAIR 2017 PITT
BRANDON FORD - OT UP. ST CLAIR 2016 PITT
ANDRE' PORTER - DT WASHINGTON 2021 MARYLAND
NAHKI JOHNSON - DE WEST MIFFLIN 2021 PITT
DAYON HAYES - DE WESTINGHOUSE 2020 PITT
JOSH RAWLINGS - TE WOOD. HILLS 2020 VIRGINIA
MILES SANDERS - RB WOOD. HILLS 2016 PSU
JO-EL SHAW – RB - WOOD. HILLS 2016 SYR

STHU you apologist....

Very interesting list, thanks for compiling. Maybe need another category, italics or something, for guys that are solid college players but not NFL or all conference. Guys like Jeter, Wade, Hayes, Paris Ford.

Also I would put Kenny Robinson in bold, he played in the NFL for a time.

 

[Mikefln]

Here is a list from 2016 to 2024 of the WPIAL stars. The names in bold have done well (3 year starter, all conference, All-American, drafted by NFL). Some are too soon to tell. Did I miss anyone, bright boy? Can you be objective?????

CAMERON LINDSEY - OLB - ALIQUIPPA - 2024 - PITT
ZURIAH FISHER - OLB ALIQUIPPA 2020 PSU
MARLIN DEVONSHIRE - CB ALIQUIPPA 2019 KY / PITT
WILL GIPSON - WR ALIQUIPPA 2019 PITT / TRANS
KWANTEL RAINES - S ALIQUIPPA 2018 WVU / TRANS
KAEZON PUGH - OLB ALIQUIPPA 2016 PITT / TRANS
DORIEN FORD - DT BALDWIN 2021 PITT
JOSH HOUGH - RB BEAVER FALLS 2021 SYRACUSE
DONOVAN JETER - DT BEAVER FALLS 2017 MICH
BLAKE ZUBOVIC - DT BELLE VERNON 2018 PITT
JAMES GMITER - DT BETHEL PARK 2018 WVU
JASON CROSS - S BISH. CANAVIN 2024 WVU
TA'MERE ROBINSON - OLB BRASHEAR 2023 PSU
THERRAN COLEMAN - CB BRASHEAR 2016 PITT
JAKE KRADEL - OT BUTLER 2018 PITT
ANTHONY SPECA - ILB CEN. CATHOLIC 2024 PSU
COLE SULLIVAN - OLB CEN. CATHOLIC 2024 MICH
PETER GONZALEZ - WR CEN. CATHOLIC 2024 PSU
TY YUHAS - DE CEN. CATHOLIC 2024 PITT
DONOVAN HINISH - DT CEN. CATHOLIC 2022 ND
ELLIOT DONALD - DT CEN. CATHOLIC 2021 PITT
AARON BEATTY CEN. CATHOLIC 2020 N. CAROLINA
DAVID GREEN - DT CEN. CATHOLIC 2018 PITT
C.J. THORPE - OG CEN. CATHOLIC 2017 PSU
DAVID ADAMS CEN. CATHOLIC 2017 ND / MEDICAL
KURT HINISH - DT CEN. CATHOLIC 2017 ND
DAMAR HAMLIN - S CEN. CATHOLIC 2016 PITT
RASHAD WHEELER - DT CEN. CATHOLIC 2016 DT
BRICEN GARNER - S CEN. CATHOLIC 2016 PITT / TRANS
RONNIE JONES - RB CEN. CATHOLIC 2016 TOLEDO
SEAN FITZSIMMONS - DE CEN. VALLEY 2022 PITT
STEPHON HALL - S CEN. VALLEY 2021 PITT
LAMONT PAYNE - CB CHAR. VALLEY 2023 PSU
LAMONT WADE - S CLARION 2017 PSU
NOAH HAMLIN - WR CLARION 2017 CINN
AARON MATHEWS - ATH CLARION 2016 PITT
TJ BANKS - TE E. ALLEGHENY 2018 WVU / TRANS
KYI WRIGHT - OLB FARRELL 2019 PITT / TRANS
LOGAN THIMONS - ILB FREEPORT 2016 WVU
PATRICK BODY - ATH GATEWAY 2022 CIN / TRANS
DERRICK DAVIS - S GATEWAY 2021 LSU / PITT
TUI BROWN - ATH GATEWAY 2020 UCONN
COURTNEY JACKSON - WR GATEWAY 2019 SYRACUSE
AIDAN HOWARD - WR GATEWAY 2016 VA
KENNY ROBINSON - OLB IMANI CHRIS. 2017 WVU
SOL MORELAND - DT INMANI CHRIS. 2019 BALL STATE
BRANDON MOORE - OT KISKI AREA 2022 MIAMI OH
R. GALLAGHER - WR L. HIGHLANDS 2023 WVU
B. LOVELACE - OLB LEECHBURG 2023 PITT
MICHAEL CARMODY - OT MARS 2020 ND
ANTOINE COOK MCKEESPORT 2017 YSU
KHALEKE HUDSON - ATH MCKEESPORT 2016 MICH
TYLER SEAR - TE NESHANNOCK 2017 PITT / TRANS
MARCUS HOOKER - ATH NEW CASTLE 2018 OHIO ST / TRANS
KHALIL DINKINS - TE N. ALLEGHENY 2021 PSU
JOEY PORTER JR. - CB N. ALLEGHENY 2019 PSU
JOSHUA LUGG - OT N. ALLEGHENY 2017 ND
GRIFFIN SESTILI - TE N. ALLEGHENY 2017 TEMPLE
JAKE LUGG - OG N. ALLEGHENY 2020 HARVARD
JACK SALOPEK - QB NORWIN 2020 W. MICHIGAN
JULIAN MAJOR - WR PENN HILLS 2018 MSU
DAEQUAN HARDY - DB PENN HILLS PSU
RICK SQUIRES - ATH PENN HILLS 2017 BUFFALO
JULIAN DUGGER - DUAL PENN HILLS 2024 PITT
CADE YACAMELLI - ATH PENN TRAFF. 2022 WISCONSIN
TYREESE FEARBRY - DE PERRY 2022 KENTUCKY
DONOVAN MCMILLON - S PETERS TSP 2021 FLA / PITT
PHIL JURKOVEC - QB PINE-RICH. 2018 ND / BC/ PITT
KENNY WHITE - CB PINE-RICH. 2018 ?
RYAN CORY - OG PINE-RICH. 2024 WISCONSIN
JALEN KLEMM - OT PINE-RICH. 2022 KSU
JEREMIAH HASLEY - OLB PINE-RICH. 2022 DUKE
ANDREW KRISTOFIC - OT PINE-RICH. 2019 ND
MICHAEL KATIC - OG PINE-RICH. 2019 INDIANA
RAHMON HART - WR PINE-RICH. 2019 BALL STATE
TYLER KING - ILB PINE-RICH. 2019 NAVY
GRANT CARRIGAN - TE PINE-RICH. 2017 PITT
J. KALTENBERGER - OG SEN. VALLEY 2020 PURDUE
DINO TOMLIN - ATH SHADY SIDE 2019 MARYLAND / BC
RYAN O'HAIR - OT SO. FAYETTE 2021 MIAMI OH
CRUCE BROOKINS - CB STEEL VALLEY 2023 PITT
PARIS FORD - S STEEL VALLEY 2017 PITT
DEWAYNE MURRAY - RB STEEL VALLEY 2017 ?
JORDAN MAYER - DE T. JEFFERSON 2023 WISCONSIN
DEVIN DANIELSON - DT T. JEFFERSON 2018 PITT
NOAH PALMER - DE T. JEFFERSON 2018 PITT / TRANS
ZANE ZANDIER T. JEFFERSON 2017 VA
AARON GUNN - OT UNION AREA 2021 LOUISVILLE
GABE HOUY - OT UP. ST CLAIR 2017 PITT
BRANDON FORD - OT UP. ST CLAIR 2016 PITT
ANDRE' PORTER - DT WASHINGTON 2021 MARYLAND
NAHKI JOHNSON - DE WEST MIFFLIN 2021 PITT
DAYON HAYES - DE WESTINGHOUSE 2020 PITT
JOSH RAWLINGS - TE WOOD. HILLS 2020 VIRGINIA
MILES SANDERS - RB WOOD. HILLS 2016 PSU
JO-EL SHAW – RB - WOOD. HILLS 2016 SYR

STHU you apologist....

This only matters if someone was willing to make a comparable list for every major area of the country and the results were drastically different. I'm willing to bet that most areas of the country outside of Miami, Dallas, Houston, LA, and Georgia, would have the same hit rate as the WPIAL. The WPIAL is not what it used to be, for sure. But I also think you are holding it to a standard that only a few places outperform it.

 

[cruzer]

This will be Narduzzi's 10th recruiting class. In that time the list I provided reflects on how well the WPIAL kids have performed, especially the 4-Star players. For every Miles Sanders, you have a Elliott Donald, Derrick Davis, Donovan Jeter, Phil Jurkovec, Nahki Johnson, Kaezon Pugh, C.J. Thorpe, etc... It has been especially bad over the last 10 years. It's too early to tell on the recent classes, but it doesn't look good.

Sure, it might be a nice problem to have, but we will not know unless they play. As I said before, you can't make any NIL money if you're sitting on the bench. You make it, by proving your worth on the field. It would be smart to choose a place where they can get on the field quickly.

Agree completely on the NIL issue. Hard to showcase your talent sitting on anyone's bench.

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

Penn State structures its NIL deals based on performance, meaning players don't get paid if they are sitting on the bench.

That's against NCAA rules

 

[pittmeister]

This only matters if someone was willing to make a comparable list for every major area of the country and the results were drastically different. I'm willing to bet that most areas of the country outside of Miami, Dallas, Houston, LA, and Georgia, would have the same hit rate as the WPIAL. The WPIAL is not what it used to be, for sure. But I also think you are holding it to a standard that only a few places outperform it.

Your point is valid.

There seems to be a fatalist reaction whenever a player from the WPIAL goes elsewhere. The list provided indicates that’s not the case. It is an objective look at the evidence. Over the last 10 years, most of those players turned out average at best. The local players from 2002 to 2015 had a much better hit rate of success.

Many times, a poster will indicate that a 3-Star player from Texas or Florida is much better than a 4-Star local player.

I believe that to be absolutely, positively true.

The main reason is the competition they face every week. I have lived in Texas and Florida and there is no comparison to the depth, talent, speed and coaching.

 

[DGT1977]

Where else do you see Martin playing? Is he a D

Where else do you see Martin playing? Is he a DB?

PSU was going to start him out at RB or WR. Love Slick, my jive soul bro

 

[DGT1977]

I thought Fearbry was on the 2-deep at Kentucky?

Plays OLB and has two seniors starting ahead of him at strong side and weak side. Should play a bit

 

[Mikefln]

Your point is valid.

There seems to be a fatalist reaction whenever a player from the WPIAL goes elsewhere. The list provided indicates that’s not the case. It is an objective look at the evidence. Over the last 10 years, most of those players turned out average at best. The local players from 2002 to 2015 had a much better hit rate of success.

Many times, a poster will indicate that a 3-Star player from Texas or Florida is much better than a 4-Star local player.

I believe that to be absolutely, positively true.

The main reason is the competition they face every week. I have lived in Texas and Florida and there is no comparison to the depth, talent, speed and coaching.

Fair enough and I agree 2002 to 2015 was better, would not argue against most of your arguments. I will state i have stated 2 points of contention.

1st, You are compering whole states to the WPIAL. There are pockets in those states I agree with like Miami, Dallas, Houston, but again they are exceptions not the rule. But west Texas, northern Florida, I bet are similar. In fact I see West Texas being very WPIAL like, in the sense it's best days are behind it.

2nd is who is better coached. I will give you Texas kids are probably coached better, but I am not going to give you Florida. In my opinion those teams get by on talent alone. That is why 3 stars can outperform a 4 star from another area. When they learn the game they outperform their rank.

 

[TheWerewolfFromTwilight]

I really thought Raines and Fearbry were going to be soild

I dont think the book is written yet on Fearbry, but that was one I didn't understand. He looked like some run of the mill modest 3-star to me. Definitely not a 4-star. He's done about what I've expected to this point: Nothing.

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

This only matters if someone was willing to make a comparable list for every major area of the country and the results were drastically different. I'm willing to bet that most areas of the country outside of Miami, Dallas, Houston, LA, and Georgia, would have the same hit rate as the WPIAL. The WPIAL is not what it used to be, for sure. But I also think you are holding it to a standard that only a few places outperform it.

This is a good post. While its true that the hit rate on WPIAL players are low, its probably about the same everywhere. I'd like to see what our hit rate is for Florida players. I would guess its even lower than WPIAL players. The fact is that 85 scholarships are too many. Most kids will never play significant snaps. So you have to get 10 players to get 3 "hits."

 

[ChiefJusticeMarshall]

Penn State has built a fence around the WPIAL. Total failure by Narduzzi. What ashame.

Yes. There is no other way to say it. Even though I am critical of the overrated local talent, but when Pitt was playing in old Pitt Stadium and losing 72-0, never, ever have they been shut down locally like they are now. It is almost like Narduzzi doesn't even try.

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

Yes. There is no other way to say it. Even though I am critical of the overrated local talent, but when Pitt was playing in old Pitt Stadium and losing 72-0, never, ever have they been shut down locally like they are now. It is almost like Narduzzi doesn't even try.

I'd say its worse than that era. Its almost as if there is a total boycott locally.

 

[ChiefJusticeMarshall]

I still don't believe Narduzzi has added a local guy on his staff to mend fences, build bridges etc.... Because we are just getting smoked.

 

[TheWerewolfFromTwilight]

Yes. There is no other way to say it. Even though I am critical of the overrated local talent, but when Pitt was playing in old Pitt Stadium and losing 72-0, never, ever have they been shut down locally like they are now. It is almost like Narduzzi doesn't even try.

Have to agree. No matter how underwhelming the majority of these WPIAL players have turned out to be, the fact remains: We would accept almost every commit on this list if we could get it.

 

[pittdan77]

Here is a list from 2016 to 2024 of the WPIAL stars. The names in bold have done well (3 year starter, all conference, All-American, drafted by NFL). Some are too soon to tell. Did I miss anyone, bright boy? Can you be objective?????

CAMERON LINDSEY - OLB - ALIQUIPPA - 2024 - PITT
ZURIAH FISHER - OLB ALIQUIPPA 2020 PSU
MARLIN DEVONSHIRE - CB ALIQUIPPA 2019 KY / PITT
WILL GIPSON - WR ALIQUIPPA 2019 PITT / TRANS
KWANTEL RAINES - S ALIQUIPPA 2018 WVU / TRANS
KAEZON PUGH - OLB ALIQUIPPA 2016 PITT / TRANS
DORIEN FORD - DT BALDWIN 2021 PITT
JOSH HOUGH - RB BEAVER FALLS 2021 SYRACUSE
DONOVAN JETER - DT BEAVER FALLS 2017 MICH
BLAKE ZUBOVIC - DT BELLE VERNON 2018 PITT
JAMES GMITER - DT BETHEL PARK 2018 WVU
JASON CROSS - S BISH. CANAVIN 2024 WVU
TA'MERE ROBINSON - OLB BRASHEAR 2023 PSU
THERRAN COLEMAN - CB BRASHEAR 2016 PITT
JAKE KRADEL - OT BUTLER 2018 PITT
ANTHONY SPECA - ILB CEN. CATHOLIC 2024 PSU
COLE SULLIVAN - OLB CEN. CATHOLIC 2024 MICH
PETER GONZALEZ - WR CEN. CATHOLIC 2024 PSU
TY YUHAS - DE CEN. CATHOLIC 2024 PITT
DONOVAN HINISH - DT CEN. CATHOLIC 2022 ND
ELLIOT DONALD - DT CEN. CATHOLIC 2021 PITT
AARON BEATTY CEN. CATHOLIC 2020 N. CAROLINA
DAVID GREEN - DT CEN. CATHOLIC 2018 PITT
C.J. THORPE - OG CEN. CATHOLIC 2017 PSU
DAVID ADAMS CEN. CATHOLIC 2017 ND / MEDICAL
KURT HINISH - DT CEN. CATHOLIC 2017 ND
DAMAR HAMLIN - S CEN. CATHOLIC 2016 PITT
RASHAD WHEELER - DT CEN. CATHOLIC 2016 DT
BRICEN GARNER - S CEN. CATHOLIC 2016 PITT / TRANS
RONNIE JONES - RB CEN. CATHOLIC 2016 TOLEDO
SEAN FITZSIMMONS - DE CEN. VALLEY 2022 PITT
STEPHON HALL - S CEN. VALLEY 2021 PITT
LAMONT PAYNE - CB CHAR. VALLEY 2023 PSU
LAMONT WADE - S CLARION 2017 PSU
NOAH HAMLIN - WR CLARION 2017 CINN
AARON MATHEWS - ATH CLARION 2016 PITT
TJ BANKS - TE E. ALLEGHENY 2018 WVU / TRANS
KYI WRIGHT - OLB FARRELL 2019 PITT / TRANS
LOGAN THIMONS - ILB FREEPORT 2016 WVU
PATRICK BODY - ATH GATEWAY 2022 CIN / TRANS
DERRICK DAVIS - S GATEWAY 2021 LSU / PITT
TUI BROWN - ATH GATEWAY 2020 UCONN
COURTNEY JACKSON - WR GATEWAY 2019 SYRACUSE
AIDAN HOWARD - WR GATEWAY 2016 VA
KENNY ROBINSON - OLB IMANI CHRIS. 2017 WVU
SOL MORELAND - DT INMANI CHRIS. 2019 BALL STATE
BRANDON MOORE - OT KISKI AREA 2022 MIAMI OH
R. GALLAGHER - WR L. HIGHLANDS 2023 WVU
B. LOVELACE - OLB LEECHBURG 2023 PITT
MICHAEL CARMODY - OT MARS 2020 ND
ANTOINE COOK MCKEESPORT 2017 YSU
KHALEKE HUDSON - ATH MCKEESPORT 2016 MICH
TYLER SEAR - TE NESHANNOCK 2017 PITT / TRANS
MARCUS HOOKER - ATH NEW CASTLE 2018 OHIO ST / TRANS
KHALIL DINKINS - TE N. ALLEGHENY 2021 PSU
JOEY PORTER JR. - CB N. ALLEGHENY 2019 PSU
JOSHUA LUGG - OT N. ALLEGHENY 2017 ND
GRIFFIN SESTILI - TE N. ALLEGHENY 2017 TEMPLE
JAKE LUGG - OG N. ALLEGHENY 2020 HARVARD
JACK SALOPEK - QB NORWIN 2020 W. MICHIGAN
JULIAN MAJOR - WR PENN HILLS 2018 MSU
DAEQUAN HARDY - DB PENN HILLS PSU
RICK SQUIRES - ATH PENN HILLS 2017 BUFFALO
JULIAN DUGGER - DUAL PENN HILLS 2024 PITT
CADE YACAMELLI - ATH PENN TRAFF. 2022 WISCONSIN
TYREESE FEARBRY - DE PERRY 2022 KENTUCKY
DONOVAN MCMILLON - S PETERS TSP 2021 FLA / PITT
PHIL JURKOVEC - QB PINE-RICH. 2018 ND / BC/ PITT
KENNY WHITE - CB PINE-RICH. 2018 ?
RYAN CORY - OG PINE-RICH. 2024 WISCONSIN
JALEN KLEMM - OT PINE-RICH. 2022 KSU
JEREMIAH HASLEY - OLB PINE-RICH. 2022 DUKE
ANDREW KRISTOFIC - OT PINE-RICH. 2019 ND
MICHAEL KATIC - OG PINE-RICH. 2019 INDIANA
RAHMON HART - WR PINE-RICH. 2019 BALL STATE
TYLER KING - ILB PINE-RICH. 2019 NAVY
GRANT CARRIGAN - TE PINE-RICH. 2017 PITT
J. KALTENBERGER - OG SEN. VALLEY 2020 PURDUE
DINO TOMLIN - ATH SHADY SIDE 2019 MARYLAND / BC
RYAN O'HAIR - OT SO. FAYETTE 2021 MIAMI OH
CRUCE BROOKINS - CB STEEL VALLEY 2023 PITT
PARIS FORD - S STEEL VALLEY 2017 PITT
DEWAYNE MURRAY - RB STEEL VALLEY 2017 ?
JORDAN MAYER - DE T. JEFFERSON 2023 WISCONSIN
DEVIN DANIELSON - DT T. JEFFERSON 2018 PITT
NOAH PALMER - DE T. JEFFERSON 2018 PITT / TRANS
ZANE ZANDIER T. JEFFERSON 2017 VA
AARON GUNN - OT UNION AREA 2021 LOUISVILLE
GABE HOUY - OT UP. ST CLAIR 2017 PITT
BRANDON FORD - OT UP. ST CLAIR 2016 PITT
ANDRE' PORTER - DT WASHINGTON 2021 MARYLAND
NAHKI JOHNSON - DE WEST MIFFLIN 2021 PITT
DAYON HAYES - DE WESTINGHOUSE 2020 PITT
JOSH RAWLINGS - TE WOOD. HILLS 2020 VIRGINIA
MILES SANDERS - RB WOOD. HILLS 2016 PSU
JO-EL SHAW – RB - WOOD. HILLS 2016 SYR

STHU you apologist....

This is a list I was going to ask for in another thread because other than Sanders, who were the really good offensive "skill" players to come out of the WPIAL in recent memory. This sort of confirmed my thoughts. How good is your talent pool if you're not producing top college players on the offensive side of the ball? How good are your defensive players if they're not being challenged by really good QB's and WR's?

It's been my opinion for a while now that the WPIAL has fallen off further than most locals would believe. Still think you can find the OL-men that do well enough to start in college. The hype is still very strong but nobody is building a competitive college roster at the top level with WPIAL players at its core.

 

[Slick Manager of Champs]

Plays OLB and has two seniors starting ahead of him at strong side and weak side. Should play a bit

interesting they moved him to LB.

 

[TheWerewolfFromTwilight]

This is a list I was going to ask for in another thread because other than Sanders, who were the really good offensive "skill" players to come out of the WPIAL in recent memory. This sort of confirmed my thoughts. How good is your talent pool if you're not producing top college players on the offensive side of the ball? How good are your defensive players if they're not being challenged by really good QB's and WR's?

It's been my opinion for a while now that the WPIAL has fallen off further than most locals would believe. Still think you can find the OL-men that do well enough to start in college. The hype is still very strong but nobody is building a competitive college roster at the top level with WPIAL players at its core.

In my opinion, there are many subcategories within this discussion that often get lumped into one talking point. I would put it something like this:

1. Is there less overall P4 talent coming from the WPIAL? Absolutely, and that's the big one.

2. Is the bust rate higher for WPIAL players than players elsewhere nowadays? Honestly, I'm not sure that it is. Like someone else said, you'd have to look at the bust rate everywhere. I think much of this is a product of #1.

3. Is a PA 4/5-star the same as a FL/etc. 2/3-star? Eh, not in my opinion. Dane Jackson was a PA 2-star who just signed a nice NFL contract. What did the big 4-star DB gets from Florida/Georgia (Battle, Royal, Anderson) ever do here? Michael Smith tore it up at the highest level in FL but couldn't get on the field here, while Sky Moore got drafted in the 2nd round. Geno Stone and Kenny Robinson were NFL guys, but Albert Tucker and Malik Henderson barely played here. Henry Miller and AJ Davis vs Braylan Lovelace and Cruce Brookins; give me the latter. Jimmy Morrissey was a PA walk-on who got drafted; what did Jaylon Barden, Aydin Henningham, Hunter Sellers, Sam Williams, and Jo JO Belgrave do here? I mean the list goes on. I could name 1,001 low-rated PA guys who out-performed FL/GA/TX/CA guys who were rated higher. It goes both ways.

I think this is another one that goes back to #1. We just see more FL players doing well in college and assume. But the reality is the volume is just so much higher. It doesn't necessarily mean the scale is all that different. These guys all get graded on individual merit. In fact, sometimes it works the other way. A guy like Bartholomew barely snuck into the P4 on account of a lack of competition he went up against. Be he surely belongs.

4. The WPIAL is producing very little offensive skilled position talent. Totally agree on this one. Frankly, it just seems that the guys who could have played either side (Hudson, Wade, Whitehead, Raines, Devenshire, Ford, etc., etc., etc.) are almost always choosing DB or LB over RB or WR. Frankly, it's odd. Could defense be the better choice for some of them? Absolutely. But I have to think some of this is being influenced by either the local programs they work out with or just the fact that success seems more tangible after they've seen their WPIAL peers choose those positions.

 

[Slick Manager of Champs]

Yes. There is no other way to say it. Even though I am critical of the overrated local talent, but when Pitt was playing in old Pitt Stadium and losing 72-0, never, ever have they been shut down locally like they are now. It is almost like Narduzzi doesn't even try.

yeah not sure what is going on. Different era with social media now maybe? Conference perception and playing in front of the mega crowds seems to be a bigger factor now than ever before. But very rarely did we lose locals who were sought after to schools like WVU or Virginia. That's happening more these days.

But you have to give some credit for the clean sweep of the 2021 class, even though most aren't looking so hot.

 

[ChiefJusticeMarshall]

This is a list I was going to ask for in another thread because other than Sanders, who were the really good offensive "skill" players to come out of the WPIAL in recent memory. This sort of confirmed my thoughts. How good is your talent pool if you're not producing top college players on the offensive side of the ball? How good are your defensive players if they're not being challenged by really good QB's and WR's?

It's been my opinion for a while now that the WPIAL has fallen off further than most locals would believe. Still think you can find the OL-men that do well enough to start in college. The hype is still very strong but nobody is building a competitive college roster at the top level with WPIAL players at its core.

Even worse....who is the last good Offensive Linemen from the WPIAL?

 

[Slick Manager of Champs]

Even worse....who is the last good Offensive Linemen from the WPIAL?

I guess Hainsey but he skipped out to IMG

 

[pittdan77]

Even worse....who is the last good Offensive Linemen from the WPIAL?

There have been plenty of "good" OL talent. Good enough to start a couple years in the P4 but nothing spectacular beyond that. Really not any great talent. Feels like that's even getting harder to find.

 

[TheWerewolfFromTwilight]

Even worse....who is the last good Offensive Linemen from the WPIAL?

It depends what we're calling good, I guess. Hainsey for sure. And I've seen Kristofic, Carmody, and Lugg all start/get some playing time at ND (not sure exactly how much). Isn't Katic doing pretty well at Indiana or something? Did Gmiter do well at WVU? Kradel/Zubovic/Houy... ehhh, they had their moments. Definitely Bisnowaty and Johnson, though, and I'd say Bookser was pretty good. I'm sure I'm missing a few. Didn't one go to UCF and do well?

 

[pittdan77]

In my opinion, there are many subcategories within this discussion that often get lumped into one talking point. I would put it something like this:

1. Is there less overall P4 talent coming from the WPIAL? Absolutely, and that's the big one.

2. Is the bust rate higher for WPIAL players than players elsewhere nowadays? Honestly, I'm not sure that it is. Like someone else said, you'd have to look at the bust rate everywhere. I think much of this is a product of #1.

3. Is a PA 4/5-star the same as a FL/etc. 2/3-star? Eh, not in my opinion. Dane Jackson was a PA 2-star who just signed a nice NFL contract. What did the big 4-star DB gets from Florida/Georgia (Battle, Royal, Anderson) ever do here? Michael Smith tore it up at the highest level in FL but couldn't get on the field here, while Sky Moore got drafted in the 2nd round. Geno Stone and Kenny Robinson were NFL guys, but Albert Tucker and Malik Henderson barely played here. Henry Miller and AJ Davis vs Braylan Lovelace and Cruce Brookins; give me the latter. Jimmy Morrissey was a PA walk-on who got drafted; what did Jaylon Barden, Aydin Henningham, Hunter Sellers, Sam Williams, and Jo JO Belgrave do here? I mean the list goes on. I could name 1,001 low-rated PA guys who out-performed FL/GA/TX/CA guys who were rated higher. It goes both ways.

I think this is another one that goes back to #1. We just see more FL players doing well in college and assume. But the reality is the volume is just so much higher. It doesn't necessarily mean the scale is all that different. These guys all get graded on individual merit. In fact, sometimes it works the other way. A guy like Bartholomew barely snuck into the P4 on account of a lack of competition he went up against. Be he surely belongs.

4. The WPIAL is producing very little offensive skilled position talent. Totally agree on this one. Frankly, it just seems that the guys who could have played either side (Hudson, Wade, Whitehead, Raines, Devenshire, Ford, etc., etc., etc.) are almost always choosing DB or LB over RB or WR. Frankly, it's odd. Could defense be the better choice for some of them? Absolutely. But I have to think some of this is being influenced by either the local programs they work out with or just the fact that success seems more tangible after they've seen their WPIAL peers choose those positions.

I do think the bust rate, as a percentage, is mostly the same no matter where you look. Some schools will be better than the average but for the most part, the percentage of busts in the WPIAL is probably very close to the same as Miami or DFW or SoCal. It may be even better since the borderline kids in the WPIAL aren't getting as many second looks as kids from those areas.

I think there may be a little truth to the FL 3-star but not because they are as good as a PA 4-start. I think it's because they have seen enough of the FL 3 and 4-stars that they are a little more experienced in competing against that talent. Being a superstar RB in PA probably means you haven't had to shed a tackle from a piss missal of a 200 pound LB that can turn on a dime and doesn't value their own life. Goes to what I was saying about the level of competition.

 

[Mikefln]

Regarding WPIAL line talent, I put a lot of blame on the bad OL coach there a few seasons ago. I saw Houy a lot in HS, he got worse here at Pitt. Despite that he was going to make the Bears roster until a bad injury right before final cuts.