Post Gazette
8/26
PENNSYLVANIA'S 30 BEST: Post-Gazette's 2005 top college prospects
Friday, August 26, 2005
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Sean Simmers/Harrisburgh Patriot-News
Bishop McDevitt's LeSean McCoy tops this year's list.
Click photo for larger image.
Related Story:
State Preview: McDevitt a solid pick for No. 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. LESEAN MCCOY
Bishop McDevitt, Harrisburg
RB, 5-11, 205
Ranked the No. 1 running back in the country by Super Prep magazine. Nicknamed "Shady." Had a gigantic junior season with 2,827 yards, including one five-game stretch when he averaged 343 yards. About the only defense he couldn't bust was Central Catholic's, which held him to 39 yards in the PIAA semifinals. Has 5,750 career yards. Runs the 40 in 4.4 and bench-presses more than 350 pounds. Has offers from schools everywhere, including Southern California, Tennessee, Miami, Alabama, Georgia, Virginia and Auburn. McCoy says he has no favorites, but is considering Pitt and Penn State. He made an unofficial visit to Pitt two weekends ago with a few other McDevitt players.
2. PAT DEVLIN
Downingtown East
QB, 6-4, 205
One of the most highly recruited quarterbacks in the country, Devlin committed to Miami (Fla.) in early July. He turned down offers from over 30 schools to sign with the Hurricanes. "Miami was where I felt like I was most comfortable, plus, it's hard to beat their tradition," he said. Others schools that made his short list were Pitt, Penn State, Michigan, North Carolina State and Virginia. Devlin, who is also an honor roll student, said he took into consideration Miami's accounting and finance programs when selecting the Hurricanes. He set a Pennsylvania record two years ago as a sophomore when he passed for 511 yards in a game. Has 5,251 career yards and has a chance at the state record of 7,705. Was 147 of 231 for 2,237 yards and 21 TDs as a junior. Good student -- 3.8 grade-point average.
3. ZACH FRAZER
Mechanicsburg
QB, 6-4, 216
Had gigantic junior season, setting a state record for passing yardage in a season. Was 285 of 440 for 3,674 yards and 27 touchdowns. Not very mobile (4.9 40-yard dash), but can certainly throw it. Made verbal commitment to Notre Dame in April after considering more than 25 offers. He also seriously considered Penn State, Syracuse and Purdue among a host of others. His high school coach, Rich Lichtel, said his ability to read defenses is on par with any quarterback he has seen and should offset the lack of speed. Helped his Mechanicsburg team to the District 3 final as a junior.
4. NATE BYHAM
Franklin
TE-LB, 6-4, 220
Ranked by scout.com and Super Prep as the No. 1 tight end in the country. And next year he'll be a Pitt player. Byham committed to the Panthers a few weeks ago. He had dozens of offers from, among others, Southern California, Miami, Tennessee, West Virginia and Iowa. "He's like a man among boys on the field," Franklin coach Dave Smith said. With his athletic ability (4.65 40-yard dash), Byham has been called a young "Jeremy Shockey." Byham is shocked at all the attention he has received. "I just never thought I'd be this good," he said. He caught 45 passes last season for 883 yards. Also a talented basketball player.
5. JARED ODRICK
Lebanon
OL-DL, 6-5, 300
Possesses so much athleticism (4.9 40-yard dash) that he plays some tight end in high school at 300 pounds, but will either play defensive end or offensive line in college. It is still up in the air as to which side of the ball he'll play on the college level. "I'd like to play defense," he said. "I think that's where I fit best." Has many scholarship offers, including ones from Penn State, Pitt, Southern California, Miami (Fla.), Oklahoma and Michigan. He would be a major in-state recruit for either Pitt or Penn State. He made 87 tackles as a junior, 19 of those for a loss. Also a good basketball player and has the ability to move laterally.
6. JEREMIHA HUNTER
Harrisburg
RB-LB, 6-2, 220
Hunter played last season at Manheim Central, but transferred to Harrisburg in the offseason. Hunter is a stalwart on both sides of the ball, but likely will play linebacker and not running back in college. There are over 30 schools that have made scholarship offers, including heavy hitters such as Penn State, Michigan, Tennessee, Florida, Ohio State and Georgia. Made 143 tackles as a junior and also rushed for over 1,000 yards. His arm was broken in the PIAA semifinals and was not able to play in the title game, a loss against Thomas Jefferson. He said there are no lingering effects from the arm injury.
7. DORIN DICKERSON
West Allegheny
WR-RB, 6-2, 210
One of the best all-around players in Western Pennsylvania. "I think he has to be one of the best athletes in the state," West Allegheny coach Bob Palko said. Dickerson runs a 4.5 40-yard dash. Will play running back, receiver and even some at quarterback this season. Also will play defensive back. Made verbal commitment to Pitt, turning down offers from Penn State, Michigan, Florida, Tennessee and LSU, among others. Was Post-Gazette Fabulous 22 as junior, rushing for 1,036 yards on 141 carries. But was recruited by Pitt to play receiver. Best friend is C.J. Davis, a freshman lineman at Pitt.
8. JASON PINKSTON
Baldwin
OL-DL, 6-5, 290
"I remember our first scrimmage last year," Baldwin coach Mike Silianoff was saying, "I just saw him making plays everywhere and said to myself, 'This kid is going to be a big-time player.' " One of the most heavily recruited linemen in the state. Committed to Pitt in July, turning down offers from Penn State, Michigan, Ohio State, Oklahoma and Florida, among others. Pinkston led Baldwin in tackles as a junior.
9. DARRIN WALLS
Woodland Hills
RB-CB, 6-1, 175
A starter since his sophomore year at Woodland Hills. Now most scouting services rank him among the top-10 defensive backs in the country. Has excellent quickness (4.4 40-yard dash). Also will be a big part of Woodland Hills' offense this season. Recruited by colleges across the country. Michigan, Notre Dame and Florida are his top three, but Pitt has come on lately. His other top four schools are Penn State, West Virginia, Southern California and Michigan. All have offered.
10. TOM MCEOWEN
Neshaminy
DL, 6-4, 276
A Penn State recruit. McEowen also had offers from Florida, Georgia and Boston College among a wide array of others. His father said Penn State assistant Tom Bradley was the difference-maker in the recruiting process. Can play in the middle and defensive end, but Penn State likes him mostly as an edge-rusher. Has a 32-inch vertical jump and has broad jumped more than 9 feet. Possesses good strength, squatting 550 pounds and benching 345. McEowen anchored both lines that helped his team reach the PIAA Class AAAA championship game last season before being beaten by Central Catholic.
11. JEREMY RICKER
Bishop McDevitt, Harrisburg
QB, 6-2, 205
Committed to Maryland, live on ESPNEWS in early July. Chose the Terrapins over scholarship offers from California, Oregon and Michigan State. Threw for over 1,800 yards and 17 touchdowns in his junior season. Has a 31-inch vertical leap. Ricker is not a pocket passer, but much better when rolling out and throwing on the run. Once a wiry kid, he has worked hard to put on weight, adding 15 pounds in a five-month span after his junior season. "I think that was a really big deal," he said. "I needed to get bigger and stronger if I was going to get hit as much as I do." One of his teammates, offensive lineman Tucker Baumbach, also committed to Maryland.
12. JOHN MADDOX
West Catholic, Philadelphia
WR-DB, 6-4, 175
Many consider him the best player in the Philadelphia area this season. Can play offense or defense, but will more than likely play safety in college, because he has the ability to deliver a crushing hit and cover a receiver. He has over a dozen offers, including Penn State, Michigan State, Notre Dame, Michigan and Ohio State. Also plays receiver and was a first-team all-Catholic league selection on both sides of the ball last year. Made 65 tackles as a junior and also pulled in eight touchdown passes.
13. AARON BERRY
Bishop McDevitt, Harrisburg
DB, 5-10, 175
Runs a 4.4 40-yard dash. Berry has tremendous ball skills, is a great leaper and has shown the ability to cover some of the premier receivers in Pennsylvania. He said he has more than two-dozen scholarship offers, with Florida, Virginia, Michigan State, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Purdue as his favorites. Pitt might be making a surge. He visited Pitt two weekends ago along with a couple of teammates.
14. JOSH NEUBERT
North Penn
DL, 6-4, 248
Neubert is hoping to be the next in the long line of successful Boston College linemen, as he made a commitment to the Eagles. Some schools looked at Neubert as a linebacker, but Boston College has indicated he'll play a weak-side rush end. "I was really interested in Boston College because on the defensive line is where I wanted to play. I didn't want to be a linebacker." He also considered Stanford, Virginia, North Carolina and Wake Forest. "I just loved the staff and location with BC. Those were the biggest things," Neubert said. "The campus being near the city is what I wanted." Extremely intelligent student-athlete, who said the academics were as big, if not bigger, than football in his decision. Has 3.8 grade-point average and 1,300 SAT.
15. WESLEY LYONS
Woodland Hills
WR, 6-6, 205
His size gives him a big advantage over most high school defensive backs. It will be interesting to see how many receptions he has this season because Woodland Hills' quarterbacks are inexperienced. Miami and Oklahoma are two of his favorite schools and both have offered, as well as Ohio State and Minnesota. His brother, Devon, is a receiver at Ohio State.
16. AARON SMITH
Gateway
WR-QB-DB 6-0, 180
Smith plays quarterback at Gateway, but is being recruited to play receiver by Division I schools. He will announce his decision Aug. 27. He will choose between Pitt and Maryland, with Pitt as the most likely choice. Penn State, Tennessee, Virginia and Michigan State are among the other schools that have offered. He threw for more than 1,000 yards and rushed for more than 400 last season.
17. MARK HERZLICH
Conestoga
LB, 6-4, 245
A big linebacker who projects inside, Herzlich chose Virginia in June largely because the Cavaliers coaching staff wants to keep him at linebacker. Herzlich also had Boston College on his short list. Herzlich had 10 scholarship offers overall. Has worked hard in the weight room in the past year and benches 385 pounds while also showing quickness.
18. GREG WEBSTER
Woodland Hills
FB-LB, 6-2, 230
Leading tackler for Woodland Hills as a junior. Hard hitter who moves fairly well sideline to sideline. "He's just one of those kids who is a playmaker," Woodland Hills coach George Novak said. Committed to Pitt earlier this summer. Recruited to play linebacker. West Virginia, Connecticut, Virginia and Temple also offered. Had a brother, Jahmal, who played at Maryland.
19. JEFF MINEMYER
Bishop Carroll, Ebensburg
TE-DL 6-7, 250
A versatile player who could play a number of positions in the future. "Some schools are saying I could play defensive end and some think I could be an offensive tackle if I put on more weight," Minemeyer said. "I'd like to play tight end." Caught only six passes in run-oriented offense last season. Michigan State, Illinois, Louisville, West Virginia, Georgia Tech and Duke have offered, among others. West Virginia is his top choice. Excellent student with 4.0 grade-point average.
20. TYLER TKACH
Northern Lehigh
DE, 6-3, 240
An extremely cerebral player who is also a great technician, Tkach made a commitment to Pitt in late June. Excellent student with 4.5 grade-point average. Son of Northern Lehigh coach Jim Tkach. Has frame to put on weight in college. Also had scholarship offers from North Carolina, North Carolina State, Georgia Tech and Virginia. "Coach [Dave] Wannstedt made a big, big impact on me," Tkach said.
21. JASON KATES
Bishop McDevitt, Harrisburg
DL, 6-3, 310
Runs a 5.1 40-yard dash. Could use some work on lateral movement. Good against the run. "I lost almost 15 pounds over the summer and am working to take a little more off," he said. He has almost 30 scholarship offers and said that Notre Dame "really impresses me." Pitt, Penn State, Michigan, Maryland and Virginia Tech also are in the mix. Has tons of talent around him.
22. BRANDON KING
Central Bucks West
FB, 6-3, 250
A bruising fullback who has run the 40-yard dash in 4.68 seconds. Rushed for more than 700 yards as a junior. Can be a devastating blocker. Oklahoma, Syracuse, Georgia Tech, Minnesota, Duke and Vanderbilt offered scholarships to this honor-roll student, but he committed to Duke earlier this summer.
23. BRENT CARTER
Pottsgrove
RB-WR-DB, 6-3, 195
Could play either running back or receiver in college. Pretty good quickness, running a 4.55 40-yard dash. Some even believe he could put on weight and become an athletic linebacker. In short, he's just a good athlete and a talented kick returner. Has offers from Boston College, Louisville, North Carolina, Rutgers, West Virginia and Syracuse. He is coached at Pottsgrove by former West Virginia player Rick Pennypacker.
24. TRAVIS MCBRIDE
McKeesport
RB-DB, 6-1, 190
Mr. Versatility for McKeesport. "I think he'll be a running back and I think he has the tools to play running back at a big school," McKeesport coach George Smith said. "But he also could end up being a safety, outside linebacker or even a corner." A big-play artist on offense, McBride last season carried 108 times for 1,117 yards, a 10.3-yard average. He also scored 19 touchdowns. Has 1,820 yards rushing in two seasons. North Carolina State, Rutgers, West Virginia, Iowa, Temple have offered.
25. BRAD KANUCH
Westmont Hilltop
WR-RB-DB, 6-0, 185
An outstanding athlete who shows his athletic ability in track and field. At the PIAA Class AA championships in May, he won the triple jump (47 feet, 2 inches), won the 200 meter dash (22.33 seconds), finished second in the 100 (10.65) and second in the long jump (21-10 1/2). It's anybody's guess what position he'll play in college. Penn State, Boston College, Virginia and Maryland have offered, among others. His uncle is Penn State defensive coordinator Tom Bradley.
26. JIM MCKENZIE
St. Joseph's Prep, Philadelphia
OL-DL, 6-4 1/2, 297
Plays for perennial power in Philadelphia. A versatile lineman whose future is on the offense. As of mid-summer, he had seven scholarship offers from Rutgers, Syracuse, West Virginia, Colorado, Kentucky, New Mexico State and Toledo. But in August, Syracuse won out as McKenzie committed to the Orange. Ranked first in his senior class.
27. COLIN NEELY
Freedom, Bethlehem
TE-LB, 6-2, 250
Made a verbal commitment to Michigan State. One of two Pennsylvania athletes to choose the Spartans. The other is South Park quarterback Connor Dixon. Penn State, Virginia, Syracuse and others were showing interest, but Neely jumped on the Michigan State offer. He was recruited to play linebacker. Made 60 tackles as a junior.
28. TREY WOMACK
Malvern Prep
DB, 6-0, 178
Can run the 40-yard dash in 4.4 seconds. A good kick returner who also excels in track. Virginia, Virginia Tech and Rutgers have offered but Womack said schools such as Florida, Michigan, Michigan State, Oklahoma, Penn State and Tennessee have been on him recently and he expects a few of those to offer soon.
29. ELIJAH FIELDS
Duquesne
WR-DB, 6-2, 200
In his first year as a starter last season, Fields caught 26 passes for 591 yards (22.7 yards a catch). Is being recruited as an "athlete." Some schools like him as a receiver and some as a defensive back. Pitt and West Virginia have offered and are his two favorites. Ohio, Akron, Toledo, Marshall also have offered. Was leading scorer on Duquesne's basketball team last season.
30. DAN LOHEYDE
Gateway
FB-LB, 6-2, 220
Was Pitt's first recruit from the class of 2006, committing to the Panthers in March. Pitt was the only school to offer a scholarship at the time, but Loheyde most likely would have other offers if he waited. Led Gateway in tackles last season. Can run a 4.6 40-yard dash.
8/26
PENNSYLVANIA'S 30 BEST: Post-Gazette's 2005 top college prospects
Friday, August 26, 2005
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Sean Simmers/Harrisburgh Patriot-News
Bishop McDevitt's LeSean McCoy tops this year's list.
Click photo for larger image.
Related Story:
State Preview: McDevitt a solid pick for No. 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. LESEAN MCCOY
Bishop McDevitt, Harrisburg
RB, 5-11, 205
Ranked the No. 1 running back in the country by Super Prep magazine. Nicknamed "Shady." Had a gigantic junior season with 2,827 yards, including one five-game stretch when he averaged 343 yards. About the only defense he couldn't bust was Central Catholic's, which held him to 39 yards in the PIAA semifinals. Has 5,750 career yards. Runs the 40 in 4.4 and bench-presses more than 350 pounds. Has offers from schools everywhere, including Southern California, Tennessee, Miami, Alabama, Georgia, Virginia and Auburn. McCoy says he has no favorites, but is considering Pitt and Penn State. He made an unofficial visit to Pitt two weekends ago with a few other McDevitt players.
2. PAT DEVLIN
Downingtown East
QB, 6-4, 205
One of the most highly recruited quarterbacks in the country, Devlin committed to Miami (Fla.) in early July. He turned down offers from over 30 schools to sign with the Hurricanes. "Miami was where I felt like I was most comfortable, plus, it's hard to beat their tradition," he said. Others schools that made his short list were Pitt, Penn State, Michigan, North Carolina State and Virginia. Devlin, who is also an honor roll student, said he took into consideration Miami's accounting and finance programs when selecting the Hurricanes. He set a Pennsylvania record two years ago as a sophomore when he passed for 511 yards in a game. Has 5,251 career yards and has a chance at the state record of 7,705. Was 147 of 231 for 2,237 yards and 21 TDs as a junior. Good student -- 3.8 grade-point average.
3. ZACH FRAZER
Mechanicsburg
QB, 6-4, 216
Had gigantic junior season, setting a state record for passing yardage in a season. Was 285 of 440 for 3,674 yards and 27 touchdowns. Not very mobile (4.9 40-yard dash), but can certainly throw it. Made verbal commitment to Notre Dame in April after considering more than 25 offers. He also seriously considered Penn State, Syracuse and Purdue among a host of others. His high school coach, Rich Lichtel, said his ability to read defenses is on par with any quarterback he has seen and should offset the lack of speed. Helped his Mechanicsburg team to the District 3 final as a junior.
4. NATE BYHAM
Franklin
TE-LB, 6-4, 220
Ranked by scout.com and Super Prep as the No. 1 tight end in the country. And next year he'll be a Pitt player. Byham committed to the Panthers a few weeks ago. He had dozens of offers from, among others, Southern California, Miami, Tennessee, West Virginia and Iowa. "He's like a man among boys on the field," Franklin coach Dave Smith said. With his athletic ability (4.65 40-yard dash), Byham has been called a young "Jeremy Shockey." Byham is shocked at all the attention he has received. "I just never thought I'd be this good," he said. He caught 45 passes last season for 883 yards. Also a talented basketball player.
5. JARED ODRICK
Lebanon
OL-DL, 6-5, 300
Possesses so much athleticism (4.9 40-yard dash) that he plays some tight end in high school at 300 pounds, but will either play defensive end or offensive line in college. It is still up in the air as to which side of the ball he'll play on the college level. "I'd like to play defense," he said. "I think that's where I fit best." Has many scholarship offers, including ones from Penn State, Pitt, Southern California, Miami (Fla.), Oklahoma and Michigan. He would be a major in-state recruit for either Pitt or Penn State. He made 87 tackles as a junior, 19 of those for a loss. Also a good basketball player and has the ability to move laterally.
6. JEREMIHA HUNTER
Harrisburg
RB-LB, 6-2, 220
Hunter played last season at Manheim Central, but transferred to Harrisburg in the offseason. Hunter is a stalwart on both sides of the ball, but likely will play linebacker and not running back in college. There are over 30 schools that have made scholarship offers, including heavy hitters such as Penn State, Michigan, Tennessee, Florida, Ohio State and Georgia. Made 143 tackles as a junior and also rushed for over 1,000 yards. His arm was broken in the PIAA semifinals and was not able to play in the title game, a loss against Thomas Jefferson. He said there are no lingering effects from the arm injury.
7. DORIN DICKERSON
West Allegheny
WR-RB, 6-2, 210
One of the best all-around players in Western Pennsylvania. "I think he has to be one of the best athletes in the state," West Allegheny coach Bob Palko said. Dickerson runs a 4.5 40-yard dash. Will play running back, receiver and even some at quarterback this season. Also will play defensive back. Made verbal commitment to Pitt, turning down offers from Penn State, Michigan, Florida, Tennessee and LSU, among others. Was Post-Gazette Fabulous 22 as junior, rushing for 1,036 yards on 141 carries. But was recruited by Pitt to play receiver. Best friend is C.J. Davis, a freshman lineman at Pitt.
8. JASON PINKSTON
Baldwin
OL-DL, 6-5, 290
"I remember our first scrimmage last year," Baldwin coach Mike Silianoff was saying, "I just saw him making plays everywhere and said to myself, 'This kid is going to be a big-time player.' " One of the most heavily recruited linemen in the state. Committed to Pitt in July, turning down offers from Penn State, Michigan, Ohio State, Oklahoma and Florida, among others. Pinkston led Baldwin in tackles as a junior.
9. DARRIN WALLS
Woodland Hills
RB-CB, 6-1, 175
A starter since his sophomore year at Woodland Hills. Now most scouting services rank him among the top-10 defensive backs in the country. Has excellent quickness (4.4 40-yard dash). Also will be a big part of Woodland Hills' offense this season. Recruited by colleges across the country. Michigan, Notre Dame and Florida are his top three, but Pitt has come on lately. His other top four schools are Penn State, West Virginia, Southern California and Michigan. All have offered.
10. TOM MCEOWEN
Neshaminy
DL, 6-4, 276
A Penn State recruit. McEowen also had offers from Florida, Georgia and Boston College among a wide array of others. His father said Penn State assistant Tom Bradley was the difference-maker in the recruiting process. Can play in the middle and defensive end, but Penn State likes him mostly as an edge-rusher. Has a 32-inch vertical jump and has broad jumped more than 9 feet. Possesses good strength, squatting 550 pounds and benching 345. McEowen anchored both lines that helped his team reach the PIAA Class AAAA championship game last season before being beaten by Central Catholic.
11. JEREMY RICKER
Bishop McDevitt, Harrisburg
QB, 6-2, 205
Committed to Maryland, live on ESPNEWS in early July. Chose the Terrapins over scholarship offers from California, Oregon and Michigan State. Threw for over 1,800 yards and 17 touchdowns in his junior season. Has a 31-inch vertical leap. Ricker is not a pocket passer, but much better when rolling out and throwing on the run. Once a wiry kid, he has worked hard to put on weight, adding 15 pounds in a five-month span after his junior season. "I think that was a really big deal," he said. "I needed to get bigger and stronger if I was going to get hit as much as I do." One of his teammates, offensive lineman Tucker Baumbach, also committed to Maryland.
12. JOHN MADDOX
West Catholic, Philadelphia
WR-DB, 6-4, 175
Many consider him the best player in the Philadelphia area this season. Can play offense or defense, but will more than likely play safety in college, because he has the ability to deliver a crushing hit and cover a receiver. He has over a dozen offers, including Penn State, Michigan State, Notre Dame, Michigan and Ohio State. Also plays receiver and was a first-team all-Catholic league selection on both sides of the ball last year. Made 65 tackles as a junior and also pulled in eight touchdown passes.
13. AARON BERRY
Bishop McDevitt, Harrisburg
DB, 5-10, 175
Runs a 4.4 40-yard dash. Berry has tremendous ball skills, is a great leaper and has shown the ability to cover some of the premier receivers in Pennsylvania. He said he has more than two-dozen scholarship offers, with Florida, Virginia, Michigan State, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Purdue as his favorites. Pitt might be making a surge. He visited Pitt two weekends ago along with a couple of teammates.
14. JOSH NEUBERT
North Penn
DL, 6-4, 248
Neubert is hoping to be the next in the long line of successful Boston College linemen, as he made a commitment to the Eagles. Some schools looked at Neubert as a linebacker, but Boston College has indicated he'll play a weak-side rush end. "I was really interested in Boston College because on the defensive line is where I wanted to play. I didn't want to be a linebacker." He also considered Stanford, Virginia, North Carolina and Wake Forest. "I just loved the staff and location with BC. Those were the biggest things," Neubert said. "The campus being near the city is what I wanted." Extremely intelligent student-athlete, who said the academics were as big, if not bigger, than football in his decision. Has 3.8 grade-point average and 1,300 SAT.
15. WESLEY LYONS
Woodland Hills
WR, 6-6, 205
His size gives him a big advantage over most high school defensive backs. It will be interesting to see how many receptions he has this season because Woodland Hills' quarterbacks are inexperienced. Miami and Oklahoma are two of his favorite schools and both have offered, as well as Ohio State and Minnesota. His brother, Devon, is a receiver at Ohio State.
16. AARON SMITH
Gateway
WR-QB-DB 6-0, 180
Smith plays quarterback at Gateway, but is being recruited to play receiver by Division I schools. He will announce his decision Aug. 27. He will choose between Pitt and Maryland, with Pitt as the most likely choice. Penn State, Tennessee, Virginia and Michigan State are among the other schools that have offered. He threw for more than 1,000 yards and rushed for more than 400 last season.
17. MARK HERZLICH
Conestoga
LB, 6-4, 245
A big linebacker who projects inside, Herzlich chose Virginia in June largely because the Cavaliers coaching staff wants to keep him at linebacker. Herzlich also had Boston College on his short list. Herzlich had 10 scholarship offers overall. Has worked hard in the weight room in the past year and benches 385 pounds while also showing quickness.
18. GREG WEBSTER
Woodland Hills
FB-LB, 6-2, 230
Leading tackler for Woodland Hills as a junior. Hard hitter who moves fairly well sideline to sideline. "He's just one of those kids who is a playmaker," Woodland Hills coach George Novak said. Committed to Pitt earlier this summer. Recruited to play linebacker. West Virginia, Connecticut, Virginia and Temple also offered. Had a brother, Jahmal, who played at Maryland.
19. JEFF MINEMYER
Bishop Carroll, Ebensburg
TE-DL 6-7, 250
A versatile player who could play a number of positions in the future. "Some schools are saying I could play defensive end and some think I could be an offensive tackle if I put on more weight," Minemeyer said. "I'd like to play tight end." Caught only six passes in run-oriented offense last season. Michigan State, Illinois, Louisville, West Virginia, Georgia Tech and Duke have offered, among others. West Virginia is his top choice. Excellent student with 4.0 grade-point average.
20. TYLER TKACH
Northern Lehigh
DE, 6-3, 240
An extremely cerebral player who is also a great technician, Tkach made a commitment to Pitt in late June. Excellent student with 4.5 grade-point average. Son of Northern Lehigh coach Jim Tkach. Has frame to put on weight in college. Also had scholarship offers from North Carolina, North Carolina State, Georgia Tech and Virginia. "Coach [Dave] Wannstedt made a big, big impact on me," Tkach said.
21. JASON KATES
Bishop McDevitt, Harrisburg
DL, 6-3, 310
Runs a 5.1 40-yard dash. Could use some work on lateral movement. Good against the run. "I lost almost 15 pounds over the summer and am working to take a little more off," he said. He has almost 30 scholarship offers and said that Notre Dame "really impresses me." Pitt, Penn State, Michigan, Maryland and Virginia Tech also are in the mix. Has tons of talent around him.
22. BRANDON KING
Central Bucks West
FB, 6-3, 250
A bruising fullback who has run the 40-yard dash in 4.68 seconds. Rushed for more than 700 yards as a junior. Can be a devastating blocker. Oklahoma, Syracuse, Georgia Tech, Minnesota, Duke and Vanderbilt offered scholarships to this honor-roll student, but he committed to Duke earlier this summer.
23. BRENT CARTER
Pottsgrove
RB-WR-DB, 6-3, 195
Could play either running back or receiver in college. Pretty good quickness, running a 4.55 40-yard dash. Some even believe he could put on weight and become an athletic linebacker. In short, he's just a good athlete and a talented kick returner. Has offers from Boston College, Louisville, North Carolina, Rutgers, West Virginia and Syracuse. He is coached at Pottsgrove by former West Virginia player Rick Pennypacker.
24. TRAVIS MCBRIDE
McKeesport
RB-DB, 6-1, 190
Mr. Versatility for McKeesport. "I think he'll be a running back and I think he has the tools to play running back at a big school," McKeesport coach George Smith said. "But he also could end up being a safety, outside linebacker or even a corner." A big-play artist on offense, McBride last season carried 108 times for 1,117 yards, a 10.3-yard average. He also scored 19 touchdowns. Has 1,820 yards rushing in two seasons. North Carolina State, Rutgers, West Virginia, Iowa, Temple have offered.
25. BRAD KANUCH
Westmont Hilltop
WR-RB-DB, 6-0, 185
An outstanding athlete who shows his athletic ability in track and field. At the PIAA Class AA championships in May, he won the triple jump (47 feet, 2 inches), won the 200 meter dash (22.33 seconds), finished second in the 100 (10.65) and second in the long jump (21-10 1/2). It's anybody's guess what position he'll play in college. Penn State, Boston College, Virginia and Maryland have offered, among others. His uncle is Penn State defensive coordinator Tom Bradley.
26. JIM MCKENZIE
St. Joseph's Prep, Philadelphia
OL-DL, 6-4 1/2, 297
Plays for perennial power in Philadelphia. A versatile lineman whose future is on the offense. As of mid-summer, he had seven scholarship offers from Rutgers, Syracuse, West Virginia, Colorado, Kentucky, New Mexico State and Toledo. But in August, Syracuse won out as McKenzie committed to the Orange. Ranked first in his senior class.
27. COLIN NEELY
Freedom, Bethlehem
TE-LB, 6-2, 250
Made a verbal commitment to Michigan State. One of two Pennsylvania athletes to choose the Spartans. The other is South Park quarterback Connor Dixon. Penn State, Virginia, Syracuse and others were showing interest, but Neely jumped on the Michigan State offer. He was recruited to play linebacker. Made 60 tackles as a junior.
28. TREY WOMACK
Malvern Prep
DB, 6-0, 178
Can run the 40-yard dash in 4.4 seconds. A good kick returner who also excels in track. Virginia, Virginia Tech and Rutgers have offered but Womack said schools such as Florida, Michigan, Michigan State, Oklahoma, Penn State and Tennessee have been on him recently and he expects a few of those to offer soon.
29. ELIJAH FIELDS
Duquesne
WR-DB, 6-2, 200
In his first year as a starter last season, Fields caught 26 passes for 591 yards (22.7 yards a catch). Is being recruited as an "athlete." Some schools like him as a receiver and some as a defensive back. Pitt and West Virginia have offered and are his two favorites. Ohio, Akron, Toledo, Marshall also have offered. Was leading scorer on Duquesne's basketball team last season.
30. DAN LOHEYDE
Gateway
FB-LB, 6-2, 220
Was Pitt's first recruit from the class of 2006, committing to the Panthers in March. Pitt was the only school to offer a scholarship at the time, but Loheyde most likely would have other offers if he waited. Led Gateway in tackles last season. Can run a 4.6 40-yard dash.