tOSU's PA Recruiting

[osugrad21]

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High School Notebook: Top football recruits wade through offers

Sunday, May 14, 2006
By Mike White, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
May is the month college football coaches are permitted to hit the recruiting road for future prospects. They visit high schools, attend combines and watch films of potential recruits.
In the WPIAL, there are juniors who already have a number of scholarship offers. Here is a look at some top players and their recruiting status.
Toney Clemons, Valley -- A 6-foot-2¹/₂, 190-pound receiver, Clemons recently picked up scholarship offers from Michigan, Michigan State, Temple, Colorado and West Virginia. He already had offers from Pitt, Akron, Connecticut and Mississippi.
Andrew Devlin, Mt. Lebanon -- Pitt, Maryland, Stanford, Boston College, Northwestern, Wisconsin and Iowa are among more than 15 schools that have offered scholarships to this 6-5, 255-pound tight end-lineman.
John Ditto, Gateway -- Ditto (6-4, 221) is one of the most heavily recruited players in Western Pennsylvania. He has more than 20 scholarship offers and schools are recruiting him as either a tight end, receiver or H-back. Pitt, Penn State, UCLA, Tennessee, Georgia, Maryland and Michigan State are among the schools that have offered.
"I think he's leaning to stay in state, but he's still open," said Gateway coach Terry Smith.
Ditto will probably be Gateway's quarterback next season.
Steve Paskorz, Hampton -- Some colleges like Parkorz (6-2, 220) as a linebacker, some as a running back and some as an H-back. He has offers from Pitt, West Virginia, Michigan, Mississippi, Virginia, Iowa and Connecticut.
"I really like Notre Dame, too, but I don't know if they're going to offer," Paskorz said.
Paskorz is still recovering from ankle surgery, but said he should be 100 percent by the end of June.
Nick Sukay, Greensburg Central Catholic -- A 6-2, 200-pound receiver and defensive back, Sukay has about 20 offers, including ones from Pitt, West Virginia, Georgia, Iowa, Purdue and Michigan State. Schools are recruiting him as a receiver.
"I didn't think I'd be recruited anywhere near as much as I am now," said Sukay.
Stefen Wisniewski, Central Catholic -- A two-way lineman, Wisniewski (6-3, 270) has a number of offers and Penn State, Michigan, Boston College, Stanford, North Carolina and Georgia Tech top his list. He has visited Penn State, Michigan and Notre Dame, but Notre Dame hasn't offered. Most schools are recruiting Wisniewski as an offensive lineman.

 

[scarletngrey11]

Why wont we send Toney Clemons an offer???

 

[BuckeyeNation27]

1 good season from notre dame and suddenly the whole country is enamored

 

[osugrad21]

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5/14

Central Catholic's Lamont Smith has received scholarship offers from Arizona State, Colorado, Toledo and Virginia. The 5-9, 165-pounder is being recruited as an athlete with the potential to play cornerback. Smith played strictly tailback last season, when he rushed 2,062 yards, but was impressive in defensive skills drills at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl Combine this past January in San Antonio.

Penn-Trafford receiver Tim Cortazzo has scholarship offers from Akron and Temple. More could be on the way for the 6-foot, 180-pounder, who had 37 receptions for 726 yards and eight touchdowns last season -- after he ran a 4.39-second 40-yard dash at Joe Butler's Metro Index camp.

The scholarship count for Greensburg Central Catholic receiver Nick Sukay is at 20 after offers this week from Georgia and Iowa. Sukay said Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis and assistant John Latina are scheduled to visit GCC on Friday, and coaches from Michigan and Ohio State also are expected this week.

 

[Cwood24]

Why wont we send Toney Clemons an offer???

Are you sure Toney doesn't have an offer from tOSU? If not I'd think that's a little strange. Maybe tOSU just hasn't gotten his film or seen him in person yet? Anywho, even if they haven't offered as of yet I'm pretty sure they will in the near future. Toney is just too good not to get an offer. I am really starting to think this guy is the #1 WR prospect in the country. He's got good size and he's very athletic. Just looks like a natural at receiver and he gets very good separation and he makes it look easy.

 

[jwinslow]

OSU is very stingy with their offers, much different than most schools in the country. I'm not sure why they would not offer clemons, other than grades?

 

[RB07OSU]

Why wont we send Toney Clemons an offer???

Can't say with certainty but it may be because of our feeling on our chances with Clemmons. That would be my best guess.

 

[jwinslow]

Can't say with certainty but it may be because of our feeling on our chances with Clemmons. That would be my best guess.

good call... for our visiting M fan, Tressel prefers to offers people who he feels may commit (there are exceptions with a few token offers for national stars who could go anywhere... ie Thompson, etc).

 

[osugrad21]

Link

6/11

Central Catholic's Wisniewski eyes Lions
<!-- icons are from http://www.famfamfam.com/lab/icons/silk/ --> By Kevin Gorman
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Sunday, June 11, 2006

Now that Penn State has landed its first WPIAL recruit from the Class of 2007 in Gateway receiver-tight end Jon Ditto, many expect the Nittany Lions to turn their attention toward their next Western Pennsylvania target. That would be Central Catholic offensive lineman Stefen Wisniewski. A Penn State legacy, Wisniewski includes the Lions in his top four schools, but warns that he's not ready to follow in the footsteps of his father, Leo, or uncle, Steve.
"I think people go a little overboard on it," said Wisniewski, who boasts a 5.0 grade-point average and ranks second in his class. "Some parents want to see their kid go to the same school, but my dad wants what's best for me, whether or not that's Penn State."
The 6-foot-3, 270-pound Wisniewski is being projected as an offensive guard or center, a position he hasn't played since ninth grade. Wisniewski does handle Central's long-snapping duties on extra-points, field goals and punts.


Wisniewski said he has about 20 scholarship offers, but has narrowed his choices to Boston College, Michigan, North Carolina and, of course, Penn State. • Greensburg Central Catholic star receiver-safety Nick Sukay gave the impression that he might be headed to Happy Valley when he received an offer Tuesday and promptly narrowed his choices to Pitt, Penn State and Notre Dame. Sukay took a trip to Notre Dame this weekend and plans to visit Pitt before announcing his decision.
• GCC quarterback Cody Catalina picked up an offer from Tulane, which has produced NFL quarterbacks Shaun King, J.P. Losman and Patrick Ramsey. Catalina was scheduled to visit Vanderbilt this weekend. (There is a connection with the Green Wave, as GCC defensive coordinator Dan Mahoney is the brother of Tulane offensive line coach Don Mahoney). Catalina also has offers from Akron, Buffalo, Delaware, New Hampshire, Rutgers, Syracuse, Temple and Toledo.
• Seton-La Salle quarterback Matt Rodgers received his first scholarship offer -- from Ohio -- but more could be on the way. Boston College, Bowling Green, Buffalo, Temple and Toledo are interested in the 2,000-yard passer, as are Ivy League programs Columbia, Harvard and Penn.
• Franklin Regional offensive tackle A.J. Strum can breathe a sigh of relief now that he has received his first scholarship offer -- from Temple. The 6-5, 285-pound Strum was an All-WPIAL Class AAA pick last season.
• Plum defensive end Scott Kachurik received his first offer -- from Towson State, on Monday. Kachurik did not play baseball this spring, where he was a starting pitcher, and has bulked up to 6-3, 230 pounds. Akron, Buffalo, Kent State, Marshall, New Hampshire, Ohio and Temple also are showing interest in Kachurik, who plays middle linebacker in a 3-5 scheme.
• Penn-Trafford receiver Tim Cortazzo added an offer from New Hampshire, in addition to Akron, and is hoping to add another while camping at West Virginia today. Iowa, Michigan State, Northwestern and Syracuse also are showing interest in Cortazzo.
• Keep an eye on North Allegheny's Tom Keiser, a 6-4, 235-pound tight end/defensive end whose chiseled physique raised eyebrows at Joe Butler's Metro Index camp. Keiser has a scholarship offer from Delaware, but major-college programs are showing interest. He could be a Plan C for Stanford if the Cardinal strike out with Mt. Lebanon's Andrew Devlin and Thomas Jefferson's Chris Drager.



Kevin Gorman can be reached at [email protected] or (412) 320-7812.

 

[osugrad21]

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Half of local football prospects staying close to home
<!-- icons are from http://www.famfamfam.com/lab/icons/silk/ --> By Kevin Gorman
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Sunday, July 2, 2006

Every time a Western Pennsylvania football prospect picks a school other than Pitt, the sky-is-falling-mentality returns for those who follow local recruiting. Should it be considered cause for alarm that only three of the 14 WPIAL players who have made verbal commitments have chosen the Panthers?
Not necessarily.
Truth is, there is no figurative fence or, for that matter, brick wall around the WPIAL for any one school. Not every local prospect wants to play at Pitt, Penn State or West Virginia. Yet, so far, half have decided to stay relatively close to home.


Score recruiting victories for Penn State in securing receivers Jon Ditto of Gateway and Nick Sukay of Greensburg Central Catholic and for West Virginia in landing offensive linemen Donnie Barclay of Seneca Valley and Gino Gradkowski of Seton-La Salle. Pitt has commitments from Keystone Oaks linemen Myles Caragein and Chris Jacobson and Thomas Jefferson safety Dom DeCicco, and is among the finalists for Valley receiver Toney Clemons, Mt. Lebanon tight end Andrew Devlin, TJ tight end Chris Drager, Perry lineman Cameron Holland and Aliquippa linebacker Brandon Lindsey.
That wouldn't be a bad class.
• Devlin told Scout.com that he is down to Pitt, Boston College, Iowa, Stanford, Virginia and Wisconsin and hopes to decide by Aug. 13. High school training camp opens the next day.
• Rochester receiver Derek Moye has narrowed his choices to Pitt, Penn State, Boston College and Maryland. Central Catholic offensive linemen Stefen Wisniewski is down to Penn State, Boston College, North Carolina and Notre Dame. If Penn State lands those two, in addition to Ditto and Sukay, the Nittany Lions will have done well in the WPIAL.
• Woodland Hills offensive lineman Mike Dykes (6-4, 275) has scholarship offers from Akron, Duke, Kentucky, Miami (Ohio), North Carolina and Temple. Right now, Dykes is leaning toward the Tar Heels.
• Penn-Trafford linebacker Paul Stefanik (6-2, 218) has been impressive at passing camps and combines. He has a written offer from Towson State, verbal offers from Marshall and Temple and is receiving interest from Akron, Pitt, Syracuse and West Virginia.
• Hempfield defensive end Greg Meisner added an offer from Cincinnati after attending the Bearcats' camp. He also has offers from Kentucky and Vanderbilt. A big senior season could net Meisner even more offers.
• Penn Hills outside linebacker Aaron Williams has received scholarship offers from Akron and Toledo, which has signed Big Red stars Brandon Hefflin, Mike Hill, Barry Church and Archie Donald in the recent past.
• Here's a name to remember: Blake Williamson. The Chartiers-Houston receiver had 34 catches for 537 yards and eight touchdowns last season. As a sophomore. At 6-foot-3, 200 pounds, he has a sculpted physique that catches college coaches' eyes.
• Central Catholic quarterback Tino Sunseri, who showed nice athleticism and a live arm at Pitt's 7-on-7 camp, has been invited to the Elite 11 Quarterback Camp in California. Sunseri is the only junior invited and will likely serve as a ball boy. He is the third WPIAL QB to pick up an invite to the Elite 11, following Tyler Palko of West Allegheny (2001) and Anthony Morelli of Penn Hills (2003).

 

[osugrad21]

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Cover Story: Getting good reception

2006 High School Football Preview

Wednesday, August 30, 2006
<!--BEGIN PHOTO--> <table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="460"> <tbody><tr><td>

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Matt Freed, Post-Gazette illustration</td> </tr> <tr><td>

</td> <td>Leading the receiving revolution in Western Pennsylvania high school football. Front row; Jon Ditto, Gateway, Nick Sukay, Greensburg Central Catholic, Tim Cortazzo, Penn Trafford. Back row; Derek Moye, Rochester, Toney Clemons, Valley, Fitzgerald Bobo, Duquesne, Dom DeCicco, Thomas Jefferson.</td> </tr> </tbody></table> <!--END PHOTO-->

<center>By Mike White
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette</center> These are changing times in Western Pennsylvania. Nowadays, when college coaches come looking for some of the top high school football talent in the area, they see a "show of hands?"
<!--BEGIN PHOTO--> <table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="240"> <tbody><tr><td>

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</td> </tr> <tr><td>

</td> <td> Click to our complete preview package for WPIAL and City League teams, rankings, leading players and the statewide outlook for Western Pennsylvania contenders.

<center>Online Chat Today</center>
Join Post-Gazette's high sports writer Mike White for an online discussion about high school sports starting at 1:30 p.m today and every Wednesday. Click to log-in and post your advance questions as early as 6 a.m. <hr> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> <!--END PHOTO--> Western Pennsylvania has a large senior crop of receivers who are being recruited by Division I colleges. It's making many scratch their head, trying to figure out why WPIAL football has, all of a sudden, started to "catch on."
"I've been saying to people that I don't remember a time with this many top-notch Division I receivers," said Pitt assistant coach Greg Gattuso.
Gattuso would know. He played in the WPIAL at Seton-LaSalle (1980 graduate) and coached at Seton-LaSalle in the late '80s and early '90s. Part of his job at Pitt now is to recruit some areas of the WPIAL.
This area has always been known for producing great quarterbacks. A number of standout linebackers have come through the WPIAL. And the league has produced talented offensive linemen and defensive backs at various times, and a good running back here and there.
But receiver? Most years, the talent pool barely comes up to the knees. Consider: The class of 2003 had one receiver sign with a Division I college. The class of '02 had three and the class of '01 three.
Go back 20 years and the dearth of receivers is still evident. In the class of 1986, the only receiver to sign with a Division I school was Ambridge's Joel Delai (Memphis State).
But this year, the WPIAL talent pool is eight or nine deep. A few of the top prospects play other offensive positions as well as receiver, and a few might end up at a different position other than receiver in college.
But for the most part, they are known as good hands people.
And some of the receivers are not just your "pretty good" prospects, either. One scouting service, rivals.com, ranks three WPIAL receivers among the top 25 in the country. They are Greensburg Central Catholic's Nick Sukay (No. 11), Valley's Toney Clemons (20) and Gateway's Jon Ditto (23). Clemons is ranked as high as No. 10 in the country by scout.com.
"I think this state has always been known for teams that run the ball," Clemons said. "Our class in this area is changing that reputation."
Gattuso said: "I've even talked to some guys who have been around for a while and they don't remember having this many receivers. It's definitely an unusual time."

Who are they?
Two of the top WPIAL receivers already have made verbal commitments to Penn State. They are Ditto (6 feet 4, 221 pounds) and Sukay (6-2, 200). It's not totally certain whether Sukay will play receiver at Penn State, and Ditto could end up as an H-back or tight end.
Penn State also is one of three finalists for Rochester's Derek Moye (6-5, 185). The others are Pitt and Boston College. Moye also plays running back at Rochester, but all colleges are recruiting him as a receiver.
Clemons (6-2, 190) is a receiver all the way. He and Moye also are track and field standouts. But unlike Moye, Clemons has not narrowed his list of colleges. Pitt, West Virginia and Michigan are among the schools that have offered him scholarships.
Thomas Jefferson's Dom DeCicco (6-3, 205) has played receiver in the past for the Jaguars, but this season he will play mostly quarterback, and some at receiver. DeCicco made a verbal commitment to Pitt in June, turning down offers from Arizona State, Georgia Tech and Indiana, among others. It's not certain if he will play receiver or defensive back for Pitt, but he has made a mark at receiver. Last year, he averaged more than 20 yards a catch.
Penn-Trafford's Cortazzo (6-1, 185) and Duquesne's Fitzgerald Bobo (6-5, 205) are two other receivers who have Division I scholarship offers. Cortazzo has offers from Akron and Temple, while Bobo is being courted by Temple.
Also, North Hills slotback Mike Rainey-Wiles has a couple offers from Mid-American Conference schools. Jared Williams (5-9, 180) of Perry, a City League school, committed to Pitt this spring but changed his mind and opened up his recruiting. Other Division I schools are interested.
And you can throw Erie Strong Vincent's Maurice Williams (6-0, 185) into the mix of Division I receiver prospects from Western Pennsylvania. He plays quarterback at Strong Vincent, a District 10 school, but colleges want him as a receiver. Super Prep ranks him the No. 12 receiver in the country and Pitt, Penn State West Virginia and Michigan State are his finalists.

Why the rise?
The upswing in Western Pennsylvania receiver talent actually started last year when a half dozen players from the WPIAL signed with Division I colleges.
Some believe the better receiving talent might be only a cyclical thing. Others believe it's simply a sign of the times.
"Everything filters down from the colleges and pros and you know coaches are all copycats," said Penn State defensive coordinator Tom Bradley, who has recruited Western Pennsylvania for decades. "Teams are throwing the ball more, spreading out offenses and more receivers are developing.
"But things go in cycles. Watch defenses start figuring out how to defend the spread offenses and you'll probably see people go back to the 'I' formation."
Bradley also feels offseason workouts at Western Pennsylvania high schools have something to do with the increase in receiver talent.
"There are so many more 7-on-7 passing leagues, and kids are throwing the ball more than ever before," Bradley said. "It's like summer basketball leagues. So everyone becomes proficient at throwing and catching the ball."
Gattuso said: "The only thing I can think of that makes sense out of this is Western Pennsylvania high schools have been a little slower in embracing the passing game. Now, they are and receivers are developing.
"Plus, I think now teams aren't just putting their best athletes at tailback. They're not afraid to put a great athlete at receiver."
Clemons is a good example. He used to play running back until he got to junior high. "There wasn't a spot for me at running back because the coaches said I was too tall. They said I had all the makings for a receiver. I didn't mind the switch. Receiver is more of a game-breaking position."
In a strange way, glamour might also be a reason for the upswing in receiver talent. Young athletes don't seem to mind playing the position because they get to touch the ball.
"Playing wideout now has kind of become the 'in' thing to do," Bradley said. "At a lot of places, it's not like the old days of high school football when all receivers did was block and run in plays from the sideline. Now, they're an integral part of the offense."
And a big part of Western Pennsylvania's talent pool.

 

[osugrad21]

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The Fabulous 22

Wednesday, August 30, 2006
The Post-Gazette ranks the top players in the WPIAL and City League going into the 2006 season: <table border="1" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1" width="460"> <tbody><tr><td bgcolor="#000080" valign="top" width="28%"> NAME
</td> <td bgcolor="#000080" valign="top" width="17%"> SCHOOL
</td> <td bgcolor="#000080" valign="top" width="15%"> POS.
</td> <td bgcolor="#000080" valign="top" width="10%"> HT.
</td> <td bgcolor="#000080" valign="top" width="11%"> WT.
</td> <td bgcolor="#000080" valign="top" width="11%"> YR.
</td> </tr> <tr><td valign="top" width="28%"> Evan Blankenship
</td> <td valign="top" width="17%"> Center
</td> <td valign="top" width="15%"> OL/DL
</td> <td valign="top" width="10%"> 6-3
</td> <td valign="top" width="11%"> 315
</td> <td valign="top" width="11%"> Sr.
</td> </tr> <tr><td height="26" valign="top" width="28%"> Myles Caragein
</td> <td height="26" valign="top" width="17%"> Keystone Oaks
</td> <td height="26" valign="top" width="15%"> OL/DL
</td> <td height="26" valign="top" width="10%"> 6-1
</td> <td height="26" valign="top" width="11%"> 265
</td> <td height="26" valign="top" width="11%"> Sr.
</td> </tr> <tr><td valign="top" width="28%"> Cody Catalina
</td> <td valign="top" width="17%"> Greensburg C.C
</td> <td valign="top" width="15%"> .QB
</td> <td valign="top" width="10%"> 6-4
</td> <td valign="top" width="11%"> 210
</td> <td valign="top" width="11%"> Sr.
</td> </tr> <tr><td valign="top" width="28%"> Toney Clemons
</td> <td valign="top" width="17%"> Valley
</td> <td valign="top" width="15%"> WR/DB
</td> <td valign="top" width="10%"> 6-2
</td> <td valign="top" width="11%"> 190
</td> <td valign="top" width="11%"> Sr.
</td> </tr> <tr><td valign="top" width="28%"> Tim Cortazzo
</td> <td valign="top" width="17%"> Penn-Trafford
</td> <td valign="top" width="15%"> WR/DB
</td> <td valign="top" width="10%"> 6-1
</td> <td valign="top" width="11%"> 185
</td> <td valign="top" width="11%"> Sr.
</td> </tr> <tr><td valign="top" width="28%"> Dom DeCicco
</td> <td valign="top" width="17%"> Thomas Jefferson
</td> <td valign="top" width="15%"> QB/WR/DB
</td> <td valign="top" width="10%"> 6-3
</td> <td valign="top" width="11%"> 206
</td> <td valign="top" width="11%"> Sr.
</td> </tr> <tr><td valign="top" width="28%"> Jon Ditto
</td> <td valign="top" width="17%"> Gateway
</td> <td valign="top" width="15%"> WR/TE
</td> <td valign="top" width="10%"> 6-4
</td> <td valign="top" width="11%"> 221
</td> <td valign="top" width="11%"> Sr.
</td> </tr> <tr><td valign="top" width="28%"> Andrew Devlin
</td> <td valign="top" width="17%"> Mt. Lebanon
</td> <td valign="top" width="15%"> TE/DL
</td> <td valign="top" width="10%"> 6-6
</td> <td valign="top" width="11%"> 255
</td> <td valign="top" width="11%"> Sr.
</td> </tr> <tr><td valign="top" width="28%"> Chris Drager
</td> <td valign="top" width="17%"> Thomas Jefferson
</td> <td valign="top" width="15%"> TE/DE
</td> <td valign="top" width="10%"> 6-4
</td> <td valign="top" width="11%"> 235
</td> <td valign="top" width="11%"> Sr.
</td> </tr> <tr><td valign="top" width="28%"> Mike Dykes
</td> <td valign="top" width="17%"> Woodland Hills
</td> <td valign="top" width="15%"> OL/DL
</td> <td valign="top" width="10%"> 6-4
</td> <td valign="top" width="11%"> 270
</td> <td valign="top" width="11%"> Sr.
</td> </tr> <tr><td valign="top" width="28%"> Marcel Farrish
</td> <td valign="top" width="17%"> Woodland Hills
</td> <td valign="top" width="15%"> RB
</td> <td valign="top" width="10%"> 5-7
</td> <td valign="top" width="11%"> 175
</td> <td valign="top" width="11%"> Sr.
</td> </tr> <tr><td valign="top" width="28%"> Cameron Holland
</td> <td valign="top" width="17%"> Perry
</td> <td valign="top" width="15%"> OL/DL
</td> <td valign="top" width="10%"> 6-3
</td> <td valign="top" width="11%"> 285
</td> <td valign="top" width="11%"> Sr.
</td> </tr> <tr><td valign="top" width="28%"> Gino Gradkowski
</td> <td valign="top" width="17%"> Seton-LaSalle
</td> <td valign="top" width="15%"> OG/DL
</td> <td valign="top" width="10%"> 6-3
</td> <td valign="top" width="11%"> 290
</td> <td valign="top" width="11%"> Sr.
</td> </tr> <tr><td valign="top" width="28%"> Chris Jacobson
</td> <td valign="top" width="17%"> Keystone Oaks
</td> <td valign="top" width="15%"> OG/DL
</td> <td valign="top" width="10%"> 6-3
</td> <td valign="top" width="11%"> 290
</td> <td valign="top" width="11%"> Sr.
</td> </tr> <tr><td valign="top" width="28%"> Brandon Lindsey
</td> <td valign="top" width="17%"> Aliquippa
</td> <td valign="top" width="15%"> RB/LB
</td> <td valign="top" width="10%"> 6-2
</td> <td valign="top" width="11%"> 220
</td> <td valign="top" width="11%"> Sr.
</td> </tr> <tr><td valign="top" width="28%"> Derek Moye
</td> <td valign="top" width="17%"> Rochester
</td> <td valign="top" width="15%"> RB/WR/DB
</td> <td valign="top" width="10%"> 6-5
</td> <td valign="top" width="11%"> 185
</td> <td valign="top" width="11%"> Sr.
</td> </tr> <tr><td valign="top" width="28%"> Nick Monteleone
</td> <td valign="top" width="17%"> Butler
</td> <td valign="top" width="15%"> QB
</td> <td valign="top" width="10%"> 6-3
</td> <td valign="top" width="11%"> 195
</td> <td valign="top" width="11%"> Sr.
</td> </tr> <tr><td valign="top" width="28%"> Steve Paskorz
</td> <td valign="top" width="17%"> Hampton
</td> <td valign="top" width="15%"> RB/LB
</td> <td valign="top" width="10%"> 6-2
</td> <td valign="top" width="11%"> 220
</td> <td valign="top" width="11%"> Sr.
</td> </tr> <tr><td valign="top" width="28%"> Matt Rodgers
</td> <td valign="top" width="17%"> Seton-LaSalle
</td> <td valign="top" width="15%"> QB
</td> <td valign="top" width="10%"> 6-3
</td> <td valign="top" width="11%"> 195
</td> <td valign="top" width="11%"> Sr.
</td> </tr> <tr><td valign="top" width="28%"> Lamont Smith
</td> <td valign="top" width="17%"> Central Catholic
</td> <td valign="top" width="15%"> RB/DB
</td> <td valign="top" width="10%"> 5-9
</td> <td valign="top" width="11%"> 165
</td> <td valign="top" width="11%"> Sr.
</td> </tr> <tr><td valign="top" width="28%"> Nick Sukay
</td> <td valign="top" width="17%"> Greensburg C.C
</td> <td valign="top" width="15%"> .WR/DB
</td> <td valign="top" width="10%"> 6-2
</td> <td valign="top" width="11%"> 200
</td> <td valign="top" width="11%"> Sr.
</td> </tr> <tr><td valign="top" width="28%"> Stefen Wisniewski
</td> <td valign="top" width="17%"> Central Catholic
</td> <td valign="top" width="15%"> OL/DL
</td> <td valign="top" width="10%"> 6-3
</td> <td valign="top" width="11%"> 275
</td> <td valign="top" width="11%"> Sr.
</td></tr></tbody> </table>

 

[osugrad21]

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The 25 top senior prospects in Pennsylvania

Wednesday, August 30, 2006
1. PAT BOSTICK
Manheim Township, Lancaster
QB, 6-3 1/2, 220
Some scouting services rank Bostick among the top 20 QBs in the country. Runs a "west coast" style offense and has thrown for more than 5,000 career yards. Last season, was 181 of 299 for 2,810 yards and 34 touchdowns, and was a second-team all-state selection in Class AAAA . Pitt recruited Bostick hard and Coach Dave Wannstedt received good news in mid-May when Bostick made a verbal commitment to the Panthers. He also had offers from Louisville, Georgia, North Carolina State, Mississippi and Connecticut. More offers would have been on the way had he not committed. "I just wanted to get back to focusing on my team," Bostick said of the reasons for his early decision. "I just felt comfortable enough with Pitt and felt it was the right time to make a decision."

2. JON DITTO
Gateway
WR/TE, 6-4, 221
Ditto is a versatile offensive player who can run the 40-yard dash in 4.5 seconds and also bench press 350 pounds. Gateway thought about trying him at QB this year. A starter since his sophomore year, Ditto led Gateway in receptions last year with 29 for 508 yards. Made verbal commitment to Penn State in early June. Had dozens of other offers, but Nittany Lions, Pitt, Michigan and Ohio State were his final four. Was recruited to play receiver, an H-back or possibly tight end if he grows more.

3. DERRICK MORGAN
Coatesville
DE, 6-4, 260
One of the best defensive players in the state who has the scholarship offers to prove it. Morgan has been offered scholarships by more than 20 schools, including Pitt, Penn State, Ohio State, Michigan, Miami (Fla.), North Carolina State and Georgia Tech. Is a pure pass rusher who comes off the edge and has a penchant for swarming the ball carrier or quarterback. Morgan is a gritty player who knows his role and said, "I just go and get the quarterback. That is what I've been told to do." While he's a stellar high school player, Morgan has an eye on adding weight over the winter. "I want to get to about 275 or so," he said. "I know that extra weight will help in the college game and I'm sure that even if I do add the weight, I can keep my quickness."

4. STEFEN WISNIEWSKI
Central Catholic
OL/DL, 6-3, 275
This kid knows a lot about winning. In his two years as a starter, he has been a part of 26 wins and only two losses. Had 64 tackles and 10 sacks last season. But his future is probably on the offensive line. Has many scholarship offers, but has narrowed his list to Penn State, Michigan, North Carolina and Boston College. Will probably visit all four schools during the season. His father, Leo, and an uncle, Steve, both played at Penn State and Nittany Lions look like Stefen's leader. Ranked No. 2 academically in Central Catholic's senior class.

5. NICK SUKAY
Greenburg Central Catholic
WR/DB, 6-2, 200
Can run the 40-yard dash in 4.5 seconds. One of three Greensburg Central players who have committed to Division I colleges. QB Cody Catalina and RB-DB Max Suter chose Syracuse. Sukay caught 29 passes for 658 yards last season and scored 10 TDs. He had six interceptions after picking off 10 as a sophomore. Sukay had more than 30 scholarship offers but narrowed his list to Pitt, Penn State and Notre Dame. Committed to Penn State in June.

6. MAURICE WILLIAMS
Erie Strong Vincent
QB/WR/DB, 6-0, 185
Athletic enough to play a number of positions. He plays QB for Strong Vincent and had more than 1,600 yards offense last season. Colleges like him as a receiver and Williams has narrowed his list to Pitt, Penn State, West Virginia and Michigan State. Williams' sister, Mashea, plays basketball at Penn State. That might make you think Penn State is the leader, but Maurice insists Pitt and the others are still in the race.

6. CHRIS JACOBSON
Keystone Oaks
OG/DL, 6-3, 290
Things are looking up this season for Keystone Oaks and Jacobson is one of the main reasons. Jacobson is an imposing lineman who is nicknamed "Lumpy." He had 122 pancake blocks a year ago. Made verbal commitment to Pitt in February of his junior year. His other offer at the time was from West Virginia. More offers would have been on the way if he had not made a commitment.

7. ANDREW DEVLIN
Mt. Lebanon
TE/DL, 6-6, 255
Devlin is thinking about possibly majoring in college in pre-medicine. At Mt. Lebanon, he can be just what the doctor ordered. He only caught 10 passes last year as a tight end, but is more of a blocker in Mt. Lebanon's scheme. He's a good athlete, leading the Mt. Lebanon basketball team in scoring last season and helping the Blue Devils to the WPIAL Class AAAA championship. Might end up as an offensive lineman in college. Made early August commitment to Virginia. Pitt, Boston College and Wisconsin were his other favorites. Excellent student with 4.4 grade average.

8. TONEY CLEMONS
Valley
WR, 6-2, 190
A good, all-around athlete who won PIAA Class AA track and field championships as a junior in the long jump and 100-meter hurdles. He has talked about possibly trying both football and track during his college career, but football is definitely No. 1. Has close to 20 scholarship offers. Pitt, West Virginia and Michigan State are among the schools that offered. He says he's wide open with colleges. Clemons caught 28 passes for 489 yards during the 2006 regular season. He caught 33 passes for 642 yards as a junior.

9. NATE STUPAR
State College
DE/LB, 6-2, 230
Runs the 40 in 4.6 seconds. Was a first-team all-state tight end as a junior, but was recruited mostly for defense. He has made verbal commitment to Penn State. His other top choices were West Virginia, Stanford, Maryland, Boston College and Virginia. Stupar's father, Steve, played at Penn State from 1977-80. His brother, Jon, is a tight end at Virginia. Nate caught 42 passes last year and had 8 1/2 sacks on defense. Excellent student with 4.0 grade average

10. JOSH MARKS
Southern Columbia, Catawissa
OL/DL, 6-5, 305
Marks is big for any high school level. But with his size, Marks really stands above the competition in Class A. He runs a 5.1 40. Marks has been in Southern Columbia's starting lineup since his freshman year and has won three consecutive PIAA Class A titles. His father, John, is a line coach for Southern Columbia. Marks made verbal commitment to Penn State in May. The Nittany Lions recruited him to play offensive guard. Pitt was his other top choice.

11. STEVE PASKORZ
Hampton
RB/LB, 6-2, 220
Many wonder whether Paskorz will return to his form of two years ago when he rushed for more than 2,000 yards as a sophomore. He wasn't bad last year, but had "only" 1,291 yards on 160 attempts (has 3,478 career yards). An ankle injury bothered him all year and he had offseason surgery on the ankle. Paskorz made verbal commitment to Notre Dame in May, choosing Fighting Irish over Pitt, West Virginia, Michigan, Mississippi, Connecticut and Virginia. Notre Dame plans to use Paskorz at linebacker, but also might take a look at him at running back. Runs a 4.5 40.

12. CHAZ POWELL
Susquehannock, New Freedom
RB/DB, 6-1, 191
Penn State lassoed Powell in June, but he also considered offers from Georgia, Pitt, Boston College, Maryland, Connecticut and Temple. He is quick to admit Penn State is where he always saw himself playing. "That is the offer I always wanted," he said. "That was the school I was waiting for and when the offered, I jumped on it right away." He is a ball hawk and might move to safety at Penn State. What jumps out about Powell is his ability to close on a thrown ball, but also his knack for being able to read the run and come up and hit the ballcarrier. But don't forget about him as a runner as he rushed for 1,190 yards and caught 14 passes as a junior. Averaged 10 yards per carry.

13. DEREK MOYE
Rochester
RB/WR/DB, 6-5, 185
One of the best all-around athletes in Western Pennsylvania. He has close to a dozen scholarship offers in football. Competed in track and field and baseball during the spring. Also plays basketball. Won WPIAL Class AA championships in 100, 200 and 400. Was second in the state in 400. Plays mostly running back for Rochester, rushing for 1,128 yards as a junior. Also caught 24 passes for 535 yards. Most colleges are recruiting him as a receiver, hoping he will add some more weight in the next few years. Has more than 10 scholarship offers. Pitt, Penn State and Boston College are his favorites.

14. BRANDON LINDSEY
Aliquippa
RB/LB, 6-2, 220
Lindsey is a force on offense and defense. Has Division I offers. Boston College likes him as a running back and Connecticut at either offense or defense. Every other college likes him as a linebacker. Rushed for 1,251 yards last season and scored 20 of Aliquippa's 33 touchdowns. Pitt has offered and could land him, although Lindsey says he is open and not close to making a college decision. West Virginia, Ohio State and Boston College are a few other schools that have offered. Runs a 4.6 40.

15. MYLES CARAGEIN
Keystone Oaks
OL/DE/DT, 6-1, 265
Keystone Oaks hasn't produced many Division I college players over the years. But the Eagles have two on the line this year. Caragein and teammate Chris Jacobson have both committed to Pitt. Caragein also had offers from Iowa, Purdue, Stanford, Northwestern and North Carolina, among others. Caragein was recruited to play defensive tackle at Pitt, but he plays defensive end for KO. He also is a standout wrestler.

16. DAN MATHA
Erie McDowell
OT/DL, 6-7, 315
Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt wanted some recruits to beef up the offensive line in the future -- and Matha could help in that area. Matha committed to Pitt in late June, choosing the Panthers over West Virginia. Michigan State, Maryland and Virginia were among the other schools that offered. WPIAL fans will get a chance to see Matha this year as McDowell will play all five teams (Butler, North Allegheny, North Hills, Seneca Valley and Shaler) in the Northern Five Conference.

17. DOMINIQUE JOSEPH
Roman Catholic, Philadelphia
CB, 6-0, 197
Had one scholarship offer, which came from Virginia in March. When it was put on the table, Joseph jumped on it and committed to coach Al Groh's Cavaliers. Pitt and Boston College started to inquire about him, but when he committed to Virginia, the other schools backed off. Both of his parents were track athletes at Temple, and he is blessed with the ability to get moving quickly as he's been timed at 4.4 in the 40-yard dash. At 197 pounds, Joseph could grow into a safety in college.

18. CHRIS DRAGER
Thomas Jefferson
TE/DE, 6-4, 235
Drager's brother, Jon, plays at Kent State. Chris was recruited more heavily and committed to Virginia Tech in July. West Virginia was his other top choice, although he also had scholarship offers from Pitt, Maryland, Stanford and Georgia Tech. Recruited to play tight end. Caught 17 passes for 264 yards last year and had 53 tackles and nine sacks.

19. DOM DECICCO
Thomas Jefferson
WR/DB, 6-3, 206
Thomas Jefferson will use DeCicco at quarterback and receiver this season. He made verbal commitment to Pitt in mid-June, turning down offers from Georgia Tech, Vanderbilt, Arizona State, Indiana and Cincinnati. DeCicco could grow into a defensive player, possibly a linebacker. But he was recruited as a receiver. Runs a 4.6 40. He caught 28 passes for 589 yards last season and scored 14 touchdowns.

20. RICHARD MULDROW
William Penn, York
OT/DL, 6-8, 305
Has made it known that he's in no hurry to decide on a college. "I'm going to take all my visits, that is for sure," he said. "I need to make sure that where I decide to go is exactly the right place for me." Muldrow is being recruited at the ever-important left tackle position and has scholarship offers from West Virginia, Maryland, Boston College, Illinois, Vanderbilt, Rutgers and Temple. Will play defense for the first time this season.

21. GINO GRADKOWSKI
Seton-LaSalle
OG/DL, 6-3, 290
Gradkowski is strong and moves fairly well. Those are the two main reasons he had some Division I college offers before committing to West Virginia in June. Pitt was his other top choice, and he had offers from four other Mid-American Conference schools. He plays offense and defense for Seton-LaSalle, but West Virginia recruited him for offense. Younger brother of former Seton-LaSalle QB Bruce Gradkowski, now with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

22. EVAN BLANKENSHIP
CENTER
OL/DL, 6-3, 315
Blankenship will be a Buckeye next season as he committed to Ohio State July 18. He chose the Buckeyes over Pitt. He visited Ohio State a few times over the past year. Blankenship runs the 40 in only 5.6 seconds and is known for creating holes for running backs. Could play either guard or center for Center.

23. LAMONT SMITH
Central Catholic
RB/DB 5-9, 165
Smith is small, but he gave Central Catholic a gigantic effort in his first season as a starter. Smith rushed for 2,070 yards on 280 attempts for Central Catholic Smith is headed to the University of Colorado, making a verbal commitment in May. The Buffaloes pretty much never recruit this area, but they saw Smith at a combine, liked him and offered him a scholarship. Arizona State, Toledo and Temple also offered. Smith runs a 4.5 40, but was recruited as a defensive back.

24. MARK AMBROSE
Mount Carmel
TE/DL, 6-6, 232
Along with Mt. Lebanon's Andrew Devlin, Ambrose is a player who has committed to Virginia and could help the Cavaliers at tight end in the future. He might be shifted to defensive end once he gets to college, but favors tight end. He also had offers from Boston College, Northwestern, Syracuse and Temple. Runs a 4.7 40 and also is a solid pass rusher.

25. HENRY HYNOSKI
Southern Columbia, Catawissa
FB, 6-1, 248
Led Southern Columbia to the PIAA Class A championship last season by rushing for 2,186 yards on 240 carries and had 271 yards in the PIAA final against Duquesne. Holds PIAA playoff game record with 409 yards rushing in a 2004 game. Made verbal commitment to Pitt Aug. 15, picking Panthers over offers from Iowa, Rutgers and Temple. "I just really like the coaching staff and they had recruited me the longest," Hynoski said. "I also really like the city."

 

[osugrad21]

Link

Just hangin'

Wednesday, August 30, 2006
If a high school football player could hang out for a day with any player, college or NFL, who would it be? We asked that question to a number of district players.

BOB BARTLEY
QB, Sr.
Hampton:
"Peyton Manning. Just because of how he can lead a team and how he is always in control of the situation."

TONEY CLEMONS
WR/DB, Sr., Valley:
"Chad Johnson. He just seems like a good guy and I like his style of play and personality."

DANE CONWELL
RB/LB, Sr., Upper St. Clair:
"Joey Porter. He's intense, but he also backs it up."

DARREN BOLLMAN
WR/DB, Sr., West Allegheny
"Troy Polamalu. Just because of the way he plays on the field and his attitude off it. He's a perfect role model for a teenager. He plays hard every play, hustles to the ball and you never hear anything about him off the field."

BRANDON LINDSEY
RB/LB, Sr., Aliquippa:
"Reggie Bush (right). I don't know why, but he's just a great player, and I'd just like to get to know him."

STEVE PASKORZ
RB/LB, Sr., Hampton:
"Jermone Bettis. I met him when I was on a visit to Notre Dame. I talked to him and he was just a real personable guy. He's one of those top-notch athletes whose never done anything wrong and is a people person."

STEFEN WISNIEWSKI
OL/DL, Sr., Center Catholic:
"Paul Posluszny. He seems like he'd be a good guy to talk with for a while."

KIERRE SIMMONS
RB/DE, Jr., West Allegheny:
"Jerome Bettis, even though he's not playing any more. I met him one time at Dick's [sporting goods store]. He seemed like a nice guy. I enjoyed that."

ANDREW DEVLIN
TE/DL, Sr., Mt. Lebanon
"Brady Quinn. He's a big-time guy and he's got a shot at the Heisman. And then, there's also his sister."

ANDREW HECK
QB/DB, Sr., North Hills:
"Peyton Manning. You hear about his work ethic and I like to think I'm a pretty hard worker. I'd like to see how things compare with his work ethic."

CAMERON HOLLAND
OL/DL, Sr., Perry:
"Truthfully, I don't really follow college and pro football or pay any attention to one player. I have no idea how to answer the question."

D.J. CANNON
QB, Sr., Mars:
"I'd have to say Brett Favre. He's always been my idol, just because of the way he plays and his attitude toward the game. You can tell how much he enjoys playing football."

ADAM NEUGEBAUER
QB, Sr., North Allegheny:
"I'd have to pick two. My idol has always been Dan Marino. I'm No. 13 and he's No. 13. He was a great athlete. I'd have to say Peyton Manning, too, just because he's incredible. No one else can run an offense like him. It would be incredible to spend a day with him."

FITZGERALD BOBO
WR/DB, Sr., Duquesne:
"Randy Moss. Just because his game reminds me of me. He's tall, long and I could learn a lot just from hanging with him. I'd fish with him, too."

DAN CAMP
QB, Sr., Rochester:
"I'd probably have to go with Brady Quinn. He just seems like an all-around good person, like the All-American guy."

BRETT MAZINE
QB, Sr., Monaca
"Hines Ward. Just because he's so great off the field, too."

 

[bobcat84]

Gotta wonder how Joe Daniels' illness is effecting efforts in PA....