Panthers Score Top Class
By Chris Dokish

With the average recruiting class consisting of just 20-25 players, a program can't load up at all positions at once so they need to concentrate on certain areas. This year, the Panthers decided to strengthen the quarterback, wide receiver, and cornerback units most of all, while also adding two potential starters from the junior college ranks.

At quarterback, 6'2" 215-pound Greg Cross is one of those potential junior college starters. Named the MVP of one of the best junior college conferences in the country, Cross has a cannon for an arm and is very athletic. He is raw, but because he has more natural talent than any of the returning quarterbacks, he will be given every chance to start. Two freshmen, 6'1" Tino Sunseri and 6'5" Zack Stoudt, should also have very bright futures. Both are sons of former players, with Sunseri the son of former Panthers All-American linebacker Sal Sunseri, and Stoudt the son of former Steelers quarterback Cliff Stoudt.

At wide receiver, the gem is Aliquippa's Jonathan Baldwin, a 6'6" speed demon who has the potential to be a huge star. Two more local products round out the wide receiver class. Norwin's Michael Shanahan turned down basketball offers and at 6'5", he shares Baldwin's height advantage. On the other end of the spectrum is 5'6" Cameron Saddler, the Gateway star who will be used primarily as a return man, where he could star, possibly immediately.

Three cornerbacks were also added, led by Jarred Holley, who turned down the likes of Florida and Michigan to be a Panther. Johnstown's Antwuan Reed and Maryland native Ronald Hobby also bring nice speed to the unit. All are small, however, each measuring at no taller than 5'10" and weighing 170 pounds.

The other junior college prospect who could start, and in fact, was brought in to do so, is center Robb Houser. But the offensive lineman that gets Panthers fans really excited is Thomas Jefferson's Lucas Nix. A national recruit, the 6'5" 300 pound Nix has the great feet, wingspan, and natural ability to be a future star at the very important left tackle position. Another local 6'5" 300 pound tackle, Ryan Turnley of Hopewell, is much more raw, but he does have quick feet. Joining Baldwin and Nix as an elite, national-level recruit is Saddler's teammate at Gateway, Shayne Hale. The 6'4" 245-pound linebacker has the size/speed combination that most NFL linebackers can only dream about. He will get the chance to be the heir apparent to senior Scott McKillop at middle linebacker, but he could also end up at defensive end in the future.

Getting Hale isconsidered to be directly related to the Panthers 13-9 upset of West Virginia to close the 2007 season. Saddler was at the game as a guest of West Virginia. Impressed by the Panthers performance, he was won over by head coach Dave Wannstedt and committed a week later. Using his gregariousness, he then talked Hale into joining him. Neither were considering the Panthers strongly before the game.

Tight end is another position that needed an upgrade and the best here is Johnstown native Mike Cruz, a tough blocker, and versatile Justin Verbitsky.

With LeSean McCoy already an All-American candidate, running back was not a top priority, but Chris Burns is a 5'10" 180 pound sleeper with an exciting running style. Other sleepers include strong-legged kicker Kevin Harper, Florida linebacker Joe Trebitz, and Clairton safety Manny Williams, who is coming off major knee surgery.

Biggest sleeper: Greg Cross, QB- Was named MVP of the most competitive juco league in the country. He has the rifle arm and quick feet to make an immediate impact.

Most immediate impact: Robb Houser, C- He isn't the most talented recruit in this class, but he was brought in to start immediately at a very weak position of the team.

Star in four years: Jonathan Baldwin, WR- It won't even take that long as the local product has everything it takes to be a superstar in the very near future.