PA Football Prospects

2003-2008

By Chris Dokish

At Keystone Recruiting, we are often asked how certain players compared to others in previous classes. So we decided to try something new and prepare a “Top 50” list of the best prospects to come out of Pennsylvania over the last six classes: starting with the 2003 class and ending with the current 2008 class. Of course, the 2008 class has yet to play their senior season, but just for fun we added them to the list. 

This list reflects how the prospects were perceived going into their freshman seasons, or in the case of the 2008 class, how well they project right now. That’s why you will see Paul Posluszny at No. 50, and players such as Darrelle Revis and Steve Slaton not on the list. Clearly, the list also illustrates that recruiting is indeed an inexact science. At the time Posluszny was considered small; Slaton unproven; and Revis a major academic question mark. To the credit of all three they clearly hit the ground running and became stars immediately. On the other side, you will also see players rated very highly that turned out to be busts. Again, consider this more proof that you never know whose skills will translate to the next level.

1.  Terrelle Pryor, Jeannette HS (Jeannette) 2008 Undecided

What can you say other than Pryor is one of the best athletes and football prospects the state has ever seen? And that’s not an exaggeration. Former NFL scout Joe Butler, who founded legendary Metro Index Scouting, has said he has not seen anybody like him in the state since he started evaluating prospects in 1977. Look for him to play quarterback and small forward for whatever program he chooses. At 6’6” and 225 pounds, he will only get bigger, though getting faster and more athletic may be improbable at this point since he has plenty of both traits already. Already people in Jeannette are talking about where they were the night Pryor hurdled a player without breaking stride. Autograph seekers follow him around the town.

2.  Callahan Bright, Harriton HS (Bryn Mawr) 2005 No College

If you decided to describe the perfect defensive tackle, this 6’2” 315-pound freak of nature would come to mind. Blessed with natural size, superior strength, and ridiculous speed and explosion, Bright is as unblockable as a player can get. His problem is his head, which thus far has prevented him from staying out of trouble and passing tests. He committed to Florida State in 2005 but didn’t pass the SAT’s. So he went to Hargrave Military Academy, but left there just in time to fail the SAT’s a second time. If he can stay out of trouble, something he has not always been able to do, he could end up going to the NFL without ever attending college. One internet site even has him as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2008 draft. While that may be a stretch, he could definitely go high in the draft on potential alone. Anything is possible for Bright, including never playing college or pro football at all.

3.  LeSean McCoy, Bishop McDevitt HS (Harrisburg) 2006 Pitt

Technically he was part of the 2007 class because of a one year stint at Milford Academy in New York, but it was at Bishop McDevitt that he became a high school legend. Grades and a serious ankle injury forced him into college a year later than expected, but Pitt’s coaching staff—and their fans—were more than willing to wait. Originally committed to Miami after high school, but then chose Pitt after prep school. Much rumor and speculation came with his final decision to attend Pitt, and what really happened only a few people really know, and they aren’t talking. Bottom line: he is one of the better running back prospects the state has ever seen and if stays focused, he could be a dominant college player.

4.  Justin King, Gateway HS (Monroeville) 2005 Penn State

This speed demon has been the best since Terry Smith’s impressive reign at Gateway began, and he is Smith’s stepson to boot. Saw time at Penn State as a game breaking wide receiver as a freshman but has really settled in at cornerback, now where he is an All-American candidate and a probable first round draft pick. Prototypical shutdown corner.

5.  Chad Henne, Wilson HS (West Lawn) 2004 Michigan

Nationally recruited quarterback with good mobility and a very strong arm. Has had a great first three years at Michigan, which started with him being the first freshman quarterback to start at the school since Rick Leach in 1977. In his three years, he has thrown for 7,777 yards, 70 touchdowns and only 28 interceptions. Before he is through, he should hold every major school record and will likely be a high first round draft pick next year.

6.  Anthony Morelli, Penn Hills HS (Pittsburgh) 2004 Penn State

Wasn’t as polished as Henne when entering college so it has taken him longer to reach his potential, but it looks like that time may have finally arrived. Often a lighting rod for criticism, Morelli originally committed verbally to Pittsburgh before changing his mind at the last minute. He also went on record saying that his high school coach sabotaged his recruitment and that he received death threats during last season. In addition, his father has made headlines, often described as a Little League Dad run amuck. But Morelli is blessed with a ridiculously strong right arm, and he put all of those distractions behind him and had a big junior season with a school record 208 completions, to go with 2,424 yards passing and 11 touchdowns. Has the ability to be a first round draft choice.

7.  Dan Connor, Strath Haven HS (Wallingford) 2004 Penn State

Has been overshadowed by former teammate Paul Posluszny so far, but Connor may prove this season to be just as good. He ended the season fifth in the Big Ten in tackles with 113 and only needs 98 to break Posluszny’s school record. Look for him to be an All-American this season with a lot of awards for his mantelpiece, and then after the season be a high first round draft choice. 

8.  Shayne Hale, Gateway HS (Monroeville) 2008 Undecided

And to think that some people at Gateway wanted to force out head coach Terry Smith. He continually proves he can do one thing better than perhaps anybody in the state, and that’s get his players to college. What better proof than to have two of his players in the top eight? Hale’s physique is already better than most players in the NFL. Now it’s time to show how well he can play.

9.  Andrew Sweat, Trinity HS (Washington) 2008 Ohio State

Excellent all around linebacker prospect with no major weaknesses. Already very polished and could play early in his career, even at a place as loaded as Ohio State.

10.  James Bryant, Reading HS (Reading) 2004 Miami

The fourth player from the 2004 class to make the top 10 and one of three linebackers to make the top 50. But Bryant did not have the same success as his classmates as he was quickly moved to fullback, where he has been used sparingly.  He often fought with coaches on the move. Another prospect who made suspect decisions during the recruiting process, as evidenced by his signing day show of putting on a Pitt hat to please his mother, only to take it off and put on a Miami hat. The result left his mother, who thought her hope of having her sons play together at Pitt was coming true, in tears at the press conference. Bryant recently left Miami, where he was suspended three times, having been told he was no longer in the new coaching staff’s plans. He plans to transfer to another school for his senior season.

11.  Jonathan Baldwin, Aliquippa HS (Aliquippa) 2008 Undecided

It’s not often that you can find a 6’6” wide receiver that runs a 10.6 100 meters, but that’s what Baldwin is. He can also jump to the sky, a trait he uses in basketball, where he has scholarship offers from schools such as Marquette, Florida State and Tennessee. But his future lies in football and what a great future it should be.

12.  Dorin Dickerson, West Allegheny HS (Imperial) 2006 Pitt

A great athlete at 6’2 ½” and 225 pounds, he possesses long, graceful strides and very good speed. As a true freshman he saw limited time at running back after preseason injuries kept him from properly learning the nuances of wide receiver. This year he is trying to win a starting linebacker job. Dickerson seems born to play offense, while his tenacity and aggressiveness on defense have always been a question mark. But now with Pitt’s quality talent at running back and limited talent at linebacker, Dickerson has been forced to make the switch to get on the field. If he can remain healthy (always a major question) and discover a defensive mentality, he could be special since his speed, athleticism and strength are all excellent. If he doesn’t find that side of him, he could be little more than an offensive player playing defense.

13.  Lucas Nix, Thomas Jefferson HS (Clairton) 2008 Undecided

Big 6’5” 305-pound lineman that could be excellent on either side of the line. He has the long arms and quick feet to be a left tackle, but he also has the strength, athletic ability and toughness to be an excellent defensive tackle as well. Must stay focused and firm up his body, but he has a very high ceiling.

14.  Austin Scott, Parkland HS (Allentown) 2003 Penn State

Strong and athletic halfback with a solid 6’0” 220 pound frame. The whole package physically and he may finally, as a fifth year senior, have his moment in the sun. He led the team in rushing as a true freshman with 436 yards but never reached that mark again. Injuries and Tony Hunt were just two reasons why this talent didn’t get his chance before, but now, in his fifth season, he will finally have a chance to shine. 

15.  Pat Devlin, Downingtown West HS (Downingtown) 2006 Penn State

Miami’s loss became Penn State’s gain as Devlin originally verbally committed to the Hurricanes before changing his mind to attend his favorite school. Good size, strong arm, athletic, and very smart and mature. He has all the makings of a great college quarterback and he will probably get his chance in the 2008 season as a redshirt sophomore.

16.  Marques Slocum, West Catholic HS (Philadelphia) 2005 Michigan

The perpetual incoming recruit, this giant 6’5” 320 pounder has the great ability to be a monster at defensive tackle or could end up at guard if need be. The problem is that he has been trying to get into Michigan for two years now, battling standardized testing requirements. As of now, it looks like he may finally get on the field this season, but nobody will know for sure until they actually see him there.

17.  Rory Nicol, Beaver Area HS (Beaver) 2004 Ohio State

One of the top tight ends in the nation as a high school senior, the now 6’5” 250 pound Nicol had the size, speed, and strength to be worthy of his 40+ offers. Played sparingly as a freshman before a foot injury cost him his second year. Started as a sophomore and is the favorite to do so again this year. Only has 16 career catches but is blocking well and should put up bigger pass catching numbers over his last two seasons.

18.  Nate Byham, Franklin Area HS (Franklin) 2006 Pitt

Has everything that Nicol has except for size, though the 6’4” and 230 pound Byham is also two years younger. Played sparingly as a true freshman, accumulating two catches, but his future is bright, probably beginning this season when he is the favorite to start.

19.  Darrell Blackman, Williamsport (Williamsport) 2003 N.C. State

An explosive 5’10” 200 pound running back coming out of Williamsport, he arrived a year late thanks to a one year prep school stint at Hargrave Military Academy. In his first two seasons for the Wolfpack he played primarily at running back but accumulated just 409 yards and 3 rushing touchdowns. In that time, he also amassed 24 catches for one more touchdown. Last season, as a junior, he moved to wide receiver and caught 27 passes for 2 touchdowns. His specialty so far has been in the return game where he is an all-star performer and has three touchdown returns.

20.  Pat Bostick, Manheim Twp. (Lancaster) 2007 Pittsburgh

Strong-bodied 6’3” 225 pounder with a good arm to go along with smarts and maturity. An in-the-pocket signal caller that sprays the ball over the field. Doesn’t have the mobility of those quarterbacks ahead of him and his arm is not as good as Henne’s or Morelli’s, but he is a real leader with bulldog tenacity. May be the rare quarterback to start as a true freshman.

21.  Chris Jacobson, Kiski Area HS (Pittsburgh) 2007 Pitt

Living proof that an offer list is not the ultimate defining criteria to determine talent. Jacobson committed early to Pitt then demolished every opponent in games, combines and camps for the following year. At 6’3” and 300 pounds, he is a vicious, nasty blocker at his guard position. He should see significant time as a true freshman and may even start.

22.  Rob Gronkowski, Woodland Hills HS (Pittsburgh) 2007 Arizona

Only played in the area for one season as his father moved him from Buffalo to Pittsburgh so he could play against better competition. The result was that the 6’6” 250 pound tight end may have been, pound for pound, the best player in the state in 2007. Great size, surprising speed and a ferocious blocker. The real deal and a steal for the Wildcats. 

23.  Derrick Morgan, Coatesville Area HS (Coatesville) 2007 Georgia Tech

One of the more surprising college choices over the past six seasons with many prognosticators assuming Ohio State, Penn State, and Miami were the favorites to land the 6’4” 260 pound defensive lineman. Has big time athleticism for a player his size and while he will start out as a defensive end, he has the frame to eventually be equally dominating as a defensive tackle.

24.  A.J. Alexander, Altoona Area HS (Altoona) 2008 Florida State

More of a fast player than an excellent player right now but when you have world class speed, the rest you can work on. Plays quarterback in high school, but he will probably end up as a wide receiver for the Seminoles, and he will undoubtedly use that ridiculous speed as a return man. 

25.  Darrin Walls, Woodland Hills HS (Pittsburgh) 2006 Notre Dame

Very athletic cover corner whose talent was unfairly criticized by many internet fans. At 6’1” and 180 pounds, Walls has excellent speed and athletic ability. He was rarely thrown at in high school and a shoulder injury cost him the majority of his senior season, but he has the ability to be an excellent player for the Irish. Played in eight games as a true freshman cornerback and returned five kicks. Look for a big jump in playing time this season.

26.  Kyle Mitchum, McDowell HS (Erie) 2004 Ohio State

Arrived at Columbus as a 6’4” 265 pound guard, but now checks in at 6’5” and 295 pounds. Redshirted his first year, played sparingly in his redshirt freshman year, and mostly on special teams as a sophomore. Currently a backup at guard entering his junior season, and his injuries in the spring did not help his case. Has talent, but at a place like Ohio State, you better produce when you have the chance or you will get passed by. Mitchum will be in danger of that happening for the rest of his career.

27.  Joel Holler, J.P. McCaskey HS (Lancaster) 2003 Penn State

A huge 6’6” 330 pound offensive tackle that ultimately was too huge to stay at Penn State. Dominated the Lancaster area with his size but was too out of shape for Nittany Lions head coach Joe Paterno, and quite frankly, Holler was probably more than the 330 often listed. Plus, the weight he did have was not exactly muscle. A mutual parting of the ways happened after Holler’s sophomore year and he transferred to Delaware, where he ultimately had to quit playing football because of recurring injuries.

28.  John Malecki, Franklin Regional HS (Murrysville) 2006 Pitt

Strong, nasty 6’3” 270 pound defensive tackle that showed flashes of excellence as a true freshman. Lightly recruited when he verbally committed to the Panthers, but was a force as a senior putting together one of the most dominating state championship performances ever. Has a very bright future and should see significant time as a sophomore.

29.  Jared Odrick, Lebanon HS (Lebanon) 2006 Penn State

Great size at 6’6” and 285 pounds. Saw some time as a true freshman and will be part of the youthful and very talented Nittany Lion defensive line this year and beyond. Strong and can move so his future is also very bright.

30.  Stefen Wisniewski, Central Catholic HS (Pittsburgh) 2007 Penn State Nittany Lion legacy and he has the potential to be every bit as good as the family members that went before him. At 6’3 ½” and 275 pounds, he needs to get bigger, but he already has good technique, feet, strength and a ferocity that belies his quiet demeanor and academic excellence.

31.  Jarred Holley, Easton Area HS (Easton) 2008 Undecided

Has good, but not blazing speed, and isn’t big at 5’9 ½” and 170 pounds. But his athleticism, instincts and smarts are top notch. Has the makings of a big time cover corner and punt returner for whoever is lucky enough to land him.

32.  Hubie Graham, West Scranton HS (Scranton) 2008 Undecided

A workout warrior but still only 6’4” and 225 pounds. If he can get bigger and keep the weight on, he has everything else, including speed, strength and a fierceness that only the great ones have. Has a bright future either at tight end or defensive end.

33.  Devon Lyons, Woodland Hills HS (Pittsburgh) 2004 Ohio State

Big, fast receiver at 6’4” and 215 pounds. Played in all 12 games as a true freshman amassing two catches, then missed his second season because of an injury. As a redshirt sophomore, he also played little, again because of injuries. Now as a junior, he is battling for playing time in a very talent Buckeyes receiving corps.

34.  Maurice Williams, Strong Vincent HS (Erie) 2007 Pitt

Lanky 6’1” 180 pound high school quarterback who looks to be moving to wide receiver for the Panthers. Gliding, speedy runner who can go the distance at any time. Has a bright future if he can learn the position.

35.  Nick Sukay, Greensburg Central (Greensburg) 2007 Penn State

Strong, athletic headhunting safety at 6’3” and 210 pounds. Has great range and hands to play center field and has the ability to be an all-star in the future.

36.  Andrew Johnson, North Hills HS (Pittsburgh) 2004 Miami

More track star than football player, but the 5’10” 205 pound running back had elite speed and a muscular body. But after three years and only 35 total carries, he transferred after his junior season to Akron. He will have to sit out this season before making one last attempt to produce, this time in the MAC. 

37.  Greg Harrison, Shenandoah Valley HS (Shenandoah) 2004 Penn State

Highly regarded 6’4” 290 pound guard prospect that was battling for playing time before unexpectedly quitting last season as a redshirt sophomore.

38.  A.Q. Shipley, Moon Area HS (Coraopolis) 2004 Penn State

Extremely strong 6’1” 295 pound center with superb upper body strength. Entered Penn State as a nose tackle but after a redshirt in his first year, he spent his second season switching between center and nose tackle, contributing at both positions.  Finally last season he cemented himself at center where he now is an all-star candidate.

39.  Jason Pinkston, Baldwin Area HS (Pittsburgh) 2006 Pitt

Talented 6’4” 290 pound lineman that was recruited as a defensive tackle but has now moved to offensive tackle, where he is developing quickly into a player that has future all-star potential. Some publications, not Keystone Recruiting, lowered his rating considerably after his senior year, claiming he had a sub par season, but he has proven that there was a reason that he was nationally recruited.

40.  Elijah Fields, Duquesne HS (Duquesne) 2006 Pitt

Big time 6’2” 205 pound safety that was used little as a true freshman because he did not have the mental part of the game down yet. If he can get that aspect of his game developed this year, and early indications are that he may, then he could be a college superstar sooner rather than later.

41.  Craig Bokor, Hopewell Area HS (Aliquippa) 2004 Pitt

Arrived in 2005 because of a one semester stint at Valley Forge Military Academy to get his academics in order. The big redhead entered Pitt as a nose tackle and defensive end, but after a redshirt first season, he moved to offensive guard, where he is now battling for playing time as a redshirt sophomore. Tough as nails with strength and good feet so he could be a major factor at guard in the future.

42.  Tom McEowen, Neshaminy HS (Langhorne) 2006 Penn State

Excellent 6’4” 285 pound warrior who has superb talent on the field and is a great person off the field. Unfortunately, he was injured at the very beginning of his freshman season and had to be redshirted. Then during workouts to get ready for the upcoming season, he severely injured his knee and his status for this season is once again suspect. 

43.  Andre Mathis, Cathedral Preparatory School (Erie) 2005 Tennessee

Entered Tennessee as a 6’2” 225 pound linebacker but after a redshirt season and a second season on the bench, he is now a 255 pound defensive end that is expected to battle for playing time this season.

44.  Toney Clemons, Valley Area HS (New Kensington) 2007 Michigan

Another player that many considered to have a sub-par senior season and his attitude turned off many, but he has everything it takes to be a big time wide receiver at Michigan, as long as he stays focused on how to get the best out of his ability.

45.  Travis Thomas, Washington HS (Washington) 2003 Notre Dame

This nationally recruited 6’0” 215 pound running back had everything you would want in a quality running back prospect. After redshirting his first season, he carried the ball 25 times in his redshirt freshman season, then 63 more times in his sophomore season. As a junior, he moved to linebacker, where he started, and was also the special teams captain. He still was used 13 times to carry the ball when needed and contributed two touchdowns. Thomas flirted with going to the NFL but wanted one last shot to be the starting Irish running back and as of now he is the favorite to do just that.

46.  Christian Wilson, Montour HS (McKees Rocks) 2008 Undecided

Solidly built 6’3” 225 pound athlete who can project to running back, tight end, linebacker and H-Back. His versatility is a huge plus, but he needs to be more aggressive and injury free to reach his potential.

47.  Mikell Simpson, Harrisburg HS (Harrisburg) 2005 Virginia

Redshirted in his first season before getting 13 caries as a redshirt freshman. This season, the 6’1” 197 running back is battling for more playing time but is not expected to start. He may also see some time at wide receiver.

48.  Jeremiha Hunter, Harrisburg HS (Harrisburg) 2006 Iowa

Tough, aggressive, athletic 6’2” 220 pound linebacker that redshirted his first season. Another lighting rod for criticism because what some perceive as arrogance and a sense of entitlement, but he is a good athlete so he has a chance to be a very good player down the line. However, he has been struggling against the run so far in college and linebackers that can’t play the run don’t play much.

49.  Tyrell Sales, Butler Area HS (Butler) 2004 Penn State

Strong and athletic 6’2” 235 pound linebacker that is trying to replace the departing Paul Posluszny this season. After redshirting as a freshman, Sales saw action in every game in the last two seasons, mostly as a backup.

50.  Paul Posluszny, Hopewell HS (Aliquippa) 2003 Penn State

He didn’t make the list until the final draft, but the truth is this legend was considered a very good, but not elite, prospect. He was an excellent high school player but was not big. As proof that many players can be as good as they want to be, Posluszny worked his way into a superstar.

2003-2008 Prospect Breakdown

Classes

2003: 5

2004: 11

2005: 6

2006: 11

2007: 8

2008: 9

Colleges

Penn State 14

Pittsburgh 10

Undecided 7

Ohio State 4

Michigan 3

Miami 2

Notre Dame 2

N.C. State 1

Georgia Tech 1

Arizona 1

Virginia 1

Tennessee 1

Iowa 1

Florida State 1

None 1

High Schools

Woodland Hills 3

Hopewell   2

Gateway 2

Harrisburg 2

Cities

Pittsburgh 8

Aliquippa 3

Harrisburg 3

Erie 3

Monroeville 2

Washington 2

Lancaster 2

Harrisburg and East: 21

West of Harrisburg: 29

Quarterbacks

1.  Terrelle Pryor, Undecided

2.  Chad Henne, Michigan

3.  Anthony Morelli, Penn State

4.  Pat Devlin, Penn State

5.  Pat Bostick, Pittsburgh

Running Backs

1.  LeSean McCoy, Pittsburgh

2.  Austin Scott, Penn State

3.  Darrell Blackman, North Carolina State (moved to WR)

4.  Andrew Johnson, Miami (transferred to Akron)

5.  Travis Thomas, Notre Dame (also played LB)

6.  Mikell Simpson, Virginia

Wide Receivers

1.  Jonathan Baldwin, Undecided

2.  Dorin Dickerson, Pittsburgh (moved to LB)

3.  A.J. Alexander, Florida State

4.  Devon Lyons, Ohio State

5.  Maurice Williams, Pittsburgh

6.  Toney Clemons, Michigan

Tight Ends

1.  Rory Nicol, Ohio State

2.  Nate Byham, Pittsburgh

3.  Rob Gronkowski, Arizona

4.  Hubie Graham, Undecided

Offensive Tackles

1.  Lucas Nix, Undecided

2.  Joel Holler, Penn State (transferred to Delaware)

Interior Offensive Linemen

1.  Chris Jacobson, Pittsburgh

2.  Kyle Mitchum, Ohio State

3.  Stefen Wisniewski, Penn State

4.  Greg Harrison, Penn State (left school)

Defensive Ends

1.  Derrick Morgan, Georgia Tech

Defensive Tackles

1.  Callahan Bright, No college

2.  Marques Slocum, Michigan

3.  John Malecki, Pittsburgh

4.  Jared Odrick, Penn State

5.  A.Q. Shipley, Penn State (moved to C)

6.  Jason Pinkston, Pittsburgh (moved to OG)

7.  Craig Bokor, Pittsburgh (moved to offensive guard)

8.  Tom McEowen, Penn State

Linebackers

1.  Dan Connor, Penn State

2.  Shayne Hale, Undecided

3.  Andrew Sweat, Ohio State

4.  James Bryant, Miami (transferring)

5.  Andre Mathis, Tennessee

6.  Christian Wilson, Undecided (also projects at RB and TE)

7.  Jeremiha Hunter, Iowa

8.  Tyrell Sales, Penn State

9.  Paul Posluszny, Penn State

Defensive Backs

1.  Justin King, Penn State

2.  Darrin Walls, Notre Dame

3.  Jared Holley, Undecided

4.  Nick Sukay, Penn State

5.  Elijah Fields, Pittsburgh