Pennsylvania’s Top 50
By Chris Dokish
1. PAT BOSTICK, Manheim Twp. HS (Lancaster) QB - The 6’3 ½” 220 pound gunslinger has a strong arm, quick release, solid body, top-notch intelligence, and maturity. He’s not an elite athlete, but combats that with very good pocket presence. Bostick verbally committed to Pittsburgh over Georgia, Tennessee, Iowa, Louisville, Maryland and N.C. State, among others. He plans to graduate in December and enroll at Pitt in January.
2. JON DITTO, Gateway HS (Monroeville) WR/TE - At 6’4” 221 pounds, Ditto has the size to cause major match up problems from the wide receiver position, and has too much athleticism and speed for LB’s to cover him as a tight end. That’s why he has 32 offers right now, including Penn State, Pittsburgh, Michigan, Michigan State, Maryland, Louisville, Georgia Tech, UCLA, Tennessee, Oregon, Georgia and Virginia. From the beginning, it looked like a Pitt and Penn State battle and it is still likely to come down to those two programs. A decision should come in June.
3. NICK SUKAY, Greensburg Central Catholic HS (Greensburg), WR - One of the biggest surprises in not only the state but the country, as the 6’3” 200 pounder has over 20 offers and counting. Included in that list are Pittsburgh, West Virginia, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Michigan State and Iowa. Not only does Sukay have a muscular physique, he also has very good speed and athleticism, as well as excellent hands and technique. Pittsburgh and West Virginia may lead, but Ohio State and Penn State could become major players if they throw their hats into the ring.
4. TONEY CLEMONS, Valley Area HS (New Kensington), WR - Of all the receivers in a great wideout class—possibly the best in Pennsylvania history—Clemons has perhaps the best upside. At 6’2” and 180 pounds, Clemons has very good speed and elite athletic ability, though he is still a little raw in his technique. Also one of the best hurdlers in the state, Clemons has close to double digit offers now, including Pittsburgh, Michigan, Michigan State, Colorado and Mississippi. He is wide open but the main players should be Pitt, Michigan, Ohio State, Notre Dame, Miami, and other ACC teams.
5. STEFAN WISNIEWSKI, Pittsburgh Central Catholic HS (Pittsburgh), OG – Wisniewski is the best lineman in the state, mainly because of his great quickness and quick feet. Perhaps slightly undersized now at 6’3” and 275 pounds, but that’s what college strength programs are for. Both his father and uncle played for Penn State, and the Nittany Lions are one of four favorites, along with Michigan, Stanford and Boston College. All are among Wisniewski’s 16 offers, which also include Pittsburgh, West Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia Tech, N.C. State, Virginia, Maryland, Northwestern and Clemson.
6. DERRICK MORGAN, Coatesville HS (Coatesville), DE - Defensive ends are at a premium, especially when they are fast, athletic, and already 260 pounds. Morgan is all those things, and has nine written offers, including Pittsburgh, Penn State, West Virginia, Michigan State and North Carolina. He’s also drawing major attention from other big time programs, including Miami, who has promised an offer.
7. NATHAN STUPAR, State College HS (State College), LB - This 6’2” 225 pound linebacker hit the scene last year when the Little Lions played a loaded Bishop McDevitt team, and Stupar was all over the field. Very mature and an excellent student, Stupar committed to Penn State earlier this week over offers from Virginia, West Virginia, Pittsburgh, Maryland, Stanford, Arizona State and Kentucky. His older brother Jon is a rising junior at UVa.
8. ANDREW DEVLIN, Mt. Lebanon HS (Mt. Lebanon), TE – Devlin possesses a 6’5 ½” 255 pound frame to go along with great footwork and agility. He’s one of the best basketball players in the WPIAL, but his future is in football. He also has the frame to eventually become an offensive tackle, and also the athletic ability to be a defensive end. He’s a superb student and is wide open. Devlin has plenty of schools to choose from, with approximately 20 offers, including Pittsburgh, West Virginia, Virginia Tech, Maryland, Stanford, Iowa, Virginia and Northwestern.
9. STEVE PASKORZ, Hampton Area HS (Pittsburgh), LB/RB - The 6’1” 215 pound high school running back may best project at linebacker, though he also has offers for running back and H-Back. Paskorz committed to Notre Dame this week, after a phone call from Charlie Weis. He also had offers from Pittsburgh, Michigan, West Virginia, Virginia, Iowa, Kentucky and Mississippi.
10. MAURICE WILLIAMS, Erie Strong Vincent HS (Erie), WR – Mo Williams is one of the best athletes in the east, his 6’2” 190 pound frame complimenting his excellent speed and elite game breaking skills. His stock is skyrocketing, and his offers include Pittsburgh, Penn State, West Virginia, Georgia and Maryland.
11. CHRIS JACOBSON, Keystone Oaks HS (Pittsburgh), OG - The 6’3 ½” 290 pound Pittsburgh commitment has good physical skills, but his main asset may be his tenacity. A vicious blocker, Jacobson committed to the Panthers in February and told his coach not to accept any more offers. West Virginia offered before that time.
12. MYLES CARAGEIN, Keystone Oaks HS (Pittsburgh), DT/DE - A teammate of Jacobson, the 6’3” 265 pounder has close to a dozen offers, including Pittsburgh, Clemson, N.C. State, Purdue and Northwestern. A national Greco-Roman wrestling champion, Caragein needs to develop more of a mean streak on the field but has a great upside. Once he stops wrestling, he’ll likely grow into a defensive tackle. If not, he has the athletic ability to play end. He’s wide open at this time.
13. BRANDON LINDSEY, Aliquippa HS (Aliquippa), LB - The 6’1” 220 pound high school running back has the ability to shoot up the charts this year due to his strength and speed. He has five offers now, including Pittsburgh, Ohio State and West Virginia, but more will follow. The early favorite may be Pitt because of their great track record with Aliquippa kids, but the competition could get very tough.
14. JOSH MARKS, Southern Columbia HS (Catawissa), OG - Most schools wanted the big guy at tackle, but Penn State wanted him as a guard and they got their wish. The very mature and intelligent 6’5” 300 pound lineman chose Penn State over four others, including Pittsburgh and West Virginia. Marks has great strength as well, and is a high character kid.
15. HENRY HYNOSKI, Southern Columbia HS (Catawissa), FB - Fullbacks seem to be getting phased out of the game more and more, but Hynoski is not your average fullback. Big and strong at 6’2” and 245 pounds, Hynoski is more of a runner than a blocker, and also has good hands out of the backfield. Fullbacks don’t get many offers anymore, but college coaches appreciate Hynoski’s old-school style and toughness. The few top programs that are contemplating using a scholarship on a fullback really seem to love him. He ran for over 2,100 yards as a junior. Pittsburgh currently leads Rutgers and Temple, who both have offered. Ohio State, Iowa, Michigan State and Stanford are also interested.
16. DAN MATHA, Erie McDowell HS (Erie), OT - The top-rated tackle in the state now that Marks will be playing guard, Matha has a towering 6’7” 310 pound frame and good technique. He is the prototypical right tackle. Right now Pittsburgh and West Virginia are his only offers, and those two are battling. A Big 10 school could easily enter the mix with an offer.
17. DONNY BARCLAY, Seneca Valley HS (Harmony), OT - The 6’4” 285 pound Barclay is a fast riser up the charts due to his toughness and versatility. He has enough agility to play guard. Barclay verbally committed to West Virginia over the weekend turning down his other three offers from Pittsburgh, Akron, and N.C. State.
18. EVAN BLANKENSHIP, Center Area HS (Monaca), OG – This huge 6’3” 310 pound road grader can also project at the center position. He has very good feet despite his considerable size. Pittsburgh and Ohio State have offered and they are co-favorites. Temple has also offered. Clemson and Cincinnati are among the others interested.
19. DEREK MOYE, Rochester Area HS (Rochester), WR - A little raw and needs to put on weight (175 pounds), but at 6’5” and with a blistering 10.7 100 meters in his past, Moye has the height and straight line speed that can’t be taught. Pitt and Penn State both offered and are the favorites. Boston College, Cincinnati and Akron have also offered.
20. GINO GRADKOWSKI, Seton-LaSalle HS (Pittsburgh), OG - Toughness is the 6’3” 285 pound guard’s best attribute, but he also has good feet and very good technique. West Virginia and Pittsburgh appear to out in front, and Miami (OH), Akron and Toledo have also offered. His quarterback brother Bruce recently graduated from Toledo with 19 school records and was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
21. CHAZ POWELL, Susquehannock HS (New Freedom) S - This central PA star resides on the PA/MD border but arrived on the recruiting scene at the Penn State Nike Combine with a sterling performance. The 6’1” 184 pound athlete runs in the 4.45 range, has excellent athleticism, and a frame that can add more weight. Penn State and Georgia came through with offers after Nike, joining UConn, Delaware and James Madison. Pittsburgh, Maryland and Boston College are also very interested, but Penn State is the leader.
22. JARED WILLIAMS, Perry Traditional Academy (Pittsburgh) CB - A true cover corner with speed and toughness despite being only 5’9 ½” and 185 pounds, Pittsburgh was his only offer but the Panthers received a verbal commitment. Also an excellent return man, Ohio State, West Virginia, Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech, N.C. State and Iowa were also interested.
23. DARYL ROBINSON, Northeast Catholic HS (Philadelphia) CB - Another highly athletic, fast cover corner, Robinson is a little smaller at 5’9” and 160 pounds. He’s also a great return man who can go the distance on every play. He originally committed to West Virginia, but changed his mind shortly afterward. West Virginia is still in the mix, as is UConn, who offered, and Penn State, Maryland, Colorado, Michigan, Virginia and Rutgers, who have yet to offer in writing. Temple has also offered.
24. LAMONT SMITH, Pittsburgh Central Catholic HS (Pittsburgh) CB - An explosive running back from a team expected to be one of the best in the state this coming season, Smith has great speed and is an excellent athlete. His 5’8” 155 pound body, however, makes him more likely to be a corner at the next level. Arizona State, Colorado, Virginia, Toledo, and Temple all agree and have come through with offers. Pitt, Virginia Tech, Syracuse and Northwestern are also interested.
25. DOM DeCICCO, Thomas Jefferson HS (Jefferson Hills) LB/WR/S - The only decision that needs to be made about this 6’3 ½” 200 pound athlete is where to play him. Wherever that is he will excel. Good speed, excellent athletic ability, and a frame that can easily handle more weight make DeCicco an interesting prospect. Pittsburgh, Indiana, Cincinnati, Akron and Temple have offered, and West Virginia, Iowa, and Tennessee are a few more top programs that are highly interested. Pitt, who projects DeCicco as a linebacker, is an early favorite.
26. CHRIS DRAGER, Thomas Jefferson HS (Jefferson Hills) TE - The 6’4” 230 pound tight end is finally starting to move up the board due to his good speed and growing body. West Virginia, Stanford, Cincinnati and Temple have offered, and Pittsburgh and Virginia Tech are also interested. Pitt wants Drager as a tight end while Virginia Tech may become the favorite if they offer.
27. DAN PERSA, Liberty HS (Bethlehem) QB/WR/S - One of the most respected high school players in the state, Persa personifies winning. Many programs have been looking at Persa as a wide receiver or safety because of his 4.5 speed, but he has impressed many with his quarterback skills at the recent combines. West Virginia, Northwestern, UConn, Temple, New Hampshire, and Akron have come through with offers, with West Virginia and UConn wanting him as a quarterback and Northwestern as a wide receiver or safety. Others involved include Michigan State, Indiana, Vanderbilt and Boston College.
28. CODY CATALINA, Greensburg Central Catholic (Greensburg) QB - One of the more pleasant surprises of the recruiting season since, as the 6’4” 205 pound quarterback had little chance to throw in Greensburg Central’s many blowout victories last season. But Catalina has shown a good arm and athleticism on the combine circuit this year, and so far has come away with offers from Syracuse, Rutgers, Akron, Vanderbilt, Temple, Buffalo, Delaware and New Hampshire.
29. CHRIS WHITNEY, St. Joseph’s Prep (Philadelphia) QB - One of the more under recruited players in the state, Whitney combines a 6’2” 205 frame with a good arm, very good speed, and top notch athleticism. Rutgers offered very early but so far that is his lone offer. Iowa, Virginia, UConn and Vanderbilt are some of the other programs that are involved.
30. PAUL SIMKOVICH, Latrobe Area HS (Latrobe) OT - The big 6’4” 298 pound red head proves that looks can be deceiving as the freckled face lineman is as tough as nails on the field. He also has quick feet for his size. Simkovich played high school hockey, a frightening proposition for high school hockey players everywhere. He has already verbally committed to Michigan State. Temple and Akron also offered and Purdue, Akron and Pittsburgh were interested.
31. KELLEN HARRIS, Sharon HS (Sharon) LB – A very athletic 6’1” 210 pounder that can run. He also has great strength and won the state championship in wrestling at 189 pounds. Right now Harris has offers from West Virginia, Indiana, and Marshall but more should follow. His brother, Kevin, played for Pitt and the Panthers are amongst those interested, along with Cincinnati, Michigan, Iowa, Georgia Tech and Purdue. West Virginia is the current leader.
32. RICHARD MULDROW, William Penn HS (York) OT - A little raw, but has a great wingspan on his 6’8” 292 pound frame. His size alone is enough to get offers from Maryland, Boston College, West Virginia, Rutgers, Vanderbilt, Akron and Temple. Pittsburgh, Penn State, Virginia, and UConn are among the others interested.
33. JOHN FIEGER, Upper Perkiomen HS (Pennsburg) OT - One lineman that expect to see his recruitment pick up a lot this season is the 6’5” 265 pound Fieger, mainly due to his quick feet and athleticism. He needs to get bigger and stronger but has the makings of a top tackle prospect. No offers yet, but Pittsburgh, West Virginia, Penn State, Virginia, Iowa, Purdue, Maryland and Rutgers are just some of the many schools involved.
34.BRAD HALLICK, Pottsville Area HS (Pottsville) OT - Needs to add some good weight to his 281 pound frame but has a great wingspan at 6’6” tall. A superb student, and Virginia and Vanderbilt lead—who have both offered—lead. Rutgers and Temple have offered, and Stanford, Michigan State and Syracuse are also interested.
35. GARY BARDZAK, Pottsville Area HS (Pottsville) OT - The other half of the Pottsville duo, this 6’4” 290 pounder is one of the biggest sleepers in the state, but those colleges who have seen him are impressed. At 6’4” 290 pounds, Bardzak has a solid frame to go along with quick feet, athleticism and toughness. UConn is his most recent offer, and Pittsburgh is a good possibility soon. Others interested include Rutgers, Syracuse, West Virginia, Vanderbilt, Villanova and Temple.
36. DOMINIQUE JOSEPH, Roman Catholic HS (Philadelphia) CB – Joseph possesses very good cornerback size at 6’0” 190 to go along with his 4.45 speed. Both of his parents were track stars at Temple. A very good student who verbally committed to Virginia, his only offer. Boston College and Pittsburgh were also interested.
37. TIREE EURE, Parkland HS (Allentown) TE – Though still raw and needing to improve his speed and strength a bit, the 6’4” 242 pound transfer from Plainfield, NJ has the tools to work with. UConn and Rutgers have offered, while Virginia, Maryland and Louisville have also shown interest.
38. C.J. MARCK, Pennsbury HS (Pennsbury) LB – Just several months ago, Marck was a 6’0” 200 pound high school swimming champion and was not on the recruiting radar of many programs. Since then he has grown to 6’1” and 221 pounds—and also has 4.65 speed and very good athleticism. On top of that, he is an excellent student and a high character individual. Needless to say, he has the ability to skyrocket up the charts this year. Pittsburgh, Penn State, Vanderbilt, Syracuse, West Virginia and UConn are just some of the highly interested schools who have been flocking to see him lately.
39. MAX SUTER, Greensburg Central Catholic HS (Greensburg) S - The third member of the Centurions to make the top 50, Suter is a 5’11” 195 pound high school linebacker that projects to safety because of his size and 4.4 speed. Suter is simply a really good, hardnosed football player that should be a real steal for Syracuse, to whom he committed last weekend. Temple, Buffalo, New Hampshire, Hofstra and Delaware also offered.
40. CAMERON HOLLAND, Perry Traditional Academy (Pittsburgh) OG - Another under-recruited Pittsburgh City League prospect, the 6’2 ½” 270 pound Holland has great feet, quickness, and strength. He can also project to defense. Right now, his only offer is from Kentucky and if that holds up, they are going to get a steal. Pittsburgh, West Virginia and Maryland are also interested.
41. D.J. LENEHAN, Wilson Area HS (Easton) QB – A highly respected, yet under-recruited eastern PA quarterback, the 6’3” 190 pound Lenehan is a quiet leader with good athletic ability. Temple is his lone offer so far, but others, including UConn, Louisville, Iowa, Purdue and Delaware are interested. He could very easily skyrocket up the charts.
42. TIM CORTAZZO, Penn-Trafford HS (Harrison City) WR - In any other year, the 6’1” 180 pound Cortazzo would get much more attention, but in this great wide receiver class, he has fallen through the cracks a bit. It’s too bad because he is a very good receiver with excellent 4.45 speed, great hands, and the good technique of a coach’s son (his father coached at East Allegheny). Cortazzo has offers from Akron and Temple, and is getting attention from Pittsburgh, Northwestern, Louisville, Michigan State, Cincinnati and Syracuse.
43. TY BYNUM, Conestoga Valley HS (Lancaster) WR - Perhaps another victim of having too many top receivers in the state this year, the 6’0 ½” 175 pound Bynum is maybe considered a step slow and a few pounds light, but what cannot be overlooked are his hands, route running, and productivity. Pittsburgh, UConn, Maryland and Purdue are among many that are keeping tabs on him.
44. ZANE PARR, Williamsport HS (Williamsport) DT/OT – A 6’4” 290 pound lineman with very little fat and very good athletic ability, Parr has a big upside. UConn has already offered and Pittsburgh, Michigan, Virginia, Maryland, Syracuse, Rutgers and Boston College are all interested. He has played mostly defensive line but has played some offense in the past and can go either way.
45. MATT BALASAVAGE, Lancaster Catholic HS (Lancaster) TE – A very good pass receiving threat at 6’5” and 230 pounds, Balasavage often flanks out as a wide receiver. He’s got good hands and speed, but no offers yet. Pittsburgh, Michigan, North Carolina, West Virginia and UConn are among many that are interested.
46. RICHIE WALLS, Downingtown East HS (Downingtown) RB – A great athlete at 6’0” 170 with legit 4.4 speed, game breaking ability, hands, and return skills. His grades are an issue, though, and a prep school may be likely. Otherwise he would have offers in his hand. Penn State, Virginia, and Temple are just three of the schools that hinted to his coach they would offer if it weren’t for grades.
47. ZAC KASPAREK, New Brighton HS (New Brighton) OT - The 6’5” 295 pound Kasparek is a solidly built tackle with good technique. He already has offers from Cincinnati and Akron, where his brother Kris plays. Pittsburgh, Penn State, West Virginia, Maryland and Virginia are just some of the other schools watching.
48. JOHN DEMPSEY, Cardinal O’Hara HS (Springfield) CB/S - A sleeper until this past last month, this solidly built athlete stands 5’11 ½” and weighs 197 pounds, runs in the 4.45 range, has great athletic ability, and is very strong. Rutgers, Vanderbilt and Pittsburgh are keeping an eye on him.
49. ROBBIE FREY, Lehighton HS (Lehighton) RB – This unbelievably productive back with 4.45 speed is drawing interest from Akron, Kent State, Syracuse, Cincinnati and Virginia Tech.
50. NATE BROWN, Harrisburg HS (Harrisburg) QB - The leader of one of the most talented teams in the state this year, the 6’3” 205 pound signal caller is a very good athlete and has been very productive. He also is learning well from legendary coach George Chaump. Big time programs like Pitt, Penn State, Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State and Georgia have been in contact.
