By CHRIS DOKISH, PSR Recruiting Editor
To follow is Keystone Recruiting’s final Top 50 for the 2006 season. We are proud to say that no PA Top 50 in existence utilizes more experts in the field, including college coaches, high school coaches, and scouts. Over 20 different experts were asked their opinions of approximately 100 prospects. Five of those interviewed has seen every player on our final list on tape, and the rest saw a vast majority either on tape or in person. Included in this group is highly respected scout Joe Butler, the founder of Metro Index Scouting, considered one of the best scouting camps in the country. Thousands of the top prospects in the east came through Butler’s camp, including future All-Americans and NFL Hall of Famers. Virtually every top prospect in western PA has attended his camp, plus many more from other areas throughout the state. Butler is also a former NFL scout whose opinion is valued like few others in college recruiting circles.
Butler is the only person interviewed who allowed his thoughts to be publicized. The rest did not want to be identified because they did not want to hurt future allegiances.
There may be some names missing that some fans are used to seeing on internet sites or other prospect listings. I can assure you that those players were not overlooked. A players’ omission from the Keystone Recruiting Top 50 does not mean we don’t feel that player won’t be an excellent college player in the future.
Also, this is a list of the best college prospects and not the best high school football players. The skills of many talented high school players just don’t translate to the next level; this list is our attempt to identify the players whose skills best translate to the college level.
Lastly, I want to note that the top four players on this list were talked in glowing terms with everybody we interviewed. We admit that a case can be made that any of the four could be ranked No. 1. Pat Bostick is No. 1 on our list because he started this season as the top players, and did nothing to play himself out of that position. But this past season, unlike the past few years, did not offer a clear No. 1 player.
TOP 50
1. PAT BOSTICK, Manheim Township (Lancaster) - Boasts a solid body at 6’3” and 220 pounds, plus a stronger than average arm, excellent intelligence, and high character. Also a very hard worker in the gym and the film room. Has strong NFL aspirations and will do anything to get there. One weakness is his lack of foot speed, which does worry some scouts. One scout stated, “He doesn’t have quick feet at all and that may end up being a problem with him. Sometimes it can be and sometimes a player overcomes it. If he can overcome it, he could be excellent because he has everything else.”
One factor that could help him is that Pitt employs a similar offense to the one he ran in high school, and it’s an offense that often calls for intelligence and little time in the pocket. In other words, it suits him perfectly.
2. DERRICK MORGAN, Coatesville (Coatesville) - Excellent defensive end prospect that could just as easily be the No. 1 player in the state. Excellent body for the position already at a very fit 6’4” and 260 pounds. High motor and top notch athletic and running skills. Excelled as a running fullback in high school. Headed to Georgia Tech.
3. ROB GRONKOWSKI, Woodland Hills (Pittsburgh) - Transferred from the Buffalo area before the season, but the WPIAL ruled him ineligible because they considered the move to be for athletic reasons. It was overturned a few days later, but he still had to sit out one game because of a suspension at his previous school. Once he hit the field, he showed to be a superior player. Blessed with great 6’6” 250 size, soft hands, and good athleticism. Also a devastating blocker. More than a few of the people interviewed for this list think he was the best prospect in the state. Surprised many by choosing to go to Arizona over many other top offers.
4. MAURICE WILLIAMS, Strong Vincent (Erie) - High school quarterback and defensive back that will probably start off at wide receiver for Pitt. Not as tall as often reported at 6’1” and a slim 180 pounds. Needs to put on some weight and learn the position, but as an athlete he rates in the excellent category. Draws many comparisons to former Woodland Hills and Michigan star Steve Breaston, including the way he runs leaning forward. A few of those interviewed had him rated as high as No. 2 in the state.
5. CHRIS JACOBSON, Keystone Oaks (Pittsburgh) - Excellent 6’3” 300 pound offensive guard that is generally a brawler. Primarily uses brute force to get the job done, but should get even better as he learns technique. Better run blocker at the moment. Hard worker. Made his reputation by being “mean as hell.” He doesn’t just block opponents to the ground, he often follows it up by continuing to smash the player as much as possible. Was Pitt’s earliest football commitment ever, almost a full year before he could sign. Qualifying could be a problem.
6. STEFEN WISNIEWSKI, Central Catholic (Pittsburgh) - Slightly undersized at 6’3” and 270 pounds, but has good feet, technique, and is a great student. Equally adept in the running or passing game. May be best suited for center, but could also grow into being a guard. Father Leo and uncle Steve both starred at Penn State and the younger Wisniewski decided to follow in their footsteps.
7. TONEY CLEMONS, Valley Area (New Kensington) - Turned some people off with his attitude and never was the high school superstar that people thought he would be, though he is still a top talent. Has good wide receiver size at 6’2” 185. Athletically he is rated very highly with great leaping ability and good speed. Excellent after the catch. Track star that is raw, but if he puts it all together he could be special. Had a down senior year as a receiver because his quarterback was a runner, but as a safety on defense he took over games. Committed to Michigan.
8. JOSH MARKS, Southern Columbia (Catawissa) - Small school superstar for the Class A juggernaut. Man among boys at that level, not just because of his 6’5” 305 pound size, but also because of his significant talent. Could have a tough transition coming from such a lower level of competition, but he has all the tools to be very good for Penn State, where he’s committed. High character kid that the Nittany Lions will play at offensive guard.
9. RONTEZ MILES, Woodland Hills (Pittsburgh) - The most undervalued player in the state by many, but scouts and college coaches know all about him. “He is the most underrated player in the state, by far,” according to Butler. Has a long, athletic body for a safety at 6’2” and 185 pounds to go along with excellent athletic ability and speed. So why did many scouting services overlook him? “Most internet sites go by who offers a kid to judge how good they are, but you can’t do that,” according to one scout. “The only reason he didn’t get better offers is because of grades.” Academics are his main issue right now, but both Pitt and West Virginia have offered and will place him in a prep school for a year if he doesn’t qualify. Other schools that offered are in the Mid-American Conference and that could come into play since he would like to play with his brother, Vondre Griffin, who currently has MAC offers.
10. CHAZ POWELL, Susquehannock (Glen Rock) - Fast riser because of his excellent athletic ability and top speed. Track star that is also a football player. Good strength for his 6’2” 185 pound size. Blocked an incredible 16 kicks in his junior season. Projects as a cornerback or safety for his dream school, Penn State.
11. DOMINIQUE JOSEPH, Roman Catholic (Philadelphia) - Another unheralded player mostly because he committed to Virginia before he could get publicized around the state. One of the smoothest athletes in PA. Elite cover corner with great speed and hands. Good size at 6’0” 190. Both parents were track stars at Temple. Also an excellent student. Could also play wide receiver at the next level.
12. NICK SUKAY, Greensburg Central Catholic (Greensburg) - Was ranked higher and received a lot of offers due to the fact that he projected at wide receiver or defensive back, but since he no longer is considered a major prospect at receiver, that lowers him some. But don’t take that as an indictment. This kid has great size at 6’3” 200 pounds, plus very good speed and athleticism. Throw in his excellent hands and anticipation and he has the looks of a quality ball hawking safety at the next level. Many scouts question his explosiveness, but his hands, length, and anticipation should counter any of that. Also has a very strong, big frame that could eventually turn him into a linebacker, though he would have to more consistent with his tenacity. When he does want to hit, he can really lay the lumber. Already taking classes at Penn State.
13. HENRY HYNOSKI, Southern Columbia (Catawissa) - Fullbacks are getting phased out all over football, but when they can run like Hynoski, they can make the transition. Hasn’t had to block much in his career but is willing. Will mostly be used as a runner who catches the occasional pass. One of the most dominating high school players ever in the state. Runs like he is mad at the grass. Like his teammate Josh Marks he is very intelligent and mature with a lot of character. Old-school type of player with a strong 6’0” 240 pound body. Father Henry, Sr. played at Temple and for the Cleveland Browns. Now his son will play for Pitt.
14. DEREK MOYE, Rochester Area (Rochester) - Really benefiting from a new obsession of college coaches to land tall receivers. At 6’5”, he fits the bill, but he needs to gain much more weight to his 180 pound frame. Also a track star that displays good athleticism and speed. Playing in Class A, and not always at wide receiver, will make an early contribution unlikely, but 6’5” athletic receivers don’t grow on trees. “He had a great season,” says Butler. “The only question is his level of competition,” said one coach. Finalists are Pittsburgh and Penn State.
15. GINO GRADKOWSKI, Seton-LaSalle (Pittsburgh) - Excellent interior line prospect that had a great year. Good strength at 6’3” 280 pounds and excellent footwork. Comes from a very balanced and sophisticated offensive system in high school, so he already has advanced skills for his age. Displayed those skills in camps last summer, always grading out very high in technique. Brother of Tampa Bay quarterback Bruce Gradkowski. Committed to West Virginia where his future probably lies at center. The next Dan Mozes, perhaps?
16. DOM DeCICCO, Thomas Jefferson (Jefferson Hills) - Very versatile prospect that plays in the secondary on defense and was the starting quarterback this past season after starting at wide receiver two years ago. Highly accomplished player that had a great year. Projects first at safety, and will be a big one at that, currently checking in at 6’3” and 212 pounds. He has good speed and even better athletic ability. He keeps getting bigger and has the frame to get to linebacker-size easily, so that may be his eventual position. Committed to Pitt.
17. NATE BROWN, Harrisburg (Harrisburg) - One of the more undervalued prospects in the state, if not the entire northeast. Tough to be an unknown when you are the starting quarterback for the team that had perhaps the most talent in the state, but somehow Brown managed. A lot of that may be because he broke his wrist towards the end of his junior year and missed working out at a lot of summer camps. Qualifying issues are also a question mark. But on the field, he has nice 6’4” 210 pound size, a good arm, and much better than average athletic ability. He is also coached by excellent offensive mind George Chaump, who spent time coaching in the NFL. Butler says about him, “I like him a lot. Quarterback, linebacker, I don’t care. He is a player.” Right now he is getting MAC, low D-1, and D-2 offers, but a bigger program could get a steal with him if he qualifies.
18. DERIES HODGE, Harrisburg (Harrisburg) - Brown’s teammate, and just as good. This running back may have gotten lost in the shuffle because of his vagabond ways, but there is no questioning his talent. Hodge has a very compact and strong 6’0” 215 pound body, great instincts, and very good speed. Watching him hit the hole is a thing of beauty. He is at his fourth school in four years and last year attended Glen Mills, a school for court adjudicated youth. His past does not help his recruiting, but he stayed out of trouble during his senior season, and if somebody takes a chance on him they could be getting a wonderful running back. “He reminds me of Ray Rice,” says the hard to impress Butler. Has the grades to qualify, but must pass the SAT. Illinois and Michigan State are two of the bigger programs waiting to see if he does.
19. NATE STUPAR, State College (State College) - Versatile player that will play linebacker in college, mostly due to his 6’2” 225-pound size, but he is also a very talented high school tight end. Good athlete that is very active and enthusiastic. Loves football and it shows. Plays better in space now and will have to get bigger and stronger to get through traffic at the college level, but working hard will not be a problem. Comes from a strong family and is an excellent student. Staying home to play for Penn State.
20. BRANDON LINDSEY, Aliquippa (Aliquippa) - Solid and athletic with a strong 6’2” 225-pound body. Projects at linebacker at the next level, but did not play much there in high school, so he is green at the position. One scout has some concerns, saying, “It worries me that he hasn’t shown much of a killer instinct.” Bottom line, Lindsey has superb physical tools but he still has work to do to fulfill his potential. Committed to Pitt.
21. MYLES CARAGEIN, Keystone Oaks (Pittsburgh) - Former National Greco-Roman wrestling champ, so he knows how to use leverage. Strong body, but also has very good feet and better than average quickness and speed for his size. Can project at tight end, defensive end, and defensive tackle, but DT is the most likely. Played between 250 and 260, but wrestles at 275. Can easily enter Pitt at over 280 pounds and has the frame to eventually be 300 pounds, while retaining his quickness. Almost enrolled at Pittsburgh early but decided to stay in school and wrestle for one more year.
22. JON DITTO, Gateway (Monroeville) - Dropped in the rankings now that he is no longer considered a possibility at wide receiver. Frankly, wide receivers at 6’4” and 220 pounds are more of a commodity than tight ends at the same size. But many scouts think he needs to be much more aggressive. He has good hands, a strong body, and good athleticism and speed. Has enough tools that if he becomes more aggressive, he could be a good tight end/H-Back for Penn State. A nice, quiet kid with a good family is a bonus. Enrolled early at Happy Valley.
23. CHRIS DRAGER, Thomas Jefferson (Jefferson Hills) - Very good all around tight prospect. Decent size at 6’4” and 235 pounds, but is getting bigger. Very capable and willing blocker, but his forte is in the passing game. Sneaky speed and athleticism. Isn’t thrown to much as he came from a primarily running team, but when it happens, he catches it, even making a good number of diving circus catches. Committed to Virginia Tech.
24. STEVE PASKORZ, Hampton (Allison Park) - On his way to being a legend after a phenomenal sophomore season, but two injury-plagued seasons followed. What position he will play is more of a concern than injuries, however. The 6’1” 210 pounder doesn’t appear to have the swivel hips to be a top halfback at the college level, he has never played fullback, and rarely played linebacker. Playing fullback would be a waste of his talent so linebacker may be his ultimate position. He does have the skills to make the move with very good speed and a hard as nails mentality. He is a born football player that is tough and always plays hard. He will get his chance at Notre Dame to prove any doubters wrong.
25. EVAN BLANKENSHIP, Center Area (Monaca) - Tough interior lineman that can project at center or guard. At 6’3” and 310 pounds, he needs to get in better shape, but he has good feet for a player his size, along with showing good technique. With his size, you would think he was a road grader type, but he is a rarity in that he is a high school lineman that is a better pass blocker than a run blocker. Committed to Ohio State.
26. MIKE DYKES, Woodland Hills (Pittsburgh) - Rose through the ratings all year thanks mainly to his speed and great feet. “He can really run for a lineman,” says Butler. “I could even see him on the defensive line because he can run so well.” For now, however, the 6’4” 270 pounder will probably start at offensive guard. He needs to add weight, especially in his legs, but his speed is something that can’t be taught. He committed to North Carolina but after a coaching change he is now considering West Virginia, Mississippi, and Northwestern.
27. MARK AMBROSE, Mt. Carmel (Mt. Carmel) - Versatile small school standout that has played defensive end, wide receiver, running back, and tight end in his career. He will play tight end for Virginia, to whom he committed very early. He has great height at 6’6” but needs to add a lot of weight to his 225 pound frame. A willing blocker, but will get better as he gets bigger.
28. ANDREW DEVLIN, Mt. Lebanon (Pittsburgh) - Great size for a tight end at 6’6” and 255 pounds, and he could eventually grow into an offensive tackle. Doesn’t have great speed and is more of a blocker, but he is athletic enough to be a quality basketball player. High character player and a great student. Committed to Virginia.
29. TRISTAN ROBERTS, Pennridge (Perkasie)- One of the biggest risers this season due to a big senior year that really let him show off his skills. He will likely get looked at first at linebacker where he is undersized at 6’0” 210, but he has the ability to play elsewhere. “He can play linebacker, safety, even running back,” says Butler. “He could be good at any of them.” Very speedy, strong, and athletic. Coached by former Steelers running back Randy Cuthbert and related to former Pitt stars Tim Lewis and Louis Riddick. Also a superior student. Committed to Pittsburgh.
30. DONNY BARCLAY, Seneca Valley (Harmony) - At 6’5” and 285 pounds, he has the size for an offensive lineman, but he has the frame to easily get bigger. Best asset is his great feet and his ability to really move well. Can play guard or tackle, with the latter more probable. Best part about him is that he isn’t near the player he can eventually be. “He’s good,” says Butler, “but he is the type that gets a lot better in college.” Committed to play at West Virginia.
31. P.J. SHIRDAN, Monsignor Bonner (Philadelphia) - A major sleeper because of a torn ACL that caused him miss his senior season. But that was after a couple of impressive spring combine showings. Projects to safety and has good size at 6’2” and 190 pounds, good speed, and big time jumping ability. Willing to hit. Had a few offers after his injury and accepted one to West Virginia. Looks to be a real steal.
32. ANTHONY RHOADES, West Catholic (Philadelphia) - Very athletic speed rusher that can project at either outside linebacker or rush end. At 6’2” 240, he doesn’t have ideal rush end size, but he his pass rush skills and top notch speed for the position may compensate for that. Had excellent junior and senior seasons in which his two year sack total was 25. Undecided with West Virginia, Rutgers, Syracuse and Michigan State among those who have offered.
33. DAN MATHA, McDowell (Erie) - Giant offensive tackle prospect at 6’6” and 315 pounds. Has the big frame to add more weight, but has to get in better shape. Great wingspan. Tough road grader that is best on running plays straight ahead. Is not very mobile. Said one scout, “He’s good straight ahead but when he has to go to his left or his right, it’s a different story.” Lack of mobility pretty much cements him into the right tackle position. Committed to Pitt.
34. BRAD HALLICK, Pottsville Area (Pottsville) - Big offensive tackle at 6’6 ½” and 295 pounds. Great wingspan and quick feet. Played in a Wing-T type of offense so he is not experienced in pass protection. Has the athletic ability to play at guard but projects best at left tackle. Can put on a lot more weight. Excellent student. Originally committed to Virginia before giving a verbal commitment to Stanford.
35. DARYL ROBINSON, Northeast Catholic (Philadelphia) - Dazzling athleticism with superb quickness and speed. Can project at running back, wide receiver or cornerback, plus will return kicks and punts. Can go the distance every time he touches the ball. So why with all of this is he rated all the way down the list? “I couldn’t believe how small he was when I saw him,” said one scout. At 5’8” and 160 pounds, size could be a problem when projecting if he will ever get to be an elite college player, but his talent is unquestionable. Shocked many by staying home to play at Temple after originally committing to West Virginia.
36. C.J. MARCK, Pennsbury (Fairless Hills) - Tough, hardnosed linebacker that had a very good senior season. Not big at 6’1 ½” and 220 pounds, or extremely athletic, but he knows know to play the position as well as any linebacker in the state. Hits the gaps with gusto and is an excellent tackler. Was not on many radars in his junior year because of size, but he gained weight after he stopped swimming competitively, something he excelled at on a national level. Committed to UConn.
37. TIREE EURE, Parkland (Allentown) - Athletic tight end with great size at 6’5” and 245 pounds. Big, muscular frame. Good speed and better quickness. Needs to be more aggressive. Transferred from Plainfield, NJ. Major grade issues that will likely force him to prep school for a year. He should get a handful of major offers after that.
38. ZANE PARR, Williamsport Area (Williamsport) - Nice sized lineman at 6’5” and 295 pounds. Big, but in shape. Will get a look at defensive tackle first due to his very good quickness, speed, and athleticism. Effort needs to be more consistent, but he has the ability to succeed on the next level. Committed to Virginia.
39. CALEB RUCH, Quakertown (Quakertown) - Quality right tackle that projects to center or guard at the college level. Decent size at a very fit 6’3” and 280 pounds. Very tenacious and uses his great lower body strength to drive defenders far clear of the ball carrier. Very explosive. Committed to Rutgers.
40. CAMERON HOLLAND, Perry Traditional Academy (Pittsburgh) - Offensive guard prospect with excellent quickness. Can play defense also, but will first be looked at on offense. Needs to add weight to his 6’3” 270 pound frame. Committed to North Carolina, and after some doubts, appears to be sticking with that decision.
41. ABE SATTERFIELD, Cathedral Prep (Erie) - Very athletic cornerback that can also play wide receiver and return kicks. Needs to add weight to his 180 pounds but has nice corner height at 6’1”. Excellent speed and leaping ability. Committed to Iowa like former Cathedral Prep stars Bob Sanders and Ed Hinkel.
42. DAN PERSA, Liberty (Bethlehem) - Eastern PA legend for his heady play and winning ways. Not big for a college quarterback at 6’1” and 195 pounds, but very athletic and fast. Average arm strength suits only certain offenses which is why his only two high major offers were for schools with spread offenses - Northwestern and West Virginia. Athletic enough that he could also move to wide receiver or safety. Great intelligence on and off the field. Committed to Northwestern.
43. GREG GASKINS, William Penn (York) - Promising talent who is raw, but getting better. Said one scout, “He has come a long way, but he still has more to go.” Was undersized and unknown last year but grew to 6’4” and 280 pounds prior to his senior season. Athletic with good strength. Will likely be tried at center but has the ability to play at guard also. Young for his class. Committed to Pitt.
44. BROOK HART, State College (State College) - One of the biggest surprises of the year as he is rarely even found on internet recruiting sites. Big left handed quarterback at 6’5” and 190 pounds. Needs to add weight, but has a strong arm and very good athletic ability, which he also displays on the basketball court. An effective runner. Runs a very pass-oriented spread offense which he directs from the shotgun. Was not a starter until his senior season so he was not looked at a lot in the summer evaluation period. Had a big year and broke many school records. Was also excellent in the playoffs, showing he performs well in big games. So far under the radar that he could end up in the Ivy League. His brother is a defensive lineman at Yale.
45. DANE CONWELL, Upper St. Clair - Undersized linebacker prospect at 6’0” and 220 pounds, but he has very good speed and a nonstop motor. Very smart and productive. Was a huge factor in winning the Quad A Championship in his senior season by getting five touchdowns in the final. Committed to Indiana.
46. MAX SUTER, Greensburg Central Catholic (Greensburg) - Had a huge season and a huge career at both running back and linebacker. Projects as a cornerback, safety, or running back at the next level, with safety the most probable. Also a dazzling kick and punt returner in high school and he could also do that at the next level. Not big at 5’10” and 180 pounds, at most, but he is all heart and toughness. Sneaky athleticism and speed. Committed to Syracuse.
47. DA’VON MOORE, Brentwood (Pittsburgh) - Highly athletic defensive back prospect with a very strong 6’0” 205 pound body and blazing speed. Had a great senior season with his game breaking skills on both sides of the ball. More of an athlete than a football player right now and is raw, but the physical skills are very apparent. Surprisingly committed to Akron over an offer from home town Pittsburgh.
48. WAYNE CRAWFORD, Chestnut Hill Academy (Philadelphia) - Quality lineman that will likely be first tried at defensive tackle but can also play at guard or center. Good size at 6’3” and 285 pounds. Very mobile. Had a good season despite tearing his meniscus in the summer. The injury likely limited his offers. Track and field star and is ranked in the top 10 nationally in the shot put. Committed to Boston College, but wavered after a coaching change. As of now, he is staying with his commitment.
49. JOHN FIEGER, Upper Perkiomen (Pennsburg) - Offensive tackle prospect with good wingspan and decent athleticism. Needs to add to his 6’5” 275 pound frame and get stronger. Needs work with his technique as he uses his arms more than his legs. Said one scout, “He has some things to work with so has a chance.” Committed to Pitt.
50. MATT RODGERS, Seton-LaSalle (Pittsburgh) - Sleeper quarterback at 6’ 2 ½” and 195 pounds. Decent size and average arm strength. Good athletic ability and is a threat to run. Comes from a very well-coached passing team that has produced Bruce Gradkowski (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) and Bill Stull (Pitt) in recent years. Committed to Akron.
