Linemen dominate the list of top college prospects
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Like a senior class in high school, a senior class of talent in WPIAL/City League football can take on a personality. Some years, it might be above average for major-college talent, while other years it might be mediocre or below average. A class can be loaded at one position.
The class of 2018 lays it on the line.
The WPIAL senior class is heavy with heavy guys, er, linemen. So far, 15 seniors from the WPIAL have made verbal commitments to FBS schools. Ten of those 15 are linemen, and some of them were heavily recruited. One of the biggest is 6-foot-5, 310-pound Blake Zubovic. Two of the best are Thomas Jefferson’s Devin Danielson and Butler’s Jake Kradel.
Thomas Jefferson has two linemen committed to Pitt — defensive tackle Danielson and defensive end Noah Palmer.
“It seems like there is more linemen around this year than skill players,” said Thomas Jefferson coach Bill Cherpak. “There’s a lot of big kids. I tell our kids all the time that if you’re big and can move at all, you’re going to get attention. You’re going to get looked at.”
Pitt has landed four of the linemen so far — Zubovic, Danielson, Kradel and Palmer. Central Catholic’s David Green is another WPIAL lineman who has Pitt high on his list. Virginia has landed two WPIAL linemen — North Allegheny’s Derek Devine and Beaver’s Bryce Ramer. Akron also has two commitments from two WPIAL linemen — Penn-Trafford’s Logan Hawkins and Trinity’s Ben Phillis.
Overall, it seems to be an average year for Division I talent in the WPIAL. When it’s all said and done, there could be in the neighborhood of two dozen to 30 players sign with FBS schools.
Below is a list of the top 10 college prospects in the WPIAL/City League. Keep in mind these are the top 10 “prospects” and not necessarily the top 10 “players.” Colleges recruit often on potential more than production on the high school level. A player might have the size or physical traits to be a Division I recruit, even though he might not always be the best player.
For example, Mapletown’s Dylan Rush is certainly one of the most productive “players” in the WPIAL. He heads into his senior season with more than 4,000 yards rushing. But he is not considered a Division I recruit.
Here are the Post-Gazette’s top 10 college prospects heading into the 2018 season:
1. PHIL JURKOVEC, PINERICHLAND, QB, 6-5, 205 — Ranked the No. 5 dual-threat quarterback in the country by Rivals.com. Fully recovered from thumb surgery that caused him to miss the last half of 2016. Has destroyed opposing defenses with passing and running. Has almost 6,000 yards offense in a season and a half. Committed to Notre Dame during spring of sophomore year. Had numerous other offers from major programs at the time. Grew up a Notre Dame fan.
2. KWANTEL RAINES, ALIQUIPPA, QB-WR-DB, 6-3, 195 — Raines will be counted on for more production this year than last year for the Quips. Might not play QB as much as he did last year. But major colleges love his potential. His future is on defense and he is ranked highly nationally as a safety. Narrowed his choices to five — Pitt, Penn State, West Virginia, Kentucky and Florida. Could Raines continue Aliquippa’s long pipeline to Pitt? But Raines is a cousin of WVU defensive back Dravon Askew-Henry. Raines plans to announce in October.
3. MARCUS HOOKER, NEW CASTLE, RB-DB, 6-0, 200 — Malik Hooker went from New Castle to Ohio State and was a first-round NFL draft pick in April. Younger brother Marcus is following in Malik’s footsteps, at least with a college choice. Marcus committed to Ohio State in July. Numerous other schools offered scholarship. Marcus was recruited for defense. He is a bit different player than Malik. Marcus might not be quite as athletic at this stage, but Marcus might be more of a physical player.
4. DEVIN DANIELSON, THOMAS JEFFERSON, OT-DT, 6-3, 290 — Pitt landed a good one when Danielson committed to Panthers in June. Wisconsin, West Virginia and many others also offered. One of few players to ever start as a freshman for coach Bill Cherpak. Future is on defense and his quickness makes him a tough block on the high school level. Lost