OUR QUESTIONS, HIS ANSWERS

You have some pretty far away colleges on your final list?

I’m trying not to stay close to home all the time. I’m trying to get out and live my life. Nebraska is pretty far away. But Pitt and Penn State have a shot, too.

Dino Tomlin [of Shady Side Academy] said this spring he doesn’t like when stories about him always say who his Dad is. Does that ever bother you?

I mean, I know it’s going to happen. I don’t really take it to heart. I know that’s what’s going to get the clicks, so … It’s going to happen until I make a name for myself. For now, it’s just whatever.

You played in a small classification when you were at North Catholic. What’s the biggest difference between playing there and now in 6A?

When I was in 1A, linemen were my size. That’s the way it is in 1A and 2A. Then I come here and all of the linemen are 6-3 and over 250. It’s crazy because in 1A, 2A and 3A you don’t have all those bigger guys. That’s the biggest difference to me. I think the skill down there at the smaller classes was pretty much the same.

Is it simplifying things too much to say quarterback is going to be the key to this North Allegheny team?

I mean, quarterback is always key to bring a team together. But with this group of guys, we’re all one family and that’s going to help us. We need to stay together, do our parts and we can make it far.

Best player you’ve gone against?

I would say Mt. Lebanon’s receiver [Aidan Cain].

Is there much trash talking in high school?

Not enough [laugh]. I mean, there is some. But I like to get into people’s head. I like to talk trash. People think I’m not the type to talk trash, but I will to get into your head.

Best team in 6A this year?

Us, of course.

You can’t celebrate in high school, but do you do ‘the boot’ or anything after a big play?

I was thinking about doing that [laugh], but I’ll leave that to my Dad. Let him keep that. I’ll make something up myself.

How has he influenced you? Does he get on you at all when you come home?

He does. He said, ‘You gotta get ready for college life, so I’m coming at you like they would.’ He talks to me every day. He doesn’t sugar coat anything.