Transfer to Cal pays off for New Castle graduate
Tri-State Sports & News Service
Lamont McPhatter II began his collegiate football career at Ball State University, but decided to transfer after his freshman year. After considering his options, McFatter, a New Castle graduate, chose California University of Pa.
An injury kept McFhatter from playing in 2016. He became a starter for the Vulcans last year and was so impressive that he earned firstteamall-PSAC West.
“Things didn’t work out for Lamont at Ball State for whatever reason,” California coach Gary Dunn said. “We gave him a fresh start and he’s taken advantage of that opportunity.”
McPhatter (5-11, 190, Jr.) led the Vulcans with five interceptions. He also recorded 49 solo tackles, 27 assists, 6.5 tackles for a loss, 3 forced fumbles and 10 pass breakups.
“Lamont just loves to play football,” Dunn said. “He does everything in one speed ... full speed. He’s also a very good student. Lamont is the total package.”
McPhatter, who lines up as a strong safety, is one of the top defensive backs in the PSACWestern Division.
The following are some other top players to watch aroundthe PSAC West:
Other defensive backs
• Edinboro’s Zuril Hendrick (6-0, 188, Jr.) was recognized on the PSAC West second team last year after tying a school record with nine interceptions. His career totals in 26 starts are 66 solo tackles, 41 assists and 14 interceptions.
• Mercyhurst’s Dante Redwood (5-10, 185, Sr.) was a first-team selection last year. He is a two-year starter with career numbers of 74 solo tackles, 22 assists, 3 interceptionsand 24 pass defenses.
• Edinboro’s Brandon Anderson (6-0, 195, Jr.) was a first-team pick last season after recording 45 solo tackles, 53 assists and 2 interceptions.
Defensive linemen
• IUP’s Deandre Easterling (6-2, 230, Jr.) has been recognized as first-team all-PSAC West the past two years. His career stats are 49 solo tackles, 43 assists, 31.5 tackles for lossand 20.0 sacks.
• Gannon’s Noah HarrisLyles (6-1, 255, Jr.) was voted first team last season after recording 24 solo tackles, 29 assists, 17.5 tackles for a loss, 7.5 sacksand 3 blocked kicks.
• Edinboro’s Derek Dorr (63, 290, Sr.) was a second-team PSAC pick last year. He has made 17 starts in two seasons. His career stats in two seasons are: 24 tackles, 62 assists and 6 sacks. in the PSAC West. He made eight starts last season and completed 112 of 206 passes for 1,477 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Running backs
in PSAC West. Ardell Brown (5-11, 170, Jr.) sat out the 2017 season with an injury. He returns as a two-time PSAC honoree, second team as a freshman and first team as a sophomore.
He has caught 117 passes for 1,801 yards and 13 touchdowns in two seasons. With Brown out of the lineup, Mike Elardo (5-9, 175, Jr.) made his debut at Seton Hill and earned second-team PSAC honors with 59 catches, 948 yards and 6 touchdowns.
• Edinboro’s James Clark (6-1, 180, Sr.) was a first-team PSAC choice last year. Clark has caught at least two passes in 22 consecutive games. His career totals are 168 catches, 2,332 yards and 22 touchdowns.
Offensive linemen