Unassuming McKeesport lineman Lyons commits to Akron
Colin Lyons is WPIAL football’s version of Clark Kent.
He’s an unassuming teenager with a 3.9 GPA, his glasses giving him a studious look, one that might make him appear more likely to help an elderly person cross the street than toss an opponent to the ground.
“He doesn’t have that fearful look to him,” McKeesport coach Matt Miller said. “When you see him off the field, you’re not intimidated by him. But when you see him play, he definitely turns on the switch and is a mauler. We call him a road grader because he puts people on their back.”
You could say the locker room is Lyons’ phone booth. Well, last week he made his college call when he committed to Akron. Lyons, a senior lineman at McKeesport, is the third WPIAL senior to choose Akron, joining Penn Hills defensive back Noel Roach and Central Valley wide receiver Myles Walker.
Lyons (6 feet 4, 270 pounds), who was recruited to play guard, was one of the premier linemen in the WPIAL this past season. His accolades speak for themselves. He was selected all-conference at guard and defensive tackle in the Class 4A Big Eight Conference and was named the conference’s defensive player of the year. That’s no small feat considering the conference included PIAA champion Thomas Jefferson and perennial power Belle Vernon. Lyons was also a finalist for the Bill Fralic Memorial Award, given to the top interior lineman in the WPIAL.
“He was dominating on both sides of the ball,” Miller said. “He was sometimes unblockable on defense. On offense, we just ran behind him as much as we could.”
In other words, this friendly, courteous kid off the field was a tough guy on it.
“You have to hit that switch,” said Lyons, a three-year starter. “Off the field, I might be one of the nicest guys you’ll meet. I’m always smiling and just a happy guy. Football is a great way to get your anger out.”
During the Zoom ceremony for the Fralic Award, Lyons and his family sat on a couch in their home. On the wall was what he described as a 7-foot long sailfish his mom caught while fishing 40 years ago. In Lyons, Akron reeled in a big fish of its own who you could argue should have gotten more than three FBS offers. The others were from the Naval Academy and Army. He said he seriously considered Youngstown State, as well.
Akron has struggled recently. The Zips were 0-12 last season and 1-5 this season. They last finished with a winning record in 2015. But Lyons, who Miller called a “worker” and “very coachable,” will try to help the program turn its fortunes around.
“They just wanted to change the culture of what has been going on the last few years,” said Lyons, who is thinking about majoring in physical education. “They’re really pushing for change and are looking for tough people who want to give 100%.”
Kropp to Italy?
Wes Kropp’s recruitment involves a lot of familiar names. Slippery Rock, IUP and Pitt-Johnstown among them.
And then there’s this one: Tigullio S. Margherita Ligure.
File this under “things you don’t see everyday.” Kropp, a 6-6 senior forward at Penn Hills, has received an offer to play for a semi-pro basketball team in Italy.
So, how in the world did this opportunity to play on the other side of the world come about? Two words: Social media. Kropp posted his junior highlight Hudl video on Twitter, which was viewed by a coach from Tigullio S. Margherita Ligure, located in the city of Genoa in Northern Italy. The coach sent Kropp a message with information about the program. Kropp researched it, kept in touch with the coach, and then got an offer to play there.
“It was crazy. I didn’t think anyone from overseas would look at my film. It’s a great opportunity,” said Kropp, who averaged 16 points a game and was named all-section last season.
Adding to Kropp’s interest is the fact that he has relatives in Italy. His mom’s side of the family is from Sicily. Kropp has never been there, but said he would like to visit his family and the school once COVID-19-related travel restrictions loosen.
“I’ve been in contact with the coach a lot,” Kropp said. “He showed me some things about how they play, and I’ve looked into some of it. He said I could work my way up through the program.
“It’s definitely an option. I wouldn’t say it’s what I’m going to do. But it’s an opportunity and I’ll definitely look into it.”
Basketball commitment
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart’s Grace Bradley (Allegheny).
Football commitments
Elizabeth Forward’s Evan Lewis (Butler); Gateway’s JT Taylor (Notre Dame, Ohio).
Lacrosse commitment
Mars’ Caleb Raydo (Lincoln Memorial).
Softball commitment