The Prolific Defensive Line Class in Western PA in the ’22 Class

In Western PA, the class of 2022 is fairly deep on the defensive line. These rising Juniors made an instant impact last year as sophomores, and should be on all watch lists moving forward. Here are the ones we like the most right now.   P5)  [player_tooltip player_id="27564" first="Sean" last="FitzSimmons"] - Central Valley - 6’2 - 275 - DT: Strong and highly productive DT. Has Rally good hands and plays with great leverage. Is a solid player that tries hard and finishes. Was an impact player last season and played a lot of good football on a state runner up team. With added strength and development he will be a nightmare for high school offenses. Exclusively interior guy, and shows the ability to take on ad beat a double team. He dominates the gap he lines up in. Will have a lot of colleges knocking on his door.   FCS) [player_tooltip player_id="27632" first="Connor" last="Lenz"] - Pine-Richland - 6’2 - 230 - DE: Boundary DE, possibly a DT at the next level, he is long though so he probably stays outside. Not twitchy enough yet to play to the field. Good strong kid with a decent get off that gets after the QB. Has a lot of tools to work with and has the highest upside on the list. Pine Richland HS will continue to develop him, could become a monster.   FCS) [player_tooltip player_id="27690" first="Ben" last="Bladel"] - Moon - 5’11 - 215 - DL:  Plays at end right now but probably projects to the interior in college. For a sophomore playing a strong schedule, he was very productive. Size limits him but his speed is well above average. Twitch is okay. Tough and strong kid that gets to the ball carrier and the QB when pass rushing. Uses his sped t his advantage. Has good burst and acceleration off the line. Needs to grow an inch or two and he will move up the list big time   FCS) [player_tooltip player_id="27694" first="Donovan" last="Hinish"] - Pittsburgh Central Catholic - 6’0 - 250 - DT: High motor DT that is strong at the point of attack. Uses his hands well to get off blocks. Takes on a doubleteam well. Tough and gritty kid that loves contact. Hard working guy that would be good for a program.   D2) [player_tooltip player_id="27618" first="Paul" last="Pearson"] - Serra Catholic - 6’0 - 200 - OLB/DE: Probably fits best as a 3-4 OLB. Good at getting to the QB. Good burst off the line and overall athleticism. Not very rangy. Solid tackler and has good strength. Twitchy enough to cause problems, and pretty well put together.   D2) [player_tooltip player_id="27700" first="Chris" last="Copp"] - North Hills - 6’4 - 215 - DE: Very thin right now and didn’t play a lot of snaps but has good speed and get off and will be physical. Need to see consistency and more reps but he plays flat backed and goes.   D2) [player_tooltip player_id="27701" first="Dante" last="Compagni"] - Ringgold - 6’2 - 270 - DT:  Big DT prospect. Powerful guy that moves pretty well but is best suited at plugging up holes. Has the ability to take on a double team and stand his ground. Moves okay for a big guy. Not twitchy and needs better hands.