2023 Rankings Update: Top Ten District 11 Prospects

After this most recent rankings update, we will begin breaking down the top prospects from each of the 11 districts in Pennsylvania. [player_tooltip player_id="248849" first="Owen" last="Johnson"] | 6’0, 215 | LB | Freedom District 11 is often over-looked in both media coverage, as well as recruiting as a whole. Hopefully, I can begin to shed some light on a District that badly needs it. The top-ranked prospect out of D11 goes to Freedom’s [player_tooltip player_id="248849" first="Owen" last="Johnson"], who is the lone Top-100 player to make this list. The top 250 prospects on our rankings all received D1 grades, so a ranking outside the Top-100 isn’t the end of the world. It does, however, demonstrate just how impressive Johnson is when projecting him to the next level. Elite linebacker and wideout reps had almost every local FCS school offering. This past weekend, [player_tooltip player_id="248849" first="Owen" last="Johnson"] announced his commitment to the prestigious Harvard University. This is an incredible get for the Ivy League program. https://twitter.com/owen_johnson_8/status/1540759964058144768?s=20&t=TjEArnEAeGoM7DOdVPhIGA [player_tooltip player_id="97969" first="Alexie" last="Sangster Jr"]. | 6’1, 190 | DB | Freedom As we update senior rankings, we must reflect college interest more than we do for any other update. Sangster’s stock may have taken a dip, yet he still comes up as the second-ranked prospect to come out of D11. Sangster is somehow still un-offered, which is a bit of a head-scratcher. I went back and re-evaluated the kid’s film, it still checks out. I provided an FCS grade for the young man. Everything will pan out in the end so long as he continues to work hard on the field and in the classroom. There is no questioning this kid’s game. He’s a candidate to re-enter the Top-100 in November as we continue to gauge collegiate interest. [player_tooltip player_id="92372" first="Joey" last="Palko"] | 6’4, 225 | DL | Pottsville There is a name that is buzzing amongst FCS coaches that I talk to. His name is [player_tooltip player_id="92372" first="Joey" last="Palko"], who apparently is having a pretty solid off-season. Saint Francis is the only school to pull the trigger on the versatile Pottsville senior which is surprising to this point. Given a true FCS grade, Palko has the tools to provide both hands and separation skills at tight end, or real pass rush capabilities along the defensive line. Really surprised by his relatively low offer count. That’s going to change sooner rather than later. https://twitter.com/joey_palko/status/1539790698311991296?s=20&t=TjEArnEAeGoM7DOdVPhIGA [player_tooltip player_id="357959" first="Cade" last="Christopher"] | 5’11, 170 | WR | Northwestern Lehigh [player_tooltip player_id="357959" first="Cade" last="Christopher"]’s play has garnered some deserved Division 1 interest. The young man produces year-in and year-out. He checks off so many boxes when trying to find your ideal slot wideout. Christopher has change of direction ability the allows him to eat underneath. He’s knowledgeable of defensive schematics, making him a great safety valve for quarterbacks. Christopher also has a recorded 4.51 40 time. The speed is on full display at camps, as well as on tape. If you’re looking for production on the football field, not many District 11 prospects can out produce [player_tooltip player_id="357959" first="Cade" last="Christopher"]. Currently holding an offer out of Sacred Heart. [player_tooltip player_id="248805" first="Ben" last="Manley"] | 6’2, 225 | LB | Mahanoy Area I have been clamoring for Manley to get some kind of next-level interest the moment I plugged in his tape. I am happy to see his stock spike up a bit, seeing the stud LB/RB pick up an offer out of Wheeling University. My goal is to make this name known to any FCS/DII school in need of a mean multi-position, multi-sport athlete. With his tape and efforts this off-season, he won’t be needing much more help. Manley checks in as the 5th best prospect in the under-rated District. Manley’s name will come up to any coach I speak to. [player_tooltip player_id="261343" first="Steven" last="Davis Jr"]. | 6’2, 260 | DL | North Schuylkill We are happy to finally reflect just how good this kid is. He was never given a proper grade for whatever reason. Now a top-250 prospect, [player_tooltip player_id="261343" first="Steven" last="Davis Jr"]. has a motor that seems to always be running and humming. Love his energy and quickness inside at defensive line. He will catch IOL napping with his quick hands and feet more often than not. Runs to the football, Davis Jr. is an IDL that doesn’t always win the initial fight, his quality reps often come after that initial punch or rip. The senior plays like his head is on fire, suitable trench player for DII’s looking to coach a kid up. Wheeling University also has their eyes on him. [player_tooltip player_id="248160" first="Jacob" last="Begansky"] | 6’3, 265 | OL | Pottsville Another prospect that Wheeling University is high on, that mark’s three in this list. [player_tooltip player_id="248160" first="Jacob" last="Begansky"] slots his spot on the list, I have come across plenty of hard workers this off-season, none harder than Begansky. Getting a chance to see him up close and personal helped in evaluating him further. I am not pleased with where his debut ranking has him slotted, despite it being in range with his college interest level. I think a jump into the Top-300 is feasible. No matter his rank, this kid is working to get what he think he deserves. [player_tooltip player_id="27744" first="Jack" last="Dean"] | 6’3, 220 | LB | North Schuylkill A prospect that reminds me a ton of [player_tooltip player_id="248805" first="Ben" last="Manley"]. Athletic, not very fast per say, but versatile skill set. Love his reps at linebacker obviously, but he’s a kid that coaches will have to figure out. Just where would he fit on a defense? Can he beef up a tad and play defensive line? I think so. Can he run enough to stay at linebacker? I think he’s capable. Maybe a switch to safety? These are all questions that are in favor of Dean, questions that any DC would love to figure out. I see DII interest in his future. https://twitter.com/Jack_Dean_15/status/1464325079756677123?s=20&t=TjEArnEAeGoM7DOdVPhIGA [player_tooltip player_id="305081" first="Ethan" last="Neidig"] | 6’4, 205 | QB/WR | Freedom I promise of no affiliation of bias towards Freedom High School. They are just loaded with potential, colleges are beginning to finally notice. QB/WR [player_tooltip player_id="305081" first="Ethan" last="Neidig"] first got on my radar after his performance at one of Ed O’Brien’s All State Preps Camps. He was selected as one of three QB MVPs along side [player_tooltip player_id="98220" first="Julian" last="Dugger"]. That alone got my attention. His film at wideout was just as impressive. Here’s to hoping he can stride the way he does at wideout when he now earns future quarterback reps. A full season at QB would do wonders for his stock. https://twitter.com/NeidigQB/status/1465373654942900232?s=20&t=TjEArnEAeGoM7DOdVPhIGA [player_tooltip player_id="179403" first="Jalen" last="Fletcher"] | 5’10, 185 | DB | Freedom The fourth Freedom player on this list, the second of the four that is un-offered. Not as much of a head-scratcher as Alexie Sangster but still a player worthy of a DII offer at some point down the line. That’s at the least. Fletcher is another defensive back in this loaded defense. Physical, outside the numbers corner who loves to hit in the flat. His game translates to the offensive side of the football too. Collegiate teams might be hesitant due to his height, college coaches are enamored with long-limbed defensive backs, as they should be. Yet a name to watch this fall.