2022 Fall Season Preview: Aliquippa Quips

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We begin our 2022 Fall Season previews with the six defending champions out of each class in Pennsylvania. This piece will kickoff with the Class AAAA champions, Aliquippa. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Quip's incredible run to a 4A State Title will forever be remembered. If you lived under a rock or paid no attention to Pennsylvania high school football last Fall, it's news to you that Aliquippa was playing way above their enrollment. This is an absolute understatement considering the Quips should be participating in the 1A Class. The 2021 Quips were undefeated in conference play and capped off the year in incredible fashion, defeating a favored and immensely talented Bishop McDevitt team that was playing relatively close to home. Many consider this to be an incredible underdog story, yet taking a look at the team from a scouting perspective, they can compete with any team in the State regardless of enrollment numbers. Too much has been made about whether or not this program is capable of replicating this state-title run, with talent like this at the coaching staff's disposal, the answer is yes. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_62df5c1c939cc","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["66045"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"We begin with the highest-ranking senior Quip, [player_tooltip player_id='66045' first='Donovan' last='Walker'], who landed in the top 35 of our most recent state rankings. Aliquippa currently has three senior prospects within the top 100, the most of any State Champion we have covered so far. No senior better than [player_tooltip player_id='66045' first='Donovan' last='Walker'], who is an absolute playmaker with the ball in his hands, something not often said about a defensive back. Much like Central Valley's [player_tooltip player_id='91654' first='Jayvin' last='Thompson'], [player_tooltip player_id='66045' first='Donovan' last='Walker'] put up huge interception and PBU totals last Fall, yet the numbers do not show what you're getting in Walker. He's more than an under-cutting corner who is interception hungry. Many of the interceptions shown on tape display real route recognition and anticipation before balls are thrown. Not to mention this kid's skill as a downhill tackler, containing outside runs well and forcing two fumbles on the year. Although Walker's offensive production may not wow at first glance, there is seriously play-making ability to be unlocked within this young man. It shows up after interceptions, taking three of his eight interceptions back to the house for scores. I would love to see Walker's full potential on both sides of the football be unlocked this Fall. Walker has had a busy June and July, working in and out of camps and earning three D1 offers within that span.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_62df5c34939cd","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["98581"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='98581' first='Neco' last='Eberhardt'] acts as Aliquippa's second senior in the Top 50 of our rankings. Since the end of February, Eberhardt has accumulated a whopping ten offers from FCS programs looking to add the young man's overwhelming presence inside the interior defensive line. Every Championship program needs to have a player like Eberhardt in the trenches. The overall disruption Eberhardt provides from snap to whistle is crucial and essential to defeating teams that might be better than you u0022on paperu0022. You can have all the skill guys and elite quarterback play in the world, if you can't block grown men like Eberhardt inside, good luck beating this team. Eberhardt and Walker provide elite defense up front and in the back end, rounding out a seriously balanced defense.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_62df5c42939ce","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["248748"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Could be because of a late-season injury, but it's a travesty that this young man only has one FBS offer. Toledo was more than happy to pull the trigger on [player_tooltip player_id='248748' first='Nate' last='Lindsey'], who might project as one of the better college-football-ready players in the program. Lindsey is as solid as a rock, his compact frame serving his purpose well as a backend hybrid S/OLB. Alignment versatility is this kid's specialty. I don't see a reason why Lindsey can't provide quality reps at any linebacker spot or provide the same quality of reps at Safety. An incredibly valuable and essential piece to this Championship puzzle that the Quips put together. A part of me believes Lindsey will be a name at the next level regardless of where he ends up.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_62df5c53939cf","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["248863"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"We now enter the second tier of prospects at Aliquippa who fill in all the gaps. When attempting to win football games, it always helps to have a mammoth of a man that can provide reps at OT and DL. It also helps that said prospect stands at 6'4,  330 pounds. Teammate and counterpart [player_tooltip player_id='98581' first='Neco' last='Eberhardt'] is a big kid himself, yet his quick hands and feet might surprise some. Yet when looking at Crowder, you see a giant who wants to impose his will on opponents. Crowder doesn't get enough credit for opening gaps and lanes for star running back Tickey Hayes. Hayes is elite in his own right, but it helps to have a tackle absolutely move people the way Crowder can. Crowder's ranking suggests an FCS grade, yet that ceiling has yet to be met. We are happy to see Crowder gain some traction, receiving offers out of Fairmont State and Walsh University within the last two months.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_62df5c60939d0","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["97605"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Happy to see Jason McBride meet his grade, earning his first D2 offer out of Fairmont State late this past Spring. McBride is the third big man to be profiled on this list. With kid's this big upfront, you begin to understand why this team went 13-1 last Fall. McBride doesn't get the attention that Eberhardt and Crowder do, yet I can see a future where this kid could out produce his teammates. If it happens, you could see McBride's stock amongst college coaches raise through the roof.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/jasonmcbridejr1/status/1470085198708629511?s=20u0026t=sbCALSNJaIODmNfLpybNLg","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/jasonmcbridejr1/status/1470085198708629511?s=20&amp;t=sbCALSNJaIODmNfLpybNLg </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_62df5c74939d1","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["359573"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Here's a senior wildcard that could surpise many on the outside. No one amongst the program will be surprised to see this name blow up. We spoke about other program's u0022championship playersu0022, players who do everything that is asked of him, on both sides of the ball, blocking, dirty work. [player_tooltip player_id='359573' first='Isaiah' last='Martinez'] exemplifies this type of player, a contributor that every State Champion needs to be able to deploy at all three phases of the game. His initial rank is just that, an early look at his collegiate grade that could raise with an increased role.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:separator {"className":"is-style-wide"} --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide"/> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_62df5cd0939d2","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["255047"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Believe it or not, every prospect mentioned above is entering their senior year at Aliquippa. The Quips are loaded beyond their senior class, proving the team's overall depth played a huge part in the team's overall success. [player_tooltip player_id='255047' first='Cameron' last='Lindsey'] acts as the Quips' highest-ranking player regardless of class, placing in the top 15 of a ridiculously talented 2024 class. It's hard to imagine another Fall where [player_tooltip player_id='255047' first='Cameron' last='Lindsey'] can surpass not only his production but his overall impact on the field. Can Lindsey top 22 tackles for a loss? Can he top 2 interceptions for 2 scores? Can he produce all over the field the way he did last Fall? Topping his overall impact is going to be tough, the kid has his hands in everything. He can hit like any linebacker in the state. He can play passing lanes with the instincts of a safety, yet can be deployed in the front seven. The problem for opposing offenses is that the young man is continuing to work and refine his craft. Every time I look up he seems to be gaining good weight. Don't let this kid produce the way he has at 220. If he does, he will top every statistic from last Fall.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_62df5ce1939d3","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["97973"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='97973' first='Brandon' last='Banks'] is yet another elite defensive back who earned an FBS grade out of me as a direct result of his elite play last Fall. Stop me if you've heard this before, Banks is the third-ranked DB inside the top 100 for this Quips team amongst two different classes. Safe to say that Aliquippa will trot out one of the more ridiculous secondaries any offense will face this Fall. Much like [player_tooltip player_id='66045' first='Donovan' last='Walker'], Banks is special with the ball in his hands. We tend to group [player_tooltip player_id='97973' first='Brandon' last='Banks'] in with Walker and Lindsey, but the kid deserves recognition in his own right. Banks has the tools to take everything he does well at DB and translate it to the other side of the ball. Banks, solely as wide receiver one, would place high amongst 2024 wideouts. His athletic, game-breaking speed translates to all three phases of the game. He's one of the more underrated FBS prospects in the State. I am excited to see just how far he can take his stock.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/b_banks6/status/1469435616920322049?s=20u0026t=sbCALSNJaIODmNfLpybNLg","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/b_banks6/status/1469435616920322049?s=20&amp;t=sbCALSNJaIODmNfLpybNLg </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_62df5cec939d4","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["255059"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='255059' first='Quentin' last='Goode'] barely missed the top 100 cut, placing at 117 and top 10 at his position. We spoke about what Goode brings to the table in a previous post. Take all preconceived notions about size and arm strength and throw them out the window. This kid is 5'11 at best, apparently under 170 pounds, yet can rocket passes 40-45 yards downfield with pressure in his face. Goode's skillset is ideal for a team that prefers to run the ball with an elite running back. The young man can beat defenses over the top with great arm strength, great downfield accuracy, and great depth perception.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_62df5cfc939d5","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["256246"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='256246' first='Braylon' last='Wilcox'] might be the hidden gem of the program. We can't forget who is paving the way for Hayes, it isn't solely Crowder at offensive tackle. Let's give credit to two-way interior prospect [player_tooltip player_id='256246' first='Braylon' last='Wilcox'], a prime example of a trench player who can still work despite his somewhat lack of height. Great center play often requires just as much mental thought as quarterbacks in some cases, especially in offenses that prefer to run the football. You can't undermine this kid's tape or role in the team's title run last Fall. He will be crucial in replicating it.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:separator {"className":"is-style-wide"} --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide"/> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_62df5d27939d6","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["220266"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Last but not least is Tiqwai u0022Tikeyu0022 Hayes, who will more than likely be a top running back in the state of Pennsylvania until he eventually graduates. The star freshman, now sophomore, eclipsed 1.700 yards on the ground on 220 carries with 23 scores to boot. An incredible debut season that marks the beginning of what could be a historically great back in the state of Pennsylvania. What's crazy is, Hayes is just now filling out his pads, the physical growth is noticeable in Twitter clips, and opposing linebackers in the WPIAL will get to experience it firsthand. Hayes will be a perennial name to watch for end-of-season accolades. By the time his run is up at Aliquippa, damn near every FBS program that recruits in Pennsylvania will be clamoring for position to land this kid.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Tiqwaihayes/status/1503921169405202433?s=20u0026t=sbCALSNJaIODmNfLpybNLg","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Tiqwaihayes/status/1503921169405202433?s=20&amp;t=sbCALSNJaIODmNfLpybNLg </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed -->