Diamonds in the Rough: Class of 2023 Part 2
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Western Pennsylvania is a region that’s rich with football talent yearly. The transfer portal has altered recruiting for high school prospects in terms of visibility. Due to the abundance of eligible recruits, some high school athletes have become recruiting collateral…
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Continue ReadingWestern Pennsylvania is a region that’s rich with football talent yearly. The transfer portal has altered recruiting for high school prospects in terms of visibility. Due to the abundance of eligible recruits, some high school athletes have become recruiting collateral damage. I’m going to be highlighting some of the underrated or unheralded prospects around western pa in the 2023 & 2024 classes. These recruits spotlighted are either uncommitted or haven’t been offered altogether in a lot of cases. These gems will be introduced in a series of articles to adequately spotlight their abilities.
Harper now has 2 FCS offers from Duquesne,& Eastern Illinois plus a couple of D2 offers. I strongly believe he’s capable of playing on the FBS level as a specialist. He’s a smooth route runner & press releaser with deep ball speed. His best position is the Free Safety, where he has fluid hips & great instincts. Harper has several Ints this season playing man free on the backend. Dallas has 28 catches for 501 yds & 5 Tds for a 17.9 yds per catch average.
The Mckeesport senior Lineman has one D2 scholly to Clarion, & he also has a host of FCS schools interested. Brooks has a good pad level & displays quickness off of the ball. He’s stout in the box & not easily moved, even when doubled. Dimitri is decently athletic & redirects well when pursuing the Running Back. His swift get off allows the senior to make plays in the backfield. Brooks is also capable of being a scholarship level OG/C due to his brute strength & flexibility. The senior linemen will be key for the Tigers coming down the stretch.
Grayson has an offer to FCS St.Francis, but he should have more opportunities. He’s truly capable of being a DE or Hback on the FCS level. He fires off the ball well and plays with a low pad level. Dee’s low center of gravity gives him power when colliding with lead blockers & pulling O-linemen. He’s athletic and strong enough to man block DL or block LB’s at H-back. Grayson has good agility running routes and catching the football. His strength & quickness allows him to be effective playing all of the DL positions.
Travers is getting recruited by FCS schools & has secured a couple D2 offers. Travers plays with a great pad level and tackles with physicality. His nose for the ball is great, & he causes disruption when he blitzes. Travers is a smart player that diagnoses offensive plays quickly. Ivory displays athletic ability dropping into coverage, & coming up in run pursuit. At 6’1 210 he possesses good FCS size to play MLB or OLB. The 23′ LB could easily bulk to 220-230 lbs in a good scholarship program.
Dawson has an offer from D2 Hbcu Bluefield State & a lot of interest from lower level programs. The senior DE is a former Conference DPOY & 1st team All-state Defensive End for Cornell High School. EJ displays power firing out of his stance & athletic ability redirecting while pursuing RBs. On offense, he’s versatile playing RB & QB with agility. The senior DL has the strength & frame to grow to 240-250 lbs & still maintain his explosion.