HAWK’S TOP WESTERN PA BLUE CHIPS (16-20)
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Spring recruiting is starting to heat up, and I wanted to highlight my favorite Western Pennsylvania blue-chip prospects. I will continue to analyze and feature recruits from the west side of the Keystone State in every class leading up to…
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Continue ReadingSpring recruiting is starting to heat up, and I wanted to highlight my favorite Western Pennsylvania blue-chip prospects. I will continue to analyze and feature recruits from the west side of the Keystone State in every class leading up to the 2024 season. It’s important to note that all of the recruits highlighted in the Blue Chips series are capable of playing at the FBS level. Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s get back to the list. We left off on #s 16-20 for the next installment of Hawk’s western Pennsylvania Blue Chips.
20)
Zachary Tomosovich
Zachary
Tomosovich
6'5" | 320 lbs | OL
Penn-Trafford | 2024
State
PA
19) Cameron Chmura Cameron Chmura 6'3" | 290 lbs | DL North Allegheny | 2024 State PA
18) Rico Steele Rico Steele 6'4" | 290 lbs | OL West Mifflin | 2024 State PA
17) Jaquon Reynolds Jaquon Reynolds 5'7" | 170 lbs | RB Gateway | 2024 State PA
16) Brandon Banks Brandon Banks 6'0" | 170 lbs | DB Aliquippa | 2024 State PA
Total: 13 | ||||||
Bowling Green | Eastern Michigan | Toledo | Kent state | Fordham | Maine | UPenn |
UMass | Army | Miami OH | Dartmouth | Columbia | New Hampshire |
HAWK’S OPINION:
Tomosovich currently boasts an enormous FBS size of 6’5 320 pounds. Zach’s strength and long arms allow him to excel at man-blocking. He is a physical player who plays with a lower center of gravity than his height suggests, resulting in pancake blocks. Zach also does an excellent job of running his feet on contact, driving defensive linemen out of the box. He’s also a punishing down blocker who consistently finishes plays. Zach’s solid footwork, wingspan and powerful punch allow him to be a good pass protector. With his impressive size and powerful build, this recruit would be an ideal fit for any FBS program.
Total: 12 | |||||
JMU | Ohio | UMass | Army | Navy | Lafayette |
Kent State | Central Michigan | Maine | Fordham | Columbia | UPenn |
HAWK’S OPINION:
Chmura is skilled at using his hands to shed blockers and get to the ball, with a great get-off that enables him to consistently play in the backfield. Cam’s center of gravity is often too low for offensive linemen to get leverage blocking him. He excels at pass-rushing and dominating the run game by using his strength to lock out offensive linemen. Chmura gives relentless effort and has a motor that doesn’t quit even when the play is away from him.
Total: 7 | |||
Toledo | Kent state | UMass | Miami OH |
Eastern Michigan | Bowling Green | Akron |
HAWK’S OPINION:
Rico has a nasty demeanor on the field. He has a low pad level, which gives him leverage at the point of attack. He’s a dominant down-blocker that finishes DL to the ground. He displayed the ability to get blocks on the second level. Steele’s a solid pass blocker that will excel with the aid of a college system. Rico has a good wingspan, and his punch will improve tremendously in an FBS strength program. I think the power fives in the region (WVU, Pitt, PSU) should be taking a long look at Rico & Zach Tomosovich. Offensive lineman bodies are consistently one of the hardest positions to locate and land in the FBS landscape in my opinion.
Total: 4 | |
Temple | UMass |
Bowling Green | Akron |
HAWK’S OPINION:
Jaquon’s a dynamic ball carrier with skills comparable to Tavon Austin. He’s got explosive speed and above-average lateral quickness, making him a great option as a wide receiver out of the backfield or in the slot. He’s patient, has great vision, and can run the football with speed. There’s still room for improvement as he’s got one more year to add bulk. This is the kind of player you want to get creative with and find ways to get the ball in his hands, such as using reverses, Jet sweeps, quick pitches or screens. And watch out – he’ll also be a very dangerous return specialist at the next level.
Total: 19 | |||||||||
Maryland | Liberty | Toledo | UMass | Central Michigan | Kent state | UNC Charlotte | Bowling Green | Liberty | Lafayette |
Eastern Michigan | Akron | Yale | Howard | Lehigh | Columbia | Dartmouth | New Hampshire | Ohio |
HAWKS OPINION:
Brandon possesses an excellent controlled pedal and maintains a low pad level, displaying no wasted movements. He exhibits great speed when breaking on the ball and has impressive ball skills. Banks’ size allows him to compete with larger wide receivers at the next level. His speed is especially noteworthy, making him a formidable return specialist. With the ability to take an interception for a score anywhere on the field, he presents a significant threat. Banks is also a skilled open-field tackler and showcases good hips in pass coverage. Overall, he’s a promising prospect with many valuable traits that translate well to the next level.