More of Hawk’s 26’ Prospects To Keep An Eye On
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Hello everyone! I’m here again to evaluate more 2026 prospects. It’s worth noting that all seven of these prospects are currently unoffered, but they possess valuable game experience and impressive playmaking abilities. I anticipate that each of them will have…
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Continue ReadingHello everyone! I’m here again to evaluate more 2026 prospects. It’s worth noting that all seven of these prospects are currently unoffered, but they possess valuable game experience and impressive playmaking abilities. I anticipate that each of them will have a more prominent role in the upcoming 2023 season, and there’s a strong likelihood that they could be contenders for scholarships soon. Now that we’ve covered those points, let’s dive into the evaluations.
- Marques Council Jr. Marques Council Jr. 6'2" | 175 lbs | QB Aliquippa | 2026 State PA
- Caden Halajcio Caden Halajcio 5'10" | 160 lbs | ATH Montour | 2026 State PA
- Michael Ruffin Michael Ruffin 5'8" | 155 lbs | ATH Clairton | 2026 PA
HAWK’S OPINION:
Tarrant is an all-around athlete who displays savviness at the CB position. It’s evident that he’s a coach’s son due to his awareness of how to defend his zone in cover 3. He possesses ball skills, going up top to snag the ball at the highest point. His footwork is good, and he doesn’t over-extend when breaking on the football. He’s a physical corner who is also a reliable tackler in space. Prince defeats stock blockers quickly and is even faster to help in run support. His competitiveness is on display when he contests passes in coverage on film. On offense, he’s athletic and able to gain YAC (yards after catch) on short throws. He’s tough on special teams and doesn’t quit until the whistle blows. He recently transferred from East Allegheny to Woody High to play for his father, Coach Brian Tarrant, who was a former college coach/All-American CB himself. The future is bright for Prince and Woodland Hills in general, with all of their weapons at their disposal this year.
HAWK’S OPINION:
Donte is a another tough all-around athlete who gained valuable game experience in 2022. He’s a compact prospect that’s elusive with the ball and has a gritty defensive mindset. He showcases short-area quickness and breakaway speed on long kickoff returns. Donte is versatile and finds various ways to score, proving that he only needs the ball to make things happen. His vision and toughness on inside runs are impressive, especially for a freshman. He excels at accelerating when he spots an opening. On defense, he exhibits excellent ball skills and playmaking ability, evident in his interceptions and returns on tape. He’s a strong tackler who quickly reacts in run support. Donte competes aggressively for the ball in contested situations. His return ability and overall tenacity also translate well to special teams. I am eagerly looking forward to tracking Wright’s progression as a playmaker in 2023.
Highlights
HAWK’S OPINION:
Council is a promising 2026 quarterback prospect. This young gun already possesses all the attributes of a D1 athlete. Standing at 6’3, 170 lbs, he displays body control and poise in the pocket despite his inexperience. As a dual-threat QB, Council combines precision passing with a powerful throwing arm. He boasts D1 lineage, with his father having excelled at Toledo University. Undoubtedly, Council has inherited the qualities required to become a D1 QB from his accomplished senior. Currently serving as the backup to established QB1 Quentin Goode Quentin Goode 5'11" | 165 lbs | QB Aliquippa | 2024 State PA , Council exhibits great potential whenever he gets his chance to shine. Both Goode and Marques have looked solid recently at the 2tenths 7-on-7 league. I expect the Quips to be formidable again, with Marques “Count” Council flashing his abilities during his reps.
HAWK’S OPINION:
Jamar possesses good size and demonstrates excellent bend and strength as an interior D-Lineman. He maintains a low get-off at the snap, enabling him to generate power effectively. His low pad level allows him to stand strong against offensive linemen attempting to push him back. Allen showcases powerful and aggressive hands at the point of attack, consistently causing tackles for loss on inside runs. Despite his 6’2, 280 lbs frame, he shows athleticism and mobility. His motor is commendable when it comes to pass rushing, often creating pressure from the interior. He excels at shooting gaps and bringing his physicality along with him. While his strength on lockouts is already adequate, it is expected to increase further as he gains experience. This summer will be crucial for him as he continues to focus on weight training and improving his stamina. Jamar is undeniably a promising prospect from Western PA to watch out for in the 2026 class.
HAWK’S OPINION:
Caden is a tough RB on offense and isn’t afraid to mix it up on defense. He has good vision and speed, which will only increase with experience. He excels at running between the tackles and setting up blocks before he bursts. He shows a lot of toughness and effort playing OLB on defense. He’s a willing hitter that does a good job in the open field. He’s strong and has been hitting the weight room hard in the offseason. He even caused a fumble on punt coverage, exhibiting his ability to stand out on special teams. He’s aggressive on kickoff coverage and when getting blocks on kick return. His athleticism looks to have increased, watching him pick off a pass from the safety position in cover 2 at 2 tenths 7 on 7 passing league.
HAWK’S OPINION:
Ruffin is a constant threat whenever he carries the ball. He possesses quick-twitch athleticism and the speed to hit the corner and break away for big gains. As a dynamic slot WR, he showcases reliable hands and game-changing abilities. His stop-and-go burst is evident on punt returns, kickoff returns, and jet sweeps. Ruffin is a versatile athlete who can make plays and score in multiple ways. He runs precise routes and has the ability to gain significant yards after the catch. His exceptional ability to score on varsity as a freshman sets him apart from the average player. His explosiveness on kick returns makes him a valuable weapon for the Clairton Bears. Whether he’s taking reps at the slot or RB, Ruffin demands attention and will continue to do so in 2023.
HAWK’S OPINION:
Lehman, standing at 6’4 and weighing 230 lbs, is a physical specimen on the gridiron. He showcases explosive athleticism and surprising nimbleness, combined with a strong physical presence. He delivers punishing hits and excels in open-field tackles. His speed off the edge during blitzes often overwhelms QBs, leaving them with little time to react. Lehman proves to be exceptionally stout in the run game, providing minimal room for opposing ball carriers in the flat. His hands are violent and he effortlessly defeats blockers, making him the most challenging assignment for the opposing team. With football intelligence and an exceptional motor, he reads and reacts to plays with great precision. He has a knack for taking away flat throws and punishing scrambling quarterbacks outside the pocket. His agility is evident as he fluidly changes directions while pursuing running plays. On offense, Lehman’s versatility shines as he impressively catches passes on fade and seam routes. With a 100-meter dash time of 11.7 seconds, he has the speed and capability to gain yards after the catch and haul in touchdown passes. Whether he is flexed out or attached to the line, he remains a threat. His strength will be a valuable asset as a blocking tight end or H-back at the D1 level. His athleticism will be appreciated on special teams in college.