Prospects from the ‘23 City League Championship: Part 1
This game was something my colleague, Vic Castillo Vic Castillo RB PA , Prep Redzone Northeast Recruiting Director, and I had to see up close. This game showcased multiple college prospects ranging from FBS to Division 3 levels. Westinghouse was…
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Continue ReadingThis game was something my colleague, Vic Castillo Vic Castillo RB PA , Prep Redzone Northeast Recruiting Director, and I had to see up close. This game showcased multiple college prospects ranging from FBS to Division 3 levels. Westinghouse was able to pull out the victory, but not without a valiant effort from the runner-up, University Prep. In order to break down the abilities I witnessed on Saturday, I had to do a 2-part series. So let’s get into part 1 of the prospect recap from the 2023 Pittsburgh City League championship.
Robinson looked the part of a major college football prospect in person. He plays with next-level instincts and pace. His footwork is calculated, and he breaks quickly on the ball without getting overextended. He’s a ballhawk who catches the football better than your average DB. In the city league championship, it was a no-fly zone in the secondary, led by Robinson. He finished the game with a pick and multiple breakups on the backend. Kyshawn is also a physical tackler who runs the alley aggressively. Robinson has Power 5 offers from USC, Colorado, Florida State, Penn State, West Virginia, Pitt, Florida, and Syracuse, to name a few.
Taymir was another kid I was happy to see in person on Saturday. He’s solid in press-man coverage with good route recognition. He plays fast and has fluid footwork, transitioning and breaking on the football. He displayed a willingness to assist in run support on a TFL versus USO. He’s competitive overall but especially in coverage. The best thing Taymir brings to the table is his versatility as a DB. He’s physical and talented enough to play cornerback or free safety on the PSAC/MEC D2 levels. O’Neal has D2 offers from Wheeling U and Clarion thus far. Programs like California, PA, Slippery Rock, IUP, Glenville, Fairmont, Lock Haven, and West Liberty should join the T.O. party.
Shannon was impressive in person in the trenches. He is forceful using his hands on both sides of the football. He has a good get-off and motor, which was evident on multiple TFLs in the city league championship. Shannon recently received his first FCS offer from the Saint Francis Redflash and has multiple D2 offers. Other D1 FCS programs like Robert Morris, Lehigh, Lafayette, Morgan, and Delaware State should evaluate him before it’s too late.
Lloyd’s another fast specialist who runs good routes. Lloyd is a versatile athlete that displays FBS potential on both sides of the ball. I was impressed watching him transition on man coverage during fade routes on Saturday. He’s quick in and out of his breaks, and he’s tough overall. I’m expecting him to have big games offensively down the stretch in the postseason. His athletic versatility and physical play will be sufficient at the D1 level. His frame at 5’11, 185 lbs, and his football attributes are suited for multiple special teams at the collegiate level. Penn currently has an FBS offer from Miami, Ohio.
Collins is a stud prospect that’s still somewhat under the radar as a DE/DL prospect. Josiah has one FBS offer from Temple currently, but he also has the attention of other FBS programs such as Syracuse, Pitt, and PSU. He’s a long prospect that displays strength and fluidity rushing the passer. He’s good at getting a jump on the OT, bending around the edge. He has violent hands and a decent toolbox of moves for shedding linemen. He’s athletic with a good motor and can track down ball carriers from behind. He’s a physical tackler with plenty of time to add bulk to his already decently built frame, standing at 6’2 and weighing 215 lbs.
Stevenson looked like an FBS recruit in the way he moved and performed. He’s a sideline-to-sideline player who displays versatility in his potential position collegiately. I believe Stevenson could be a potential LB, OLB, or SS at the next level. He’s physical and displays good hips when dropping into coverage. Zair provides substantial pressure when he blitzes the QB. He plays with good pace and effort, using his hands well. His ability to catch and run offensively is why I think he’s athletic enough to be a DB at the next level. Stevenson received his first FBS offer from Temple during the season.
Marquis has a lot of potential collegiately due to his high ceiling. He has an impressive 6’5, 190 lbs frame and is decently fast with quickness. He uses his body well, shielding defenders away from the catch on the outside. Glass-Jones had a couple of first-down receptions where he displayed decent route running, speed, and overall ability. I would like to see if he can consistently be a productive possession WR. There is also potential to bulk Glass-Jones up to play TE collegiately with his frame.
Highlights
I’m 110% sure that whoever gets this kid is getting a steal. Cain is a fearless competitor who regularly outperforms talent thought to be of a higher caliber. He has next-level hands, quickness, speed, and route-running ability. He’s literally dangerous anytime he gets his mitts on the ball, whether he’s returning, rushing, or receiving the ball. The dynamic senior slot returned a long TD in the City League championship, showcasing his breakaway speed. Cain currently has an offer from Wheeling University.