NSD24: Breaking Down the 2024 Clarion University Haul v. PRZPI

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The full roster grid of every signee brought in on 2/16 by Clarion, provided by <a href="https://clariongoldeneagles.com/news/2024/2/9/football-welcomes-34-additions-to-program.aspx">Football Welcomes 34 Additions to Program - Clarion Athletics (clariongoldeneagles.com)</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1184909,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/Screenshot-2024-02-16-191628.png?w=923" alt="" class="wp-image-1184909" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"x-large"} --> <p class="has-x-large-font-size"><strong>Top Five Prospects, According to PRZPA Rankings</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["142804"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"No ranked DB headed to play D2 ball is ranked higher than [player_tooltip player_id='142804' first='Cameron' last='Thomas']. The crown jewel for Clarion, this is the first out of eight career updates where Cam Thomas found himself outside of the Top 100. A huge land for the Golden Eagles. Four straight Top 100 selections, now 34 spots out of achieving that mark for a fifth consecutive update. A division one talent headed to play PA D2 ball, nothing new in this state.rnu003ch3 class=u0022text-lg lg:col-span-12 font-extrabold text-gray-900 sm:text-xl mb-2u0022u003eEvaluationu003c/h3u003ernu003cdiv class=u0022text-sm text-gray-800 mb-2 truncateu0022u003eWritten by u003ca class=u0022font-medium text-primaryu0022 href=u0022https://prepredzone.com/author/patweiderauthor/u0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noopeneru0022u003ePat Weider u003c/au003ein u003ca class=u0022text-primary font-mediumu0022 href=u0022https://prepredzone.com/2023/12/top-uncommitted-defensive-backs-2024-class/u0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noopeneru0022u003eTop Uncommitted Defensive Backs 2024 Classu003c/au003eu003c/divu003ernu003cdiv class=u0022text-sm italic leading-6 text-gray-700 px-4 pt-3 rounded bg-gray-100 border-t-4 border-gray-200 mb-2 relative max-h-72 overflow-scrollu0022u003ernu003cdivu003ernu003cdiv class=u0022prose !max-w-none text-sm text-gray-600 leading-6u0022u003ernrnu003cspan class=u0022pn-tooltip pn-player-linku0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022name-pointeru0022u003e[player_tooltip player_id='142804' first='Cameron' last='Thomas']u003c/spanu003eu003c/spanu003e is one of the better safeties in this class. He shows very good skills playing as a free safety. Thomas excels at reading the play design and the eyes on the quarterback and then breaking on the ball. He has very good ball skills and shows them off with his big-time interceptions. He also does a good job coming upfield and making good tackles in the open field. Thomas looks like a Division 2-type prospect.rnrnu003c/divu003ernu003c/divu003ernu003c/divu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65c55244d33e3"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/ClarionFootball/status/1755298056172380295","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/ClarionFootball/status/1755298056172380295 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["558246"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Gateway's [player_tooltip player_id='142787' first='Jaquon' last='Reynolds'], who is suiting up for WLU, is the lone back headed to play D2 ball that outranks Penn Hills' [player_tooltip player_id='558246' first='Amir' last='Key']. Currently places as the 16th best back in PA (2024), Key was once ranked as high as ninth on our lists. Again, Clarion is bringing in two Division One level prospects out of the same program. Amere Hibbler and Khalon Simmons are current freshman backs station at Clarion, bringing in [player_tooltip player_id='558246' first='Amir' last='Key'] is yet another special piece to the backfield puzzle.rnu003ch3 class=u0022text-lg lg:col-span-12 font-extrabold text-gray-900 sm:text-xl mb-2u0022u003eEvaluationu003c/h3u003ernu003cdiv class=u0022text-sm text-gray-800 mb-2 truncateu0022u003eWritten by u003ca class=u0022font-medium text-primaryu0022 href=u0022https://prepredzone.com/author/patweiderauthor/u0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noopeneru0022u003ePat Weider u003c/au003ein u003ca class=u0022text-primary font-mediumu0022 href=u0022https://prepredzone.com/2023/12/top-uncommitted-running-backs-outside-of-philly/u0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noopeneru0022u003eTop Uncommitted Running Backs Outside of Phillyu003c/au003eu003c/divu003ernu003cdiv class=u0022text-sm italic leading-6 text-gray-700 px-4 pt-3 rounded bg-gray-100 border-t-4 border-gray-200 mb-2 relative max-h-72 overflow-scrollu0022u003ernu003cdivu003ernu003cdiv class=u0022prose !max-w-none text-sm text-gray-600 leading-6u0022u003ernrnu003cspan class=u0022pn-tooltip pn-player-linku0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022name-pointeru0022u003e[player_tooltip player_id='558246' first='Amir' last='Key']u003c/spanu003eu003c/spanu003e is a physical tough running back that uses that physicality to be difficult to tackle. He is very good at running inside for hard yards. He shows an ability to break tackles and make people miss. Key also shows breakaway speed, especially when he gets into the open field. Key is another talent that should get some College Football looks.rnrnu003c/divu003ernu003c/divu003ernu003c/divu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65c55244d3441"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["377512"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Just six OL committed to D2 programs rank above Pine-Richland's [player_tooltip player_id='377512' first='Jon' last='Smith']. Former camp standout, Clarion secures an IOL who narrowly missed landing as a top 50 OL in his class. The Top 50 OL are usually reserved for sure-fire FCS-P5 kids. Smith barely missed that cut. Regardless of where we placed this young man, Clarion is getting a special interior piece that is likely to make an impact early in his career at CU. Josh Steele is an IOL at Clarion that [player_tooltip player_id='377512' first='Jon' last='Smith'] will compete with early, Joey Arnold is another Freshman OL piece besides Smith. Great piece.rnu003cdiv class=u0022mb-0 md:mb-2 flex justify-between items-centeru0022u003ernu003cdiv class=u0022hidden sm:block w-fullu0022u003ernu003cdiv class=u0022flex items-center justify-betweenu0022u003ernu003ch2 class=u0022!text-2xl font-bold tracking-tight text-gray-900 !sm:text-3xl !mb-1 !mt-0 mr-2u0022u003e[player_tooltip player_id='377512' first='Jon' last='Smith']u003c/h2u003ernu003cdiv class=u0022flex items-center gap-x-2u0022u003ernrnu003ca class=u0022!text-gray-500u0022 href=u0022https://twitter.com/j_smith_59u0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noopeneru0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022sr-onlyu0022u003eTwitteru003c/spanu003eu003c/au003ernu003cdiv class=u0022h-6u0022u003eu003c/divu003ernu003c/divu003ernu003c/divu003ernu003c/divu003ernu003c/divu003ernu003cdiv class=u0022mb-4u0022u003ernu003cdiv class=u0022text-base flex flex-col md:flex-row md:items-center flex-wrap u0022u003ernu003cdiv class=u0022flex items-center mr-2u0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022font-bold text-gray-900 mr-1 tracking-tightu0022u003eState:u003c/spanu003eu003cspan class=u0022text-gray-700u0022u003ePennsylvaniau003c/spanu003eu003c/divu003ernu003cdiv class=u0022flex items-center mr-2u0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022font-bold text-gray-900 mr-1 tracking-tightu0022u003eSchool:u003c/spanu003eu003cspan class=u0022text-gray-700u0022u003ePine-Richlandu003c/spanu003eu003c/divu003ernu003c/divu003ernu003c/divu003ernI'll take a second look at u003cspan class=u0022pn-tooltip pn-player-linku0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022name-pointeru0022u003e[player_tooltip player_id='377512' first='Jon' last='Smith']u003c/spanu003eu003cspan class=u0022info-box not-proseu0022u003eu003ca class=u0022link-wrapu0022 href=u0022https://prepredzone.com/player/jon-smith-2/u0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022player-imgu0022u003eu003cimg src=u0022https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/user-uploads/96D9F1E5-DC64-48D8-8439-161A6857179F.jpeg?w=150u0026amp;h=150u0026amp;crop=1u0022 alt=u0022[player_tooltip player_id='377512' first='Jon' last='Smith']u0022 /u003eu003c/spanu003eu003c/au003eu003c/spanu003eu003c/spanu003e ‘s tape after the show he put on this past Saturday. He deserves that at the very least, especially considering his way too low placement on our rankings. Have a hard time believing there are 70+ linemen better than Smith after watching him dominate interior reps at our camp. A real punch delivered to defensive linemen, enough power to startle and throttle many of the bigger IDL matched up with him. A true 6'0 guard/center, wonderful stature in his stance. Powerful, heavy limbs made him an early winner, wearing down weaker, younger prospects. Not too many losses in memory when thinking back to 1v1s. A ranking boost is in line and I'll certainly pipe his names to coaches a bit more. All deserved. Champion lineman.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65c55244d3487"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/j_smith_59/status/1751801531874378163","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/j_smith_59/status/1751801531874378163 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["606456"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"11 2024 Ranked DL are committed to play PSAC/D2 football, all of which are ranked higher than [player_tooltip player_id='606456' first='Justice' last='Esser'], not a bad addition. Clarion brings in many Meadville prospects, with Esser being the fourth prospect to represent the group on roster. Clarion lands a fringe Top 10 D2 defensive lineman, one who could battle with the upcoming sophomore class. Reminds me a ton of Eli Drolz who they brought in from Pittsburgh Central Catholic.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65c55244d34c8"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["893578"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Would love some insight as to where the Clarion staff likes [player_tooltip player_id='893578' first='Ty' last='Abram']. We labeled the stud Westinghouse senior as an u0022ATHu0022 as we argued that Abram is equally productive a linebacker as he is a back. I'd figure Clarion likes Abram at ILB, especially when considering the current RB stable at the University, as well as bringing in [player_tooltip player_id='558246' first='Amir' last='Key'] in the same class. Either way, this is an underrated addition, It's understood how much of a fan I am of Westinghouse prospects across the board, Abram fits right in. Currently ranks as a top 75 ATH, would place as a top 55 LB or top 30 RB. 18 ranked ATHs currently outpace [player_tooltip player_id='893578' first='Ty' last='Abram'].","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65c55244d3509"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"x-large"} --> <p class="has-x-large-font-size"><strong>Other Ranked Signees</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ranking correlates with most recent Senior Class update, 12/19.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>398 - JaTawn WIlliams - Greater Latrobe - A top 400 prospect, easily could be looked at as a top addition by the program. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>399 - [player_tooltip player_id='256256' first='Luke' last='Shaffer'] - Northern Lebanon - Once flirted with the Top 200, still ends his career as a top 400 prospect. Former camp standout. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>424 - [player_tooltip player_id='1181580' first='Isaiah' last='Brown'] - Armstrong - Once a Top 100 prospect, Once a Top 10 WR. A healthy [player_tooltip player_id='1181580' first='Isaiah' last='Brown'] is a Division One talent. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>435 - [player_tooltip player_id='606416' first='Marquis' last='Glass-Jones'] - USO - Huge upside if Clarion can get the best out of him. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>597 - [player_tooltip player_id='377370' first='Brock' last='Beppler'] - Bishop McCort</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>718 - [player_tooltip player_id='255944' first='Jermere' last='Jones'] - Chambersburg Area - Ranked "low" because of QB projection, would be a Top 500 kid if transitions to DL/EDGE. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>822 - [player_tooltip player_id='91525' first='Tyler' last='Biggans'] - West Branch Area</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>871 - [player_tooltip player_id='377412' first='Cordae' last='Weems'] - Allderdice</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>13 Ranked prospects represented. AVG Ranked Position... 461</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/JaTawnjr21/status/1752339376607055898","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/JaTawnjr21/status/1752339376607055898 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed -->