Emerging Talent: Dark Horse Recruits Making Waves

<p>There's been some recruiting movement to report on, with more players earning the spotlight. Let's start with prospects [player_tooltip player_id='1156214' first='Andy' last='Tatsch'] and [player_tooltip player_id='148535' first='Niko' last='Andrews'], who have picked up offers. I enjoy discussing dark horse recruits and discovering new ones even more. Some of the current dark horse recruits to watch are Zymir Reed, [player_tooltip player_id='646748' first='Will' last='Martin'], Lester Longmire, and [player_tooltip player_id='647400' first='Gabe' last='Hein']. All of these recruits have a history of production and extensive game experience.</p>     <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/andy_tatsch/status/1803914421447672096 </div></figure>   <p>No surprise that [player_tooltip player_id='1156214' first='Andy' last='Tatsch'] is being touted as an FBS-level athlete, considering his older brother [player_tooltip player_id='598735' first='Alex' last='Tatsch'], a '25 recruit, is committed to Penn State. Andy is football-smart with above-average DB technique. On film, he plays with good bend and doesn't rise up in his movements. His footwork is sharp, and he doesn't get overextended when breaking on the football. Andy's pad level and route recognition are excellent, allowing him to trigger fast on breaks and run support. I think he's capable of playing both safety positions at the collegiate level and has reps on tape playing CB for Latrobe. He had a good outing at WVU's 7-on-7, which earned him his first offer from the Mountaineers. The '26 athlete is aggressive in coverage and plays the football well, causing multiple PBUs and INTs. Trust me when I say this: Tatsch will get more offers now that the first domino has fallen.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/NikoAndrews/status/1803953816494026967 </div></figure>   <p>Niko is another CB that I've been high on since his state champion days at Pine-Richland. Last season, he transferred to Woody High to play for Coach Brian Tarrant. I love his game because he's a savvy DB with good technique. I've seen Andrews up close, executing sound press man coverage, showing good hip movement, and controlled DB footwork. The '25 CB's innate competitive nature was evident at Saint Francis and RMU's prospect camps, where he stood out among the players. Niko received his first offer from RMU in April. Yesterday, after turning heads in Loretto, PA, he received his second D1 FCS scholarship from Saint Francis. It will be fun watching Woodland Hills' secondary this year with their other college DB prospects, [player_tooltip player_id='647586' first='Prince' last='Tarrant'] and senior [player_tooltip player_id='255091' first='Amere' last='Brown'].</p>    <p>Zymir is another Western Pennsylvania athlete with clear next-level potential. He's the son of Johnstown's head coach and former Cleveland Browns signee, Antwuan Reed. Zymir displays elite ball skills on film and above-average playmaking ability. He has the speed to blow by DBs if given a free release and is rarely caught from behind. He's also a dangerous returner with the vision and explosiveness needed to take it to the house. I particularly love his ball skills, route recognition, and anticipation at safety. He intercepts passes at their highest point and isn't afraid to run the alley and deliver hits. Zymir is another standout athlete who has performed well in the 2 Tenths 7-on-7 league.</p>    <p>Martin is another prospect with size and potential on Seton LaSalle's team. I love the way he sets the perimeter at his OLB position on film. Not only is he skilled at preventing plays from spilling outside, but he's equally dangerous when the play is away. His motor and nose for the football are evident several times on film, redirecting and chasing down plays from the backside. Will is like a police officer; if he has to give chase, he's bringing punishment when he catches you. At 6'2, 205 lbs, he has good measurements but could improve his point-of-attack hand violence to defeat blockers. Martin's ball skills are seen on a pick-6 off a spot screen in his game film. Most recently, Will showcased his pass-rushing skills and agility at Duquesne's prospect camp earlier this month. He's also a potential special teams contributor at the collegiate level.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/l_longmire6/status/1788682027086028985 </div></figure>   <p>Longmire is an athlete who shows a ton of upside in various ways. He's versatile, logging time at DE, OLB, and WLB on his film. He's strong and doesn't get blown back at the snap. His strength allows him to lock out blockers and scan the play in run support. He is skilled at rushing the passer and tracking plays laterally. He's a solid tackler in space who packs a punch when he hits. Lester's game experience, playing and winning big matchups with Aliquippa, is invaluable. His 215 lb frame is also advantageous for lead-blocking, driving defenders out of running lanes at fullback offensively.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/GabeHein8/status/1802059071635210322 </div></figure>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='647400' first='Gabe' last='Hein'] was one of the biggest producers in the WPIAL before an injury sidelined him after eight games. He's a savvy receiver who runs sharp routes, demonstrating a good understanding of how to run his routes short or deep with the right amount of leverage. He does a great job of stemming DBs on out-breaking patterns. Gabe is a single-high safety killer, often having too much speed coming up the hash for the free safety to react in time. He's elusive and can turn a short gain into a touchdown. He displayed breakaway speed and vision on multiple touchdown runs as a return specialist. He looked 100% healed and explosive at Pitt's camp, as well as Toledo and Miami Ohio's respective camps. I'm anxious to see Hein back to his old form in 2024.</p>

There's been some recruiting movement to report on, with more players earning the spotlight. Let's start with prospects Andy Tatsch Andy Tatsch 6'3" | 195 lbs | DB Greater Latrobe | 2026 State PA and Niko Andrews Niko Andrews 5'11" | 160 lbs | ATH Pine-Richland | 2026 PA , who have picked up offers. I enjoy discussing dark horse recruits and discovering new ones even more. Some of the current dark horse recruits to watch are Zymir Reed, Will Martin Will Martin 6'2" | 220 lbs | LB Seton-LaSalle | 2026 State PA , Lester Longmire, and Gabe Hein Gabe Hein 6'0" | 175 lbs | WR Mars | 2026 State PA . All of these recruits have a history of production and extensive game experience.