Highlighting Emerging Talent: Western Pennsylvania Gems

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There are numerous young athletes in Western Pennsylvania worth mentioning and analyzing, and I'm back to lead the charge. In this piece, I'm going to highlight more diamonds in the rough to watch. Among them is [player_tooltip player_id='769137' first='Austin' last='Yarnick'], the only 2025 athlete in this group. [player_tooltip player_id='388094' first='Colt' last='Sprankle'] and Tayshaun Lewis are two 2026 prospects poised for an expanded workload this season. Lastly, I'll be breaking down four 2027 prospects who I believe are primed for big productivity in 2024: [player_tooltip player_id='913329' first='Jamere' last='Christian'], [player_tooltip player_id='914812' first='Julius' last='Reed'], [player_tooltip player_id='1180685' first='Charles' last='Butler'], and [player_tooltip player_id='913497' first='Kaleem' last='Taylor'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["769137"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6674d8cedd494"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><br>Austin is a playmaker for the Richland Rams and head coach Brandon Bailey. Yarnick is a crisp route runner who routinely makes people miss in the open field. His speed is deadly in the Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference, as he demonstrated several times in his game film by turning on the afterburners. Austin maintains excellent ball skills and concentration on 50/50 deep balls. His competitive nature is evident, especially after watching him run a top-ten 40-yard dash time and achieve a top-20 broad jump out of 300 athletes at Robert Morris University's prospect camp. Though currently unoffered, Yarnick has been on the radar of several D1 FCS and D2 programs. I expect Austin and multiple other Rams players to have big, productive seasons come fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["388094"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6674d8cedd519"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/ColtSprankle/status/1802041827719086506","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/ColtSprankle/status/1802041827719086506 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><br>Sprankle, a promising QB prospect, is set to return to action after a shortened season due to injury last year. Known for his solid QB mechanics and winning mentality, Colt boasts a quick release and effectively distributes the ball among his receivers. He demonstrates an ability to read the field without fixating on a single target, consistently making sound decisions. Despite his injury last season, Sprankle was highly productive, and I anticipate another strong showing from him in 2024. His pocket presence is notable, with impressive footwork, and he displays mobility both inside and outside the pocket. At Kent State's prospect camp, he showed glimpses of his previous form, indicating a strong comeback.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Tayshaun Lewis","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'8u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"150","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2411","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Chartiers Valley","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Football","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6674db7a710a4"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/datkid_tayxxl/status/1725986231186534518","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/datkid_tayxxl/status/1725986231186534518 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><br>Tayshaun is a hard-nosed football player on both sides of the ball. He possesses breakaway speed at RB and make-up speed at CB. He plays with intensity on every rep and never relents on plays. Tayshaun demonstrates excellent vision and knows when to lower his shoulder to fight for extra yards. As a physical CB, he doesn't hesitate to defeat stock blockers in run support. His speed as a returner will be beneficial for Chartiers Valley's special teams this season. I'm excited to see him take on a bigger workload at RB in 2024. Additionally, I anticipate more interceptions and continued playmaking from Tayshaun.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["913329"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6674db7a7111f"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><br>Jamere is a promising young talent showing tremendous potential to be a scholarship athlete. His speed can be overwhelming for a single high safety coming up the hash. He demonstrates good lateral quickness and elusiveness, particularly evident on spot screens and jet sweeps. His athleticism shines when operating the zone read from the wildcat QB position. I'm excited to see increased production from this 2027 prospect this season. Jamere competed hard at Villanova earlier this month and plans to attend camps at Penn State and WVU in the future.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["914812"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6674db7a71181"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/AveryHawkins/status/1798829218673164290","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/AveryHawkins/status/1798829218673164290 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><br>Reed, a 2027 prospect, shows immense promise and comes from a football background as the son of former Pitt starting CB and Johnstown head coach Antwuan Reed. He was the varsity starting QB as a freshman, showcasing exceptional athleticism. His running ability mirrors that of a running back with excellent vision when he decides to run. Julius clocked in the low 11s as a freshman in the 100-meter dash, highlighting his speed. He has also impressed in the 2 Tenths 7-on-7 league, displaying his skills in passing and playing CB. I'm highly intrigued to watch his development at DB this year, as I believe he has the potential to become a scholarship-level athlete by the end of his career.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1180685"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6674deec19783"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/CharlesBut42318/status/1797786401771041210","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/CharlesBut42318/status/1797786401771041210 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><br>Butler, a standout from Bishop Canevin, made his mark by starting every game of his freshman year on the varsity squad. Standing at an impressive 6'5 and 280 lbs, he possesses the aggressive demeanor prized in offensive tackles. His blocking skills, both in run plays and pass protection, showed steady improvement throughout his debut season. At RMU's prospect camp earlier this month, Butler caught attention, particularly in the 1-on-1 matchups. It's worth noting that he's only a 2027 prospect, meaning he has three full seasons for further development. I love his potential for the next level and the natural physicality he brings to the game. College programs should definitely keep an eye on this promising prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["913497"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6674deec197d1"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Kaleem_Taylor5/status/1791115531166122251","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/Kaleem_Taylor5/status/1791115531166122251 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><br>Taylor is an impressive prospect, already possessing a college-ready physique despite being a 2027 recruit. Standing at 6'2 and weighing 190 lbs, he presents as a sizable pass-catching threat with excellent spatial awareness and agility. Taylor excels against press coverage, showcasing physicality and reminiscent ball skills akin to Randy Moss on contested passes. In addition to his prowess in the red zone and deep routes, he demonstrates the ability to work as a possession receiver, adept at finding openings in zone coverages. His exceptional body control suggests he could transition into a dynamic tight end should he continue to develop physically. Taylor's performance in the 2 Tenths 7-on-7 league this spring included multiple impressive catches, further highlighting his potential.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->