Recruiting Updates: Commitments and New Offers from This Week

<p>There's been a lot of news to report this week in the recruiting realm. For starters, three WPIAL players committed to FBS programs: [player_tooltip player_id='386216' first='Parker' last='Cunningham'], [player_tooltip player_id='1131852' first='John' last='Wetzel'], and [player_tooltip player_id='386109' first='Xair' last='Stevenson']. These prospects have been thoroughly analyzed by multiple scouts on Prep Redzone. I'm ecstatic to report that South Allegheny's [player_tooltip player_id='599032' first='Cameron' last='Epps'] received his first scholarship while Pittsburgh Central Catholic's [player_tooltip player_id='147875' first='Amari' last='Shields'] got his D1 opportunity. I know you all are having busy summers, so without further ado, let's jump into this week's news.</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/ParkerC_77/status/1806787361004548287 </div></figure>   <p>Cunningham committed to James Madison University today after being courted by several D1 institutions. Parker attracted JMU with his vicious run blocking and above-average pass protection. The big OL prospect is nimble and plays with a strong punch mixed with a ferocious demeanor on the field. Cunningham held D1 scholarships from Stony Brook, RMU, UPenn, Maine, Duquesne, New Hampshire, Dartmouth, Princeton, Lehigh, Cornell, Bucknell, Lafayette, Monmouth, Colgate, Bryant, Towson, Holy Cross, Richmond, and Fordham. The 6'4, 295 lbs enforcer was a big get for the Dukes.</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/xair7_stevenson/status/1805033713438265710 </div></figure>   <p>USO Prep's [player_tooltip player_id='386109' first='Xair' last='Stevenson'] committed to the University of Buffalo earlier this week. The Bulls are getting one of biggest playmakers from the Pittsburgh City League. He has a ton of potential at the next level. I had the chance to watch him work on a couple of occasions over the last year, and he didn't disappoint. Xair is like a cyclone on the field, playing with tremendous energy and toughness. His open-field tackling is above average, and his lateral movements are of FBS caliber. I love the way he executes with urgency, whether he's blitzing, dropping into zone coverage, or defeating offensive blockers. Stevenson chose the Bulls over D1 programs such as Temple, Akron, Toledo, Miami OH, Marshall, Bowling Green, Howard, RMU, Youngstown State, New Hampshire, and Morgan State. Xair has all the attributes to be an effective special teams player as well.</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/John_Wetzel10/status/1805642081647353973 </div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">I recently featured John in an article highlighting his impressive abilities. Recruiting analyst and scouting expert (PRZ)[player_tooltip player_id='1156407' first='Vic' last='Castillo'] from Prep Redzone recognized Wetzel's FBS potential long ago. He's a versatile threat on the field, capable of turning the tide of a game at any moment. Alongside PSU commit [player_tooltip player_id='598735' first='Alex' last='Tatsch'] and younger brother, FBS recruit [player_tooltip player_id='1156214' first='Andy' last='Tatsch'], he's a cornerstone of Latrobe's leadership. Wetzel excels as a ball-hawking safety, showcasing significant skills on both offense and defense, coupled with a deep understanding of the game. The quick and decisive athlete committed to the Marshall Thundering Herd for college. John received numerous D1 offers from programs including Boston College, Cincinnati, West Virginia, Akron, Lehigh, Temple, Kent State, Eastern Michigan, Monmouth, and RMU.</figcaption></figure>    <p>I'm thrilled to report that [player_tooltip player_id='599032' first='Cameron' last='Epps'] received his first football offer from Division 2 West Liberty yesterday. This comes as no surprise, given Cam's impressive 4.49 speed displayed earlier this month at D1 FCS Duquesne. Epps is a versatile player for South Allegheny, excelling at WR, RB, and occasionally QB. His stop-and-go speed and toughness on the field are admirable qualities. A fierce competitor, he has the potential to make even more impactful plays this season. I expect Cam to attract more attention before his senior season concludes.</p>    <p>Amari is one of the many dynamic athletes playing for Pittsburgh Central Catholic. Shields' knack for breaking tackles and eluding defenders is a standout trait. He earned his first Division 1 scholarship today from Saint Francis Red Flash after a stellar performance at their prospect camp. Additionally, he received an offer from D2 Slippery Rock following another impressive showing at their camp. With playmakers like Shields and [player_tooltip player_id='916710' first='Elijah' last='Faulkner'] in their lineup, the Vikings pose a formidable challenge for opposing WPIAL teams this fall.</p>

There's been a lot of news to report this week in the recruiting realm. For starters, three WPIAL players committed to FBS programs: Parker Cunningham Parker Cunningham 6'4" | 290 lbs | OL South Park | 2025 State PA , John Wetzel John Wetzel 6'1" | 200 lbs | DB Greater Latrobe | 2025 State PA , and Xair Stevenson Xair Stevenson 6'2" | 180 lbs | ATH USO | 2025 State PA . These prospects have been thoroughly analyzed by multiple scouts on Prep Redzone. I'm ecstatic to report that South Allegheny's Cameron Epps Cameron Epps 5'7" | 145 lbs | ATH South Allegheny | 2025 State PA received his first scholarship while Pittsburgh Central Catholic's Amari Shields Amari Shields ATH Pittsburgh Central Catholic | 2025 State PA got his D1 opportunity. I know you all are having busy summers, so without further ado, let's jump into this week's news.