PRZPA Team Preview, Aliquippa Part 1

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When thinking about the Aliquippa Quips, one saying comes to mind: the rich get richer. The Quips are one of the most successful high school programs in the U.S., let alone the state of Pennsylvania. Aliquippa has reached the state championship for three straight years, winning two out of the three title games. The reigning 4A WPIAL champions boast a plethora of returning veterans. The most recognizable names returning in 2024 are Penn State commit [player_tooltip player_id='220266' first='Tiqwai' last='Hayes'], [player_tooltip player_id='598916' first='Arison' last='Walker'], [player_tooltip player_id='647248' first='Justus' last='Starks'], [player_tooltip player_id='1156194' first='Qalil' last='Goode'], [player_tooltip player_id='647645' first='Marques' last='Council Jr.'], [player_tooltip player_id='1877988' first='Tekoah' last='Gilbert'], Lester Longmire, and [player_tooltip player_id='1158287' first='Gavin' last='Wilcox']. The biggest surprise this season is the top talent the Quips picked up in the offseason: [player_tooltip player_id='670812' first='Larry' last='Moon III'], [player_tooltip player_id='399251' first='Daiveon' last='Taylor'], [player_tooltip player_id='648230' first='Sa'Nir' last='Brooks'], and [player_tooltip player_id='646782' first='Joseph' last='Work'] are all D1 prospects, with three of the four holding multiple offers. Other key players, such as Jasir McCracken, [player_tooltip player_id='1624051' first='Shamar' last='Underwood'], Myles Greene, and Josh Lay, will contribute to the team's overall depth and playmaking abilities. This will be a 2-part series breaking down Aliquippa's players.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["220266"],"_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-669305f96cde8"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/PennStateRivals/status/1767189586051056087","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/PennStateRivals/status/1767189586051056087 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hayes is one of the most prolific recruits in PA. In March, he was honored by being named Mr. Pennsylvania for his productive year. He has led Aliquippa to three consecutive state championships and three WPIAL titles during his high school career. It's not hard to see why programs are clamoring over the 6'1, 200 lbs blue-chip RB. Hayes is a dominant runner between the tackles and has the speed to break angles on stretch and outside runs. He's a good pass protector, and his 200 lbs frame is ideal for breaking tackles in tight spaces. Tiqwai's physicality is evident, but he's just as quick as he is bulky. He's elusive and runs a 4.4 40-yard dash to complement his brute mentality. With the addition of [player_tooltip player_id='648230' first='Sa'Nir' last='Brooks'], the Quips will arguably have the best backfield in Class 4A. Hayes is committed to Penn State but held several offers from prestigious Power 5 programs before choosing the Nittany Lions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["670812"],"_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-669307c75a823"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Larry_Moon12/status/1805267126908780613","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/Larry_Moon12/status/1805267126908780613 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's almost unfair that Aliquippa is getting a player of Moon's caliber on this particular team. He's one of the top DBs in the nation in his recruiting class and he's only a sophomore! Larry excels at press man coverage, playing with a low pad level, fundamental footwork, fluid hips, and a quick break on the ball. Not only is he above average athletically, but he's also an intelligent player who can shut down one side of the field. He has good ball skills and competes as hard as any blue-chip cornerback. Moon is extremely gifted in man or zone coverage, with the type of work ethic that all the greats possess. With players like Moon, [player_tooltip player_id='598916' first='Arison' last='Walker'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1158287' first='Gavin' last='Wilcox'], it might be smarter to have a run-heavy game plan versus the Quips. Larry has multiple prestigious FBS offers from programs such as Pitt, Oregon, Alabama, Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State, LSU, and Ole Miss, to name a few.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1156194"],"_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-6693102ae2e13"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Qalil is another versatile DB prospect who thrives in big moments. He's tough and adaptable, logging reps at LB, DB, and WR last season. Goode is a sharp route runner with swift breaks, and his ball skills at both WR and DB stand out among Aliquippa's players. He plays with grit on both sides of the ball. I'm particularly impressed with his tackling, whether he's playing LB in the box or in the open field at DB. With another strong season, Qalil is capable of earning a few PSAC offers and possibly even FCS.</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":"Lester Longmire","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"215","_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":"Aliquippa","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_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-6693102ae2ed0"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If you're looking for another seasoned player capable of playing multiple positions, Longmire is your man. Last season, Lester took reps at FB, LB, DE, and RB. He's an above-average lead blocker at fullback and a tough runner between the tackles at RB. Longmire doesn't get pushed back on the line and is strong in the weight room, where he benches an impressive 300 lbs. I watched Lester engage and disengage blockers with ease at LB and OLB. He has a good motor, is a reliable tackler, and possesses lateral quickness in locating the ball. Longmire also has pass-rushing skills and violent hands that lead to TFLs. Presently, he has one scholarship offer from Central State, but that number will grow if the Quips have another successful season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["598916"],"_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-6693102ae2f22"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Walker has the potential to hurt opposing teams on both offense and defense. He is a blazer off the line of scrimmage at WR, swiftly eating up DB cushion. He's a savvy WR, skilled at defeating re-routes while fluidly getting into his routes, even in high-traffic areas. Walker is quick in and out of his breaks and has soft hands on his receptions. On defense, Arison's toughness doesn't waver. He has a fluid pedal that maintains control when breaking on the ball. His hips are smooth and fluid, allowing him to cover a lot of ground on the back end. He makes plays on the ball whether playing nickel or free safety. Walker is a good tackler who runs the alley at free safety and makes tackles in space at the nickel position. I'm also impressed with his man coverage skills at nickel, which can be one of the hardest places to play man coverage. Arison is another player I'm anxious to check out in person tomorrow at 2Tenth's Top 150 Camp. He presently has two D1 FCS offers from Robert Morris and Saint Francis, as well as one D2 scholarship from Central State.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["647645"],"_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-6693102ae2f67"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/MJthebest1QB/status/1788675549059056127","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/MJthebest1QB/status/1788675549059056127 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Council will finally be the QB1 after serving as the backup to a very productive player, Quentin Goode. It's impressive that the Quips have so much talent that a D1-caliber prospect like Marques had to wait for his turn to get the official starting nod. He's athletic, skilled, and competitive on the field. His arm is very strong and capable of completing passes on all three levels. His height is legit at 6'3, and with his athleticism, he will pose problems this season in the WPIAL. I'm excited to watch him perform tomorrow at the 2Tenth's Top 150 camp. Council was offered his first D1 scholarship to FCS Robert Morris University and he had an impressive prospect camp in June. The 2026 product also stood out at Pitt's prospect camp last month. Marques Council Sr. was a state-winning D1 signee, and hopefully, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree with [player_tooltip player_id='647645' first='Marques' last='Council Jr.']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["647248"],"_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-6693102ae2fb0"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/justusstarks3/status/1811554278009426220","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/justusstarks3/status/1811554278009426220 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Starks is a two-way player who will come up big for the Quips this season. He's one of the key run blockers who will be clearing the way for Hayes and Brooks in 2024. Starks routinely finishes his blocking assignments with great effort. Defensively, Justus gets off the ball quickly and stays in the opposing team's backfield. His strength is evident in his ability to engage and disengage with offensive linemen in run pursuit. Starks' agility is apparent when he's redirecting to chase the ball carrier. He was recently offered his first D1 scholarship by FCS Saint Francis University. Like many of the Quips, [player_tooltip player_id='647248' first='Justus' last='Starks'] is a D1-caliber athlete who is on several collegiate radars.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1158287"],"_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-6693102ae2ff7"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gavin is one of many underclassmen with valuable game experience returning for Aliquippa. He has natural coverage ability with a competitor's edge on every rep. His playmaking and versatility playing cornerback as well as safety will benefit the Quips greatly in 2024. He won numerous coverage snaps last season and has improved in the offseason. One of the biggest things I love about Gavin is his ability to make plays on special teams. Wilcox will be an invaluable gunner and hold up corner on punt return this season. I believe Gavin is already on his way to becoming a scholarship level athlete.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->