PRZPA Team Preview, Penn Hills

<p>Penn Hills aims to surpass last season's achievements after finishing 9-3 overall with a playoff appearance in 2023. The Indians consistently triumphed against some of the largest schools in the WPIAL, ending conference play with a 5-1 record. The most disappointing moment was their playoff elimination by Pine-Richland, a team they had defeated earlier in the year. This season, Penn Hills has bolstered their roster with top-notch transfers and returning veteran talent, maintaining their position as a dominant force in western Pennsylvania. With a focus on winning both the WPIAL and state championships in 2024, the Indians face a challenging schedule that includes matchups against Woodland Hills, Aliquippa, and Pine-Richland.</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/NaytelAmillion/status/1799940639507071395 </div></figure>   <p>Naytel is a D1-caliber athlete, fitting right in with the rest of the Indians' talented pool. I've watched Naytel up close a couple of times, and he has improved each time. He's a versatile player who loves to hit and make plays. His pedaling and confidence in coverage were impressive in person. Last week at the 2 Tenths Top 150 Camp, I saw him press and shut down wide receivers man-to-man. His route recognition and quick reaction time allow him to showcase his ball skills through interceptions and pass breakups. Interestingly, despite Penn Hills' deep secondary talent in 2023, he started at middle linebacker. Mitchell is an explosive hitter, whether between the tackles or in the flat. On offense, he's a dangerous WR or RB with breakaway speed, capable of scoring from anywhere on the field. Mitchell currently holds a D1 scholarship offer from FCS Robert Morris University.</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/DerekSelbyJr/status/1778438524103967205 </div></figure>   <p>Selby will be a significant addition to Penn Hills this season after transferring from nearby Gateway. He excels at releasing against press coverage and outrunning defensive backs on five-step routes. Derek runs crisp routes and has consistent hands, making him a reliable target. I particularly appreciate how he doesn't telegraph his routes, especially when breaking down on hitches, curls, comebacks, and digs. Selby shifts into a different gear on fade and post routes when the ball is in the air. He's also a physical stalk blocker who isn't afraid to take hits while receiving the ball. Selby will undoubtedly be an offensive and possibly defensive weapon for the Indians this year. He currently has an offer from D2 HBCU Central State.</p>    <p>Banks will be a two-way playmaker returning for the Indians. He's a versatile receiver who can line up in the slot as well as outside. He's quick and fast, and he excels at gaining yards after the catch. As a crafty slot receiver, he can gash defenses over the middle of the field. His speed and quickness are a threat to any single-high safety when he's lined up in the slot in trips formation. Defensively, he's good at getting hands on the receiver when he plays press man at cornerback. He has good reaction time whether he's playing man coverage or coming up to hit in the flat. Banks currently has one offer from D2 Central State.</p>    <p>Obviously, there won't be a shortage of explosive specialists on Penn Hills' roster this fall. Palmer is another burner for the Indians who's dangerous in the slot and capable of playing Z receiver as well. He's probably the biggest downfield threat returning from last year's squad. Not only does he have soft hands for receiving, but he's also very elusive in the open field with the speed to outrun secondaries. Martel is especially dangerous when running crossing or corner routes as the #3 WR in the slot. He's a physical DB who isn't afraid of contact. Palmer's effort running down on kickoffs is admirable, and he has the speed as a returner to score touchdowns. Martel presently has one offer from the Central State Marauders.</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/natebreisinger/status/1812529122825900256?s=46&t=Z9HVsIfxlYpUmBtFJHGC4g </div></figure>   <p>Bonner is one of the top players in his class and surprisingly made the switch from Shadyside Academy to Penn Hills this year. He's a 6'3 DB/WR with a knack for making big plays on both sides of the ball. Last season, I saw his FBS ability in person against East Allegheny, where he had an interception, several PBUs on defense, and scored twice on offense. He's a ballhawk with D1-caliber instincts and skills. He actually looked like he gained a step while going through drills at the 2Tenths Top 150 Camp last week. I'm excited to see him playing big school football at the 5A level for the Indians. Bonner has multiple FBS offers from programs like UNLV, Penn State, West Virginia, Akron, UConn, Michigan State, Troy, and Miami (OH).</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/chekk_8/status/1798197112771166255?s=46&t=Z9HVsIfxlYpUmBtFJHGC4g </div></figure>   <p>Ellis is a versatile athlete who will be a significant weapon for the Indians in ‘24. Offensively, he played X receiver and was a threat whenever he got his hands on the football. He also took reps at QB and even threw a TD pass last season. Pressing Ellis might not be a good idea because he has the speed and physicality to beat CBs on fade routes. Defensively, he excels at the OLB position. He displays good hips when dropping into zone coverage, often making plays on passes thrown in the curl/flat area. He has the speed to cover RBs running out-and-up routes out of the backfield as well. He's an aggressive blitzer with a 6'0, 190 lbs frame. His playmaking extends to special teams, where he's also very effective. I think he's very capable of playing strong safety at the scholarship level collegiately. He has been extended an offer from Central State University.</p>    <p>Even with an abbreviated season in 2023, Ron showcased top-notch coverage skills at CB. He's an aggressive DB who smothers receivers in coverage and has a knack for breaking up passes. With good size at 6'0, 170 lbs, Porter is also a reliable tackler and is athletically capable of playing multiple positions in the secondary. His 11-flat 100-meter dash time will be especially useful on special teams as a gunner or on kickoff coverage. Adding an athlete like Porter into the mix full-time will be trouble for his opponents in the fall.</p>    <p>All this talk about specialist positions should not overshadow players like Jones in the trenches. Jones is agile and physical above all. Gerald is a good pass protector and can open big holes when he pulls or run blocks in general. He's an active interior D-lineman who uses his hands well. His strength in locking out OL doesn't allow them to get into his chest to block him. He redirects well, chasing the football in run support, and goes hard until the whistle blows. Gerald will be expected to control the line of scrimmage in 2024 for the Indians. With players like Kelsey Hundley and Lance Carter gone, he will need to elevate his game for Penn Hills on offense and defense.</p>      <p>Players like [player_tooltip player_id='1881909' first='Aaron' last='Bradley'], Brandon Benjamin Jr., and Kevin Marcus had to fight to get on the field and prove their worth last season. They made strides in ‘23 despite injuries plaguing Penn Hills late in the season. Kevin will work to crack the DB rotation after showing a lot of promise when his number was called. Bradley will look to upgrade his playing status from 2023 and provide quality depth and playmaking for the Indians this upcoming season. Brandon Benjamin Jr. is a 6'2, 220 lbs DE with great size and potential on the defensive side of the ball. All of these Indians will have to step up their games in order for Penn Hills to have a shot at making the postseason in the fall.</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/XxlDevin/status/1797345441849147890 </div></figure>   <p>Another surprising revelation was finding out that Shadyside Academy's QB1, [player_tooltip player_id='855326' first='Devin' last='Harris'], transferred to Penn Hills this year. Harris brings valuable starting experience to Penn Hills, which is crucial given the loss of D1 QB Julian Dugger from ‘23. Harris has shown consistent improvement in his passing ability from year to year, and his athleticism has noticeably advanced as well. At the Top 150 camp, Devin appeared ready to take on the challenge of leading his new team. It would be exciting to see Harris use his legs more and break the pocket this year.</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/jayshontaylor4/status/1798176397183349151?s=46&t=Z9HVsIfxlYpUmBtFJHGC4g </div></figure>   <p>Taylor is only a freshman, but his potential to be a serious player is already evident. I watched Jayshon at the Top 150 Camp and the 2 Tenths 7-on-7 league at Woody High this spring and was impressed with his performance. His arm strength is impressive for a freshman, and he consistently throws an accurate ball. He exhibits agility and good footwork in the pocket, which will only improve with experience. Taylor has a promising frame for his age and will continue to develop into a skilled athlete under center. Don't be surprised if he sees some varsity action this season.</p>

Penn Hills aims to surpass last season's achievements after finishing 9-3 overall with a playoff appearance in 2023. The Indians consistently triumphed against some of the largest schools in the WPIAL, ending conference play with a 5-1 record. The most disappointing moment was their playoff elimination by Pine-Richland, a team they had defeated earlier in the year. This season, Penn Hills has bolstered their roster with top-notch transfers and returning veteran talent, maintaining their position as a dominant force in western Pennsylvania. With a focus on winning both the WPIAL and state championships in 2024, the Indians face a challenging schedule that includes matchups against Woodland Hills, Aliquippa, and Pine-Richland.