15 Western Pa Prospects to Digest

As the 2024 season winds down and some teams have already concluded their campaigns, it's the perfect time to reflect on 15 Western Pennsylvania prospects who stood out this year. While I continue to write about and evaluate 2025 prospects, it's important to highlight that the transfer portal has significantly impacted recruiting. Many players who might have had opportunities in previous years are still being evaluated, with some falling through the cracks.   This list includes a mix of highly regarded talents like [player_tooltip player_id='388165' first='Scoop' last='Smith'] and [player_tooltip player_id='670812' first='Larry' last='Moon III'], as well as overlooked prospects such as Trent Adams, [player_tooltip player_id='1346395' first='Ron' last='Porter'], [player_tooltip player_id='255090' first='Braiden' last='Sudor'], [player_tooltip player_id='1054376' first='Maleek' last='Anderson'], [player_tooltip player_id='646782' first='Joseph' last='Work'], and Lee Qualk, who remain without offers. Others, like [player_tooltip player_id='1131782' first='Eli' last='Zasadni'], [player_tooltip player_id='598916' first='Arison' last='Walker'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1226553' first='D'Angelo' last='Stewart'], have received a few offers but have yet to commit to a program. Finally, we'll take a closer look at underclassmen with bright futures, including [player_tooltip player_id='1623525' first='Brayden' last='Collins'], [player_tooltip player_id='1369083' first='Nasir' last='Wade'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1397837' first='Dajour' last='Webb']. Let's dive into the breakdown of these standout players.    Scoop is one of the most celebrated talents on this platform, and for good reason. He's electric every time he touches the ball, showcasing a big catch radius and the ability to make tough grabs in traffic. Smith's skill as a rusher earned him conference player of the year honors, but his versatility is what truly sets him apart. He's a game-changer, capable of making an impact in multiple ways—whether on screens, reverses, jet sweeps, fades, slants, or any other play designed to get the ball in his hands. Scoop is arguably the best kick returner in Pennsylvania, running the 100-meter dash in the mid-10s and consistently breaking pursuit angles on long returns. A top Western Pennsylvania prospect, he holds several FBS scholarship offers and continues to draw attention from programs nationwide.    Larry is one of the top prospects in Pennsylvania for his class, and it's easy to see why. His relentless work ethic and commitment to improvement during the offseason consistently stand out. As a lockdown cornerback, he possesses FBS-level instincts and skills. Larry excels in press coverage with a physical, aggressive approach and demonstrates Division 1-caliber abilities in off-man coverage. His high football IQ allows him to quickly diagnose routes and stay a step ahead of receivers. Moon's Sophomore stats include 3 interceptions, 7 pass breakups, 22 tackles, 1 sack, and a blocked field goal in just 8 games. Beyond defense, his versatility shines on special teams, where he's shown the ability to recover onside kicks, return the ball, block field goals, and make critical tackles on kickoff coverage. His breaking ability in off-coverage highlights his lockdown potential, while his fluid hips and seamless transitions in Cover 3 showcase his ability to stay over the top of routes. Larry's leaping ability is another standout trait, as he consistently makes plays on deep balls at their highest point. With nearly every major FBS offer already in hand and more opportunities rolling in, Moon remains one of the most sought-after players in the country. Despite his success, he stays humble and hardworking off the field, making him a true standout both on and off the gridiron.    Ron is a next-level talent who may be slightly underrated. His senior film stands out for several reasons. First, he displays excellent patience in press coverage, a skill that is tough to master. His fluid hip movement is evident in man coverage and when transitioning to stay over the top in cover 3. Porter's instinctual ability in man coverage, whether in press or off-coverage, is impressive. His speed is showcased when chasing down ball carriers who break free and demonstrating recovery speed in coverage. He plays with good pad level and shows strong anticipation when diagnosing routes. Porter possesses next-level ball skills and consistently makes plays on the football in coverage. His impact isn't limited to defense; he also excels on special teams, particularly as a gunner on the punt team. Porter's aggressive nature and willingness to tackle in both open space and tight areas further highlight his versatility. Running an 11.0-second 100-meter dash, he combines speed with a solid frame for a cornerback at 6'0 and 175 lbs. While Ron has yet to receive any offers, local FCS and D2 programs should take a close look at this promising prospect, as he hasn't even reached his full potential yet.    Trent is an intriguing prospect that colleges should be evaluating right now. There are many impressive aspects of Adam's game as a wide receiver. He excels at releasing against press coverage, consistently winning off the line of scrimmage. He's a savvy route runner, skilled at stemming defensive backs and creating separation at the top of his routes. Trent's ball skills are undoubtedly next-level, as he has made several difficult catches this season. His ability to adjust to the ball in mid-air makes him a constant big-play threat. Not only is Trent a reliable target, but he's also dangerous after the catch, showcasing breakaway speed on plays like a slant he turned into a long touchdown. He's versatile, effective whether lined up in the slot or as an outside X or Z receiver. His ability to change gears while tracking the ball in the air makes him a constant downfield threat. Trent concluded the 2024 season with 48 receptions, 867 yards, and 14 receiving touchdowns. At 6'0 and 175 pounds, the senior has yet to receive any offers, but I believe he has the talent to compete at the scholarship level and is unquestionably a next-level prospect.    JJ made a significant impact in his first year with the Aliquippa Quips. He's a physical and dynamic prospect who excelled in rush defense from his OLB position. Despite standing at 5'11 and 195 pounds, he plays much bigger, frequently generating pressure off the edge. JJ is highly effective when blitzing and consistently makes open-field tackles. He has a knack for forcing fumbles with hard hits and possesses a relentless motor that keeps him around the action. His instincts and speed allow him to chase down plays from behind with ease. JJ is also an adequate rerouter in coverage and demonstrates the ability to disrupt passing plays by swatting down passes during his rush. On special teams, JJ's activity and effort stand out, making him a valuable asset for the college level. Offensively, he showcased his athleticism as a running back, hitting holes with speed and delivering power to would-be tacklers while cutting to find open space. JJ's versatility and physicality make him a well-rounded prospect with significant potential.    Sudor has been a dominant presence on the defensive line for Bishop Canevin, showing noticeable improvement in his explosiveness off the snap compared to last year. While slightly undersized for an interior lineman at 6'0 and 240 pounds, he plays much larger than his measurements. His quick first step and ability to extend blockers into the action make him a disruptive force in the trenches. Braiden consistently racks up tackles for loss, showcasing his strength in locking out offensive linemen and shedding blocks. Running an impressive 4.8 in the 40-yard dash, he displays a relentless motor and excellent mobility, allowing him to redirect effectively in pursuit of ball carriers. His natural ability to win one-on-one pass-rush situations is a standout trait that makes him a valuable weapon on the defensive line. With his current frame, Sudor has the potential to add 30-40 pounds, which could position him ideally at 270-280 pounds for the next level. He has drawn interest from several college programs, including Duquesne, Morehead State, Robert Morris, Seton Hill, Frostburg State, and Waynesburg, among others.    Maleek was a dominant two-way enforcer for the Gateway Gators in 2024. Standing at 6'4” and weighing 275 pounds as a junior, he's a well-built prospect with clear potential for the next level. Anderson excels in multiple aspects of offensive line play, including base blocking, down blocking, and pulling. He is impressively athletic for his size, demonstrating a smooth kick slide and a powerful punch. Maleek is particularly effective at swatting down defensive linemen's arms during their pass rush, often finishing plays by pancaking his opponent. His ability to absorb contact while maintaining solid hand placement in pass protection sets him apart as a reliable blocker. Defensively, Anderson is a force who is difficult for a single offensive lineman to handle. While his height can make it challenging to stay low against double teams, his strength compensates, allowing him to absorb contact and disengage to make tackles. He is athletic enough to redirect effectively and consistently disrupt rushing plays at the line of scrimmage. Maleek plays with a nasty demeanor, showcasing physicality and aggression on both sides of the ball. The 2026 OL/DL prospect has drawn interest from several FBS programs but is still awaiting his first offer.    Lee's toughness as a runner has made him a standout for the Trojans in 2024. He's a dynamic playmaker and statistical leader who consistently delivers in big moments. Qualk was one of the undeniable stars of the WPIAL, rushing for 1,967 yards and an impressive 32 touchdowns. A true "Mr. Everything" for California High, he has excelled in multiple roles. Whether taking direct snaps, scoring from single-back or I-formation sets, or running inside and outside plays, Lee gets the job done. He's also a threat catching passes out of the backfield, including an impressive touchdown on a long halfback screen. With the ability to make defenders miss or outrun them entirely, Qualk is a versatile and dangerous offensive weapon. Qualk runs a 4.5-second 40-yard dash and possesses the skills necessary to compete at the scholarship level. Although Lee has not yet received any offers, some program will be fortunate to have him for the next four years.    Andrew has been a consistent contributor throughout his career, showcasing toughness and leadership on both sides of the ball. He plays with grit and physicality, maintaining effort until the whistle. Devola demonstrates impressive upper-body strength, effectively locking out defenders on defense and driving defensive linemen backward as an offensive lineman. He fires off the ball with a low pad level and initiates collisions with solid force. Andrew excels as a pulling lineman and is a reliable pass protector. When he builds momentum, he can become a bulldozer, delivering powerful blocks. Defensively, Andrew has a natural instinct for finding the action. He is quick off the snap and uses his hands effectively to shed blockers. His ability to engage and extend enables him to generate tackles for loss on plays like counters and inside and outside zone runs.    Walker is no stranger to this platform, and for good reason. He's a dynamic two-way player who has been a key leader for the highly successful Aliquippa Quips. A true playmaker, he consistently finds himself around the football. Arison displays exceptional lateral agility, speed, and quickness when carrying the ball. His impressive route recognition and natural instincts make him stand out on the field. As a defensive back, his footwork and breaking ability are next-level traits. Walker's versatility allows him to excel at all defensive back positions, while his offensive skills make him a dangerous playmaker. He also possesses return ability and demonstrates physicality as an open-field tackler. On the backend, Arison showcases excellent range and has the ability to intercept passes at their highest point. Walker currently holds offers from a couple D1 FCS & D2 programs but hasn't committed yet.    Stewart is a standout prospect who has been extensively covered on Prep Redzone. The senior defensive back is particularly intriguing because of his impressive 6'2, 185-pound frame. His size allows him to effectively contest jump balls against taller wideouts, and he plays with aggression in press coverage, excelling in both man-to-man and flat coverage in a Cover 2 scheme. What makes D'Angelo even more compelling as a prospect is his versatility. While he started the season at cornerback, his build and skill set suggest he could transition seamlessly to either safety position or even outside linebacker at the next level. Stewart's physicality and long wingspan give him an edge in coverage, allowing him to disrupt wide receivers effectively. In addition to his defensive prowess, Stewart shines on special teams, which will make him a valuable asset at the college level. He doesn't let receivers stalk-block him and is a reliable tackler in open space. The senior currently holds opportunities from FBS Akron, FCS St. Francis, and Central State, showcasing his growing appeal among college programs.    Zasadni is a true two-way player who made a significant impact for Bishop McCort in 2024. Eli plays with a relentless edge at both defensive end and left tackle, consistently showcasing his brute strength and physicality. At 6'4 and 230 pounds, he has the ideal size and frame for a defensive end, with the height to disrupt passing lanes and a long wingspan that allows him to lock out offensive linemen on initial contact. He's disciplined, rarely allowing plays to break outside, and uses his violent hands and high motor to stay involved in every play. Eli is explosive off the snap, demonstrating impressive athleticism when redirecting in run pursuit. He excels at keeping his outside arm free while being blocked, maintaining control of the edge. On offense, Eli's frame has the potential to add 40-50 pounds while still retaining his athleticism. His upper-body strength is evident, as he consistently stalemates pass rushers while protecting the edge at left tackle. If he continues to develop, Zasadni could easily transition to playing offensive line at the next level. Eli has garnered interest from several FBS programs and currently holds Division I FCS offers from Robert Morris University and Mercyhurst, solidifying his status as a promising college prospect.    This 2027 athlete had an impressive 2024 season, making a significant impact in the WPIAL. Collins consistently stood out as a statistical leader, showcasing natural instincts for tracking down ball carriers. Standing at 6'2 and 195 lbs, this sophomore prospect possesses the potential and physical framework to develop into a standout next-level player. Brayden is an effective zone-dropper and shows natural ability when shedding blockers at the point of attack. He has a relentless motor and demonstrates impressive closing speed when triggering to make tackles in pursuit. Collins showcased above-average athleticism and ball skills with a highlight-reel one-handed interception this season. His violent hands are particularly effective when engaging and disengaging from blockers, both in pursuit and during pass-rushing situations. Brayden is also a strong blitzer, using his speed to pressure the quarterback from linebacker depth. Still young, Collins has significant potential and, in my opinion, is undoubtedly a Division I prospect. He has recently garnered interest from Power 4 program Penn State, including an unofficial gameday invite.    Wade is a promising 2028 prospect poised to take a significant step forward for the Quips in 2025. He exhibits impressive abilities and draws comparisons to how Sa'nir Brooks performed as a freshman last season. Wade demonstrates exceptional balance as a runner, coupled with lateral quickness and breakaway speed. Like Tikey Hayes and Brooks, he offers a dynamic combination of power, vision, and cutting ability. This summer at Buffalo's prospect camp, Wade showcased his ability to plant his foot, change directions quickly, and elude defenders with ease. By the end of his career, he is likely to rank among the top athletes in his class. Aliquippa's roster benefits greatly from pairing a weapon like Wade with Brooks, exemplifying the idea of the rich getting richer. Nasir has already secured one FBS offer from MAC program Buffalo, with more expected to follow as his recruiting journey progresses.    Webb is an imposing prospect who had an impressive season for Pine Richland. Standing at 6'0 and weighing 320 pounds, he moves exceptionally well for his size. He's a physical force on the defensive line, playing with a low center of gravity that makes him difficult to block. Webb's powerful build allows him to hold his ground against double teams and often drive offensive linemen backward on initial contact. He's a reliable tackler with a relentless motor, consistently finding himself around the football. This season, Dajour demonstrated his athleticism and mobility by scooping and scoring on a sack-fumble, showcasing his playmaking ability. His agility is evident in his effective use of swim moves and violent hands when rushing the passer from the interior. Webb regularly disrupts plays behind the line of scrimmage and provides consistent pressure in passing situations. He excels at engaging and disengaging from blockers at the point of attack, making him a key asset in pursuing ball carriers. Webb's versatility allows him to play any position along the interior defensive line, making him a valuable and adaptable player. As just a sophomore, I'm excited to see his continued development over the next few seasons.

As the 2024 season winds down and some teams have already concluded their campaigns, it's the perfect time to reflect on 15 Western Pennsylvania prospects who stood out this year. While I continue to write about and evaluate 2025 prospects, it's important to highlight that the transfer portal has significantly impacted recruiting. Many players who might have had opportunities in previous years are still being evaluated, with some falling through the cracks.