Analyzing 8 Western Pa Prospects :

With another round of playoff action complete, I wanted to highlight eight more Western Pennsylvania prospects who have caught my attention. Five of these recruits are seniors that programs should still be evaluating, while two are impressive juniors and one is a freshman who plays well beyond his years. This list will continue to evolve as these talented players keep competing. Now, with that out of the way, let's dive into an analysis of these eight prospects.    Cook is aptly named because he was "cooking" all season at wide receiver. Drew has strong hands and consistently catches passes away from his body. He's a threat with the ball on both short and downfield throws, as well as on kick returns and jet sweeps. He excels at using his hands to combat press coverage and maneuvers well past defenders in mid-field traffic. Drew runs sharp routes and quickly gets in and out of breaks. His breakaway speed, showcased regularly on slants and digs, makes him dangerous after the catch. Cook demonstrates impressive leaping ability, often going up to snag deep throws. His toughness shows as he fearlessly catches passes over the middle and breaks arm tackles. Drew's playmaking ability didn't go unnoticed—he led the WPIAL with 80 receptions for 1,490 yards and 17 touchdowns. Cook has drawn interest from FBS program James Madison, though he has not yet received an offer.    Henry has a ton of potential to complement his already impressive talent. He's a ball-hawking defensive back who isn't afraid to run the alley. His route recognition and instincts are especially impressive for a freshman. Henry plays with good bend and demonstrates controlled tempo in his backpedal. His ball skills were on full display in the last couple weeks of the season, snagging four interceptions and even showing his ability to return the ball. I'm always impressed when an underclassman like Dionte competes as fearlessly as he does. Henry is a multi-sport athlete whose skills as a point guard translate well to the defensive back position. He's young but undoubtedly a Division I prospect to keep an eye on in the years to come.    Lewis has been a standout force for South Allegheny over the past few seasons. After losing him for a few games last season, Coach Hanson was thrilled to have Camden back full-time in 2024. Lewis played a key role in leading his team to the postseason at 9-3—an achievement that's rare for South Allegheny. He's a natural leader and football player on both sides of the ball. Defensively, he has the size, strength, and intelligence to contribute at the next level. He's a fierce tackler who reads and reacts quickly, showing strong play-diagnosing skills. While he's generally athletic, he particularly excels at zone drops, hitting in space, and moving laterally in run pursuit. Lewis is also an effective blitzer who can push through blockers to create pressure when necessary. He's a punishing hitter with a relentless motor that keeps him engaged on every play. His athleticism shines not only in his defensive work but also when running the football or lining up as a receiver. Known for his physicality, Lewis has the potential to make a significant impact on special teams in college. Camden currently holds offers from D1 FCS Sacred Heart, Cal U, Mercyhurst, Lock Haven, Central State, and Clarion.    Charles is a 2026 prospect who has quickly emerged as a legit FBS recruit in western Pennsylvania. He explodes off the line of scrimmage with a massive 84-inch wingspan, using violent hands and his 6'5 height to disrupt passing lanes. Charles plays with high energy, consistently making plays in the backfield and causing tackles for loss. His motor is strong now and will only improve as he progresses through high school. His quick first step, combined with effective hand techniques and edge-rushing moves, often results in quarterback pressures. A skilled pass rusher, he recorded six sacks in 2024. Charles also excels at using his 6'5 frame to block kicks, a skill he demonstrated twice this year. With an FBS-ready build and skill set, Charles has already earned offers from Power Four programs Syracuse, Penn State, and West Virginia, and he's poised to receive more offers before next season.    Harrold is a versatile prospect who plays a key role on both sides of the ball. At safety, he's a competitive player with a strong instinct for finding the football and has the ability to force fumbles with solid hits on the back end. Gavin also displays impressive speed and athleticism when running the wildcat quarterback or playing wide receiver. His agility and route-running skills highlight his potential to excel at the next level. An intelligent player, he reads and reacts quickly in the secondary, including a memorable fumble recovery returned for a touchdown against Tyrone. Harrold was instrumental in leading his team to its first District 6 championship, with 6 catches for 119 yards and 4 total touchdowns. He currently holds an offer from Division II Lock Haven and is on the radar of other Division I FCS and Division II programs.    McMillon is a gritty prospect who competes with intensity. He's an active player who consistently positions himself around the action, excelling both at nickel and on the backend at safety. Darius demonstrates quick route recognition, allowing him to make plays on the football in coverage, and he reads and reacts swiftly to assist in run support. He's a reliable tackler who consistently brings down ball carriers in open space. With a solid backpedal for a scholarship-level talent, he makes his presence known by delivering hard hits to unsuspecting pass targets. McMillon has also been a standout on special teams and a respected leader. He displays lateral quickness and cutting ability when running the ball. Darius currently holds offers from Concord, Ithaca, Grove City, and Baldwin Wallace.    Smith was a key contributor for his team despite their challenges this season, consistently making plays on both sides of the ball for the Vikings. He's tough, quick, and highly competitive in one-on-one situations. Khayyam plays with a low pad level in his backpedal and transitions smoothly to cover five-step routes. His elusiveness and speed are evident on jet sweeps and after the catch at wide receiver. He displays solid man coverage skills and tackles effectively in the open field. Smith's ball skills shine both as a receiver and a defensive back, where he's capable of intercepting the ball. His kick return ability, combined with his overall skillset, will make him an asset on special teams at the next level. Smith currently holds an offer from Waynesburg and is drawing interest from FCS and Division II programs.    Kirkland made an impact on both sides of the ball in 2024, showcasing big-play ability and a competitive edge on the field. He has breakaway speed and excels at making contested catches in coverage. Chris is an instinctive, hard-working player who consistently gives his all on the field. With natural coverage skills and fluid hips, he's effective as a cornerback, showing physicality and quick reaction in run support. His versatility allows him to excel at nickelback, and he's likely capable at safety as well. Chris runs precise routes and is skilled at gaining yards after the catch. His strong ball skills are evident in his ability to make plays at both wide receiver and defensive back, capturing multiple catches and interceptions on film. He's fearless in making tough receptions over the middle in heavy traffic and has a solid release against press coverage, with smooth transitions in and out of his breaks. Kirkland also shows potential as a kick returner and tackler on special teams. Although he hasn't received any offers yet, he has the talent to compete at the scholarship level in college.

With another round of playoff action complete, I wanted to highlight eight more Western Pennsylvania prospects who have caught my attention. Five of these recruits are seniors that programs should still be evaluating, while two are impressive juniors and one is a freshman who plays well beyond his years. This list will continue to evolve as these talented players keep competing. Now, with that out of the way, let's dive into an analysis of these eight prospects.