Recruiting the 2024 Pittsburgh Central Catholic Vikings

6'1, 185 pounds. 3.65 GPA. Named 1st-Team All-Conference recently. Recently ranked inside the top 10 at his position, up from being on the Watchlist due to a lack of tape throughout the years. Despite Walls' hold on our watch list, I've had the pleasure of watching Walls work in several 7v7 settings, as well as at our own PRZ camps. I had been waiting on substantial tape to truly represent Walls correctly, not a ranking/grading him based on projection or hype.

That time came, as Walls's 30-touchdown regular season cemented him among the top passers surrounding the class of 2025. Walls has a lone offer from Waynesburg University, this coming toward the end of October. After watching Wall's tape and asking coaches I'm close with, I ended up providing Walls with a high Division Two grade (238/9th). Prior to my visit to Norwin HS to see Walls and PCC live, I didn't think Walls was a sure-fire take at an FCS school just yet. This is why I stand on evaluating prospects live, if given the opportunity. I will break down Walls game against North Allegheny below, while also providing my instant thoughts after the game.

Walls would open up the ball game reading the left side of the field (safety and corner), reading that his primary post was covered, and working down to an open Bradley Gompers Bradley Gompers 6'5" | 205 lbs | LB Pittsburgh Central Catholic | 2025 State PA running a wheel behind said post. Walls uncorks one here and confidently hits his man in stride. This is nothing but repetition showing its hand. Walls has likely made this read several times throughout his young career. For Walls' second touchdown of the first quarter, the senior quarterback would sprint-out right with intent of hitting a backside leaker. He takes a hit to the mouth yet delivers a soft ball that goes for a score. Great orchestration here. Walls would work a screen DM that didn't work as intended due to a DB holding his primary target. Walls stays calm and still manages to deliver a splash play in this impromptu situation, hitting Max Roman Max Roman 5'10" | 180 lbs | WR Pittsburgh Central Catholic | 2027 State PA as the play broke down. Walls would score two rushing touchdowns, each inside of ten yards. These reps showcase the toughness, the gamer in him. Walls would showcase a few college-worthy throws to Maceo Watkins downfield. The first being a read on a go-route. Walls reads DB leverage and his wideout right as he gets the snap, knows he'll have him open, and delivers a strike 40 yards downfield. The ball is left go before his man is completely open. The placement of the football could not have been better. Had Watkins not step out of bounds, this would have gone for a 65-yard score. Walls would show off his rocket arm on a seam route hitting Watkins in stride for a score. You can see that highlight below.

All of the above-mentioned action came through the first half of the 6A WPIAL Championship game, against an uber-talented North Allegheny team. I went on to state on X that, at the time, I no longer believe any 2025 QB should rank ahead of Walls outside of the SEC commits (Zollers and Saunders). High praise, praise that I stand by even after thinking about it on the 5-hour ride back to Philadelphia. After Walls' senior season tape, after the performance put forth against NA, I have no doubt in my mind that this is an FCS-capable prospect. If I could re-rank Walls on our database, it's likely he'd jump over 100 spots. Can't say enough about the senior captain's efforts, he made the trip out West worthwhile.

3.37 GPA, is a baseball participant

William Toprani William Toprani 6'0" | 165 lbs | QB Central Catholic (Pittsburgh) | 2027 PA , formerly out of Ringgold HS, is a name to keep an eye on concerning the future of the quarterback position at Central Catholic. Toprani only has 3 passes to look at on Hudl from this past Fall. The few reps on Hudl showcase throws under the lights, so I can assume that Toprani is getting reps in games where Walls and the offense are up big on their opponents. Toprani's freshman tape had him placed on our 2027 rankings, inside the Top 200 at that. It will be tough to keep him at that level unless I can figure out his true role this season, along with possibly seeing a bit more than three throws out of him. I will do further digging come 2027 ranking time.

6'2, 185 pounds. 3.72 GPA

Owen Herrick Owen Herrick 6'2" | 185 lbs | QB Pittsburgh Central Catholic | 2028 State PA is currently ranked as the top freshman quarterback prospect. I will admit, not much goes into pre-season freshman rankings outside of coaching input, projection, measurables, and MS tape. It's likely Herrick didn't suit up or was held under wraps for the first year of HS football. Herrick's Hudl is empty as well, this furthers my point. I have a feeling we will be writing about this young man for years to come. For those reading this piece, you'll see Herrick's name become a household one in two years time. We will see.

5'10, 190 pounds. 3.55 GPA. Recently ranked as the fourth-best running back in Pennsylvania (2025). Also recently named as one of the best prospects that is currently uncommitted. Here's what I had to say about his current recruitment status as it stood at time of writing.

Central Catholic didn't have to rely on Faulkner's feet much in this one. When you go up 28-0 in a blink of an eye, it's a bit understandable as to why Faulkner's name wasn't mentioned much on the stat sheet. Still a tough runner who brought his pads and leg drive with each carry. This is a young man who can break a game open for four scores on the ground, especially behind this line. The stable of backs at Central Catholic's disposal proves they can beat teams through the air and on the ground. If wins come by ground, it's likely that Faulkner's the reason why.

Central Catholic can rely on Amari Shields Amari Shields ATH Pittsburgh Central Catholic | 2025 State PA to align at numerous positions any given week. A match up nightmare. A 5'9, 160-pound athlete who can align at safety and help out in run support, or align at slot corner closer to the LOS to cover flat/curl zones. Shields is listed in the rushing attack portion of this article, yet I'd argue his presence is most felt on defense. It's where I imagine he'll play college football, at some sort of safety/backer hybrid position. A Division One caliber prospect, Shields ranks inside the top 200 (2025s), carries a 3.4 GPA too.

Any coach can plug in the tape of Shields against North Allegheny and understand what I'm conveying above. Shields made impactful stops from his safety position on several occasions, made a couple of tackles on special teams, all while toting the rock a few times in relief of Faulkner, good totes at that. A top 50 two-way player in my eyes.

The highly-touted Chrys Black Jr. Chrys Black Jr. 5'7" | 165 lbs | ATH Pittsburgh Central Catholic | 2028 State PA is an obvious name to know. Early offers out of West Virginia, Syracuse, Cal, UNLV, just to name a few. Ranked in the preseason as the second-best freshmen prospect going into the 2024 Fall season. 5'7, 162-pounds, I was able to get a quick glimpse of Black working live against North Allegheny, yet nothing too noteworthy. A lot of mouths to feed at this program, it's a testament to his potential and current prowess that he's even able to step onto the varsity roster, let alone carve out a role in special teams and in the run game.

Taking a look at Black's mid-season tape, I'm validated in thinking this is a young man who will likely sit atop our rankings for years to come. The tape starts with Black showing off his skills in space, returning a punt 80+ yards for a score. Unreal acceleration skills displayed, you can see Black hit a couple different gears in the span of a 14-second rep. The open-field vision he possesses makes him a prospect who demands playmaking opportunities each game. Is one of four rushing options Central Catholic has at its disposal, Black can run out of ten personnel sets, you can count on the back to make the first man miss in the hole more times than not. Black can be split out wide to catch screens/hitches, another testament to his versatility.

What I'm most enamored with is the young man's potential at corner and safety. I was aware of the playmaker in Black, I wasn't under the impression that he was this far ahead in terms of DB prowess. Fantastic reps put forth against NA earlier in the year. Comfortable in two-high sets, comfortable coming down to fill the alley and deliver strikes off the edge. A much better tackler/enforcer than I previously thought. Our ranking of Black being the best two-way athlete prior to the season is holding true.

6'1, 170 pounds. 3.75 GPA. Is going to fly up our boards after the live eval performance. Central Catholic's Maceo Watkins posted impressive regular season tape too, this being the factor that holds the most weight, the factor that is going to have him skyrocket up our ranks.

Ranked in the offseason as a DB, can still dabble with single-high safety reps, along with quality special teams play. That being said, Watkins Jr. has moved almost exclusively to wideout. Seeing Watkins in person, I came away impressed with the weight he has put on. I admittedly haven't been around Watkins enough to know, yet he looks a bit more filled out than I had previously imagined.

Watkins Jr. had himself a first-half against North Allegheny. Can be trusted to work as the X receiver in this offense, can be trusted to work against press coverage, and win, two aspects of his game I was previously unsure about. Watkins has the balance and body control necessary to work DBs off the LOS and keep his stride momentum churning downfield. Watkins would work the seam and get free downfield, ultimately catching a ball for a score in the first quarter of the 6A WPIAL Championship. Watkins would work a tunnel screen out of an ACE look, a screen he would take 30+ yards for a score. Again, I wasn't under the impression that Watkins Jr. could provide YAC ability quite like this. Watkins Jr. would then burn a DB down the sideline, flashing his vertical tracking skills, along with ability to separate with stride alone. This should have lived as Watkins Jr.'s third touchdown in this game, yet he stepped out of bounds before reaching the pylon. My opinion of Watkins has changed drastically, thanks to both regular season tape and live evaluation grades.

5'10, 170 pounds. I have heard buzz surrounding Max Roman Max Roman 5'10" | 180 lbs | WR Pittsburgh Central Catholic | 2027 State PA 's name for a year and some change now. It's refreshing to see a hard-working young man put his head down, block out the noise, and earn himself 2nd-Team All-Conference honors as a sophomore. 3.66 GPA, led the team in receptions through the regular season.

Max Roman Max Roman 5'10" | 180 lbs | WR Pittsburgh Central Catholic | 2027 State PA 's abilities weren't needed in the win against North Allegheny, yet still, as an outsider looking in, I'm impressed with the role he's earned for himself. Maceo Watkins is usually found near the boundary, aligning as the X or flanker in sets to either attack vertically or run hitches or drags from the outside. Max Roman Max Roman 5'10" | 180 lbs | WR Pittsburgh Central Catholic | 2027 State PA is your slot underneath eater. I don't want to marginalize his skills, Roman can beat you deep and flash some of the best hands you can find, this isn't a one-trick pony. Very excited to move him up the 2027 ranks, he's earned that. The coaching staff at Central Catholic have to be through the roof seeing Roman and Watkins's development throughout the years. Whoever gets to play QB next year will have even better versions of these two to work with.

The top-ranked offensive tackle prospect among Pennsylvania sophomores. 4.3 GPA, 6'6, 280 pounds, offers out of Big10, SEC, and ACC programs. A national recruit anchoring down the left side of the Central Catholic line, doing all he can to ensure both the run and passing attack can work efficiently.

It's tough to gauge how an offensive lineman is doing in real-time, especially with the field-view angle when watching a game on the turf. This being said, I do recall seeing Kalis throw kids around in the open field on the Xxavier Thomas Xxavier Thomas 5'10" | 165 lbs | DB Pittsburgh Central Catholic | 2025 State PA touchdown. I saw Kalis on top of North Allegheny defenders after the whistle blew numerous times.

Plugging in the Kalis regular season tape, you can witness the flattener he is across a variety of run sets. An obvious choice to run off-tackle runs out of gun towards. Much better during the second half of each rep, more of a finisher than a starter right now. Once Kalis refines his initial footwork off the snap and his punch accuracy, the game is going to come even easier for the kid. The power, the size, the athleticism and flexibility, the stuff that's hard to find is all there. Kalis will be in the running to maintain his number one tackle spot with a 2027 rankings update looming.

The second 6'6 bookend tackle holding down the offensive line unit at Central Catholic. 6'6, 290 pounds. Is an interchangeable tackle much like Kalis, both Sassic and Kalis can align at right or left tackle. Both have experience at guard too, unfair to have players of this caliber also be position versatile. Currently ranked as the 7th-best tackle prospect, I fully intend on moving him into the top 25, Sassic currently sits 8 spots away from that pedestal. 3.7 GPA, an offer out of Toledo, it being his first (October 26th). A bit surprised more schools haven't pulled the trigger on this kid. If Power Fours want to hold off, that's one thing, he should have more MAC schools clamoring for early positioning.

It's obvious that Sassic's future is at tackle, 6'6 behemoths don't grow on trees, even at Pittsburgh Central Catholic. What's interesting to know is that Central Catholic has no problem deploying both Kalis and Sassic on one side of the center. If my memory holds true, Sassic aligned adjacent to Kalis, manning the left guard spot. Sassic looked impressive in pass protection. I witnessed the sophomore linemen shock his head-up match up at the snap, work off of that match up to pick up an incoming blitzer, blocking both on a pass play that would lead to a TD. Impressive stuff. He has his fair share of pancake blocks too. In my eyes, the Central Catholic offense runs through the success Kalis and Sassic put forth. Anyone looking to beat this football team will have to force these two to have bad days. Good luck attempting this.

Brown Football commit. 6'2, 275 pounds. A young man who brings a cerebral approach to interior line play. A team captain whose closet is likely littered with accolades accumulated throughout the years. A perennial Top 100 placer too.

Central Catholic has the perfect glue to mesh together the mixture of youth, inexperience, and hype. Deploying Sam Brackney Sam Brackney 6'2" | 270 lbs | OL Pittsburgh Central Catholic | 2025 State PA in the same huddle as Kalis and Sassic has to hold a tremendous amount of value. Having a senior who sets an example on and off the field has likely helped the two stalwart tackles develop more than we can possibly know. Watching center play from field level is close to impossible, so I won't pretend to take away much from the game against North Allegheny. Brackney's regular season highlights further cemented what I thought of him in the past, Sam Brackney Sam Brackney 6'2" | 270 lbs | OL Pittsburgh Central Catholic | 2025 State PA is flat-out one of the best IOL Pennsylvania has to offer. A 2nd-level blocker who is dominant at the POA. An ultra polite young man, you wouldn't think so based on some of the nasty blocks he can put on tape. Brackney is the third elite lineman along this unit.

6'4, 275 pounds. 4.3 GPA. Ranked just outside the top 150 among PA junior prospects. The fourth elite lineman prospect stationed in the Central Catholic huddle. Currently unoffered, yet his time will come sooner rather than later. This young man's play should not be overshadowed by his teammates. Bowers is beside elite talent, yet he's earned his ranking by putting fantastic reps on Hudl. Bowers is the starting right tackle in this offense, with Sassic being the tackle/guard prospect who can be moved around. Bowers works well with his strong-side help (TE). Bowers is a good assignment locator, you can see his helmet flash toward the right reads, especially when working into the second-level. An upper-body winner, Bowers doesn't possess other-worldly athleticism or foot quickness, he wins with hand-striking, hand-fighting, and overt upper-body strength. Likely a monster in the weight room.

His regular season tape was posted this weekend, just in time for the 2026 rankings update. I have no problem moving him up our boards, even if recruitment has been relatively slow. I see the talent, recruiting momentum will reveal itself soon.

6'2, 285 pounds. 3.93 GPA. Zero sacks allowed. An unoffered senior, one who I have no problem ranking inside the top 400 despite the lack of recruiting hype. His tape earned him a high D2 grade, we will see if PSACs come to snatch up this former PRZPA camp alumni.

Kane is the final piece to this massive puzzle. Kane is the guard opposite Sassic, a guard who took home 1st-Team all-conference honors. Great oblique/core strength. Can get underneath his opponent, lift, and steer them out of the play. An unrelenting motor on this kid, he fits right in with the rest of this Viking OL unit. Just as many pancakes registered as anyone on this list, very glad to hear this young man was able to earn accolades for his senior performance. Surprised to hear that FCS programs aren't interested. This being said, FCS teams are still filling out their rosters, it'll be interesting to see where Kane ends up. We wish the young man nothing but the best moving forward.

6'2, 270 pounds. Up two inches and 30 pounds since we last updated his measurables. 3.2 GPA. Is being developed to eventually start along the interior of this Central Catholic offensive line unit. Regular season tape has Levy working at guard/center on PCC's JV or B team.

The lack of Varsity tape will likely keep Levy on our watch list moving forward. Still a name worth knowing, still a name worth keeping an eye on, especially considering his year over-end growth in terms of height/weight.

Currenlty ranked as a top 50 sophomore prospect. Was ranked at this spot while at Mt. Lebanon, assigned an "OL" tag but playing TE for Central Catholic. 6'5, 245 pounds. Is a lacrosse participant. 4.0 GPA (4.4WGPA). Likely still being developed to play OL in the future. An early offer candidate under my grading system.

Attending the PCC-NA game and #87 stood out like a sore thumb. I admittedly wasn't aware that Halter had transferred to the Pittsburgh powerhouse up until seeing him work live. Halter has always been on the lighter side in terms of weight, love the move to TE for the time being. Up 25 pounds since we last checked in on him. Is often on the hunt to block strong-side defenders that cannot match his power and athleticism. SAM backers, Slot DBs, roaming box safeties. Phenomenal pursuit skills, a phenomenal down blocker. Almost exclusively a blocking in-line TE, which bodes well for his future development at this program. I am excited to rework his ranking and profile before the 2027 rankings release.

An offensive tackle prospect at Central Catholic who is currently committed to play football at Waynesburg University. I can't find much in the way of tape on Hudl, so bit out of the loop on his game. He also missed our rankings because of the lack of tape. If he's a take at Waynesburg, it's likely he's worthy or more D3 attention. In hindsight, most of our D3 commits range between the 500-800 range (2025 rankings). Would love to know more.

6'2, 280 pounds. 3.6 GPA. An unranked name. Has a two-minute junior tape on his Hudl. Looks to be on the same team as the above-mentioned Roman Levy Roman Levy 6'2" | 290 lbs | OL The kiski school @kidkiprepfootball | 2027 State PA . Would start on the majority of other programs out West, so this is still a name to know. Guard play on tape, sprang open a good amount of runs for 22 on B-Team.

Gabriel Robinson Gabriel Robinson 6'2" | 285 lbs | OL Pittsburgh Central Catholic | 2026 State PA is in the crop of young Central Catholic linemen currently under development. He's likely on track to see varsity love this time next year, considering he's a year older than some of the other pieces mentioned in this list. We'll likely get him on our 2026 Watch list in due time.

6'5, 275 pounds. 3.7 GPA. My favorite of the B-team linemen prospects. Is the left tackle on the secondary OL unit, a young man who could likely start on varsity in an emergency if need be. A displacer on the go, can move defenders 5-10 yards off the ball.

Jones and Halter are likely candidates to replace the graduating Matt Bowers Matt Bowers 6'4" | 290 lbs | OL Pittsburgh Central Catholic | 2026 State PA . Jones provides a bit more power, while Halter a bit more athleticism. Jones will likely stay on our watchlist moving forward.

6'2, 250 pounds. An unoffered senior defensive tackle who can likely align as a defensive end in a 3-4 front. Was coming off the edge with his hand off the dirt against North Allegheny. This coming as a surprise to me, he's much more than an interior lane-clogger. A college might be able to explore and experiment with Goodwine. The senior defensive lineman has lost 30 pounds since our last update, drastically changing his future trajectory. 3.7 GPA. Currently ranked a few spots outside of the top 450. A mid-to-high level Division Two grade provided via ranking, yet no offers to his name as of yet.

Teams looking to defend the front seven will have their hands full with Goodwine, as he's a senior accustomed to interior play, yet he's learning the ins and outs of edge play now as icing on the cake. Goodwine has one hell of a motor and doesn't like to give up on plays until he's made some kind of impact. This is an effort player whose play could decide football games, especially ones where PCC and their opponents are evenly matched. If PCC ends up at the title game, winning said game could come down to how well players like Goodwine and Kane perform.

We called our shot on Ashton Blatt Ashton Blatt 6'4" | 230 lbs | EDGE/LB Pittsburgh Central Catholic | 2026 State PA . Prior to the season beginning, I made it known that Blatt was a name FBS programs should key in on immediately. I did so before Blatt was offered by a single program. Flash forward to today, Blatt is now perceived to be one of the best EDGE defenders the class of 2026 has to offer. We hit this on the nose.

Offers out of Eastern Michigan, Duke, and Michigan State, Blatt is now squarely on the radar of BIG10 and ACC programs recruiting the Keystone State. 6'4, 230 pounds. A monstrous effort against North Allegheny, blowing back the opposing tackle on several occasions with a standard bull-rush. Blatt could have easily recorded 3-4 sacks in this one, he could have even registered a scoop and score has refs not blow a play dead a bit prematurely. Blatt's rise through the ranks are reminicsent of Alexander Haskell Alexander Haskell 6'4" | 255 lbs | EDGE St. Joseph's Prep | 2026 State PA 's rise this time last year. 215 in the offseason, a good-looking 230 on the field this past weekend. Blatt possesses fantastic physical traits, traits that have previously allowed him to play QB, TE, OLB, even safety if necessary. Now that Blatt is maturing and filling out his build in the weight room, I'm finally excited to classify him as one of the state's best OLB/EDGE defenders. We will see if more Big10 programs offer him before 2025 comes around. Power Four programs are backing on Blatt's ability to develop pass-rush moves, as he's just dipping his toe into pass-rush tech, learning and improving with each passing week.

In-season offers from CalU and Temple were added to Colsen Gatten Colsen Gatten 6'1" | 220 lbs | LB/ATH Pittsburgh Central Catholic | 2026 State PA 's ridiculously long laundry list of scholarship opportunities. All deserved, the national recruit is well on his way to reaching top-five recruit status. Where Gatten places on our ranks is a bit arbitrary right now. What should be known is, Central Catholic has two of the states best five linebackers, regardless of class, deployed in their front-seven.

In the game against North Allegheny, Colsen Gatten Colsen Gatten 6'1" | 220 lbs | LB/ATH Pittsburgh Central Catholic | 2026 State PA showed off why we like him as a second-ranked two way-athlete among all 2026 prospects. Gatten aligned in the backfield and ran to the flat to catch a Jy'Aire Walls pass, one that would go for a score. Gatten's future is at backer, yet it's always worth mentioning how special a weapon he could be if and when given the opportunity.

Offers out of Texas A&M and Kentucky, Oklahoma and Tennessee also into the mix. Many of these blue blood programs were in on Gatten, with intention that he would build momentum on what was a promising sophomore campaign. Based on Gatten's junior tape posted on Hudl, I have to imagine the SEC and Big10 programs who offered in the Summer are still on the Gatten train. Excited to see where he ends up committing.

An unprecedented climb up our ranks, Bradley Gompers Bradley Gompers 6'5" | 205 lbs | LB Pittsburgh Central Catholic | 2025 State PA moved from the 14 spot, all the way to the number one spot. This being the largest jump among top 25 prospects heading into the final PRZ ranking update.

Gompers's meteoric rise up our ranks comes with an explanation. First and foremost, I can make the relatively easy case that no one prospect in all of Pennsylvania put together a more dominant season, especially considering his work as a two-way player. The second occurrence that led to Gompers' jump was his surge in recruiting. After Gompers' commitment to Duke football, the top-ranked linebacker received offers out of Miami, Michigan, Penn State, and Ole Miss, just to name a few. Major Big10 and SEC stamps led me to raise him out of the 2nd-tier he was in back in May. The third reason for Gompers's climb to one, the rest of the pack didn't standout much. Many injuries cost top-ten prospects to drop, lack of growth made some prospects stay stagnant on our ranks. Looking at the state from a whole, no one prospect did more than Gompers in my opinion.

Gompers performance against North Allegheny cemented what I had believed prior to the 2025 ranking release. A real 6'5, a real two-way dominator. Gompers scored a touchdown on a wheel/leak early in this game, and was hampered with a nagging leg injury, yet I had seen enough in warm-ups to know I made the right choice. Michigan and Pitt was present to watch numerous prospects, none more than Gompers, I would imagine. Check out Bradley's 14-minute regular season tape below.

6'0, 200 pounds. 3.5 GPA. A 2027 prospect who garners serious one-spot consideration each time we evaluate him. Roman Thompson Roman Thompson 6'0" | 205 lbs | LB Pittsburgh Central Catholic | 2027 State PA has top-overall-prospect capabilities, that's his ceiling. There's no questioning his unnatural ability to seek out the ball carrier from his inside backer spot. You don't see underclassmen with this kind of natural instincts to sniff out runs before they can hit the desired hole. Elite pursuit skills, Thompson shows off phenomenal diagnosing skills on the fly. His performance against North Allegheny showcases each well, with Thompson blitzing and taking great angles to the QB to register an early sack. Thompson would throttle a route headed into his zone, get his eyes back on the QB, attack with great angles again, resulting in another sack/TFL of the NA QB.

Reps like the ones I saw against NA are littered across his seasonal tape. Worth mentioning the reps Thompson gets at back, this being the sole reason we still have him designated as an "ATH". Akron was first to pull the trigger on Thompson a ways back, yet more MAC schools, specifically Miami (OH) and Toledo, have stepped up to offer the top 25 PA sophomore. Excited to rerank the young man.

6'2, 265 pounds. We need to update his measurables as soon as possible. Formerly ranked as a top 250 prospect among 2026 classmates. Formerly ranked as a backer, will be moved to DL after the 2026 update scheduled for mid-December.

An unoffered junior, one who took home 2nd-team All-Conference honors this year. 3.5 GPA, Pugliano was stationed inside beside the likes of Ashton Blatt Ashton Blatt 6'4" | 230 lbs | EDGE/LB Pittsburgh Central Catholic | 2026 State PA and Da’Ron Goodwine Da’Ron Goodwine 6'3" | 280 lbs | DL Pittsburgh Central Catholic | 2025 State PA . Pugliano's calling card might be his experience at various alignemnts, all inside the front-seven. Pugliano has a history with MIKE backer, he can and has flirted with the EDGE/DE position in the past. Now, Pugliano can tell college coaches that he has substantial experience being kicked inside after gaining almost 40 pounds of muscle/weight. He and Goodwine are fantastic clean-up artists, eating what they kill off of Blatt's pressure off the edge. Excited to clean up his profile/ranking.

A new name, one who will likely land on our 2026 rankings this coming update. 6'1, 300 pounds. 4.3 GPA. I witnessed big #55 come through in the win against North Allegheny. A TFL, many pressures that forced NA's QB out of the pocket. Solid overall performance that led to me turning on his regular season tape when I got back to my hotel.

Unsure of his actual experience, yet I imagine this is a prospect that can be deployed at guard or center in an emergency situation. Primaries as a IDL. Is often aligned shading either side of the center. Looks comfortable playing head-up on guards too. Has a two-minute tape fully encompassing his best plays from this past season. What you see with Bayer is what you get. A 300-pound hard-to-move lane clogger who, if given momentum, is a tough one-on-one win for opposing guards and centers. Excited to see what he'll look like this time next year.

Announced on September 28th his commitment to Ithaca Football. A huge get for the Division Three program. Likely one of the higher-ranking commits the program has brought in from Pennsylvania since we began ranking kids four years ago.

No tape on Hudl to be found, I also can't recollect seeing him in pads against North Allegheny. I'm out of the loop on injuries so I won't speculate further. Still placed on our lists because of his recurring interest from potential collegiate suitors. A #48 is seen in second-half reps. Interested into whether Ithaca likes Papa at backer or along the defensive line.

Announced his commitment to John Hopkins Football and T&F, a rare case of a program bringing in a kid to play two different sports. Ryan Jameson Ryan Jameson 6'3" | 220 lbs | DL Pittsburgh Central Catholic | 2025 State PA is that talented. 6'3, 265 pounds. ranked inside the top 300 among 2025 classmates, near Grady Papa Grady Papa 6'2" | 260 lbs | DL Pittsburgh Central Catholic | 2025 State PA at that. All reps on Jameson's Hudl look to be away from Varsity play, or in relief of starters, as many Viking Starters didn't play all four quarters of games.

Happy to see Phillip Ty Tillman Ty Tillman 6'0" | 200 lbs | DL/LB Pittsburgh Central Catholic | 2027 State PA get some reps in against North Allegheny. 6'1, 225 pounds. 3.5 GPA, varsity wrestler.

Tillman doesn't have a regular season tape out on Hudl quite yet, his mid-season tape will have to work for this quick eval. Tillman worked with backers in warm-ups, he's currently on our LB watchlist as well. It's worth mentioning that Tillman saw fullback/H-back reps in the win against North Allegheny. Linebacker and FB/H are obvious areas/positions Tillman can develop and grow into, yet his mid-season tape has him working with varsity starters at the OLB/EDGE position in specific sets. He can play DE with his hand in the dirt, working to rush the passer against tackle prospects. He can rush with his hand off the dirt in a two-point stance as well. For prospects who want to get on the field early, the more positions and alignments coaches can trust you manning, the better. I am pleased to check in on Tillman and see that Central Catholic is involving him alongside some of their better names. Excited to finally get him off our Watch List too.

Caught a screen on offense (inside the 20), a screen Xxavier Thomas Xxavier Thomas 5'10" | 165 lbs | DB Pittsburgh Central Catholic | 2025 State PA would take in for a score. Anything on offense, anything on special teams is icing on the cake. We know Penn State, as well as other collegiate suitors, were courting Thomas on his potential as a defensive back. Thomas put on a clinic at two different positions against North Allegheny. The Central Catholic defensive line made things difficult for NAs QB to breathe in the pocket, so Thomas's job was already half done. Exemplary play at both corner and safety, the young man is interchangeable among any of the DB positions in the secondary.

More than anything, I got to see an up-close look of a much more confident version of Thomas. The PCC community, coaching staff, his teammates, they see this side of him often. I, however, do not. The Big10 commit exuded swagger and arrogance, the type of mentality you need to dominate as a DB out West. This isn't fabricated either, Thomas has grown in maturity and confidence because of the work he's put in behind the scenes. The margin between he and the current top-ranked DB is razor thin. After seeing him work in person, I'd be inclined to name him the top overall DB prospect among all 2025 prospects.

6'0, 165 pounds. Currently holds offers out of CalU, Akron, and Pitt, who was in attendance against North Allegheny. The former Chartiers Valley prospect is thriving as a true boundary corner aligning outside the numbers for Central Catholic.

A quiet night for a corner is a compliment. I'd describe his performance against North Allegheny as quiet, as the young man was hardly targeted, while looking confident in off coverage all night. Gleason's sophomore tape starts off hot, two interceptions flashing to the flat, Gleason showing off both his awareness of the football, as well as his ability to diagnose passing concepts on the go. The rest of Gleason's reps on tape showcase his prowess as a fearless run stopper. He's 160 pounds soaking wet, yet has no problem flashing to ball, breaking down, and knifing at the lower half of ball carriers. Xxavier Thomas Xxavier Thomas 5'10" | 165 lbs | DB Pittsburgh Central Catholic | 2025 State PA fills a multi-faceted role for the Vikings, where Gleason is looked at as a primary shutdown corner who can hold down his matchup each rep. You can make the case that the addition of Gleason has alleviated much of the pressure loading up on Thomas's shoulders. Quite the addition.

6'0, 175 pounds. Once a QB prospect, now turned legitimate varsity starting safety on this vaunted Viking defense. 4.4 GPA. Currently on our watchlist, was very pleased to see him look so comfortable in the secondary alongside Thomas in two high looks. If my memory serves me right, I can recall several stops in support of the run with #7 flashing and coming downhill to plug in 2nd-level holes.

Taking a look at his junior tape, Mahon has done more than enough to qualify for a ranking spot. Mahon serves what I would call a traditional strong safety role for the Vikings. He can float down into the box and help out the backers. Mahon can come down and play at the LOS and/or be rushed off the edge in blitz packages. Mahon can still provide center field coverage, even flashing some range when attacked vertically. Mahon's true value comes as an extra enforcer that can show off toughness while being surrounded by fantastic coverage guys. Much like Gompers, Blatt, and Thompson, Mahon can provide some energy and juice with the way he can lay wood. Very impressed with his year-over-end growth.

A bit ashamed that I didn't have this young man on our 2025 1,000 Ranking list. He's obviously capable of being included, yet was an oversight on my part. 5'10, 150 pounds, currently un-offered, 3.2 GPA.

I saw #10 man the corner back spot opposite Gleason, with Xxavier Thomas Xxavier Thomas 5'10" | 165 lbs | DB Pittsburgh Central Catholic | 2025 State PA venturing back to safety. Is small in stature and doesn't have blazing catch-up speed, yet I applaud his effort while in-phase. Plays through the hands, is annoying and pesky through the beginning and ends of his reps. You can see the effort he puts forth on special teams, as well as against the run as a last line of defense. I think next-level coaches will have to trust his long-speed before pulling the trigger (D3s). Again, a young man still worthy of looks.