2028 PA Rankings Update: Stock Risers, Positive Trenders Part 2

<!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1335896"],"_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":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67eac698e04c6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">6'1, 170 pounds. 3.2 GPA. Currently ranked as a top-three defensive back, 18th-highest overall prospect in PA. Holds a September 2024 offer from Boston College. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tape begins with Jones covering a two-man concept as the inside defender, recovering and recording a PBU after letting a wideout break leverage. A rep that shows Jones has a ways to go in terms of technique, yet is athletic enough to overcome mistakes. A legitimate safety prospect who goes on to prove the previous sentence true, as he's a real weapon when used on offense. A good amount of Jones Jr.'s freshman tape show off the playmaker he can be via direct snaps behind center. An explosive weapon Seton LaSalle can get creative with, I'm excited to see how Jones can expand his game as a future sophomore. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Go check out my freshmen season highlights🔥 <a href="https://twitter.com/coachzwill?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@coachzwill</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/LEVELUTIONsport?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LEVELUTIONsport</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RivalsFriedman?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RivalsFriedman</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ryanobleness?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ryanobleness</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RivalsFriedman?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RivalsFriedman</a> <a href="https://t.co/P5Ek1VuW6b">https://t.co/P5Ek1VuW6b</a></p>&mdash; Kia jones jr (@Kiajonesjr4_) <a href="https://twitter.com/Kiajonesjr4_/status/1880333557631185059?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1365217"],"_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":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67eac698e052b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">6'3, 195 pounds. 3.1 GPA. Was previously outside our Top 50, now ranked as a top-five athlete among all Pennsylvania 2028s. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Saw [player_tooltip player_id='1365217' first='Brandon' last='Bennett'] work in a live setting at back-to-back 7v7s. His build was startling and I mean that as a compliment. A frame resembling that of a basketball prospect, [player_tooltip player_id='1365217' first='Brandon' last='Bennett'] oozes with athletic potential, either at QB for Montour, or at several other positions. I cannot provide much of an evaluation, yet from what I hear from coaches at the HS and college level that I trust, I get the sense that programs recruiting underclassmen from Western Pennsylvania will be intrigued at the very least. Excited to see how Montour utilizes this kid's skill set.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">This is a 2028 y'all 👇👇👇 <a href="https://twitter.com/Brandon05952914?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Brandon05952914</a> <a href="https://t.co/NzaVNfeQAx">https://t.co/NzaVNfeQAx</a> <a href="https://t.co/2wJBXS8CaC">pic.twitter.com/2wJBXS8CaC</a></p>&mdash; VicCastilloPRZ (@PRZPAvic) <a href="https://twitter.com/PRZPAvic/status/1896737273775087721?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["992349"],"_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":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67eac698e0574"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">6'2, 190 pounds. Ranked the top QB prospect among all PA 2028s. Threw for 2,000+ yards and 20+ TDs at Southmoreland. Holds offers from Syracuse and Sacramento State. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the few 2028 quarterbacks in Pennsylvania with enough production/tape to actually be evaluated properly. Said tape, combined with his measurables, is special enough to garner serious attention from FBS programs. Comfortable working out of gun/10 personnel sets. First rep on tape is a beauty, with Smith stepping into an unblocked defender with a full head of steam and hitting on a 40-yard post for a score. Smith is tough beyond his years and experience. Shows he can move his launch point to operate flood concepts, good to know when evaluating someone his size. A confident passer, Smith has no problem uncorking balls 40-50 yards downfield in an attempt to hit on vertical shots. Love the timing and accuracy Smith displays when targeting slants inside of 15 yards. The more decisive and comfortable Smith can be after catching the snap, the more his potential as a game-breaking passer will reveal itself each Friday night. Smith, alongside PCC's [player_tooltip player_id='1040324' first='Owen' last='Herrick'] and Hopewell's [player_tooltip player_id='1265746' first='James' last='Armstrong'], received consideration for the top spot, with Smith ultimately earning the spot this update. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Freshman varsity highlights 3A.<br>Finished with 2,110 passing yards and 22 touchdowns along with 4 rushing touchdowns.<br>Second freshman in WPIAL history to throw for over 2,000 yards<a href="https://t.co/MwncPKs9My">https://t.co/MwncPKs9My</a><a href="https://twitter.com/coachwil_412?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@coachwil_412</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SHSFootball4U?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SHSFootball4U</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/michaelemcmahon?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@michaelemcmahon</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/210ths?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@210ths</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Coach_Roc3?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Coach_Roc3</a> <a href="https://t.co/AZJOSVH49L">pic.twitter.com/AZJOSVH49L</a></p>&mdash; Anthony smith (@AnthonyMSmith13) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnthonyMSmith13/status/1854323438850130412?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2024</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1399375"],"_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":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67eac698e05ba"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">6'2, 225 pounds. 3.264 GPA. Solid leap from his previous rank. 42 tackles registered as a freshman at Susquehannock, 11 of which went for a loss, 4 sacks to boot. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Has an 11-minute freshman tape. I appreciate the display of production, yet I recommend LaGore cutting down this tape to 3-4 minutes of best plays. That being said, LaGore's first rep on tape is a tone-setting one. The 225-pound backer shows off fantastic tackling form and buries a back in the backfield with authority. Not common seeing a freshman show off this type of violence to his game. Can operate with his hand off the dirt in a 2-4-5 front. Ranked as a LB despite substantial OL tape on Hudl. At 6'2, 225 pounds, I can't project him to OL at this time. TE and LB are obvious options, yet LaGore's prowess at backer excites me most.+</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Freshman year highlights please check it out when you have a chance!!!!! <br><br>3.264 GPA<br><br>Class of 2028<br><br>Freshman season:<br>42 tackles<br>11 tackles for loss<br>3.5 sacks<br>9 hurries <br>1 fumble recovery<a href="https://twitter.com/CoachCregger?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachCregger</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RussellStoner24?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RussellStoner24</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AFL_YorkPA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AFL_YorkPA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ShipFootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ShipFootball</a> <a href="https://t.co/JlYonCASMM">https://t.co/JlYonCASMM</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='1399375' first='Dylan' last='LaGore'] (@D_lagore) <a href="https://twitter.com/D_lagore/status/1867201328419905833?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2024</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["619264"],"_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":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67eac698e05ff"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">6'1, 205 pounds. Ranked as a DL, the second-best at that, yet has explored and dabbled with other positions in the past with Beaver Area. Is a three-sport athlete (basketball and track).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The majority of Beaver Area freshman [player_tooltip player_id='619264' first='Brennan' last='Kostyak']'s tape has him operating out of a two-point stance in a traditional OLB role. At 6'1, 205 pounds, I likely should have ranked Kostyak as a backer to more accurate describe his game to coaches. Would still place as a top-five backer if I were to make that change. Great through the second-half of his reps. A phenomenal finisher once he smells blood in the water. I think Kostyak has a ways to go to improve at the snap, I can say the same for pretty much any underclassmen working inside the defensive front. Where Kostyak flashes brilliance is in pursuit. Once he disengages, once he can shed properly, he flashes advanced pursuit and closing speed. I can feel better about his gracious ranking so long as Kostyak can improve on a great freshman campaign. Would love to see him in person.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">FRESHMAN SEASON<a href="https://t.co/v5mVELtJXn">https://t.co/v5mVELtJXn</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='619264' first='Brennan' last='Kostyak'] (@Kostyak_Brennan) <a href="https://twitter.com/Kostyak_Brennan/status/1867335052302200915?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2024</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->