2028 Studs: Rising Sophmores in the WPIAL

Let's start getting names to faces. For today i'm getting everyone in the state of PA equipped to learn these 5 stars in the makings. These are some rising sophomores who are bound to make noise in the western PA area.    [player_tooltip player_id='1043549' first='Nick' last='Anderson'] is a 2-way starter for Kiski Area High School. On the offensive side of things he's a tackle with flexibility to play left or right side of the line. With violent hands and pretty developed core strength he's not easy to get around in the pass game. As for the run game he demonstrates violence and anger with his hands and feet always moving and always trying to get someone on their back. On the defensive side of things you notice his hands always pressing out ready to release to grab the ball carrier. He shows a decent understanding of how to use his hands and hips when rushing the passer as well. For being a freshman this past season Anderson has some traits that you typically see in older guys, Anderson has a special edge to him and that's why he's on this list.       [player_tooltip player_id='1265772' first='Brandon' last='Murphy'] is simply the best player on the field for Clairton High School on his tape. He offers ability at every position he plays whether it's kick returner, WR, or DB he looks natural out there. Murphy glides when in his tape and changes direction smoothly which pops. Murphy checks all of my boxes or as many as you can for a rising sophomore. When he's playing DB he just moves naturally and it's the same for WR. But in my opinion his most electrifying plays were as a kick and punt returner, gashing and gliding through coverage units like it's a piece of warm butter, Murphy like i've said a ton of times is just a natural athlete with so much room to grow.     [player_tooltip player_id='1644512' first='Dante' last='Evans'] as a freshman was the most polished player i've watched in this group. I think his money to be made is at Tight End so we'll start there, he's violent he knows how to torque and twist defenders. When he's inserting into gaps he clears the way without problems. He has athletic receiving upside to him as well and his hands in the passing game are refined and almost certain to make the grab when the ball goes his way. On the defensive side of things you see someone who bats a ball down what seems like every play, he has pure athletic ability that college coaches love to see when finding their next target. Evans is strong and filled out well with adequate size to be a defensive end or a tight end, and lucky for him he excels at both.     [player_tooltip player_id='1365288' first='DaeJour' last='Pinckney'] is your prototype 3-4 OLB. Standing at 6'2” 210 pounds on film he demonstrates his understanding of pass rush, having some developed moves already. Another thing that stood out to me is his relentless motor, never giving up on a play and always trying to find his way to the ball carrier. His arms are like vines which is always nice to see, he often uses his length to his advantage keeping tackles away from him in his run fits or when he's rushing the passer. He flashes some flexibility and bend when he's rushing the passer and more times than not he's the guy who is earning 1on1 reps for his defense.     [player_tooltip player_id='1369039' first='Max' last='Hamilton'] lives in the weight room. While film is harder to find on him his size and numbers in the weight room earned him a spot here. The 6'4” 250 pound OL is strong as an ox, pushing 800+ pounds on a sled is no easy feat especially for such a young player. Hamilton is a moldable ball of clay it appears, the size and strength tells you that, but his work ethic and drive to better himself is something that I won't ignore. Hamilton is on an elite high school team and while he may of been waiting his turn, he's showing out in the offseason and it earned him a high ranking on prep redzone but also a spot on my list.

Let's start getting names to faces. For today i'm getting everyone in the state of PA equipped to learn these 5 stars in the makings. These are some rising sophomores who are bound to make noise in the western PA area.