WPIAL 2A Preview: Playmakers to Watch for the 2025 Season

<!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1156094"],"_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-68a519760ab63"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1156094' first='Robert' last='Lenzi'] is a good athlete who played at a high level last year as a cornerback and as a quarterback. As a cornerback, he has excellent coverage skills. I love how he breaks on the ball and constantly knocks down passes thrown in his direction. He also played as a quarterback, where he showed a good ability as a runner. His ability to read the defensive end and pull the ball when it was needed to run the ball is good. He is a dynamic runner with the ball in his hands. He also does a good job of throwing the ball and hitting wide receivers downfield. Lenzi is a good athlete who should be in line for a big season this year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/8ryurrDuRW">https://t.co/8ryurrDuRW</a><br>WPIAL Champions<br>1st team all conference secondary<br>All conference honorable mention qb<br>Defensive Stats:<br>Tackles-27<br>Solo tkls-23<br>Assisted tkls-4<br>Int-1<br>Td allowed-1<br>Offensive stats:<br>Completions-49<br>Pass Attempts-109<br>Pass Yds-649<br>Rush attempts-117<br>Rush yds-921 <a href="https://t.co/HFMT0PyOjM">pic.twitter.com/HFMT0PyOjM</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='1156094' first='Robert' last='Lenzi'] (@robert_lenzi) <a href="https://twitter.com/robert_lenzi/status/1877807492379378088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["388160"],"_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-68a519760abec"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='388160' first='Da'Ron' last='Barksdale'] is a great athlete who continues to play at a high level for Steel Valley and has committed to play football at the University of Pittsburgh. He is a great athlete who can score anytime he touches the ball. He plays as a quarterback and is special at running with the ball. He rushed for over 1,000 yards last year as a quarterback. He is also a good defensive back, as he has good coverage skills and does a good job of breaking on the ball when it is thrown in his direction. Barksdale is an outstanding athlete who should has one year left to finish his high school career on a high note. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/P3gpRPNStA">https://t.co/P3gpRPNStA</a><br>1100 RUSHING YARDS<br>400 PASSING<br>48 TACKLES <br>8 TFL<br>8 Deflections<br>1 PICK<br>ALL CONFERENCE DB💰🎮<a href="https://twitter.com/210ths?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@210ths</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DulinOlando?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DulinOlando</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/sharkomartin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sharkomartin</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RivalsFriedman?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RivalsFriedman</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MohrRecruiting?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MohrRecruiting</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AveryHawkins?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AveryHawkins</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DemetricDWarren?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DemetricDWarren</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CraigHaubert?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CraigHaubert</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/TheUCReport?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheUCReport</a> <a href="https://t.co/qYNOoJC2HY">pic.twitter.com/qYNOoJC2HY</a></p>&mdash; Da'Ron“Daedae”Barksdale⚡️3⭐️DB (@DaronBarksdale) <a href="https://twitter.com/DaronBarksdale/status/1861085117797539993?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["647821"],"_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-68a519760ac4a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='647821' first='Bryce' last='Guest'] is a good defensive tackle for South Allegheny. He gets off the ball quickly and does a good job of disrupting offenses. He has good strength as an offensive lineman, has a hard time trying to block him one-on-one. He also has a good motor as he constantly chases plays all over the field. Guest also shows a good ability as a pass rusher as he chases quarterbacks well in the backfield. Guest is a good defensive tackle who should only improve this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">📏6'2<br>⚖️265<br>🏫South Allegheny HS (PA)<br>🎓Co'26<br>📧buest051212@gmail.com<br>☎️412-426-0453<br>🚨Junior FULL SEASON+Playoffs🚨<br>OL/DL<br>55 tot<br>4 total scks<br>12 tfls <br>14 qbhurs <br>@PRZPAvic <a href="https://twitter.com/WPIAL_Blitz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WPIAL_Blitz</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/wpialsportsnews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wpialsportsnews</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/210ths?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@210ths</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DulinOlando?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DulinOlando</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PrepRedzonePA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrepRedzonePA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Coach55Hanson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Coach55Hanson</a> <a href="https://t.co/wWx6KwUiLb">https://t.co/wWx6KwUiLb</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='647821' first='Bryce' last='Guest'] (@BryceGuest5) <a href="https://twitter.com/BryceGuest5/status/1862606098378666328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2024</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1182141"],"_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-68a519760acb0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1182141' first='Matthew' last='Brodzinski'] is in line for a huge season for Seton LaSalle as he is expected to start as a wide receiver and a defensive back. As a wide receiver, he shows a good ability to make defenders miss after he catches the ball. He also has good hands, and he can catch the ball well in between defenders. Then, as a defensive back, he shows good coverage skills as he can make plays all over the field. Then he shows a good ability to make tackles in the open field. I expect a massive sophomore season for Brodzinski.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Had a great team scrimmage yesterday vs Plum, ready for a big sophomore season!! <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachStorino?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachStorino</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SLS_Football?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SLS_Football</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CaseyMPhillips1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CaseyMPhillips1</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/_Quay12?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@_Quay12</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PAELITE7v7?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PAELITE7v7</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/WPIAL_Insider?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WPIAL_Insider</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PRZVicCastillo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PRZVicCastillo</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PA_TodaySports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PA_TodaySports</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/wpialsportsnews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wpialsportsnews</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/210ths?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@210ths</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/GordonCohagan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GordonCohagan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachMathis922?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachMathis922</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DAWGHZERECRUITS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DAWGHZERECRUITS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/adamgorney?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@adamgorney</a> <a href="https://t.co/VpOClMkfTW">pic.twitter.com/VpOClMkfTW</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='1182141' first='Matthew' last='Brodzinski'] (@mbrodzinski13) <a href="https://twitter.com/mbrodzinski13/status/1957096695612813730?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["914813"],"_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-68a519760ad01"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='914813' first='Ross' last='Tennant'] is an excellent running back for Waynesburg Central, who should only improve going forward. He has a short, compact running style. He hits the hole with a good burst and then breaks tackles well by running through arm tackles. He also shows excellent patience as he waits for the holes to open. This is especially true on gap runs where people are pulling, and Tennant maintains his patience. The sky's the limit for Tennant, and I expect a huge season from him. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["955778"],"_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-68a519760ad62"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='955778' first='Tristan' last='Reed'] is one of the best athletes in the 2026 class, and he is already committed to playing football at Miami University (Ohio). No doubt about it, he is a dynamic athlete. He has legit speed and can score anytime he touches the ball. He also shows an excellent ability to make defenders miss in space. As a quarterback, he shows a good arm and delivers a good football, but his future this season and in College is probably as a wide receiver. Someone with his size (6'4") and speed (4.4 range) is hard to find. This season for Washington, he will probably play as a quarterback and as a wide receiver. Whatever position it is, he will be a difference maker. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Scrimmage went great today. UNSTOPPABLE‼️ Glad to be back in action with my brothers!!! <a href="https://twitter.com/210ths?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@210ths</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PA_TodaySports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PA_TodaySports</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/WPIAL_Insider?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WPIAL_Insider</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/wpialsportsnews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wpialsportsnews</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/TheWPIALEdition?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheWPIALEdition</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PRZVicCastillo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PRZVicCastillo</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/the_yvy_program?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@the_yvy_program</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MiamiOHFootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MiamiOHFootball</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/The_hive_ath?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@The_hive_ath</a> <a href="https://t.co/5bVeeyk2MH">pic.twitter.com/5bVeeyk2MH</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='955778' first='Tristan' last='Reed'] (@tristan1reed) <a href="https://twitter.com/tristan1reed/status/1956765409685696696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1474678"],"_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-68a519760adcf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1474678' first='Blaine' last='Crislip'] is a talented offensive lineman with great size (6'5"). I had the pleasure of seeing him work out at our Prep Redzone Showcase, where he was one of the best offensive linemen there. He has good strength as he can lock on to defensive players and drive them off the ball with his strength. I love his run-blocking ability as he is dominant in this area of his game. Crislip with another off-season in the weight room should be even better as a player this year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1623945"],"_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-68a519760ae32"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1623945' first='Kaden' last='Bailey'] is an underrated player in the 2027 class. He is an explosive player who can score anytime he touches the ball. He scored last year on an interception, a punt return, and run plays. Playing in an old school full-house backfield, Bailey showed a good ability to run the ball, as he ran hard and was always able to gain extra yards by pumping his legs. He has good speed, and he can score anytime he gets in the open field. On defense, he showed good coverage skills as a cornerback and also had some interceptions. Bailey is a good player on both sides of the ball and as a returner. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Check out this highlight! <a href="https://t.co/YSXhPFxN31">https://t.co/YSXhPFxN31</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='1623945' first='Kaden' last='Bailey'] (@kadenbailey02_) <a href="https://twitter.com/kadenbailey02_/status/1853962577010626943?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 6, 2024</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->