WPIAL 3A Preview: Playmakers to Watch for the 2025 Season

<!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["399270"],"_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-68a3a17a8c71d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Penn State's recruitment of athletes and running backs in the state of Pennsylvania has been on point for a while, and [player_tooltip player_id='399270' first='David' last='Davis'] is the latest example of a commitment to them. Davis is a talented athlete in the 2026 class and the top athlete in our rankings. His ability to make defenders miss is special, and when you couple that with elite speed and you see a legitimate running back.. Then, as a defender, his ability to make plays all over the field is special. I think it is possible he plays as a running back or as a defensive back at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">One of my highlights from fridays game <a href="https://twitter.com/Chise89?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Chise89</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/210ths?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@210ths</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ImaniCAFootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ImaniCAFootball</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/freshmanszn?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#freshmanszn</a> <a href="https://t.co/iCUWkpo6tJ">pic.twitter.com/iCUWkpo6tJ</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='399270' first='David' last='Davis'] (DB/RB) (@DavidDavis791) <a href="https://twitter.com/DavidDavis791/status/1567232992568901633?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 6, 2022</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1619103"],"_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-68a3a17a8c7ad"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Aien McCurdy is a talented offensive tackle from Deer Lakes. He has great size (6'4") and strength. He is excellent as a run blocker. He fires out of his stance and just mauls helpless defenders. I also like his athleticism, as he can pull kick out defenders well in counter and other gap scheme run plays. McCurdy's strength is apparent as he can bully defenders. In July, McCurdy got his 2nd offer from Lock Haven. It is a good start to his recruitment. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">After a great camp and conversation with <a href="https://twitter.com/coachpetite?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@coachpetite</a> I am proud to announce I have received my 2nd offer from <a href="https://twitter.com/LHU_Football?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LHU_Football</a>!!!! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Lockedin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Lockedin</a><a href="https://twitter.com/tderian58?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tderian58</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachNVoorhees?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachNVoorhees</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachJBattaglia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachJBattaglia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/tim_burk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tim_burk</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DeerLakesFball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DeerLakesFball</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/WPIAL_Insider?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WPIAL_Insider</a> <a href="https://t.co/KAkVrvXKxR">pic.twitter.com/KAkVrvXKxR</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='1619103' first='Aiden' last='McCurdy'] (@aiden_mccurdy) <a href="https://twitter.com/aiden_mccurdy/status/1944854548016926961?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["513009"],"_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-68a3a17a8c81b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='513009' first='Drew' last='Ross'] is a classic dual-threat quarterback for Freeport. His ability to play as a runner and as a thrower from the quarterback position is excellent. As a runner, he is excellent in the QB zone read game. He has an excellent feel for when to pull the ball and run with it. He is also a good passer in the pocket who delivers a good ball to his receivers. His mechanics and footwork are solid. He also always keeps his eyes downfield at a high rate when he faces pressure from the defense. Ross is a talented player who should be in line for a big Senior year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Full Junior Season Highlights‼️<br><br>@PRZPAvic <a href="https://twitter.com/AveryHawkins?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AveryHawkins</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PrepRedzonePA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrepRedzonePA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/footballcoach79?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@footballcoach79</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/PaFootballNews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PaFootballNews</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PAPrepsRivals?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PAPrepsRivals</a> <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/TheWPIALEdition?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheWPIALEdition</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ATHINTRAINING?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ATHINTRAINING</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Dyl_Henderson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Dyl_Henderson</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/josh_dale17?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@josh_dale17</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachStorino?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachStorino</a><a href="https://t.co/ZedlfTAhLn">https://t.co/ZedlfTAhLn</a> <a href="https://t.co/5WOM3Y3uBa">pic.twitter.com/5WOM3Y3uBa</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='513009' first='Drew' last='Ross'] (@Drew_Ross_11) <a href="https://twitter.com/Drew_Ross_11/status/1857199818688385063?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2024</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["647770"],"_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-68a3a17a8c883"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='647770' first='Landon' last='Honick'] is an explosive two-way player for Elizabeth Forward. His ability to play as both a wide receiver and a defensive back is impressive. As a wide receiver, he has great body control in the way he catches the ball between defenders. He does a great job of out-jumping defensive backs to make contested catches look easy. He also shows speed to run by defenders at a high clip. Then, as a cornerback, he shows good coverage ability and an ability to come upfield to make tackles in the open field. Honick is an excellent player in the 2026 class. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">-Full Junior Season Highlights-<br>13 tds <br>37 receptions <br>727 yds <br>20 yds per catch <br>33 total tackles <br>1 interception<br><br> <a href="https://t.co/1YM6C8GHM6">https://t.co/1YM6C8GHM6</a> <a href="https://t.co/IwfWOrde9F">pic.twitter.com/IwfWOrde9F</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='647770' first='Landon' last='Honick'] 🏝️(WR)(ATH) (@landon_honick) <a href="https://twitter.com/landon_honick/status/1858573422093066513?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 18, 2024</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["388166"],"_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-68a3a17a8c8e7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='388166' first='Makel' last='Darnell'] is a good athlete who can score anytime he touches the ball. A football coach used to tell me a dynamic athlete is someone you cannot catch in a phone booth, that exactly who Darnell is. His ability to make defenders miss in space is excellent. Either on returns, jet sweeps, or passes, he is electric with the ball in his hands. He isn't just fast; he has excellent moves to make defenders miss. He is in line for a huge season, and then he should eventually get recruited to play College Football.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jr Szn🎥 <a href="https://t.co/cD3T5fdyGB">https://t.co/cD3T5fdyGB</a><br><br>27🎯 21 rec 384 yds 4TDs⚡ 2 PR TDs 19.7 avg PR 18.3 avg KR<br><br>🏆2025 Top Returning Players<br>🏆2025 PrepRedzone 7v7 Top Performer<br>🏆2024-25 3A HM<br><br>SR SZN⏳68 days<a href="https://twitter.com/dustin_shoaf?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@dustin_shoaf</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SHSFootball2025?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SHSFootball2025</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/GordonCohagan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GordonCohagan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PRZVicCastillo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PRZVicCastillo</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/210ths?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@210ths</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/WPIAL_Insider?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WPIAL_Insider</a> <a href="https://t.co/BYfPCU3ZFF">pic.twitter.com/BYfPCU3ZFF</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='388166' first='Makel' last='Darnell'] (@MakelDarnell) <a href="https://twitter.com/MakelDarnell/status/1934210147238248661?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1155897"],"_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-68a3a17a8c949"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1155897' first='Peter' last='Bonnet'] is a massive human being with great size (6'5") and strength for an offensive lineman. He is already committed to playing football at Navy, which is incredible for him. He is a dominant run blocker. The way he goes and attacks defensive players and drives them off the ball is special. He sets the tone on offense with his ability to dominate defenders in the run game. Bonnet has one season left until he heads off to the Naval Academy. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Very excited to announce that after discussing with my family I have decided on committing to the U.S Naval Academy!<a href="https://twitter.com/NavyFB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NavyFB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Jay_Guillermo57?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Jay_Guillermo57</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/NavyCoachYo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NavyCoachYo</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/adamgorney?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@adamgorney</a><a href="https://twitter.com/BrianDohn247?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BrianDohn247</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/wpialsportsnews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wpialsportsnews</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/WPIAL_Insider?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WPIAL_Insider</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PaFootballNews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PaFootballNews</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/WPIAL_Blitz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WPIAL_Blitz</a> @PRZPAvic <a href="https://twitter.com/AvonworthFB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AvonworthFB</a> <a href="https://t.co/ngj0PxIlCK">pic.twitter.com/ngj0PxIlCK</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='1155897' first='Peter' last='Bonnet'] (@peterthebonnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/peterthebonnet/status/1940128341492732197?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1155879"],"_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-68a3a17a8c9b0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1155879' first='Micah' last='Pupi'] is a good and instinctive linebacker for Beaver High School. His ability to play as both an off-ball linebacker and off the edge is excellent. I love his size (6'3"), and his ability to move is excellent. When he plays off the edge, he does a good job of creating issues against the opposing offenses. Then, as an outside linebacker playing in space, his ability to read and react to the play and make plays against the offense is excellent. Pupi is a good linebacker who should play even better this season. He should also be in line to play wide receiver this year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Junior year highlights<br>-1st team all-conference OLB<a href="https://t.co/m9TKQyMGV9">https://t.co/m9TKQyMGV9</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='1155879' first='Micah' last='Pupi'] (@MicahPupi7) <a href="https://twitter.com/MicahPupi7/status/1887231798343835895?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["913233"],"_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-68a3a17a8ca16"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='913233' first='Braddock' last='Ambrose'] is a natural quarterback who has a quick delivery. His ability to sit in the pocket and pick apart a defense is good. He isn't the biggest guy in the world, but he makes up for it with the way he processes the ball and throws the ball in the pocket. He throws with good anticipation, and he does a good job of reading the defense when he is in the pocket. Ambrose had an outstanding Sophomore season. Usually, in the 2nd season for a quarterback, the game slows down; I expect that for him. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sophomore Season Highlights! <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachDuzzPittFB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachDuzzPittFB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/QBHitList?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@QBHitList</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PrepRedzonePA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrepRedzonePA</a> @PRZPAvic <a href="https://twitter.com/footballcoach79?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@footballcoach79</a><a href="https://t.co/hJsM288KvI">https://t.co/hJsM288KvI</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='913233' first='Braddock' last='Ambrose'] (@BraddockAmbrose) <a href="https://twitter.com/BraddockAmbrose/status/1850688907647873075?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2024</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":"","_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-68a3a17a8cadc"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->