Western PA Prospects to Watch: Pt 1
In this article:
Big thanks to @Pitt_FB for having me out to this season’s home opener!! Had a great time, looking forward to coming back .@JoshuaKrieger_ @LATROBEFOOTBALL #h2p pic.twitter.com/P58gnYHWSL— Alex Tatsch (@AlexTatsch5) September 3, 2023 Alex Tatsch PA #5 LB #2 HEIGHT 6'3"…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingAlex is a bonafide D1 OLB who has displayed a bunch of skill thus far. I’ve spoken about Tatsch before, but he’s FBS built at 6’3 and 211 lbs with ball skills. He tracks the ball laterally in run pursuit impressively. Alex is not only a reliable tackler but often lays the wood on his hits. His athleticism is very apparent when watching him take direct snaps or when he has the ball in general. Tatsch has next-level zone-dropping ability with above-average football intelligence. He’s strong with quickness and speed and has the potential to be a standout special teams performer. He’s dominant enough now to assume more FBS programs will offer. Alex has offers from UCONN & Marshall, but Power 5 locals Pitt, Penn State & WVU should join the Tatsch party.
I got a chance to watch Da’sjon move and compete in person this summer. He’s adequately built and athletic with above-average speed. Through two weeks of play, he’s rushed for 411 rushing yards, 5 TDs, and showcased a variety of skills. He knows when to lower the shoulder or make people miss before turning on the afterburners. Craggette recently received another scholarship from Fairmont State and also has an offer from Notre Dame College. Da’sjon has been in talks with D1s such as Buffalo, the Saint Francis Red Flash, and Duquesne, but hasn’t been offered by them.
Highlights
Brandon is an uncommitted gem in my eyes in the 2024 class. He has a good TE/DE frame at 6’3 and 240 lbs and displays skills. He currently has D1 FCS offers from St. Francis RedFlash and Sacred Heart. So far this year, London has physically fulfilled his run-blocking assignments and displayed soft receiving hands. Brandon’s route running and catch-and-run ability appear to be more consistently dangerous in ’23. Long’s D1 skillset in the middle of the field has been advantageous for his QB, Keegan Smetanka Keegan Smetanka 6’0″ | 175 lbs | QB Shaler Area | 2024 State PA .
Doerue has shown a lot of physicality on the field this season. He has speed and balance and effortlessly breaks tackles when rushing the ball. Eric’s such a punishing runner that he sometimes seeks out contact when he has the option to blow by the defender. He uses his blocks well, showcasing vision and elusiveness. Right now, Doerue is averaging 9.1 yards a carry, gashing defenses inside or outside of the tackles. Eric has also displayed next level open field tackling on defense thus far.
Braylon is a dangerous athlete when he has the football. Thomas is an athlete that showcases wide receiver abilities for the next level. He’s the guy that you find a way to get touches during the game. He’s a playmaker that also displays the possibility of being a kick returner collegiately. Braylon is an athlete that also has the ability to be a DB in college.
Julian currently has an offer to Lake Erie College, and it isn’t hard to see why. Walker is a compact-built RB that has speed and swift cutting ability. He’s tough on the inside with the ball and is fast enough to break angles on outside TD runs. Walker has been receiving interest from FCS and D2 programs thus far in ’23. JuJu had a notable TD run versus Westinghouse, where he displayed breakaway speed.
Highlights
Daly has displayed a lot of ability thus far in the early part of the season. He’s displayed a lot of physicality and the ability to deliver the blow as a LB. Watching his athleticism running the football further displays characteristics that will translate into playing LB on the next level. He has the ability, size, and speed it takes to be an effective scholarship-level MLB at 6’2 and 225 lbs. It will be interesting to see the progress Daly makes throughout the season.
Nate has looked solid with the ball in his hands. He’s displayed the ability to score on inside and outside runs. Deanes has 7 TDs and showcased home run ability on a few runs so far. Nate is also a physical open-field tackler that has shown the ability to cover and make plays on the ball. It’s not out of the realm of possibility that this athlete plays DB in college. Deanes has the characteristics of a standout special teamer as well.