The best blend of athleticism, production, tape, build, outside of SJP’s Anthony Sacca Anthony Sacca 6'4" | 220 lbs | LB St. Joseph's Prep | 2025 State PA . Greater Latrobe’s Alex Tatsch Alex Tatsch 6'3" | 210 lbs | LB Greater Latrobe | 2025 State PA recently announced his commitment to join the Nittany Lions’ 2025 recruiting class. I can write until my nails bleed about his meteoric rise to the top of this list, now we can see how he stacks among the best of the best. Tatsch now joins DJ McClary, a stud backer out of Henry Snyder HS (NJ), and a soon-to-be-mentioned Imani Christian backer as the three commits occupying the LB position. Tatsch might not scream athleticism the way McClary and Burnett do, yet I’d argue Tatsch is the favorite for long-term success at Happy Valley. There’s a foundation, a floor that I’d argue is higher than most surrounding him. Cam Smith Cam Smith 6'1" | 200 lbs | LB St. Joseph's Prep | 2025 State PA is vying for this position, a great senior year is likely needed to prevent the top two LBer spots from being held by SJP kids.

Alex received his 3rd scholly over the weekend from Power 5 West Virginia University. I recently featured Alex in a piece titled ‘Western Pa Prospects to Watch,’ and rightfully so. The 2025 OLB prospect is 6’3 and 211 lbs, and he has been dominant in the early portion of 2023. He’s a great zone-dropper, very difficult to block in the flat, and a punishing hitter that plays sideline-to-sideline. Latrobe’s leader also has D1 FBS offers from UCONN & the Marshall Thundering Herd.

Alex 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.

Another linebacker debuting on our rankings for the first time. Greater Latrobe’s Alex Tatsch Alex Tatsch 6'3" | 210 lbs | LB Greater Latrobe | 2025 State PA registered eight sacks, much like Kellen Gardner Kellen Gardner 6'2" | 200 lbs | LB The Haverford School | 2025 State PA listed above. Alex Tatsch Alex Tatsch 6'3" | 210 lbs | LB Greater Latrobe | 2025 State PA also registered two interceptions, a solid number for a 200-pound linebacker. OLB who is clearly comfortable in space, more so than most OLBs I come across. A clear candidate to play safety if need be. Awareness and play recognition are that of a defensive back, little bit of a cerebral approach to each rep. Controlled, but aggressive to finish assignments and tackles. Can blitz off the edge, can set the edge, and shed. Tatsch takes smart angles to the quarterback. Quality offensive reps later on tape, again proving how comfortable he is playing in space.