Ryan Messina
Ryan Messina
About Ryan
Expert Analysis
Pat Weider | Prep Redzone Scout
In a losing effort against North Catholic, Ryan Messina Ryan Messina 6'4" | 220 lbs | QB Elizabeth-Forward | 2026 State PA played well for Elizabeth Forward. He threw for 255 yards during the game and 173 yards rushing, which was an amazing effort by him. Messina is a talented quarterback. He had a strong season, and he has the talent to play at the next level. Even though it was a losing effort, Messina still played at a high level. Messina deserves a game ball for this season.
Junior Full Season Highlights🖤
144-211 (68%)
2368 pass yds
24 pass tds – 4 ints
615 rush yds
11 rush tdshttps://t.co/8QdHu5EHHF pic.twitter.com/q1KsuUEKS5— Ryan Messina Ryan Messina 6'4" | 220 lbs | QB Elizabeth-Forward | 2026 State PA , 6’4”, 220lb, Quarterback (@RyanMessina20) November 17, 2024
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Read EvaluationJoe Fitzgerald | Prep Redzone Scout
Ryan Messina Ryan Messina 6'4" | 220 lbs | QB Elizabeth-Forward | 2026 State PA might be one of the most underrated quarterbacks in this entire class. He’s built like a college player already with a solid frame, strong base, and the kind of toughness coaches love. He’s a dual-threat with legitimate power as a runner. On designed QB power and counter plays, he runs with purpose and physicality. But he’s not just a run-first guy, his arm talent is there. He throws confidently in the intermediate game, has the velocity to hit tight windows, and shows nice touch when he pushes it down the field. What stands out most is how much command he has of his offense. You can tell he studies the game and plays with poise. Messina already holds a few Division II and III offers, but his combination of frame, leadership, and versatility gives him FCS upside. He’s a gamer, plain and simple, the kind of player who elevates everyone around him.
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Read EvaluationPat Weider | Prep Redzone Scout
Ryan Messina Ryan Messina 6'4" | 220 lbs | QB Elizabeth-Forward | 2026 State PA is a classic pocket quarterback who has outstanding size and throws dimes all over the field. His size is impressive as he stands (6’4′). He sits in the pocket and understands pocket concepts well. He knows exactly who and where to throw the ball to at all times. He also shows good accuracy as he throws the ball in tight windows well to his receivers. Messina is having a strong season, and he should continue to play at a high level for Elizabeth Forward.
Another great team win last night against East Allegheny! Please take some time check out my film from last night!!🔥@Coach__Saint @jordan_demarco @WPIAL_Insider @wpialsportsnews @TheWPIALEdition @PA_TodaySports @ranery09 https://t.co/XBrOgyZ1yu pic.twitter.com/DTE7hBO7vc
— Ryan Messina Ryan Messina 6'4" | 220 lbs | QB Elizabeth-Forward | 2026 State PA , 6’4”, 220lb, Quarterback (@RyanMessina20) September 6, 2025
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Read EvaluationPat Weider | Prep Redzone Scout
Ryan Messina Ryan Messina 6'4" | 220 lbs | QB Elizabeth-Forward | 2026 State PA is a prototypical quarterback who has great size for a quarterback (standing 6’3″ inches tall). He is a good athlete that moves well in and outside the pocket. His ability to run is impressive. He has good speed, and when he gets into the open field, he can make defenders miss. He has a strong arm and does a good job using it to throw it in tight windows. He is excellent at throwing deep balls and seems to understand exactly how to put the right amount of touch on the ball. Messina has all the skills to play at an even higher level next year.
Junior Full Season Highlights🖤
144-211 (68%)
2368 pass yds
24 pass tds – 4 ints
615 rush yds
11 rush tdshttps://t.co/8QdHu5EHHF pic.twitter.com/q1KsuUEKS5— Ryan Messina Ryan Messina 6'4" | 220 lbs | QB Elizabeth-Forward | 2026 State PA , 6’4”, 210lb, Quarterback (@RyanMessina20) November 17, 2024
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Read EvaluationPat Weider | Prep Redzone Scout
Ryan Messina Ryan Messina 6'4" | 220 lbs | QB Elizabeth-Forward | 2026 State PA is a playmaker inside and outside the pocket for Elizabeth Forward at quarterback. He is equally as good when he is on schedule or when the play breaks down. When he has time to throw Messina has good mechanics and delivers a good football. He reads the defense well and knows exactly where he wants to go with the football. When the play breaks down he is a good athlete that is tough to tackle. Messina is a tough quarterback for any defense to stop and should continue to shine for Elizabeth Forward.
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Read EvaluationPat Weider | Prep Redzone Scout
Ryan Messina Ryan Messina 6'4" | 220 lbs | QB Elizabeth-Forward | 2026 State PA is a good quarterback prospect who is a nice blend of being in the pocket and going outside to make a play. Messina has great size, standing 6’3 inches tall. Messina has excellent mechanics when throwing the ball. He does a nice job sitting in the pocket and delivering a good football. He shows a strong arm, especially when he throws a deep ball. Messina is also a good runner. He can be used in design run plays or when the play breaks down by scrambling around to make a play. Messina is a talented quarterback in the 2026 class.
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Read EvaluationVic Castillo | Prep Redzone Scout
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- 4.000-4.300 GPA
- 6’3, 200
- 18 total TDs, 2,000+ total yards (17/3)
Has a six-minute tape on Hudl. Carries one of the better builds of any QB in his class, a compact, tight 200 pounds that can absorb swipes, low tackles, hits to the mouth. 6’3, can stand tall in the pocket and oversee/scan what’s in front of him. Frist rep on tape has him ripping a 40-yard air-toss that hits his target in stride. Second rep is a beauty, one that leads me to believe he could play at the next level. Messina can feel the pressure while maintaining eyes downfield. He can sense pressure without immediately thinking he has to escape. Messina gets A-gap pressure, takes a shot to the mouth, yet delivers an anticiplatory ball to a breaking post for a big play downfield. This is next-level quarterbacking. Not an obvious threat with his legs but the kid can run like a LB. Can be tasked with running veer/mesh sets and you can see him occasionally pull the rock from his back for first downs. Emphasis on downfield accuracy. I’m not seeing all of his misses, but his hits are worth noting. Can drop balls into buckets 40+ yards out toward the back of endzones, towards the sideline where only his targets can make plays on balls. Looking back at his complete tape, the pre-throw mechs, the myriad of routes thrown, the size and production, I could easily move Messina inside the top eight at his position. One of my favorites.
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Read Evaluationjayden-huber-author | Prep Redzone Scout
Elizabeth Forward has a guy in Ryan Messina Ryan Messina 6'4" | 220 lbs | QB Elizabeth-Forward | 2026 State PA ! The 2026 QB has already shown he can play well against anybody in the state! In their only loss of the regular season to eventually state champion Belle Vernon Ryan threw for 219 yards, and a touchdown with a 58% completion percentage. He stays true to the saying “Take what the defense gives you.” He isn’t the fastest runner, but if a lane opens up he will not hesitate to take the free yards handed to him. I like that he creates time for himself in the pocket, and is always aware of where he is. Messina has great touch on all his throws. He can make every throw on the field. There is serious arm strength in his game. When he decides to go to the intermediate and short game he picks defenses apart with his ability to put the ball where he pleases. With a reported 4.0 GPA I wouldn’t be surprised if higher academic institutions started to pick up on Messina.
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Read EvaluationDylan Callaghan-Croley | Prep Redzone Scout
Here’s what our own Avery Hawkins had to say about Messina earlier this year.“He has good footwork in the pocket and keeps his vision downfield. The 6’3, 190-pound field general does a good job of throwing over the top. His deep ball is accurate and placed well regularly. Ryan is skilled at throwing intermediate passes into smaller windows. The ‘26 prospect anticipates well, especially on outbreaking routes. He’s decently mobile but only uses his scrambling to buy time to throw.”Stat-wise, Medina completed 61.1% of his passes this season for 1,745 yards and 15 touchdowns.
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Read EvaluationAvery Hawkins | Prep Redzone Scout
Elizabeth Forward’s sophomore QB has performed well thus far. Messina has completed 53/89 passes for 911 yards and 7 TDs this season. He has good footwork in the pocket and keeps his vision downfield. The 6’3, 190-pound field general does a good job of throwing over the top. His deep ball is accurate and placed well regularly. Ryan is skilled at throwing intermediate passes into smaller windows. The ‘26 prospect anticipates well, especially on outbreaking routes. He’s decently mobile but only uses his scrambling to buy time to throw. I’m interested to see how much damage Messina will do in the middle of the field throwing to his slot,
Charlie Nigut
Charlie
Nigut
5'6" | 145 lbs | ATH
Elizabeth-Forward | 2025
State
PA
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