TYLER PALKO,
QB, 6-2 1/2, 212,
WEST ALLEGHENY
Ranked among the top three quarterbacks in the country by some scouting services. Started since the first game of his freshman season. Tyler has 3,666 yards passing in three seasons and 1,053 rushing. As a junior, he completed 97 of 168 for 1,396 yards. Had narrowed his list of schools to Pitt, Penn State, Virginia and Michigan before making a commitment to Pitt in June. An excellent athlete, Palko also is a standout at free safety. A starter in basketball since his freshman season and the team's leading scorer.
IAN FIRESTONE,
WR, 6-2, 190,
WEST LAWN WILSON
His teammates call him "PW" after Peter Warrick. "I love to run that post corner route just like he does," Firestone said. Has run the 40 in 4.35 seconds. Caught 42 passes a year ago from a freshman quarterback. Has 107 career receptions. Also an excellent kick returner who averaged 44 yards on kickoff returns last year. Notre Dame, North Carolina, Boston College, Northwestern, Georgia Tech, Boston College, Miami, Virginia are his top choices. Likes North Carolina the most.
JIM KANUCH,
DB-WR, 6-2, 190,
WESTMONT HILLTOP
Has been clocked at camps in the 40 at 4.3 seconds. Plays at a small school in Johnstown, but will likely lead Westmont Hilltop to big success this season. Was one of the top 100- and 200-meter sprinters in Class AA in Pennsylvania last season. Had dozens of scholarship offers. UCLA, Boston College, Notre Dame, Michigan were on his final list, but made commitment last week to Penn State. His uncle is Penn State defensive coordinator Tom Bradley. Kanuch is unsure of what position he'll play at Penn State, although he said he'd be the waterboy if asked.
MAURICE STOVALL,
WR, 6-5, 190,
ARCHBISHOP CARROLL
Pennsylvania has a bumper crop of speedy receivers this season. Stovall is another one. Has run the 40 in 4.3 seconds. Stovall caught only 19 passes a year ago, but that didn't stop many big-time colleges from offering him a scholarship. "We set all kinds of records in the Philadelphia Catholic League last year for points scored. Our running game is what did it," said Archbishop Carroll Coach Dan Bielli. "But those running backs are all gone, so we're going to have to depend on Maurice a lot more this season." Seems to favor playing in the South, probably the ACC region. Grades are still uncertain.
JOSH HANNUM,
WR-DB, 6-0, 175,
STRATH HAVEN
A speed burner who can run the 40 in 4.3 seconds. Has run the 100 meters in 10.6. Made a verbal commitment to Notre Dame a few weeks ago. Had numerous scholarship offers. Penn State was his other top choice. Leading receiver last year for a Strath Haven team that won the PIAA Class AAA championship for the second year in a row. Caught 49 passes. Was a first-team all-state selection in the Big Schools Division (Class AAAA and AAA). "He's a real big-play threat," said Strath Haven Coach Kevin Clancy. Was recruited to play offense. Talented kick returner, too.
PERRY PATTERSON,
QB, 6-4, 225,
LANCASTER MCCASKEY
Patterson can destroy defenses with his running and throwing. A year ago, he completed 91 of 182 for 1,788 yards and 17 TDs. Threw only five interceptions. Also rushed for 664 yards on 100 carries and scored 13 TDs. Because of injuries, he never played much at quarterback until his sophomore season. College choice will depend heavily on the type of offense the team runs. "Georgia Tech and Syracuse stick out the most because they throw the ball downfield and have the option offense," Patterson said. Also looking at Kansas State and Virginia Tech. Also excellent basketball player on a powerhouse team last year. Has Division I basketball offers from Sacred Heart and Richmond, but plans to play football in college. "I might try basketball at some point," Patterson said.
MARK FARRIS,
OL-DL, 6-6, 280,
NORTH HILLS
One of the most heavily recruited players in Western Pennsylvania. In his fourth year as a starter. Unsure of what position he'll play in college, but Coach Jack McCurry believes he could have his biggest impact as an offensive lineman. Farris and Tyler Palko were the only juniors on last year's Post-Gazette Fabulous 22 Has scholarship offers from Pitt, Penn State, Virginia, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Northwestern. Says he has no list of favorites, but this likely could come down to a Pitt-Penn State battle.
JAMIE RYAN,
OL-DL, 6-5, 280,
MARIAN CATHOLIC
Ryan narrowed his list to Notre Dame, Virginia Tech, Michigan State, Penn State and Boston College before choosing Notre Dame on July 6. "I've been a Notre Dame fan my whole life," Ryan said. "I've always watched them on television every chance I've gotten." Went to spring game at Notre Dame and then committed after attending summer camp there. Although he plays defense, future seems to be on the offensive line.
STEVE BREASTON,
QB-DB, 6-2, 170,
WOODLAND HILLS
One of the best athletes in the WPIAL. Never tried track and field before last spring, and ended up winning WPIAL Class AAA 300-meter hurdles championship. Was only a DB for the first few games last year, then moved to quarterback and showed great running and scrambling ability. Wants to prove to colleges this year that he can throw the ball. Has close to 20 scholarship offers. Pitt, Penn State, Notre Dame, Wisconsin are among those who have offered. Northwestern is the only school recruiting him as a quarterback. The others want him as a defensive back or receiver.
BRIAN BORGOYN,
OL, 6-5, 295,
WOODLAND HILLS
Has grown into a big-time prospect. Was 6-2, 185 as a freshman. Now he's one of the most heavily recruited linemen in the state. Notre Dame, Michigan, Penn State, Northwestern, Boston College, Wisconsin and Pitt are his favorites. Notre Dame is his No. 1 choice right now. Excellent student with 3.95 grade average and 1,060 SAT.
BRIAN MATTES,
TE-DE, 6-6, 250,
WYOMING VALLEY WEST
Colleges like his versatility. Some think he'd be a good tight end, some think he'd be a good defensive end. Had 10 sacks last year and caught 30 passes. Runs a 4.7 40. When he was younger, Mattes thought his future was in basketball. Still a talented basketball player, averaging 18 points and 11 rebounds last season. Notre Dame, Penn State, Pitt and Virginia Tech are among the many schools that have offered..
KYLE BELL,
DB-WR, 6-3, 195,
PHILADELPHIA WASHINGTON
Outstanding defensive back who excels in pass coverage. Had nine interceptions last season. A starter since his freshman year, Bell will most likely be a free safety in college. Scored five touchdowns as a receiver last year. His father, Duane, played at Temple. Penn State is his top choice. Rutgers, Temple and Pitt also are on his list. Attended summer school to improve his grades.
JAREN HAYES,
RB-DB, 5-10, 190,
CEDAR CREST
Has excellent speed, running the 40 as fast as 4.35. A three-year starter who has rushed for 4,022 career yards on 579 carries. Made verbal commitment to Michigan State. He attended the Spartans' camp, and when Coach Bobby Williams offered, Hayes accepted. Rutgers, Temple, Virginia Tech and Pitt also were on his list.
BRADEN CAMPBELL,
TE-OL, 6-4 1/2, 255,
SLIPPERY ROCK
Slippery Rock hasn't produced many Division I prospects lately, but Campbell brought many major-college coaches to the school. Started his freshman year and has been captain ever since. Made commitment in July to Virginia. Pitt was his other finalist, but also had offers from Wisconsin and West Virginia, among others. Plays offensive tackle for Slippery Rock because the Rockets need him inside. Some liked him as a tight end. Some think he could be a defensive lineman. "Most recruited me as kind of a lineman athlete," Campbell said.
BRANDON KIRSCH,
QB, 6-3, 195,
CEDAR CREST
With Kirsch and running back Brandon Hayes (Michigan State recruit), Cedar Crest should have a formidable offense. Threw for 1,955 yards and 20 touchdowns last season and rushed for 360 yards. Has committed to Purdue. Attended Boilermakers camp the past two years. Pitt, Maryland, Temple and Rutgers also had offered. Kirsch is an excellent baseball pitcher.
SAM HOLLENBACH,
QB, 6-5, 210,
PENNRIDGE
Last year was Hollenbach's first as a starter and he threw for 1,504 yards. Had scholarship offers from Pitt and Maryland, but committed to Maryland. Pitt backed off a little after West Allegheny's Tyler Palko committed to the Panthers. Michigan State and Penn State showed some interest. Hollenbach is a dropback passer with a good arm. Also an excellent student, with 3.99 grades and 1,250 SAT.
MARK BORDA,
QB, 6-3, 195,
BETHLEHEM CATHOLIC
Had big junior season, completing 156 of 264 for 2,897 yards and 19 touchdowns. "The only thing that's going to hurt us this year, though, is both receivers and our tight end are gone from last year," Borda said. "Someone else is going to have to step up." As of mid-summer, Maryland was the only school that offered a scholarship. Many others are interested.
STEVE BUCHES,
TE-DE, 6-4, 220,
PITTSBURGH
CENTRAL CATHOLIC
An athletic tight end who has excellent hands. Caught 28 passes as a junior. Has been a starter since his sophomore year. Added 15 pounds since last season. Has scholarship offers from Maryland, Wake Forest, Duke and Boston College. Likes Maryland. His father played center at Notre Dame.
JAWAN WALKER,
RB-DB, 5-9, 190,
ERIE CATHEDRAL PREP
Has run the 40 in 4.3 seconds. Missed part of his junior season after being suspended by the school. Played a big role in Cathedral Prep beating Central Bucks West in the PIAA Class AAAA championship last season. Would like to play running back in college, but he very easily could end up on defense. Excellent kick returner. Pitt and Iowa have offered, but Walker says he will wait until after the season to decide.
DAN MELENDEZ,
WR, 6-4, 170,
LANCASTER MCCASKEY
With Melendez and star quarterback Perry Patterson, McCaskey could be a real force in Eastern Pennsylvania Class AAA. Melendez caught more than 40 passes as a junior. Has offers from Duke and Maryland. Also, Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech and Kansas State are showing interest. Has run a 4.35 40.
NATE SCHICCATANO,
RB-DB, 6-3, 222,
SOUTHERN COLUMBIA
Schiccatano has run the 40 in 4.4 and has a slew of Division I offers. He could play a number of positions in college -- defensive back, linebacker, running back or even tight end. Most schools are telling him he can play running back, but Schiccatano very easily could end up at another position. Transferred to Southern Columbia before last season and rushed for more than 1,000 yards for PIAA Class A finalist. Penn State, Pitt, Notre Dame, North Carolina, Boston College, Virginia Tech are among the schools that have offered.
MIKE SCHNEIDER,
QB, 6-3, 210,
SHARON
A dropback passer who has thrown for more than 2,500 yards the past two seasons. His father, Dan, is Sharon's offensive line coach. Schneider is one of the main reasons Sharon is considered one of the best Class AA teams in the state this season. Has scholarship offers from Minnesota, Duke, Maryland, Temple, Akron and Buffalo.
BOB WHITAKER,
OL, 6-5, 305,
MT. LEBANON
Big Bob is one of the few starters left from last year's WPIAL Class AAAA champion. Good pass blocker. Has scholarship offers from Oklahoma, Vanderbilt and Boston College. Has made unofficial visit to Oklahoma. Is being recruited by former Steeler Jon Hayes, an Oklahoma assistant.
JAMAR BRITTINGHAM,
RB-DB, 6-1, 190,
NESHAMINY
A speedy halfback who rushed for 1,687 yards last season. Also a good cornerback. "Some colleges like me for defense, but most like me for offense," Brittingham said. Had no offers as of mid-July, but West Virginia, Virginia, Boston College are showing interest. Some schools want to see how he does in the classroom and on the SAT.
JOHN SIMONITIS,
OL-DL, 6-5, 285,
DALLAS
A three-year starter for Dallas. Most schools recruited him for offense and he made verbal commitment to Pitt in late July. "He's a powerful offensive linemen but he may even be better on defense because he runs so well," said Dallas Coach Ted Jackson.
EVAN KRAKY,
QB, 6-2, 200,
JERMYN LAKELAND
Kraky has a chance to become the most prolific passer in Pennsylvania history. He has 5,782 career passing yards and needs 1,561 to break Pennsylvania's all-time record of 7,342, held by Berwick's Ron Powlus (Notre Dame). Kraky passed for 2,932 yards last season, completing 155 of 251. For his career, he has completed 301-535. He also has 64 career TD passes.
LEE LISPI,
OL, 6-6, 293,
PITTSTON
Lispi said in mid-summer Penn State was his favorite, and he has made a verbal commitment to the Nittany Lions. North Carolina State, Purdue and Pitt also showed interest. Lispi wants to get into engineering.
DAN MOZES,
OL, 6-3 1/2, 285,
WASHINGTON
One of the reasons Washington is expected to have one of the best Class AA teams in the state. Had scholarship offers from West Virginia, Wake Forest and Hofstra before committing last week to West Virginia. Schools liked him for offense, but he has improved on defense.
DAVE QUAINTANCE,
DE, 6-5, 265,
ARCHBISHOP RYAN
Made summer commitment to Maryland. Second player among top 25 to choose Terrapins. The other was Pennridge QB Sam Hollenbach. Quaintance has pretty good quickness. Also had offer from Temple.
TYWAN NAPPER,
RB-DB, 5-11, 185,
CLAIRTON
A talent on offense and defense. Rushed for for 1,377 yards on 199 carries last season, but was recruited by colleges to play defensive back. Intercepted eight passes as a sophomore and three last season. Made July commitment to West Virginia. Also had scholarship offers from Pitt and Toledo.
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