Pittsburgh Sports Report February 2014 by PSR

PITTSBURGH’S PREMIER SPORTS PUBLICATION

Pittsburgh Sports Report

FEBRUARY 2014

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Time

Golden Quill Award

Winning Publication

Let The Games Begin Playing for Country Still an Honor for NHL

Pittsburgh Sports Report BY JOEL PERETIC

There is no better hockey tournament in the world, but soon, the best players on earth may no longer be a part of it. Olympic hockey is the greatest display of skill in the entire Winter Games. With a pool of participants unmatched in depth by any other event, the ice hockey competition undoubtedly displays the top athletes not just in their sport, but in any sport featured during the two-week period. The question NHL owners are left with is why; why would they risk their franchise cornerstones for no monetary return? Millions of dollars in both player salary and attendance are burned if one of their superstars succumbs to injury during what most label a fruitless tournament. Playoff money typically secured by fan favorites like Alex Ovechkin could be lost with one crash into the Sochi boards. Is the future of the game worth that much to the same owners who locked out their own players twice in the last ten seasons? To the Pittsburgh Penguins young phenom Olli Maatta, the answer is simple. “As a little kid you think about scor-

Sidney Crosby and Chris Kunitz are two of seven Penguins playing in the 2014 Sochi Olympic Games.

ing goals wearing a Finnish jersey,” said Maatta. “We didn’t get as much NHL on television here, so the Olympics were the biggest thing. They have the best players in the world.” A similar effect has taken hold domestically as well. After the 2010 Olympics, in which the United States finished second, USA Hockey saw a see OLYMPICS PAGE 6

INSIDE

February 2014 VOL. 18 NO. 1

COLLEGE FOOTBALL RECRUITING Penn State coach James Franklin plans to change recruiting in Pennsylvania. PAGE 11

PURE STEEL

Offseason Decisions PAGE 12

BLUE LINE

Olympic Hockey PAGE 6

NORTH SHORE NOTES PAGE 8

U. S. Steel has been a part of Pennsylvania history for more than 100 years. We began making steel here in 1901 and remain committed to building our future in Pennsylvania, while striving to meet and set world-class standards in everything we do.

PSR INTERVIEW

UP CLOSE JACK HAM Jack Ham is a Steelers legend, with four Super

who played for Joe Paterno at Penn State, Ham

Bowl rings, eight Pro Bowl selections, the record

is currently a sports analyst for Penn State Radio

for most career forced turnovers by a linebacker

Network. PSR Editor Tony DeFazio spoke with

and a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame,

Ham last month about the new direction of Penn

earning induction in 1988. A three-year starter

State football.

“Penn State fans expect Big Ten Championships, high rankings and those kinds of things. There are high expectations from the fans, but also from James Franklin as well.” -Jack Ham TD: What do you like about the James Franklin

Ham: No, and even Bill backed off of some of that

hire?

as well. If you go to Ohio State, if you go to Michigan, if you go to Michigan State, or anywhere, fans are very passionate about their teams. Obviously Penn State is a unique situation, coming off of the Sandusky scandal and all of those things. Bill did a great job of holding his team together in a very difficult time. I think in the back of all of our minds, when you get to a point where you’ve had the same coach for 40-some odd years, I think all of us knew that was not going to happen in this day and age. And it’s probably not going to happen again. The passion of Penn State fans is high and I think if you go across college football it is the same. People care. People care about the program and they want to see it back where it was before. Bill O’Brien started it and I think James Franklin can take it to the next level.

Ham: It’s a continuation of what Bill O’Brien got

started and has continued with over the past two years here at Penn State. Just the energy he’s bringing to the Penn State program on the recruiting side. He’s bringing a lot of his coaches from Vanderbilt here as well, and the track record of what Franklin was able to do at Vanderbilt is impressive. He built that program as well. With Bill O’Brien leaving for the pro’s, which we all anticipated—maybe not as quick as it ended up happening—but to turn around and get James Franklin as the next Penn State head coach, I think it was a huge find for the university. TD: What challenges will he face? Ham: He’s taking over a program that has gone

through the sanctions and everything that Penn State has had to go through. I think the worst is over now. But he’s got to be his own man, his own coach. That’s why he was successful at Vanderbilt. The continuity of the staff he’s bringing with him will help that. Penn State fans expect Big Ten Championships, high rankings and those kinds of things. There are high expectations from the fans, but also from Franklin as well, to take this program to the next level and back to where it was before. TD: Is the division between Penn State fans that

O’Brien referenced in his “Paterno people” comments a legitimate problem?

Bill O’Brien did not, but I always think that pro football was always where he ultimately wanted to go with his career. TD: How important is it for Penn State to recruit well in western Pennsylvania? Ham: I think it's very important. James Franklin mentioned that when he took the head coaching job here. The state of Pennsylvania, and I think western Pennsylvania, will be an important focus for him. Recruiting seems to be something that comes easy to him. Like I said, he's a high-energy guy and you have to be that way to recruit. He is an outstanding recruiter and he has that track record already. Like I said before, when you lose coaches in such a short amount of time, to be able to get a guy like James Franklin, that bodes well for the future of the Penn State football program moving forward. TD: Is this as big a buzz as you have seen surround-

TD: Franklin is the fourth Penn State coach for

ing Penn State football in quite some time?

this group of seniors. Will it take time for fans to get use to this new era of college football? Ham: You’re right. Plus it was such a unique situation with Joe Paterno here for so many years, but we are into that new era. You don’t have coaches for that long of a time, but you’ve got to make adjustments. Times do in fact change, just like the old Bob Dylan song. That’s where we are right now. But James Franklin really seems to be a college guy. He loves the college atmosphere and college coaching, and coaching young people. Not that

Ham: Without a doubt. When they got Bill

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O’Brien, no one knew anything about Bill O’Brien except that he yelled at Tom Brady on the sideline. He ended up being a good head coach and really held that whole thing together at a really difficult time. And now the energy surrounding James Franklin taking over, like I said, the Penn State program really seems like its on its way back in that direction with an outstanding coach and what I think is a great hire for Penn State.

PITTSBURGH SPORTS REPORT • FEBRUARY 2014 3

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PUBLISHER Ellis G. Cannon

BUSINESS MANAGER Larry Appolonia

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Michael Betters

EDITOR Tony DeFazio tdefazio@psrpt.com

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WEBMASTER Tom Ballas BNS Web Creations

BEAT WRITERS Nate Barnes, Adam Bittner, Scott Kromko, Anthony Jaskulski, John Krysinsky, Alex Nseir, Joel Peretic, Eric Shultz, Kenneth Torgent

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Ryan Bertonaschi, Steve Flinn, Chris Galiszewski, Guilio Gasparin, Kurt Hackimer, Nate Marsh, Kelley Anne McGrath, Tyler Pecyna, Anthony Priore, Erika Schneider, Dan Sostek, Carley Thieret, George Von Benko

Coleman’s message heard loud and clear JOHN KRYSINSKY PSR CONTRIBUTOR

Seattle Seahawks fullback Derrick Coleman has never listened to critics. He has never backed down from the challenges that come with being deaf. In doing so, he has embodied what many with hearing loss have always strived for – to fit in and be given a chance to pursue their dreams and reach their potential. All Coleman ever wanted to do was to play football. Coleman was recently featured in a compelling Duracell battery commercial chronicling his path to the NFL The commercial begins with Coleman sitting at his locker, putting on digital hearing aids before a game. As he narrates, the viewer is shown various flashbacks from his life. He describes the challenges he’s overcome since being diagnosed with hearing loss at age three.

It concludes with Coleman coming out of the tunnel, onto the field, to the roar of the crowd. “There are a lot of fans cheering me on. And I can hear every one of them.” Coleman has embraced his role as an inspiration to others with hearing loss. “I think it’s awesome for him to stand out in the deaf community, that he can inspire others to play sports no matter what,” said Lily Giancola, who was born profoundly deaf and was one of the earliest pediatric recipients of a Cochlear Implant in the late 1980s. Giancola knows all about being deaf and playing team sports alongside hearing teammates. She played goalkeeper for the Norwin High School soccer team, earning three varsity letters. Today, Giancola works as an Educational Technology Specialist at DePaul School for Hearing and Speech in Shadyside, a school she attended as a child, which is devoted to developing listening, hearing and spoken language skills for children with hearing loss. She feels that Coleman is a wonderful role

model, especially for children. “It’s great for kids with disabilities to look up to him. They can see that they can overcome obstacles and develop greater self-esteem,” Giancola said. Thanks to new technology and early diagnoses from mandatory newborn screenings, those born profoundly deaf are provided more opportunities to be on teams and compete with their hearing peers in all sports. Derrick Coleman faced many barriers that young aspiring athletes still face today. But he didn’t listen to the detractors. He relied on his passion, drew support from those closest to him, and worked twice as hard to earn the respect of his teammates and coaches. Thanks to his perseverance, Coleman has shown young people with hearing loss that they can pursue their dreams in sports or any walk of life.

John Krysinsky was diagnosed with severe-to-moderate hearing loss at age three, and has relied on hearing aids his entire life.

Contents

Februar y 2014 Vol. 18, No.1

Shelby Cassesse, Andrew Havranek, Taylor Duncan, Nick Frost

1 OLYMPIC HOCKEY The NHL’s particpation in the Olympics has raised the impact of the game.

CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHERS Charles LeClaire, Justin Berl

A look at the Penguins in Sochi.

Mark Alberti, Aaron Doster, William McBride, Kris Mellinger, Vincent Pugliese, Nick Susnjer, Ronald Vezzani Jr.

9 NORTH SHORE NOTES The Pirates report to Bradenton.

12 PURE STEEL Steelers enter an important offseason.

15 ON CAMPUS: COLLEGE FOOTBALL RECRUITING

Recruiting Breakdowns

4 PITTSBURGH SPORTS REPORT • FEBRUARY 2014

UP CLOSE WITH PSR Steelers Hall of Famer Jack Ham

EDITOR’S DESK Guest columnist John Krysinsky

5 BLUE LINE

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Pittsburgh Sports Report is published 12 times annually by Pittsburgh Sports Report, Inc. a Pennsylvania business corporation, Norwin Professional Building, 40 Lincoln Way, Suite 301, Irwin PA 15642-1887. Distribution at selected outlets. This and every issue of Pittsburgh Sports Report, and all contents therein, are subject to copyright protection held by Pittsburgh Sports Report, Inc. (“Corp. 2014 Pittsburgh Sports Report, Inc.”).

DEPARTMENTS

PSR FOCUS

FILM CREW

Pitt and Penn State look to ramp up their local recruiting, plus a breakdown of both programs’ 2014 classes as well as a look at the local and national scenes.

PHOTO CREDITS Justin Berl: 1a, 5a, 6, 9a, 9b, 10b, 13g William McBride: 1b, 17a, 20a, 20c, 20d Aaron Doster: 9c Vincent Pugliese: 10a Ronald Vezzani, Jr.: 18a Charles LeClaire: 10c, 12, 13abcdf, 16 Ham Enterprises, Inc. - 3; Kim Klement/USA Today Sports - 4; Harry How/Getty Images - 5b; Bruce Bennett/Getty Images - 7a; Yuri Kadobnov, AFP, Getty Images Files - 7b; Associated Press - 13e; Altoona High School - 15a; Kevin Sutter Photography 15b; Notre Dame For Boys - 17b; Mount Lebanon Football - 17c, 19; IMG Academy - 18b; GatewayGators.com - 20b; Junipero Serra High School 21a; Steve Dykes/USA Today - 21b

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THE

February Schedule BY CARLEY THIERET

With the Sochi Olympics running from February 7-23, the already short month of February only leaves room for the Penguins to play five games. Although there will be a limited amount of black and gold hockey in the month of February, Pens fans will get the chance to see head coach Dan Bylsma as well as seven of their hometown favorites suit up for the Sochi games. In the midst of all of the Olympic excitement, the Penguins must look at the month of February as a time to remain at the top of the Eastern Conference while finally putting together a healthy lineup. February 1: Penguins at Phoenix

The Pens travel to Arizona to face the Coyotes, who are currently sitting in fifth place in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference. The Coyotes pay the Pens a return visit on March 25. February 3: Ottawa at Pittsburgh

The Senators are currently in sixth place in the Atlantic Division. In the previous meeting between the two teams, Ottawa defeated the Penguins 5-0 on their home ice on December 23. The Penguins won nine of 12 following that loss.

February 7: NY Rangers at Pittsburgh

Fans will get a final glimpse of their team united as one before they depart to for Sochi to represent their home countries. The Rangers entered February in third place in the Metropolitan Division. The Pens have won two of the teams’ three meetings this season. February 27: Montreal at Pittsburgh

February 5: Penguins at Buffalo

The final road game before the Sochi Olympics begin is a matchup with the Sabres. The Penguins defeated the Sabres by a score of 4-1 in Pittsburgh on October 5.

The Pens are back in action as the Habs come to town to end the month. The Canadiens defeated the Penguins 3-2 in Montreal in November 23 and the Pens got some payback in January with a

5-1 win. This will be the Pens final game before the 2014 Stadium Series Outdoor Game against the defending Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks.

SOCHI SCHEDULE February 7: Opening Ceremonies February 12: Preliminary Round Play Begins February 16: Prelims Conclude February 18: Playoff Round Begins February 21: Semifinal Games February 22: Bronze Medal Game February 23: Gold Medal Game

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THE

OLYMPICS, from PAGE 1

26,000-player jump in youth enrollment. The figure marked the nation’s largest jump in 15 years. A 15,000player jump after the 2006 Olympics may have solidified the spectacle’s significance even more, considering that it came on the heels of a 3,000-player loss. In fact, the trend can be traced all the way back to 1998 — the first Olympic games NHL players participated in. The 1998-99 USA Hockey season saw a 20,000-player boost. Without Teemu Selanne leading Finland to a bronze medal that year, perhaps young Maatta isn’t even in the league this season. Mario Lemieux is one owner who understands the significance of the Games. In 2002 the Hall of Famer demonstrated how much the Olympics meant to NHLers. Prior to the 82game season slate, Lemieux announced that winning Gold in Turin, Italy would be his main priority. He backed that statement up when he skipped Penguins games in order to rest for the Olympics. After enduring pain killing injections just to play through tournament, the league’s marquee player returned to skate only one more game for the Penguins that year. He also returned with a Gold Medal. “The Olympics is something that you can’t take for granted,” said the Penguins Paul Martin. “It’s something you grew up watching, and to get that opportunity and to share it with [teammate Brooks Orpik] is something you won’t forget.” In an Olympic year, the Games are an event that is taking precedence over the NHL regular season. Playing for

Brooks Orpik and Paul Martin will represent Team USA in Sochi.

country is a special honor. Just ask any skater invited to the Sochi Games. “Any time you get a chance to honor your country and play for that sweater, you take it,” said the Penguins Chris Kunitz. It’s the rarity that makes these Games so unique: a tournament that is played only twice in a decade and one that draws the best 25 players a country of 300 million people has to offer. “Taking from the talent pool that they have and being selected is such an honor,” Kunitz continued. “It happening only every four years and maybe

not knowing if it is going to come again makes it such a special honor.” For NHL owners, the reward is not in the present, but in the future. The reward is Maatta and players like him, and it’s a reward worth waiting for and worth the distraction of your players once every four years. “There is a sense of focus being on the Olympics today,” USA and Pittsburgh Penguins coach Dan Bylsma said before an NHL game in early January. “The focus being there is a distraction, but that is rightfully deserved.” Don’t think the players view it as a

distraction, though. To them, it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. “There is a different connection with those guys and a different feeling. Guys come together really quickly and we are all pulling for the same thing,” said Orpik, an Olympic veteran. “Guys don’t worry about contracts and scoring races. There is one goal in mind.” That goal is to not just be a part of NHL history, but part of your country’s history.

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Pens in the Games BY CARLEY THIERET

As soon as the Seahawks were crowned Super Bowl champions at Metlife Stadium on Feb. 2, the attention of the sports world turned to the 2014 Olympics, set to begin on February 7 in Sochi, Russia. For Pittsburgh sports fans, there is no hometown team to cheer for in the Super Bowl, but the Olympics will be a different story, especially within the hockey portion of the Sochi Games. Seven members of the Pittsburgh Penguins will be representing their home countries in Sochi, and Pens fans will also see a familiar face behind the bench, as Dan Bylsma is the head coach of the United States team. The seven Penguins players headed to Sochi represent four different countries including the United States(Paul Martin and Brooks Orpik), Canada (Sidney Crosby and Chris Kunitz), Finland (Olli Maatta and Jussi Jokinen), and the host country of Russia (Evgeni Malkin). Four years ago Sidney Crosby and Team Canada brought home the gold medal at the Vancouver Olympics, and America’s neighbors to the north are looking to defend their title in Sochi with Crosby as captain.

“It’s definitely a huge honor,” said Crosby. “I think playing for Team Canada and playing in the Olympics is a great opportunity, but being able to be named the captain, is definitely an honor.” Crosby is not the first Penguin player to wear the C for Team Canada during the Olympic Games. Former Penguins Dave Tippett and Mario Lemieux were also Canadian captains in 1984 and 2002, respectively. Being named captain of Team Canada does not come as a shock to most after the mark Crosby left on the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver, Canada. The U.S. and Canada took center stage in the Gold Medal Game in 2010. The Canadians were seconds away from winning the Gold when a late Zach Parise goal sent the game to overtime. Crosby, who had been silenced for a majority of the games, made the most of his opportunity in OT. The puck was almost a blur as it traveled from Crosby’s stick, glided onto the blade of Jarome Iginla’s stick and then back to Crosby. The Pens’ captain found a way to slip the puck through the five hole of United States goaltender Ryan Miller, securing the win for the host country Canada.

Evgeni Malkin will represent the host country of Russia.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that you want to grab,” he said before the Vancouver Olympics. “You want to enjoy it, but you want to grab it. I feel pretty fortunate to have this timing, to be playing in the NHL when the Olympics are in Canada. This is a great opportunity. That’s the way I’ve looked at it: Make sure you’re there, and make sure you make the most of it.” Four years later Crosby is back on the Olympic stage, but this time in a new role, not only as a leader but as a veteran with the expectations of defending his Gold from the 2010 games. Pens coach Dan Bylsma has other ideas, however. Bylsma joins another former Penguins coach who has also

served as coach of Team USA. Thirtyfour years ago, Herb Brooks directed one of the most memorable Olympic hockey moments of all time after leading the United States to a victory over the highly favored Soviet Union in the 1980 Lake Placid Games. Brooks also coached the 2002 U.S. team that won Silver in Provo, Utah. Brooks was a Penguins scout, coached the team for 59 games in 1999-2000, and served as the team’s Director of Player Personnel for three years. The 2014 Olympic Games are projected to be extremely competitive, so look for any of the seven Penguins’ players to etch their own narrative into the legends of Olympic Hockey.

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Spring Training Dates

BY NATE MARSH

February 6—Pirates third baseman Pedro Alvarez

February 25—Black & Gold exhibition game. The Pi-

March 28—Pirates pitcher Mark Melancon’s 29th

turns 27. Alvarez, born in Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic, is coming off a career year in which he hit 36 homeruns, drove in 100 runs and had an even better postseason. “El Toro” hit .353 in the postseason with 3 homers and drove in a run in every game he played.

rates will play an intrasquad game at McKechnie Field at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, February 25. All proceeds will benefit the Manatee Education Foundation.

birthday. The relief pitcher played an enormous role in the Bucs’ resurgence last year, first making the All-Star game as one of the National League’s best set-up men, then filling in for injured closer Jason Grilli.

February 26—First home spring game: Yankees at Pi-

rates, 1:05 PM, McKechnie Field in Bradenton. February 12—Pirates pitcher and catchers report to

spring training in Bradenton, Florida. The Pirates have called McKechnie Field in Bradenton home since 1969.

kees at Pirates March 6—Current Pirates shortstop Clint Barmes and

Pirates Hall of Famer Willie Stargell share a birthday. Barmes turns 35. Pops, who passed away in 2001, would be 74 years old.

February 15—Pirates catcher Russell Martin cele-

brates his 31st birthday. The Bucco backstop was born in East York, Ontario, and was a finalist for a National League Gold Glove award in his debut season in Pittsburgh.

February 24—Hall of Famer Johannes Peter “Honus”

Wagner was born in Chartiers Township, PA in 1874. In 1936, the Baseball Hall of Fame inducted Wagner as one of the first five members. He received the second-highest vote total, behind Ty Cobb and tied with Babe Ruth.

March 29—The Pirates head north for their final

spring training game, travelling to the City of Brotherly Love to face the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park.

Marsh 9—Pirates Hall of Famer Joseph Floyd “Arky”

Vaughan was born in 1912 in Clifty, AR. Vaughan died at just 40 years of age in 1952 and was inducted into the Hall of Fame by Veteran’s Committee as Player in 1985.

February 17—Pirates full squad reports. In addition

to their 40-man roster, the Pirates have invited 16 non-roster players to spring training.

March 27—Last game at McKechnie Field: Yan-

March 30—The season gets underway in the

states when the Dodgers face the Padres at Dan Diego’s Petco Park. March 31—Opening Day in Pittsburgh takes place

March 16—Pirates Hall of Famer Lloyd Waner’s birth-

day. Lloyd, nicknamed “Little Poison,” anchored the Pirates outfield throughout the 1920s and 1930s along with his brother Paul (Big Poison). Waner died at 76 years of age in 1982, March 24—The Pirates make a spring training appear-

ance on ESPN when they host the Detroit Tigers at 1:05 at McKenchie Field.

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in front of a national ESPN audience as the Pirates begin their quest for the N.L Central title against the Cubs at PNC Park. April 5—Is it really baseball season Pittsburgh

until there’s a Fireworks Night? The first Zambelli Fireworks Night of the season takes place following Brewers game.

PITTSBURGH SPORTS REPORT • FEBRUARY 2014 9

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Spring Training Wars BY TONY DEFAZIO

The Pirates report to Bradenton this month to prepare to follow-up their playoff season of 2013. While there will be the usual position battles at the back of the bullpen and for the final couple of bench spots, three starting positions stand out: fifthstarter, first base and right field.

WHO’S ON FIRST

Garrett Jones has moved south to Miami and Justin Morneau signed with Colorado, leaving Gaby Sanchez as the only major league first baseman on the roster. Sanchez, though, is most valuable as a platoon player – he hit .333 against lefties last season and just .204 against righties, even more pronounced than his .300 vs. .242 career numbers. Andrew Lambo has been a dynamic minor league hitter, but doesn’t have much experi-

ence at first base and only 30 major league at bats. Chris McGuinness, recently acquired from Texas, is similar to Lambo— same age, same limited big league experience—but is a natural first baseman. Travis Ishikawa, a valuable reserve in San Francisco from 2008-10, will attend spring training as a non-roster invitee. Matt Hague, who was a promising prospect as recently as 2012, is back after having a strong winter season in the Dominican Republic.

BACK OF THE ROTATION

Veteran Francisco Liriano, youngster Gerrit Cole and a resurgent Charlie Morton have the top three spots in the starting rotation locked up. If Wandy Rodriguez is healthy, he’ll slide into the fourth spot. The fifth position is where the battle will take place. A.J. Burnett’s return would solve that problem and provide the team flexibility if Rodriguez’s arm fails him, but pitching coach Ray Searage said in January that he does not expect Burnett back. That leaves free agent signee Edinson Volquez, former

THE RIGHT STUFF

The Pirates traded for Marlon Byrd at the deadline last season, and the veteran was absolutely instrumental in getting the team into the postseason as he hit .318 with 17 RBI in 30 games. Byrd played his bounce-back season into a two-year, $15 million deal with the Phillies, however, leaving a hole in an otherwise stellar Pirates outfield. Gregory Polanco is the team’s long-term answer in right, but the organization is determined to develop him at a steady pace. Even if Polanco advances as quickly as possible, it will be June before he’s wearing black and gold. There is no shortage of contenders to keep right field warm until Polanco is ready, however. Jose Tabata filled in admirably for Starling Marte

All-Star Jeff Locke and promising prospects Jameson Taillon, Brandon Cumpton and Phil Irwin as possibilities – most likely in that order. Volquez signed for $5 million, a price tag that guarantees he’ll get every chance to pitch every fifth day. If Locke regains the form that earned him an All-Star spot last June, however, the team would be foolish not to insert him into the rotation. Taillon will most likely be brought along slowly, as the team did with Cole last year. Cumpton and Irwin are fall back options.

in left field late last season while Marte was out with a wrist injury. Tabata will get plenty of starts and at-bats. The team agreed to a one-year deal with Travis Snider for $1.5 million, however, so the 26-year-old will get another shot to earn steady playing time. Lambo’s bat will also get him a look as a right fielder, and 23-year-old minor leaguer Jaff Decker was an interesting acquisition from the Padres. Perhaps the wild card in right field, though, is 31-year-old veteran Chris Dickerson. A six-year veteran with a lifetime .262 batting average, Dickerson has played every outfield position in stops with the Reds, Brewers, Yankees and Orioles.

10 PITTSBURGH SPORTS REPORT • FEBRUARY 2014

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Looming Decisions Tough Calls Facing the Steelers BY DAN SOSTEK

On the heels of a disappointing season, the Steelers face some difficult decisions, particularly in terms of retaining long-time veterans, extending young talents, and scouring the draft and free agency for an insurgence of new talent. END OF AN ERA

It was something that most Steelers fans agreed on: at times, the defense looked old. Five key defensive players (Will Allen, Ike Taylor, Ryan Clark, Troy Polamalu, and Brett Keisel) have all been in the league for 10 or more years. Polamalu and Taylor are likely safe, but the other three are free agents. The most likely to leave is Clark. The safety is 34, and the Steelers desperately need to get younger in the secondary. With Shamarko Thomas a cheaper, younger investment, Clark could be out. Keisel has been a Steeler his entire career, and is one of the few remaining holdovers from the 2005 Super Bowl title. He’s 35, however, and saw his production dip due to injury. If the Steelers don’t bring him back, Keisel may have reached the end of his NFL career.

ting him, however, could cost the team nearly $15 million toward the 2014 cap. GIVE UP OR RE-UP

Three other contracts terminating this offseason belong to some former high draft picks from years past. Two, Emmanuel Sanders and Jason Worilds, have shown flashes of potential, particularly Worilds in 2013. The other, former first round pick Ziggy Hood, has endured a mediocre Steelers’ tenure. Worilds will likely be the most sought after of the three. The 25 year-old former second round pick out of Virginia Tech tallied a career high eight sacks in 2013 and was one of the Steelers’ more consistent defensive players. If the Steelers want him, they’re going to have to shell out some cash. His future will be tied to Woodley’s. Sanders drew interest from the New England Patriots last season and will likely draw more interest this off-season. He appears on his way out. As for Hood, while he likely won’t command an inordinate sum of money, a change of scenery might be beneficial for both parties. ADDRESSING THE ISSUES

WHAT ABOUT WOODLEY

The most difficult decision the Steelers face, however, is what to do with linebacker LaMarr Woodley. The 29year-old has not been able to stay healthy and because of that, his performance lags behind his pay rate. Cut-

The Steelers have many of the components needed to compete on offense: an elite quarterback, capable running back, star receiver, and a solid interior offensive line. Depth a wide receiver and better tackle play are the clear offensive needs.

Ziggy Hood is one of several Steelers starters who may not return.

Defensively, there will be needs across the line and at linebacker. Changes are also coming to the secondary. The team is nearly $10 million over cap, so don’t expect major free agents. Defensive line, linebacker, defensive

back and receiver are probably the major draft needs, but nothing will be decided until the team wades through the issues above.

www.eqt.com 12 PITTSBURGH SPORTS REPORT • FEBRUARY 2014

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2013 Rookie Grades BY CHRIS GALISZEWSKI

After a 2-6 start to the 2013 campaign, the Pittsburgh Steelers went 6-2 over the second half to finish at 8-8 and just one play away from a postseason appearance. Several rookies made major impacts – in both the good and bad of the season. Here is a look at how those rookies fared. LB Jarvis Jones (Georgia) – B

RB Le’Veon Bell (Michigan St.) – A

WR Markus Wheaton (Oregon St.) – D

Coming in to the season Jones battled veteran Jason Worilds to replace departed starter James Harrison. Although Jones wasn’t the opening day starter, he made eight total starts on the season. Jones had an up and down rookie year, but ended with a dynamic performance against the Browns to close out the season. He finished the game with eight total tackles and a pass defended to end his rookie season with 40 tackles and one sack. Some inconsistencies and a slow start hindered Jones, but the team is counting on him to be a key component of the defense.

A lot of hype surrounded Bell coming into training camp. He missed a good bit of the preseason as well as the first three games of the regular season due to injury. Bell made his regular-season debut in Week 4 against the Minnesota Vikings and rushed for two touchdowns. Bell started the remainder of the games and showed the organization that he is the ground and pound running back that the team has missed since Jerome Bettis retired. He topped 100 rushing yards in a Week 16 win over Green Bay and finished the season with 860 yards and eight touchdowns.

Wheaton came in to add some depth after the free agency departure of Mike Wallace to Miami. The speedy Wheaton showed promise early in camp and was expected to push Emmanuel Sanders for time alongside Antonio Brown as the Steelers No. 2 receiver. He battled injuries all season but did play in 12 games, although he was rarely a factor. To say he under-performed is accurate, but a surprising performance from Jericho Cotchery held him back as well. Wheaton seems to have all the tools, but he needs to stay healthy moving forward.

SS Shamarko Thomas (Syracuse) – C

ILB Vince Williams (Florida State) – B+

QB Landry Jones (Oklahoma) – Incomplete

An aging secondary has been an issue for a few years now, but Thomas wwas drafted ith an eye on the present as well as the future. He had a promising camp, but coverage issues kept him from being a major factor, and as a result he spent most of his time on special teams and in defensive sub-packages. He played in 14 games, starting two, and finished with 29 tackles. The team will likely depend on him to make major strides in 2014.

A sixth-round draft pick, Williams was quickly called into action when Larry Foote went down in the opening game loss to Tennessee. He immediately made an impact, playing in 15 games and starting 11. At 6’1” 250 pounds, Whe isn’t the prototypical inside linebacker, but his football intelligence allowed him to adjust quicker than most rookies. Nothing is guaranteed, but look for Williams to make a push for a starting role again in 2014.

The Steelers hadn’t drafted a quarterback since Dennis Dixon in 2008, but with Charlie Batch no longer with the team and Ben Roethlisberger not getting any younger, the team began to look to the future. With veteran Bruce Gradkowski in front of him and Roethlisberger healthy all season, Jones never saw any action. He did have his number called plenty in the preseason, and finished with 348 passing yards and two touchdowns in three games.

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PITTSBURGH SPORTS REPORT • FEBRUARY 2014 13

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Top Juniors The ink is not even dry on the signatures from the 2014 recruiting classes, but the race is already on to secure the best players in the 2015 class. Here are the most coveted players in western PA.

Jordan Whitehead, DB, Central Valley

A 5-10, 165-pound lockdown corner, Whitehead has offers is already being recruited hard by Ohio State, Michigan, Tennessee and Virginia Tech, in addition to the usual local suspects Pitt, Penn State and WVU. Sterling Jenkins, OT, Baldwin

With over a dozen offers and counting, Jenkins is the top local line prospect. James Franklin was already recruiting him to Vanderbilt so you can be sure Penn State will be involved, but so will Alabama, Ohio State, Ole Miss, Tennessee, Pitt and Michigan. Brett Brumbaugh, QB, South Fayette

The top QB recruit in the 2015 class, it’s hard to understand why Brumbaugh only has offers from Akron and Temple, especially after leading his team to a state title as a junior. Penn State and Pitt like his game, but both took quarterbacks in their current class. Alex Paulina, OG, Canon McMillan (PITT)

Pitt’s first ‘15 committment, Paulina also had an offer from Virginia Tech and heavy interest from Florida State, Ohio State, Penn State and WVU. It will be interesting to see how hard the new staff at Penn State tries to switch his pledge.

Kevin Givens, LB, Altoona

Arthur Thompkins, RB, Woodland Hills

Pitt and Temple were the first to offer the 6-3, 230pound Givens, but Penn State and Michigan have gotten involved recently. Physically ready to play early at the next level.

A typical Woody High back, blending blazing speed and patented Wolverine toughness. At just 5-9, 170pounds, his lack of size may scare some off, but there is little doubt that Thompkins is a legit D-1 back. Toledo has offered, but many others are interested.

Tre Tipton, ATH, Apollo Ridge

A fantastic athlete, Tipton will need to add weight over the summer but his recruitment will likely blow up once the spring camp season starts. Vanderbilt has offered and Pitt, Georgia Tech, Nebraska, Penn State, Northwestern and others are interested.

Buffalo was the first to offer, and at just 6-2, 265, his size will limit his offers. But this is a scrappy interior lineman who should garner more and more interest once his senior tape starts to make the rounds.

KEEP AN EYE ON:

Nick Bowers, TE, Kittanning (PITT)

Athletic and possessing a perfect build for a passcatching tight end, Bowers has already committed to play for Paul Chryst at Pitt next season. The 6-4, 235pounder has played all over the field for Kittanning, but his future is at TE. Kareem Gibson, DB, Johnstown

Pitt, Temple and Toledo are extremely interested in the 5-10, 160-pounder. Maryland has begun to recruit him hard and James Franklin was already interested before he took the Penn State job. A good camp season and his offers will explode.

www.pittsburghsportsreport.com

Niko Yaramus, OG, Moon

Armand Dellovade, LB, West Allegheny Logan Deri, DB, Norwin PJ Gilchrist-Fulmore, WR, North Catholic Dane Jackson, ATH, Quaker Valley Damone Morton, WR, Jeannette Tim Nickel, RB, Shaler Connor Slomka, RB, Pine Richland Carrington Vaughn, LB, Fox Chapel

PITTSBURGH SPORTS REPORT • FEBRUARY 2014 15

Damage Repair BY RYAN BERTONASCHI

Political scientists claim it takes years to calculate the damage inflicted during an economic depression. In college football, when six coaches call a program home in a matter of four years, that program could reach a depressed state. Like the economy, it takes a while for fans to determine where a program stands after devastating blows. Pitt football enters its third season in the Paul Chryst era – four years since Dave Wannstedt sat at the helm; three since the short Todd Graham and even shorter Mike Haywood tenures. How much damage did the turnover create?

Chryst got a lot of mileage of his freshman class this season, and his incoming class is ranked 35th according to Rivals.com. Yet, had a handful of key local recruits committed to Pitt, the class could have looked even better. Several highly-rated local prospects left the area: Gateway’s Montae Nicholson chose Michigan State; New Castle’s Malik Hooker committed to Ohio State; Aliquippa’s Dravon Henry, West Virginia; Washington running back Shai McKenzie, Virginia Tech; and Thomas Jefferson linebacker Chase Winovich, Michigan. “When you look at it,” Scout.com national recruiting analyst Brian Dohn

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said, “they lose Nicholson to Michigan State, the No. 3 team in the country... You lose Malik Hooker to Ohio State. A, Ohio State’s not far, so it’s not like he’s going cross-country, and B, they’ve lost one game in two years.” As for McKenzie, Dohn said that was as much Pitt’s choice as McKenzie’s. “He didn’t go to Pitt as much as Pitt didn’t really go after Shai” as much as McKenzie expected, Dohn said, noting that Chryst got commitments from other backs similar to McKenzie, notably Qadree Ollison Buffalo, NY. Chryst was described by Woodland Hills High School coach George Novak as “laid-back,” a trait that some suggest hurts recruiting. Rather, Novak said that it goes hand-in-hand with Chryst’s honesty with recruits. “Some schools recruit and they tell you all kinds of stuff until you get there. I think he’s honest with them,” said Novak, who has sent many players to Pitt, including current players Khaynin Mosley-Smith and Lafayette Pitts. Tom Nola, coach at Clairton High School, coached five players—Tyler Boyd, Titus Howard, Terrish Webb,

Trenton Coles and Kevin Weatherspoon—who are on Pitt’s roster. Like Novak, Nola insists that Chryst and his staff are selective with recruits. “He’s a truthful person. He’s straightforward, he tells you the way it is, and he has integrity,” Nola said. “That’s what I like about him.” Chryst now faces a challenge in outrecruiting newly-named Penn State head coach James Franklin and exGateway High School coach Terry Smith, Franklin’s likely right-hand man in western PA. Smith adds a major Pittsburgh presence to Franklin’s oft-repeated promise to “dominate the state” of Pennsylvania. Yet Dohn isn’t sure how dramatic an impact Franklin will have. “That’s all great talk and everything,” Dohn said of Franklin’s intention to dominate recruiting. “But to act like there’s no competition in Pennsylvania, and all of a sudden James Franklin is coming in and there’s going to be competition is, I think, ludicrous.” If Franklin follows those words with actions, though, the state of Pitt football could become depressed again.

www.pittsburghsportsreport.com

Class Breakdown: PITT BY RYAN BERTONASCHI

Pitt’s recent history has been marred by coaching changes and dismissed players, yet its recruiting classes have stayed lukewarm at worst. Paul Chryst and his staff added 24 high school seniors to form a class that has been rated 35th by Rivals.com. The class has several elite offensive players, two of whom are local talents. Bethel Park High School’s Mike Grimm (6-6, 328) and Mt. Lebanon High School’s Alex Bookser (6-4, 295) gave their commitments to the Panthers, highlighting the emphasis Chryst has placed on the offensive line. Woodland Hills coach George Novak coached against both players this past season. He said that Grimm, who committed to Pitt early but still amassed offers from Virginia and Wisconsin, will fit in nicely with Pitt’s system. Novak also showed praise for Bookser, who also had offers from Alabama, Florida State, Michigan State and Ohio State. “I think he’ll fit in real well,” Novak said of Bookser. “He’s a run-blocker, he can pass block, too, but he’s an outstanding run-blocker.” The key to Chryst’s offensive lines, dating back to his days as offensive coordinator at Wisconsin, has always been to win the battles up front. The two will join Adam Bisnowaty and Dorian Johnson in the trenches. Yet, Scout.com recruiting analyst Brian Dohn thinks it could be a while before Pitt fans see the four getting minutes at the same time. “I look at guys like Grimm and Bookser, you redshirt them for a year and maybe they develop the next year. If you get them on the field as a redshirt freshman, you’re doing something right,” Dohn said.

Grimm and Bookser could eventually block for more top recruits, 5-9, 212pound running back Chris James, from Notre Dame College Prep and 6-1, 226-pound Qadree Ollison, from Canisius High School in New York. Ollison picked Pitt over schools such as Penn State and Wisconsin. “They’ve got talented running backs coming in,” ESPN recruiting analyst Jared Shanker said. “Ollison, Chris James – those are some guys who I wouldn’t be surprised if they get some carries in the 2014 season.” Pitt suffered a blow when quarterback Wade Freebeck switched his commitment to Vanderbilt just hours before signing day, but they did add one QB in 6-6, 215-pound Adam Bertke from Ohio. North Allegheny High School’s Elijah Zeise joins blue-chipper Adonis Jennings of New Jersey as receiver recruits. Jennings chose Pitt over Arkansas, Clemson and Iowa, among others. Analyst Adam Friedman of Rivals.com has watched Jennings several times and said that he could become a great cross-field match for Pitt sophomore receiver Tyler Boyd. “He’s got good straight line speed. He’s a member of a star track team,” Friedman said. “His route running is getting a lot better and that’s helped him create a lot of separation in his route running.” Friedman thinks Jennings will be a major addition to the Pitt offense. “I think Adonis can really thrive in that offense at Pittsburgh,” he said. “It’s being built up and it could be one of the top offenses in the ACC.”

www.pittsburghsportsreport.com

Chris James

Elija Zeise

Alex Bookser

Recruits Patrick Amara, ATH 6’2” 191

Philadelphia, PA/West Catholic Adam Bertke, QB 6’5” 210

Maria Stein, OH/Marion Rori Blair, DE 6’4” 210

Pittsburgh, PA/Upper St. Clair Alex Bookser, OL 6’6” 295

Mt. Lebanon, PA/Mt. Lebanon Dennis Briggs, ATH 5’11” 190

Pittsburgh, PA/Shady Side Academy Jaquan Davidson, ATH 6’2” 173

Elizabeth, PA/Elizabeth Forward Sr Jamal Davis, LB 6’2” 215

Canton, OH/McKinley Connor Dintino, DT 6’4” 289

Wallingford, CT/Choate Rosemary Hall James Folston Jr., LB 6’3” 201

Cocoa, FL/Cocoa Mike Grimm, OL 6’6” 328

Bethel Park, PA/Bethel Park Connor Hayes, OL 6’4” 270

Traverse City, MI/West

Chris James, RB 5’9” 212

Niles, IL/Notre Dame For Boys Adonis Jennings, WR 6’3” 190

Sicklerville, NJ/Timber Creek Avonte Maddox, ATH 5’9” 165

Detroit, MI/Martin Luther King Phillipie Motley, DB 5’10” 171

Hilliard, OH/Hilliard Davidson Brian O’Neill, TE 6’6” 230

Wilmington, DE/Salesianum School Qadree Ollison, RB 6’1” 226

Buffalo, NY/Canisius Shane Roy, DE 6’5” 220

Cincinnati, OH/Reading Community Hez Trahan, DE 6’4” 250

Philadelphia, PA/Roman Catholic Jalen Williams, DB 6’2” 180

Newburgh, NY/Newburgh Free Academy Quintin Wirginis, LB 6’2” 225

Fox Chapel, PA/Fox Chapel Elijah Zeise, WR, 6’2” 185

Wexford, PA/North Allegheny

Mike Herndon, DT 6’4” 323

Staunton, VA/Riverheads

PITTSBURGH SPORTS REPORT • FEBRUARY 2014 17

Dominate the State HEADS OF THE CLASS

BY TYLER PECYNA

When James Franklin took the podium for the first time as Penn State’s head coach, he spoke sharply and confidently. Franklin, who inherits a Nittany Lions roster with just eight players from western Pennsylvania, was already recruiting. “I know I’ve been sitting in living rooms with families and kids and selling them on a dream, and selling them on our relationship,” the former Vanderbilt head coach told radio host Dan Patrick last month. Patrick was asking about the etiquette of Franklin recruiting players to Penn State who had verbally committed to Vanderbilt. Franklin’s response played out like his introductory press conference at Beaver Stadium. Since replacing Bill O’Brien, Franklin sold to the public his goal of dominating the state in terms of recruiting. Greg Pickel, who covers Penn State and recruiting for Scout.com, said kids from Pennsylvania are always going to want be Nittany Lions, but the trouble lies in one particular region of the state. “The Philadelphia area has been very good to Penn State. Central Pennsylvania has been OK with Penn State. Obviously the issue is the West,” Pickel said. “Penn State has not really been able to get into the WPIAL. … Far and away they’ve struck out on many more western PA kids than they’ve actually connected with.” Longtime assistant Tom Bradley was instrumental in sowing the seeds for Penn State’s glory years through his recruiting prowess in western PA, landing such standouts as Gateway’s Justin King,

Blue Chippers Chris Godwin, WR,

Middletown (DE) Michael O’Connor, QB,

IMG Academy (FL) De’Andre Thompkins, WR,

Swansboro (NC) Penn State football is poised to take the state of Pennsylvania by storm.

Upper St. Clair’s Sean Lee, Hopewell’s Paul Posluszny, McKeesport’s Brandon Short and North Hills’ Lavar Arrington. When Bradley left Penn State in 2012, that fertile soil quickly turned sterile. Former head coach Bill O’Brien and his staff were hindered by the absence of an iconic presence to carve through the region, and by NCAA sanctions that limited scholarships, postseasons and overall appeal. The recruiting classes are palpable evidence of that strain. Penn State has signed just one top tier western PA recruits since 2011. “The determining factor to me will be how much of a relationship [the new staff] already has in place,” said Pickel. Franklin’s first shot hit the mark. He hired Terry Smith, former Penn State receiver and Gateway head coach from

18 PITTSBURGH SPORTS REPORT • FEBRUARY 2014

2001-12, as cornerbacks coach. Smith’s presence should counter that of Pitt assistant coach Bobby Engram. The former Penn State All-American and 1994 Biletnikoff winner, Engram is Pitt’s most dynamic recruiter. “Now it’s a matter of what kids are buying into,” Pickel said. “That’s going to go back to the Pitt-Penn State [rivalry], because [Engram and Smith] are going to be sending and representing the message that their programs put out there.” Franklin’s message was received loud and strong at Vanderbilt, as he rebuilt a downtrodden program in Nashville the past three seasons. “He was everywhere when he got the job,” Roc Batten, a Tennessee high school coach who played at Vanderbilt, told the Tennessean. “You saw him get-

Under The Radar Marcus Allen, DB, Wise (MD) Troy Apke, WR, Mt. Lebanon Noah Beh, DE, Scranton Prep

ting in helicopters and going to games. I think that presence was huge and instant.” Whether he has the same impact at Penn State and the WPIAL depends on winning, Pickel said. “Kids want to go to the NFL and kids want to go to a program they can win at,” he said. “If James Franklin can win, obviously if Penn State can send plenty of guys to the NFL. That starts to build a reputation, and at that point, recruiting becomes easier and easier.”

www.pittsburghsportsreport.com

Class Breakdown: Penn State BY ERIC SHULTZ

By now, plenty of Penn State fans have heard new head coach James Franklin’s plan to “dominate the state” on the recruiting trail. So far, though, he has been displaying his ability to do that away from Pennsylvania. Franklin, who comes to Happy Valley after turning around Vanderbilt’s program, was heralded by many as a topnotch recruiter. He showed that much almost immediately after arriving at Penn State. Not even two days had passed since his introductory press conference when Franklin brought in former Vanderbilt commits Lloyd Tubman (DE) and Chance Sorrell (DT). The fun did not stop there. Four more Vanderbilt recruits followed Franklin to Penn State: tackle Brendan Brosnan, defensive back Grant Haley, quarterback Trace McSorley and defensive back Amani Oruwariye. The raids went beyond Vanderbilt. Franklin swiped four-star receiver Saeed Blacknall from Rutgers, standout athlete Koa Farmer from Calfornia, and Torrance Brown from Southern Miss. Tubman's Penn State commitment last only two weeks, however, as he ultimately signed with Kentucky. Despite losing Tubman, Penn State convinced a total of nine players to flip commitments. Linebacker Jason Cabinda orginally committed to Syracuse, running back Johnathan Thomas to Maryland and offensive lineman Chasz Wright to both Temple and UConn. All told, Franklin and former coach Bill O'Brien recruited 25 players in the 2014 class, some of whom will be counted on to make early impacts. Gone this upcoming season will be some standout players, such as leading receiver Allen Robinson leading tackler

linebacker Glenn Carson. Wide receiver Brandon Felder, defensive tackle DaQuan Jones and safety Malcom Willis are also moving on. The Lions could still be lethal on offense without Robinson and Felder, though, if incoming freshmen step up early. The Lions brought in four-star receivers De’Andre Thompkins and Chris Godwin, as well as four-star tight end Mike Gesicki. Added to his current group, quarterback Christian Hackenberg has a set of talented targets. In addition, the Lions have commits spread across defense, all checking in at three stars. Defensive tackle Thomas Holley—probably the team’s top verbal commitment—departed for Florida after Lions defensive line coach Larry Johnson left for Ohio State. Even without Holley, however, Penn State’s overall recruiting class was rated second in the Big Ten behind Ohio State. The impact of the incoming class, of course, won’t be known for sure until they take to the field, but there is still plenty for fans to feel excited about. Even if the new crop of freshmen don’t pay off right away, Lions fans should easily be able to take solace in the fact that Franklin has already begun to make waves with recruits. Franklin’s first recruiting class — which includes four-star quarterback Michael O’Connor, who reaffirmed his commitment to the program after Franklin’s hire — has the potential to make some large contributions, sooner as well as later. Franklin has already turned heads with what he’s done with recruiting, both by keeping Penn State commits on board with him and bringing in outside recruits at the same time. If he can do that much now, there’s no telling what Franklin can do with a full year of recruiting.

www.pittsburghsportsreport.com

Troy Apke

Recruits Marcus Allen, DB, 6’1” 187

Upper Marlboro, MD/Wise Mark Allen, RB, 5’7” 185

Hyattsville, MD/DeMatha Troy Apke, WR, 6’2” 175

Mt. Lebanon, PA/Mt. Lebanon Tarow Barney, DE, 6’3” 285

Senatobia, MS/NW Mississippi C.C. Noah Beh, DE, 6’7” 245

Scranton, PA/Scranton Preparatory Saeed Blacknall, WR, 6'3" 205

Manalapan, NJ/Manalapan Brendan Brosnan, OL, 6’6” 274

Park Ridge, IL/Maine South Torrance Brown, DL, 6'4" 230

Tuscaloosa, AL/Tuscaloosa Academy Jason Cabinda, LB, 6’1” 220

Flemington, NJ/Hunterdon Central Koa Farmer, ATH, 6'2" 207

Sherman Oaks, CA/Notre Dame Mike Gesicki, TE, 6’6” 215

Manahawkin, NJ/Southern Regional Chris Godwin, WR, 6’2” 202

Middletown, DE/Middletown

Grant Haley, DB, 5’10” 180

Atlanta, GA/Lovett Trace McSorley, ATH, 6’0” 182

Ashburn, VA/Briar Woods Michael O’Connor, QB, 6’5” 223

Bradenton, FL/IMG Academy Amani Oruwariye, DB, 6'1" 185

Tampa, FL/Gaither Troy Reeder, LB, 6’3” 232

Wilmington, DE/Salesianum School Nick Scott, RB, 5’11” 180

Fairfax, VA/Fairfax Chance Sorrell, OL, 6’6” 263

Middletown, OH/Middletown Johnathan Thomas, RB, 5’11” 215

Danvers, MA/St. John’s Prep De’Andre Thompkins, WR, 5’11” 172

Swansboro, NC/Swansboro Antoine White, DT, 6’2” 267

Millville, NJ/Millville Daquan Worley, DB, 5’10” 175

Coatesville, PA/Coatesville Chasz Wright, OL, 6’7” 300

New Berlin, NY/Milford Academy

PITTSBURGH SPORTS REPORT • FEBRUARY 2014 19

Where the Local Kids are Headed Aliquippa's Dravon Henry highlights 33 local football players are headed off to play Division I football. Two-thirds, however, will leave the region to begin their collegiate careers as Pitt received commitments from seven WPIAL products, West Virginia three and Penn State just one. Troy Apke

Mount Lebanon

6-2/175

PENN STATE

Rori Blair

Upper St. Clair

6-4/210

PITT

Alec Bloom

Ligonier

6-7/240

UCONN

Alex Bookser

Mount Lebanon

6-6/295

PITT

Brock Boxen

Blackhawk

6-2/250

AKRON

Dennis Briggs

RB Shady Side Academy

5-11/190

PITT

Darrious Carter

Indiana

6-6/200

VIRGINIA

J.J. Cosentino

Central Catholic

6-4/210

FLORIDA STATE

Elijah Cottrill

Beaver Falls

6-2/165

AKRON

ATH

Elizabeth Forward

6-2/170

PITT

Anthony Davis

Gateway

6-1/185

TEMPLE

Tory Delmonico

West Allegheny

6-2/200

NAVY

Jaleel Fields

Aliquippa

6-0/290

WEST VIRGINIA

Mike Grimm

Bethel Park

6-6/325

PITT

Dravon Henry

Aliquippa

5-11/190

WEST VIRGINIA

Malik Hooker

New Castle

6-2/175

OHIO STATE

Chandler Kincade

Blackhawk

6-4/215

AKRON

Trevon Mathis

Woodland Hills

5-11/160

TOLEDO

Shai McKenzie

Washington

6-0/215

VIRGINIA TECH

Jake McPhatter

New Castle

5-11.170

BALL STATE

Montae Nicholson

Gateway

6-2/200

MICHIGAN STATE

Andrew Podbielski

Blackhawk

6-7, 225

BOWLING GREEN

Delvon Randall

ATH

Gateway

6-0/190

TEMPLE

Ricky Rogers

Gateway

6-1/200

WEST VIRGINIA

Knoch

6-5/245

KENT STATE

ATH

Franklin Regional

6-1/165

UMASS

Terry Swanson

Aliquippa

5-10/180

TOLEDO

Tre Tarpley

Central Catholic

6-0/190

VANDERBILT

Gateway

6-3/230

TEMPLE

Lenny Williams

Sto-Rox

5-10/190

TEMPLE

Chase Winovich

Thomas Jefferson

6-3/215

MICHIGAN

Quintin Wirginis

Fox Chapel

6-2/220

PITT

North Allegheny

6-2/185

PITT

Jaquan Davidson

Connor Shinsky Charan Singh

Brenon Thrift

Elijah Zeise

20 PITTSBURGH SPORTS REPORT â&#x20AC;˘ FEBRUARY 2014

www.pittsburghsportsreport.com

Top10 College Football Recruits 1. Leonard Fournette, RB, 6’1”, 226.

Saint Augustine HS/New Orleans, LA—LSU 2. Jabrill Peppers, CB, 6’1”, 205.

Paramus Catholic HS/Paramus, NJ—Michigan 3. Myles Garrett, DE, 6’5”, 247.

James Martin HS/Arlington, TX—Texas A&M 4. Cameron Robinson, OT, 6’5”, 330.

West Monroe HS/West Monroe, LA—Alabama 5. Da’Shawn Hand, DE, 6’4”, 262.

Woodbridge HS/Woodbridge, VA—Alabama

Adoree´Jackson 6. Adoree’ Jackson, CB, 5’10”, 182.

Junipero Serra HS/Gardena, CA—Southern Cal 7. Andrew Brown, DT, 6’4”, 295.

Oscar Frommel Smith HS/Chesapeake, VA—Virginia 8. Marlon Humphrey, CB, 6’0”, 179.

Hoover HS/Hoover, AL—Alabama 9. Quinn Blanding, S, 6’2”, 209. Bayside HS/Bayside, VA—Virginia 10. Speedy Noil, ATH, 6’0”, 176.

Edna Karr HS/New Orleans, LA—Texas A&M

Top10 Recruiting Classes

Speedy Noil

1. Alabama- The Crimson Tide look

6. LSU- The Tigers look to take

to upgrade their defense with two 5-star and nine 4-star recruits. 2. Tennessee- The University of Tennessee boasts the largest recruiting class in the nation with 33 recruits. 3. Texas A&M- The Aggies put an emphasis on athleticism in their 2014 recruiting class, signing the top-ranked athlete in the nation and 5-star recruit Speedy Noil. 4. Florida State- The national champions land the state of Florida’s No. 1 ILB with the 6’4” 243 Kain Daub. 5. Ohio State- Coach Urban Meyer will be welcoming the 5-star recruit and top ILB in the nation, 6’2” 249 Raekwon McMillan, to Columbus in the fall.

control of the SEC signing the nation’s highest-rated recruit, RB Leonard Fournette. 7. Miami (FL)- The Hurricanes went with speed this recruiting season with 5’9” 191 RB Joseph Yearby. 8. Notre Dame- The Fighting Irish look to continue a history of excellent tight ends signing the best in the country, 6’3” 243 Tyler Luatau from La Mirada, CA. 9. Florida- Florida signed the state’s No. 1 OT in 6’6” 288 David Sharpe. 10. Auburn- Head coach Gus Malzahn landed the top juco WR in 6’3” 210 D’haquille Williams.

Trust your heart to the best of hands. At Allegheny Health Network, our heart care is built on a foundation of innovation. Some of the greatest advancements in heart care were pioneered in our hospitals. Today, we’re building on that legacy by pioneering new ways to see inside the heart, new technologies to achieve healing once thought impossible, and new procedures that bring hope to patients where none existed before. Because helping hearts beat healthier is a commitment we take to heart.

412.DOCTORS

AHN.org

COMPILED BY NATE MARSH

www.pittsburghsportsreport.com

PITTSBURGH SPORTS REPORT • FEBRUARY 2014 21

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