After months of waiting for National Signing day, local WPIAL recruits finally got their opportunity to make their commitments official. Pitt, Penn State and West Virginia all had WPIAL players officially sign. Here’s a quick summary of those who did, along with where some of the other top WPIAL players final destinations.
For the University of Pittsburgh, seven local players will be Panthers next season.
Alex Bookser, Mt Lebanon HS, OL–Ranked among the top offensive line prospects in the country, the 6’6, 295 pound Bookser is one of the real gems of Paul Chryst’s recruiting class. Bookser had offers from the likes of Alabama, Florida State, and Ohio State.
JaQuan Davidson, Elizabeth Forward HS, WR–The 6’3, 180 pound receiver has a combination of size, speed and excellent hands. Chose the Panthers over West Virginia and Temple.
Rori Blair, Upper Saint Clair HS, OLB–The feel good story of the class, 6’3, 220 pound Blair came back from a near fatal stroke his Junior year, and he came back in a big way for USC. Among the top defensive players in the WPIAL, Blair is a potential diamond in the rough in this class.
Elijah Zeise, North Allegheny HS, WR–Son of the PG’s Paul Zeise, this projected WR could also make the transition to DB. Zeise knows a little bit about winning, as a part of WPIAL and PIAA champion teams at NA. The 6’2, 190 pound Zeise chose Pitt over WVU.
Quinton Wirginis, Fox Chapel HS, OLB–Sadly Wirginis was unable to play the majority of his Senior season due to injury, but is projected to play LB for the Panthers.
Michael Grimm, Bethel Park HS, OL–Another highly touted prep OL, the 6’6, 320 pound lineman is known for his physical play that could make him a dominant guard at the next level. Grimm chose the Panthers over many top D1 programs.
Dennis Briggs, Shady Side Academy, RB–Joined Wirginis as one of the early commits to the Panthers. Tremendous athleticism and multifaceted running back, Briggs also was fantastic in the classroom, which led to offers from Ivy League programs.
Penn State only received one commit from the WPIAL this season.
Troy Apke, Mt Lebanon HS, WR–Apke is a smooth route runner who combines track speed with his outstanding hands. Pitt was considered a finalist along with the Nittany Lions.
West Virginia received three commitments from the WPIAL, they included;
Ricky Rodgers, Gateway HS, WR–Committed in December of 2012, Rodgers has size (6’2, 195) and good speed for the next level.
Jaleel Fields, Aliquippa HS, DT–The 6’2, 290 pound interior lineman could project on either side of the ball. Chose WVU over an offer from Purdue.
Dravon Henry, Aliquippa HS, RB/DB–Arguably the best Senior in the WPIAL last season, Henry broke the tradition of another top Quip heading to Pitt, much to the chagrin of Panther fans. Some argue which side of the ball he ultimately will end up on, but might project better at DB at the next level.
Here’s a few other top WPIAL recruits who decided to head elsewhere
Montae Nicholson, Gateway HS, WR/DB–Nicholson, also one of the top track athletes in the state, picked Michigan State over Virginia Tech and Pitt.
Shai Mckenzie, Washington HS, RB–One of the more highly touted RB’s in the country, McKenzie, who’s Senior year was cut short by injury, decided on Virginia Tech over offers from Pitt, Georgia Tech, Florida State, and WVU.
Chase Winovich, Thomas Jefferson HS, LB–Winovich, an All-State performer, chose Michigan over Ohio State and Pitt.
J.J. Consentino, Central Catholic HS, QB–Chose National Champion Florida State over offers of the likes of Penn State and Temple.
Anthony Davis, Gateway HS, DB–Another in the long line of Gateway Gators heading to D1 football. Davis, a 6’2, 180 pound DB will be heading to Temple
Chandler Kincade, Blackhawk HS, QB–Once a Pitt commit, Kincaide (6’4, 215) will be heading to Akron to play in the MAC.
