2023 Rankings Update Stock Risers: Defensive Line and Tight Ends
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The class of 2023 is setting up to be a real good one in Pennsylvania from top to bottom. Today, we look at a pair of defensive lineman and a pair of tight ends that raised their stock this past…
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Continue ReadingThe class of 2023 is setting up to be a real good one in Pennsylvania from top to bottom. Today, we look at a pair of defensive lineman and a pair of tight ends that raised their stock this past season and are among the top-100 players in the 2023 class.
No.12 DL Jameial Lyons Jameial Lyons 6'4" | 245 lbs | DL Roman Catholic | 2023 State PA 6-foot-5, 220-pounds – Bishop McDevitt (@Mill12k)
To start off it should be said that at this point, Lyons is very much more of an athlete than a defensive lineman. At 6-foot-5 and 220-pounds, he projects very well to being a defensive end at the next level and is still a bit of a raw prospect. Extremely versatile and athletic, Lyons has lined up at multiple positions for Bishop McDevitt including tight end and defensive back to go along with his duties as a defensive lineman though he does play more of a HYBRID role for the Lancers. Overall, he’s a high-caliber athlete with great potential but will need time to develop as a defensive lineman but the potential is off the board thanks to his size and athleticism.
No.18 TE Joey Schlaffer Joey Schlaffer 6'5" | 215 lbs | TE Exeter Township | 2023 State PA (@joey_schlaffer)
Not the fastest tight end by any means but still possesses quality speed. A long stride helps him make up for some of his lack of speed as well especially in the open field. Has good ball tracking skills and is able to watch the ball into his hands. Also shows the ability to go up and get the football especially in high-pointing situations. He shows good route running skills as well. Overall as a receiving tight end, Schlaffer is a high-quality prospect and has a ton of potential. He will need to add more weight before he plays his college football but at 6-foot-6 he already presents a great target for his quarterbacks throughout the field. When it comes to his blocking skills, he definitely has a good foundation to build on and overall is solid.
No.20 DT Neco Eberhardt Neco Eberhardt 6'3" | 285 lbs | DL Aliquippa | 2023 State PA 6-foot-2, 285-pounds – Aliquippa (@NecoEberhardt)
An explosive and powerful player, Eberhardt shows great burst at times with the ability to get through the opposing offensive line with ease. He’s not terribly fast but does have a high motor and is willing to chase down ball carriers from across the field. He plays the run well and puts himself in strong positions to make plays thanks to good mechanics as well as pure athleticism and strength . A strong block shredder, he rarely goes blocked for long periods of time. Overall, Eberhardt is one of the top defensive tackles in the state in the 2023 class and projects well to a three-tech defensive tackle at the next level. He’s also an outstanding offensive lineman for Alquippa.
No. 76 TE Peyton Faulkner – 6-foot-4, 210-pounds – Avonworth (@Peyton4Faulkner)
Likely better described as more of a hybrid wide receiver/tight end, Faulkner is a very intriguing prospect. He runs crisp routes, has good speed and explosiveness, while also showing great ball tracking skills and hand-eye coordination. He is able to make tough catches both down the sideline and across the middle and plays every bit of his height, giving his quarterback a big target to hit. Overall, he’s an extremely solid tight end and one who at the very least is an FCS level tight end but very much has the potential to play at the FBS level.