2024 Rankings Update Stock Risers: Defensive Line and Tight Ends
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The class of 2024 still has a long way to go before they’re even allowed to communicate with college coaches but it’s never too early to take a look at the talent in the class. In Pennsylvania, the 2024 class…
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Continue ReadingThe class of 2024 still has a long way to go before they’re even allowed to communicate with college coaches but it’s never too early to take a look at the talent in the class. In Pennsylvania, the 2024 class is showing great promise early on including on the defensive line and at the tight end position.
Currently, in our 2024 rankings, we have three defensive linemen ranked and two tight ends. We break them down below.
No.1 Richard James Jr – 6-foot-1, 245-pounds – St. Joseph’s Prep
The machine that is St. Joseph’s Prep in Philadelphia keeps on rolling and in the class of 2024, one player leading the way is defensive lineman Richard James Jr, our top-ranked player in the state. As a freshman, James Jr played in all six games for the Hawks on their way to another state championship. The simple fact that he was able to see so much playing time as just a freshman for a program like St. Joes speaks to his talent and potential. At 6-foot-1, 245-pounds James already has better size than a lot of collegiate players and he’s likely to continue to grow over the remainder of his high school career as well and is likely a defensive tackle at the college level. James is an exciting player and played both on the edge as well as in the middle for the Owls. He has great agility, athleticism, and speed for someone his size with a really good first step as well. He shows the ability to beat you off the edge with his speed or beat you in the middle, using his raw power to plow through opposing offensive lines. Based on his limited tape, you can already tell how big of a game-changer he will be in the near future and it will be exciting to see what he can do next fall.
No.10 Amare Harper Amare Harper 6'1" | 265 lbs | DL Sto-Rox | 2024 State PA – 6-foot-2, 245-pounds – Sto-Rox
In nine games for Sto-Rox, Harper totaled 51 tackles including four sacks and 13 quarterback hurries, a highly productive season for a freshman. Like James Jr, Harper already has the size of Division I defensive lineman at 6-foot-2 and 245-pounds. Also like James, there is a good possibility he ends up at defensive tackle at the next level. That being said, Harper shows a good first step and is quick to engage with opposing offensive linemen, and gets good hand placement, allowing him to gain leverage. He consistently is causing disruptions in the backfield and shows potential to be a game-changer come this upcoming season and beyond.
No.22 John Deak John Deak 5'11" | 180 lbs | DL Laurel Highlands | 2024 State PA – 5-foot-11, 170-pounds – Laurel Highlands
Deak is a bit undersized for being a defensive tackle and nose guard though he still has plenty of time to grow. That being said, a change to linebacker may be best for Deak in his development. Deak has good instincts and shows good explosion off the line, using his smaller size and speed to get by opposing offensive lineman. A sound tackler, he rarely allows opposing ball carriers to get by him. It’s hard to project him at his current size as a defensive lineman at the college level but as mentioned above, he has plenty of time to add on to his height and weight.
No. 26 Aiden Black Aiden Black 6'3" | 225 lbs | TE Delaware Valley | 2024 State PA – 6-foot-2, 205-pounds – Delaware Valley
Black is a player I believe will eventually find his way into the top-15 or even top-10 players in the state by the time he reaches his senior season. He wasn’t a major receiving threat for Delaware Valley this past season recording just two receptions though they both went for touchdowns and a combined 105-yards. However, he was a key blocker offensively which as a freshman is a great sign of how strong of a blocker he already is and his potential going forward. He shows great explosion and speed whether it be on the offensive side or defensive side of the ball. When he gets the ball in his hands on offense, he can quickly turn on the jets and take it the house while on defense he is able to generate a great pass rush off the edge, chasing down quarterbacks and ball carriers from behind.
No. 39 Lou Swartz Lou Swartz 6'1" | 235 lbs | ATH West Shamokin | 2024 State PA – 6-foot-0, 215-pounds – West Shamokin
Swartz was a bit more of a receiving threat than Black this past season recording 17 receptions for 290-yards and five touchdowns this season. A key player for Shamokin on both sides of the ball this season, Swartz showed some great versatility early on in his career, playing quarterback, middle linebacker, and of course tight end. He shows really fundamentals as a freshman from his route running to his ability to turn right up the field but also in his vision. He shows the ability to make catches in the middle of traffic and is a tough runner, often breaking at least one tackle or carrying would-be tacklers an extra few yards before finally being taken down. As he gets bigger and stronger, that part of his game is only going to get better. He has all the makings of being one of the state’s best tight ends regardless of class over the next three seasons.