A look at the Southeastern Pa.'s top 2018 football prospects
Most of Southeastern Pennsylvania's elite football players, including University of Georgia-bound standouts D'Andre Swift and Mark Webb, made their college commitments official Wednesday.
Most of Southeastern Pennsylvania's elite football players, including University of Georgia-bound standouts D'Andre Swift and Mark Webb, made their college commitments official Wednesday.
With national signing day in the books, here is our top-10 ranking of the best prospects in the class of 2018.
1. Isheem Young, Imhotep Charter. A hard-hitting and speedy safety, Young is a four-star recruit and ranked the No. 29 prospect in 2018 by Scout.com.
The 5-foot-11, 198-pounder has scholarship offers from Baylor, Florida State, LSU, Maryland, Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State, Tennessee, and Wisconsin, among others.
Young, also a highly dangerous running back and kick returner for the Panthers, visited Maryland on Saturday.
2. Kyle Pitts, Archbishop Wood. The 6-5, 230-pound tight end's recruitment has blown up since the end of last season.
Pitts, who doubles as a defensive end for the Vikings, has recently picked up offers from Baylor, Maryland, Miami, Oklahoma, Penn State, and Tennessee.
3. Darryle Simmons, St. Joseph's Prep. With the departure of Swift and fellow wideout Terrance Greene, the 6-2, 195-pounder is primed for a breakthrough campaign.
Simmons has offers from Duke, Kentucky, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Tennessee, Virginia Tech, and West Virginia.
4. Justin Johnson, Imhotep Charter. With a 6-7, 335-pound frame, the offensive tackle has offers from BYU, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, Texas Tech, and Vanderbilt, among others.
In their drive to the PIAA Class 4A state final last season, a lot of the Panthers' running plays went behind Johnson.
5. Nick Tarburton, Pennridge. A hard-charging linebacker with solid instincts, the 6-3, 245-pounder's stock is quickly rising.
Tarburton has offers from Louisville, Maryland, Michigan State, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, and Syracuse.
6. Ryan Bryce, St. Joseph's Prep. With the 6-4, 280-pound defensive tackle clogging the middle, the Hawks won their third PIAA state crown in four seasons.
Bryce, who notched 61/2 sacks in 2016, has a scholarship offer from Rutgers. Boston College, Maryland, Michigan State, Temple, and Virginia are also in the mix.
7. Ryan Betz, Malvern Prep. The 6-3, 250-pound defensive end played for the U.S. under-18 national team in the North American Championship against Team Canada in Orlando last month.
Betz, also a tight end for the Friars, may switch to outside linebacker in college.
8. Isaiah Jones, La Salle. A dual-threat quarterback and defensive back, Jones is eager to return to action after missing last season with a knee injury.
The 6-1, 185-pounder has drawn interest from Duke, Michigan State, Ohio State, and Stanford. He has an offer from Temple.
9. Jordan Mosley, Haverford High. After coming over from Bonner-Prendergast, the 6-2, 205-pound wideout made 52 catches for 956 yards and 11 scores last season.
Mosley, who also excelled at linebacker, was a first-team all-Central League selection.
10. O'Shaan Allison, Malvern Prep. Expect the speedy tailback to bounce back strong after missing the second half of last season with an ankle injury.
The 5-10, 195-pounder has drawn interest from Rhode Island, Temple, and Virginia, among others.
For a list of our top 50 prospects in the class of 2018, go to http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/rick-obrien/Top-Football-Prospects-of-2018.html.
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