Quick PIAA State Championship primer:Pitt recruiting targets

The PIAA state championships kick off today and four games will be played at HersheyPark Stadium in Hershey, Pennsylvania throughout the weekend. Obviously, to get to a state championship, you need some pretty talented players. Pitt does not have any current commitments playing in this game, but there is tons of underclassmen potential in these four games.

The Class A game will feature North Catholic of the WPIAL playing Old Forge High School, the Eastern representative. For the first time since 2007, Clairton High School will not be playing in Hershey. Pitt has five players from Clairton High School during their recent dominance, so it just proves that small school football can produce talent. This year's game does not have many Division I prospects, but there is an intriguing player for North Catholic. PJ Fulmore is undersized, but is a solid high school football player. He may not be on the radar of many colleges just yet, but a breakout performance on this stage could generate some interest.

The AA game always has some talent. Locally storied programs like Aliquippa and Jeannette typically play in this game but it is South Fayette High School that will represent the West and the WPIAL this season. The big name for South Fayette is quarterback, Brett Brumbaugh. He does not hod a Pitt offer, but could see one come in the off season. Imhotep does not have a Pitt target, but they have a talented back in Nasir Bonner. Pitt obviously is rich in running backs for the current recruiting class, but Bonner should be the player to watch.

The AAA game may be the best of the weekend and certainly has the most talent. The Pitt coaches understand that and some players already hold offers. The headliner is Bishop McDevitt's Andre Robinson. Robinson is the next great back from McDevitt following the footsteps of Ricky Watters and LeSean McCoy. Robinson has eight reported offers, including a pair from Pitt and Penn State. I would imagine he will be one of Pitt's premier targets for next season. McDevitt also has two sophomores that could be on the radar with wide receiver, Kobay White and defensive lineman, Anthony Long. Archbishop Wood competes in the Philadelphia Catholic League and is home to two juniors with Pitt offers. Jake Cooper will be one of Pitt's top linebacker prospects, while Ryan Bates is a four star lineman that has multiple offers.

The AAAA game will feature Pittsburgh Central Catholic and St. Joesph's Prep in a WPIAL vs. Philadelphia Catholic League final. Central has given Pitt plenty of talent through the years, but none appear to be on the horizon for this season or in the future. Central has talent and their quarterback JJ Cosentino will be heading to Florida State. St. Joesph's Prep, on the other hand, has a Pitt target in four star DB, John Reid. Reid will be one of the more sought after players in the state for next season. Prep also features Jon Runyan, Jr. who already committed to Michigan.

Hopefully it gives you a better viewing guide if you tune into the games this weekend. The A and AAA will be played Friday at 1 and 7, while the AA and AAAA games were moved to Sunday due to the pending kicking off at 1 and 6.

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