Panther-Lair.com will be counting down the best players in the WPIAL's graduating class of 2018 now that state championships have concluded.
The WPIAL - or Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League for the uninitiated - is the home of decades of football history and top prospect. Six classifications of teams surrounding the Pittsburgh area call Pennsylvania's District 7 home and the district produces dozens of college football prospects annually. Continuing today with numbers 10 through six, Panther-Lair.com will be counting down the top 20 prospects in the WPIAL for the class of 2018.
SEE ALSO: 2018 WPIAL Rankings: 20-16 | 15-11
10. Jake Kradel - Offensive tackle - Butler (Pa.)
Butler's Jake Kradel should likely be the top offensive lineman in the WPIAL for the class of 2018. Kradel isn't huge among players of his position, but he's shown an impressive ability to drive his opponents off of the football in the running. Kradel also runs well in space for a lineman and his film on the defensive line shows a nice athlete for his size. Kradel's leg drive and initial punch stand out in his blocking. The offense he plays in doesn't feature much of a passing game, so his pass sets will be something we'll look to see in camp settings moving forward.
9. Troy Fisher - Quarterback - Pittsburgh (Pa.)
Central Catholic's Troy Fisher helped lead his team to a second consecutive PIAA state championship appearance at Pennsylvania's highest classification and there's a lot to like about the quarterback. Fisher has a big enough arm to hit all of the throws he's asked to make and has a great sense of timing on the deep ball. From a mechanical standpoint, his footwork is solid but his release can be a bit elongated at times. He shows the ability to pick up yardage on the ground for his team with consistency and can keep defenses honest with his legs. As with many young quarterbacks, working through progressions and making sure he doesn't stare down receivers will be a further point of improvement for Fisher.
8. Malik Shepherd - Wide receiver - Beaver Falls (Pa.)
Malik Shepherd missed the start of Beaver Falls' 2016 state championship campaign due to a foot injury suffered in the offseason but returned in time for the meat of the schedule in October in beyond. A two-way athlete, Shepherd repped at wide receiver, running back, wildcat quarterback, safety, cornerback, and special teams for the Tigers, operating as a do-everything utility man for the team. His burst, quickness, and change-of-direction ability make Shepherd intriguing on offense, but defense is a possibility as well. West Virginia and Iowa State are the first two Power Five programs to offer Shepherd. He has not yet published a junior highlight reel.
7. TJ Banks - Tight end - North Versailles (Pa.)
East Allegheny's TJ Banks is a rare blend of size and athleticism at the small school level of Pennsylvania football. The standout from North Versailles is most likely going to play tight end at the next level and has shown a knack for creating separation and coming down the football, but his abilities at defensive end are nearly as impressive. Banks lines up split outside at wide receiver at times for his team and it's simply uncommon to see 6-foot-5, 225-pound guys with his suddenness. If Banks can add 15 to 20 pounds before the college level and maintain his athleticism as he refines his technique, he could shoot up these rankings.
6. Kenny White - Cornerback - Imperial (Pa.)
Kenny White came out of the blue for West Allegheny and quickly established himself as one of the absolute best players in the WPIAL in his junior season. Likely a bit bigger than his listed 6-feet and 187 pounds, White is a terror on both sides of the football for his team and excelled at cornerback and running back. Most of his highlights are on the offensive side of the football - where he shows off great quickness and patience as a runner - but that's because it was rare to see teams throw his way. White is a big, long cornerback and should likely stay at defensive back at the college level. Don't be surprised when a flurry of offers from Power Five schools come his way this offseason.
