2025 Trib HSSN Preseason Football All-Star Team: Thomas Jefferson’s Tyler Eber

By: Don Rebel
Friday, July 18, 2025 | 8:01 AM

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The one constant in more than three decades of excellence for Thomas Jefferson football is having stud players on the line, where longtime coach Bill Cherpak shined in his playing days at Steel Valley and Pitt, and a bell cow running back to carry the load of the running game.

Last season, both of those things were evident with a strong group in the trenches and sophomore running back Tyler Eber shining as the prized workhorse in helping the Jaguars win another WPIAL 4A championship.

“I knew that our O-line and tight ends were going to be pretty good last season with several returners, especially Shep Turk, so we did have high expectations for our running game,” Cherpak said. “We had a lot of confidence in Tyler and expected him to do very well, but I don’t think anyone envisioned Tyler to have the breakout year that he did. I wasn’t surprised, though, because he is dedicated and works as hard as anyone.”

In 15 games last season, Eber averaged 28 totes.

“Last year was a big ground-and-pound year, and although that is my specialty and my favorite thing, I want to have more big plays that change games,” Eber said. “My toughness and relentlessness is what made me successful last year. This year, I plan to mix that with much more big plays.”

As a sophomore, Eber had 420 carries for 2,276 yards for an average of 5.4 yard per carry and 30 touchdowns.

What is he doing this offseason to tap into that big-play goal?

“This year I was hugely focused on becoming a better athlete, meaning for me, more speed, more explosiveness, more strength and more size,” Eber said. “I’ve put on over 15 pounds since the season and increased my speed by a lot. My cuts and running-back mechanics are also much cleaner. I love nothing more than being the workhorse as well. I’m the most conditioned I’ve ever been in my life.”

Even though he is only entering his junior year at TJ, Eber is also looking to improve in one other aspect to help his team repeat.

“The team needs what we had last year, and that’s hard work and great leadership,” Eber said. “That’s on me as well. Last year we had some fantastic senior leaders. It’s my turn to lead the team. I plan to do that through example as I work hard every day, and I think it’s contagious.

“I love TJ football. I live it, and I will do anything for this program and this team.”

All of the things mentioned by Eber are what the Jaguars coaching staff is looking for from the young running back.

“The expectations for the upcoming season are just for him and the rest of the team to get better,” Cherpak said. “He has also taken on a leadership role that will be very important. He definitely leads by example.”

Thomas Jefferson is trying to win a 12th district title this season. The Jaguars have been able to repeat as WPIAL champions five times in the past and would like to make it six this fall.

They also want to add a sixth state championship, something they haven’t done in five years.

“Our goal here at TJ is to win every year. That is the standard here,” Eber said. “We may have won the crown as WPIAL champs, but we fell short of a state championship. I think it’s fair to say the whole team has a chip on its shoulder. Winning the WPIAL and adding a PIAA title means everything to me and my team.”

Tyler Eber

Thomas Jefferson

Junior

5-foot-11/170 pounds

Running back

Offers: As a rising junior, Eber doesn’t have any offers yet, but he has been invited to some camps. “My focus is gearing up for a big junior season,” he said. “So far, I have over a 4.0 grade-point average, so my goal is to play well so (colleges) can’t ignore me.”

2024 stats: 420 carries for 2,276 yards for an average of 5.4 yard per carry and 30 touchdowns. 13 receptions for 225 yards for an average of 17.3 yards per catch

Highlights: Hudl

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