2021 HSSN football position-by-position breakdown: Scouting the linebackers
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Tuesday, August 24, 2021 | 1:28 PM
Central Catholic’s Anthony Speca works out during practice on Aug. 10, 2021, in Oakland.
Pine-Richland’s Jeremiah Hasley catches a pass during practice on Aug. 17, 2021, in Pine.
New Castle’s Mike Wells throws a pass during practice on Aug. 4, 2021, in New Castle.
Upper St. Clair’s Ethan Hiester carries past Bethel Park’s Gavin Moul during their game Friday, Sept. 11, 2020, at Upper St. Clair.
TribLive HSSN will break down the top players at one position per day until Week Zero. Here’s a look at the top linebackers for the 2021 season.
1. Anthony Speca
Central Catholic
Sophomore, 6-3, 220
As a freshman, Speca was a starting linebacker and leading tackler in the middle of a WPIAL Class 6A championship-winning defense. He earned Freshman All-American honors from MaxPreps. Now only a sophomore, he already has college offers from Pitt, Penn State, West Virginia, Buffalo, Notre Dame and Purdue.
Watch Anthony Speca highlights
2. Jeremiah Hasley
Pine-Richland
Senior, 6-3, 225
The Duke recruit made 60 tackles last season, including 11½ for a loss, as the Rams won WPIAL and PIAA Class 5A titles. He committed to the Blue Devils over FBS offers Air Force, Army, Navy and Kent State, along with a number of FCS options from the Ivy and Patriot leagues.
Watch Jeremiah Hasley highlights
3. Matt Merritt
Central Valley
Senior, 6-3, 220
With Merritt in the middle, Central Valley won WPIAL and PIAA Class 3A titles last year behind a defense that held 7 of 12 opponents to a touchdown or less. He finished the year with 90 total tackles, two fumble recoveries, an interception and a TD. He lists offers from Air Force, Army, Navy, Robert Morris and Lehigh.
4. Mike Wells
New Castle
Senior, 6-3, 215
Wells might be better known for his work on the basketball court, where the Red Hurricanes won another WPIAL title last winter. But the multi-sport athlete (he also high jumps) is a talented linebacker and quarterback for New Castle’s football team. He drew his first Division I offer from Youngstown State.
5. Ethan Hiester
Upper St. Clair
Senior, 5-11, 200
Hiester isn’t your traditional linebacker but rather a linebacker/safety hybrid. Regardless of his positions, he’s an aggressive tackler who’ll take on running backs at the line of scrimmage. He lists Division I offers from Dayton and Valparaiso along with Division II schools Clarion and Walsh.
Watch Ethan Hiester highlights
ONE TO WATCH
Nico Pate
Peters Township
Senior, 6-1, 215
The Indians are counting on Pate for another all-conference season at linebacker but first he has to get fully healthy. His playing time may be limited early this season while he recovers from surgery for a knee injury sustained in the WPIAL playoffs a year ago. Miami (Ohio) has offered him.
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POSITION BREAKDOWNS
QB | RB | WR | TE | OL | DL | LB | CB | S | K
Top five coaching changes for 2021
Chris Harlan is a TribLive reporter covering sports. He joined the Trib in 2009 after seven years as a reporter at the Beaver County Times. He can be reached at charlan@triblive.com.
Tags: Central Catholic, Central Valley, New Castle, Peters Township, Pine-Richland, Upper St. Clair
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