Derry’s Adams, Ligonier Valley’s Spiker pull in offers from St. Francis (Pa.)

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Tuesday, July 30, 2019 | 2:46 PM

Like the big boys themselves, Division I college interest in area linemen keeps growing in size.

St. Francis (Pa.) is following suit with a number of other FCS schools in the market for front-line talent by making inroads to Westmoreland County programs.

Two more local players received scholarship offers this week — both from St. Francis — in Ligonier Valley’s Wylie Spiker and Derry’s Gavin Adams. Both are rising seniors.

The 6-foot-3, 260-pound Spiker is a two-way tackle for the Rams and also has an offer from Duquesne.

Blessed and honored to receive an offer from Saint Francis University! Thank you to all the coaches there for this amazing opportunity! ?? pic.twitter.com/IP2YIpVWdG

— Wylie Spiker (@SpikerWylie) July 30, 2019

The Red Flash offer is the first for Adams (6-4, 280), a first-team all-conference blocker who plays left tackle and defensive line.

Thank you @Coach_Wils @CoachPecoraSFU for my very first offer!!! I can't wait to see a game on a Saturday!!! @wpialsportsnews @WPIAL_Insider @WestmorelandSN @garryt5526 pic.twitter.com/LFZvKnGZVd

— Gavin Adams (@UnderatedHog77) July 30, 2019

Other local incoming seniors with offers include Derry’s Max Malis (6-2, 270), a tackle and defensive end, who was offered by Air Force; Belle Vernon rising senior Hayden Baron (6-3, 260), who has offers from Valparaiso and Robert Morris; and Penn-Trafford tackle Derek Sutherland (6-2, 240), who also has a Valparaiso offer.

Hempfield two-way lineman Fintan Brose (6-4, 280) committed to Delaware, while Ligonier Valley offensive guard and defensive tackle Michael Petrof (6-2, 275) chose to play at Navy, and Ligonier Valley tackle and defensive end Christian Jablonski (6-5, 260) is headed to Lehigh.

Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at bbeckner@triblive.com.

Tags: Derry Area, Ligonier Valley