Slowly but surely more WPIAL players in the Class of 2022 are beginning to emerge as Division I and possibly Power 5 recruits.
Gateway athlete Patrick Body Jr., Central Valley defensive lineman Sean FitzSimmons, Woodland Hills defensive back Deontae Williams and Perry defensive end Tyreese Fearbry are players that have already received major offers offers.
The next name to keep an eye on is Belle Vernon 2022 linebacker Cole Weightman.
Weightman (6-foot-3, 210 pounds) is not only a talented linebacker but has also won a WPIAL championship in wrestling. As he and his Belle Vernon team get ready to take on Chartiers Valley in the 1st round of the WPIAL playoffs, Weightman received some big individual news.
After evaluating his tape, 247 Sports has elevated Weightman to a 2022 3-star recruit, which is something he’s obviously very proud of as he works to improve his recruiting profile.
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“I was very happy to receive that news about being a 3-star recruit,” Weightman told Pittsburgh Sports Now. “I’ve worked hard this season and through out the season, I’ve been trying to get my tape out to a bunch of people in order to raise my profile. I’m happy that my play was recognized especially after not having an opportunity to work out in front of coaches and teams during the summer.”
Weightman tells me that he believes he was able to impress coaches with his ability to get to the ball carrier and be a reliable tackler as well as show the ability to move sideline to sideline. In terms of looking ahead to next year and an area he wants to improve upon, Weightman says he wants to work on his skills and footwork in covering backs and tight ends in pass coverage.
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The next individual goal that Weightman is waiting to achieve is earning that first Division I offer. The thing that has him encouraged is the daily mail and messages that he’s been receiving from programs such as Wisconsin, Virginia Tech, North Carolina, Toledo, Miami (OH), Kent State, Virginia, Penn State and Pitt.
“It’s been great to come home from school everyday and to get this mail from these schools,” said Weightman. “I’ve been able to sit-down with my father and open it up. I’m excited that these schools are recognizing and taking the time to contact me. Now I’m just trying to stay patient and wait for that first offer.”
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Weightman is taking advice from family and friends by continuing to be patient and continue to work and let the recruiting process happen. As far as what he’s hearing from coaches that they want to see before pulling the trigger with an offer, he believes that they just want to see more tape from him.
While he doesn’t know when the first one will come, Weightman knows what his reaction will be.
“All I can say is that it will be awesome, that’s all. I can also say that it will be a big relief.