Top WPIAL Recruit Ruled Eligible in Central Catholic Transfer

A top sophomore in the WPIAL is now eligible to play for a local powerhouse in the fall.

According to a report by Mike White of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Zachary Gleason Jr. — a 6-foot, 165-pound defensive back from Bridgeville, Pa. in the class of 2027 — has been deemed eligible by the WPIAL to play for Central Catholic in the fall. It’s a major move for the former Chartiers Valley star.

Gleason, who is one of the top WPIAL recruits in the class of 2027, holds offers from Akron and Pitt — both of which arrived in June.

White further reported that the Chartiers Valley administrators did not sign off on Gleason’s transfer, which means that the admin felt athletic intent was involved. But the WPIAL ruled him eligible following a hearing on Monday.

It’s still very early in Gleason’s high school career, as he enters his sophomore season at Central Valley, but he’s received two Division I offers — with more on the horizon. He was busy over the summer, attending camps around the region, and his recruiting process is likely to continue to heat up over the next couple of years.

Gleason is confident that he’s going to keep a level head through the process. He’s staying hungry and humble for his late father.

“I plan to just keep working, keep grinding and whatever comes my way, comes,” Gleason told Pittsburgh Sports Now in June. “I’m not really worried about, just gonna continue to play football and grind. … My dad would always tell me that I haven’t done nothing yet, and he’s not with us to this day, so that’s what keeps me real focused, doing all the stuff for him.”

Pitt is the first Power Four school to extend Gleason an offer, and that won’t be forgotten. He already has a strong bond with the school and the football program.

“I love going to Pitt games, watching Pitt,” Gleason said. “I love Pitt.”

White also reported that Owen Herrick, an incoming freshman quarterback from the Seneca Valley School District, was ruled ineligible by the WPIAL Board of Directors — despite not playing a down of varsity football yet.

Jaivin Peel — a 6-foot, 185-pound quarterback in the class of 2027 — also transferred to Central Catholic this summer, deciding to leave Western Beaver. The rising sophomore was one of the top quarterbacks in the WPIAL last season, completing 140-of-257 pass attempts for 2,898 passing yards with 32 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He set the WPIAL record for the most passing yards in a season as a freshman while earning All-Conference and Player of the Year honors.

Peel has not yet had his eligibility ruling by the WPIAL.