WPIAL Recruiting Wraparound: Blatt Lands Two Power Four Offers

The WPIAL Recruiting Wraparound takes stock of the latest news in football recruiting within the WPIAL and City League.

Pittsburgh Central Catholic 2026 linebacker Ashton Blatt is the latest WPIAL recruit to earn their first Power Four offers. This week, the 6-foot-4, 230-pound prospect picked up an offer from Duke and was followed by an offer from Michigan State on Wednesday.

After a great conversation with @DLCoachLegi i’m excited to announce that I have received a division one offer from @MSU_Football! @CoachLehmeier @DL_Coach_Mazur @CoachJayBell @AustinDArmond @JoeS_Rossi @247recruiting @wpialsportsnews @RivalsFriedman @BrianDohn247 @PghSportsNow pic.twitter.com/m0iY8MIXDq

— Ashton Blatt (@blatt_ashton) October 30, 2024

Blatt landed an offer from the Duke Blue Devils and defensive line coach Harland Bower while on a gameday visit this past Saturday against SMU. Blatt was with fellow Central Catholic teammates, 2026 offensive lineman Matt Bowers and 2026 four-star prospect Colsen Gatten.

Along with the two Power Four offers, Blatt holds an additional offer from Eastern Michigan.

On defense for the 8-2 Central Catholic Vikings, who took the 6A regular season title with a 6-0 record, Blatt recorded 25 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss and five sacks.

Toledo Hands Out Three WPIAL Offers

The Toledo Rockets coaching staff extended offers to three WPIAL recruits last weekend, with two going to Central Catholic athletes.

Roman Thompson — a 6-foot, 200-pound linebacker/running back — picked up an offer from Bryan Gasser on Saturday. The 2027 prospect holds offers from additional Mid-American Schools in Akron and Miami (OH).

Thompson led Central Catholic in tackles during the regular season with 62, along with eight tackles for loss and two sacks. At running back, Thompson compiled eight carries for 45 yards and three touchdowns.

Fellow classmate, Jon Sassic — a 6-foot-6, 290-pound offensive lineman — added his first Division I offer from Toledo after a gameday visit on Saturday.

#AGTG After a great visit, I’m blessed to say that I have received my first D1 offer to the University of Toledo🔵🟡@PCC_FOOTBALL @timothysasson @CoachLehmeier @coachhallett @CoachBGasser @DAWGHZERECRUITS @210ths pic.twitter.com/UrrM4BfYbz

— Jon Sassic (@jon_sassic) October 26, 2024

Pine-Richland athlete Lawrence “Jay” Timmons also picked up an offer from Toledo on Saturday. The 5-foot-11, 175-pound 2026 recruit now holds offers from West Virginia, Akron, Eastern Michigan and Toledo.

For the Rams at receiver, Timmons racked up 485 yards and four touchdowns on 24 receptions. Defensively, he turned in 33 total tackles, three interceptions two forced and recovered fumbles, along with eight passes defended.

Power Four Prospects Add Offers on Visit

Larry Moon III is one of the most coveted prospects in the Class of 2027 and every time he steps on a college campus, he comes away with an offer.

This time, Moon was in Bloomington, Ind. to check out the University of Indiana as the undefeated Hoosiers took on Washington. His trip was completed with an offer from head coach Curt Cignetti and defensive backs coach Ola Adams.

Moon — a 5-foot-11, 180-pound defensive back — holds four-star ratings from On3 and Rivals. His offer sheet consists of Pitt, Alabama, Auburn, Ole Miss, Oregon, Ohio State, Notre Dame, Michigan, LSU, Minnesota, Indiana, Kansas, Virginia Tech, West Virginia, Penn State, UCLA, Maryland, Wisconsin, Michigan State, Tennessee, Miami, South Carolina, Nebraska, Akron, UNLV, Troy, UCF, USC, Syracuse, Miami (OH), Kentucky, North Carolina, Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Ohio, UConn, Colorado State and San Jose State.

Greater Latrobe’s Andy Tatsch also received an offer while on a gameday visit with this one coming from safeties coach Neal Renna and the Akron Zips.

After a great game day visit I am honored and excited to receive an offer from Akron.@Nrenna @RMatviko @LATROBEFOOTBALL pic.twitter.com/2ohCjpmdHN

— Andy Tatsch (@andy_tatsch) October 26, 2024

Tatsch — a 6-foot-2, 185-pound safety — picked up his first and other offers from the West Virginia Mountaineers back in June.

WPIAL Football Recruiting Board – Western PA Football Recruiting

Slaughter Commits to St. Francis (PA)

Plum 2025 defensive end Darian Slaughter announced his commitment to St. Francis (PA) on Sunday.

He held additional offers from VMI, Mercyhurst and Valparaiso, but built a strong connection with the Red Flash coaching staff that led him to make his verbal pledge.

“They’ve been there for me since summer,” Slaughter said about his decision. “When I went to their camp, they saw a lot in me. I performed well, they offered me. They’ve been by my side all season. They’ve been watching me and have had tight communication with them.”

No. 3 Penn State Hosting Long List of WPIAL Recruits Against No. 4 Ohio State

Penn State has prioritized the WPIAL with cornerbacks coach Terry Smith leading the way over the years. This coming Saturday, Penn State will host a long list of WPIAL talent from commits to key targets in the 2026 and 2027 classes.

PSN has confirmed a list of recruits from the area that will be in Happy Valley for the massive matchup.

Click here to see what WPIAL recruits will be in attendance.

Additional 11/2 Gameday Visits

Pine-Richland 2026 ATH Lawrence “Jay” Timmons Michigan

Central Catholic 2027 QB Will Toprani Michigan

Central Catholic 2027 OL Jimmy Kalis Tennessee

Seneca Valley 2026 ATH Michigan State

Central Catholic 2025 QB Jy’Aire Walls Akron

Imani Christian 2026 DE Will Gorman Troy