This is the eighth edition of our Five To Watch series. We thank Mansfield University for coming aboard again as a sponsor on the network and our title sponsor for Five To Watch. There are 34 teams in the WVC and LFC so it’s impossible to recognize every single player in this list. The players we do list are some of the best at their position or have an interesting role coming up in 2019 for their team. For players who don’t make the list, we hope you strive to make our lists at the end of the season because that’s the ones that really count.
Next up, defensive linemen:
Kyle Bobeck, Sr. – Nanticoke
Bobeck was a key contributor on both sides of the ball and helped the Trojans to a successful 2018 campaign. With a combination of excellent footwork and strength, he made a lot of plays for the Nanticoke defense. Bobeck was an NPF WVC Big School Second Team offensive lineman and Honorable Mention defensive lineman last season.
Bobeck Highlights
Taylor Bolesta, Sr. – Dallas @TaylorBolesta
The Mounts have been working hard in the weight room and Bolesta has led the way. He bench pressed 395 and squatted 650 pounds. He was a major force in the middle of the Dallas defense. Bolesta was an NPF All-District selection as well as WVC Big School First Team defensive lineman in 2018.
Bolesta Highlights
Mason Laubach, Jr. – Berwick @masonlaubach1
Laubach is getting plenty of Division I looks and for good reason. He was the NPF WVC Big School Defense Player of the Year and an All-District selection as well. Laubach has very good measureables which makes him a good prospect, but he was a beast up front for the Dawgs making numerous plays and disrupting opposing offenses.
Laubach Highlights
Cyler Rozina, Sr. – Valley View @RozinaCyler
Rozina returns for his senior year on a defense that keeps getting better and better each year. At 6-3, 225 pounds, he has shown quickness and strength that has made him one of the premier defensive players in the LFC. Rozina was an NPF LFC Division II First Team defensive lineman in 2018.
Rozina Highlights
Sammy Solomon, Sr. – Wyoming Area @sammysolomon_90
Solomon has been getting noticed since his freshman season and the improvement from year-to-year has been consistent. He currently has four Division I FBS offers and will likely get more this year. Teams that will play the Warriors will have issues running the ball between the tackles with the 6-3, 298 pound Solomon stuffing the middle. He was an NPF WVC Small School Second Team defensive lineman last season.
Solomon Highlights
SLEEPER
Nassir Jones, Jr. – Williamsport
Jones had 7 sacks and 19 tackles for loss on a defense that struggled last season. He can legitimately put himself on a lot of college programs’ radars. Jones was impressive even when double teamed as he established himself as an impact player on the defensive side of the ball. He will also play tight end. Jones was an NPF WVC Big School Second Team defensive lineman in 2018.
Jones Highlights
OTHERS TO WATCH
Jake Aebli, Sr. – Scranton Prep
Seth Arthur, Sr. – Carbondale Area
George May, Jr. – Northwest Area
Jack McAllister, Sr. – Western Wayne
Eric Montes, Sr. – Berwick
