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, fullbacks:
Colin Holzman, Jr. – Old Forge @ColinHolzman32
Holtman is a very hard worker who will do anything for his team and in 2019, he will be the lead blocker for a very good running attack for the Blue Devils. He should also see a rise in carries as he rushed 37 times for 239 yards and two touchdowns last season. Holzman will also be the leader on defense where he excelled last year as a ball hawk. He was named NPF LFC Division IV First Team linebacker in 2018.
Holzman Highlights
Tucker Johnson, Sr. – Scranton Prep @TuckerJ21155272
Johnson is one of the top returning two-way players in the LFC. As a fullback last season, he rushed for 1,000 yards and that’s playing second fiddle to the tailback. This year, he will be the focus of the running game so expect his carries and yardage to increase as he might end up playing tailback with that fullback mentality. On defense, he was just as good recording 120 tackles and 4 1/2 sacks. Johnson was an All-State linebacker and an NPF LFC Division II First Team fullback and linebacker for the Cavs in 2018.
Johnson Highlights
Kevin Meluskey, Jr. – Hazleton Area @MeluskeyKevin
Meluskey will play H-Back on offense for the Cougars so expect him to lead the way for the Hazleton Area running game. He will also be the key linebacker on the defensive side of the ball. Meluskey has all the tangibles that colleges are looking for which is why he is getting Division I looks going into his junior season.
Meluskey Highlights
Ray Melnikoff, Jr. – Lackawanna Trail @r_melnikoff
What can Melnikoff do for an encore of his sophomore season? He rushed for over 1,400 yards and scored 17 touchdowns in 2018 and was the leading tackler for the Lions on defense. He was one of the key ingredients in getting Trail to the state final. Melnikoff was an All-State selection as well as NPF All-District fullback and LFC Division IV First Team fullback and linebacker.
Melnikoff Highlights
Zach Rebar, Sr. – Mid Valley
After playing tight end the past two seasons, Rebar moves over to fullback and if you look at recent history for fullbacks for the Spartans, he should be getting a lot of carries in the run-heavy offense. Rebar also is a force on the defensive line as well for Mid Valley. Last year, he was an NPF LFC Division III First Team tight end and Honorable Mention defensive lineman.
Rebar Highlights
SLEEPER
Nick Elko, So. – Wyoming Area @nick_elko
Elko got some playing time as a freshman and at 6-2, 255 pounds, he will be tough to handle coming out of that backfield blocking for the Warriors running game. The offense returns some great skill players and Elko will fit right in helping them put up even better numbers in 2019.
Elko Highlights
OTHERS TO WATCH
Logan Arnold, Jr. – Crestwood
Ryan Bianco, Sr. – West Scranton
Matt Laustaukas, Sr. – Abington Heights
T.J. Noto, Jr. – Valley View
Justin Stefanowicz, Sr. – Hanover Area
