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, tight ends:
Derek Ambrosino, Sr. – Wyoming Area @DerekAmbrosino
Ambrosino brings a lineman attitude into an athlete’s body. The Warriors will probably rely on the running game again. (They only threw 103 passes last season). Expect him to catch more than the 7 receptions he had last season, but blocking will be his main focus. Ambrosino also will be key member a very good defensive line. He was an NPF WVC Small School First Team tight end and defensive lineman in 2018.
Ambrosino Highlights
Jack Farrell, Sr. – Dallas @Jackfarrell570
The first thing you will notice about Farrell is his size. But he is very athletic for his 6-3, 190 pound frame. Last season, he caught 12 passes for 184 yards and three touchdowns. He is also a returning starter on the defensive side of the ball. Farrell was an NPF WVC Big School First Team tight end last season.
Farrell Highlights
Dylan Howanitz, Sr. – Valley View @DylanHowanitz
Howanitz is the returning starter at tight end for the two-time District 2 Class 4A champs. He is on track to start the season after suffering a knee injury during basketball. Howanitz caught 15 passes for 252 yards and four touchdowns. He has received some Division I FCS interest to play at the next level.
Howanitz Highlights
Mike Malone, Sr. – Abington Heights @MikeyMalone9
At 6-4, 250 pounds, Malone is another lineman for the Comets. But he has shown very good footwork which he also showcases for the Comets championship basketball team. He caught 15 passes for 172 yards, but should be a little more involved in the passing game. Malone was an NPF LFC Division I First Team tight end and defensive lineman. He is getting Division I looks and was named to the PennLIVE 2020 top recruits list.
Malone Highlights
Brandon Niemenski, Sr. – Crestwood @BNiemenski
Niemenski has filled into his 6-6 frame nicely over the past several years and now will move to tight end. The measureables have gotten him noticed as he committed to play his college football at UConn. He had 30 receptions last season for 482 yards and two touchdowns as a wide receiver.The position change will not limit his productivity. Niemenski was an NPF WVC Big School Second Team wide receiver last season.
Niemenski Highlights
SLEEPER
Conner Hummer, Jr. – Hanover Area
Hummer should improve from solid sophomore season in which he caught 12 passes for 137. The junior added more bulk and strength to his 6-2 frame which should help him as a blocker. Watch him emerge as an offensive threat in the WVC.
Hummer Highlights
OTHERS TO WATCH
Alex Anastasia, Sr. – Pittston Area
Brendan Colleran, Sr. – Scranton Prep
Hunter Klein, Jr. – Delaware Valley
R.J. Overton, Sr. – Scranton
Robert Van Brunt, Sr. – North Pocono
