This is the 12th edition of our Five To Watch series. We thank Attorney Michael Ossont of The Mattioli Law Firm for returning as our title sponsor for Five To Watch. There are 33 teams in the WVC and LFC so it’s impossible to recognize every single player who might be deserving. The players we do list are some of the best at their position or have an interesting role coming up in 2023 for their team. Players will be recognized at only one position, even if they are capable two-way players. For players who don’t make the list, we hope you strive to make our lists at the end of the season because they are the ones that really count.
Here are the tight ends:
Aiden Black, Sr. – Delaware Valley
Height: 6-3 Weight 225
@ablack1809
Probably the highest recruited District 2 player from the Class of 2024, there is a good reason Aiden Black has committed to Stanford. The senior has had an outstanding career at DV and has all the measureables. Through his first three years, which included the Covid season, he has caught 53 passes for 887 yards and 10 touchdowns. He is an above-average blocker and can be used in many different roles. Black was also an outstanding defensive player for the Warriors. He recorded 50 tackles and 5 sacks last season. Black was named an All-District 2 Tight End, LFC Division I First Team and Defesnive Lineman in 2022.
Black Highlights
Zander Coleman, Sr. – Hazleton Area
Height: 6-2 Weight 235
@zander_coleman1
Coleman was a key contributor on both sides of the ball and will be counted on for his experience as the Cougars were hit hard by graduation. He has very good size and strength as a blocker and with the four top receivers gone, he could be a main target in the passing game. He caught seven passes last season for 91 yards and alos had three touchdown receptions. Coleman will also be a leader on defense. In 2022, he had 55 tackles including 9 tackles-for-loss. Coleman was a WVC Division 1 Second Team defensive lineman and Honorable Mention tight end last season.
Coleman Highlights
Joey Granko, Sr. – Old Forge
Height: 6-3 Weight 220
@granko_joey
The Blue Devils lost many good players to graduation so the burden on both sides of the ball will fall on Joey Granko. Last season, he was one of the best blocking tight ends in the LFC and caught eight passes for 105 yards and three touchdowns. Granko will be the No. 1 target for Old Forge in the passing game in 2023. On defense, he was the Devils leading tackler with 73 including eight tackles for loss. In 2022, Granko was an LFC Division III First Team tight end and Honorable Mention linebacker.
Granko Highlights
Richie Kostoff, Jr. – Riverside
Height: 6-2 Weight 215
@Richkos_
Kostoff had a break-out 2022 for the Vikings high-flying offense. For his sophomore year, he caught 38 passes for 430 yards and four touchdowns while he also improved as a blocker as the season went on. Kostoff has good speed for his size and reliable hands. This will be his third year as the starting tight end and he also is a part of the Riverside defense at middle linebacker. Kostoff was an LFC Division III Honorable Mention tight end in 2022.
Kostoff Highlights
Kyle Rupp, Sr. – Valley View
Height: 6-3 Weight 210
@KyleRupp7
Rupp got a lot of playing time at tight end last season but this should be a breakout season for the senior. He caught five passes for 104 yards but with the three most productive offensive players graduation, it will be an opportunity for him to be one of the replacements for that productivity. Rupp has good size and athleticism and will also be used on the defensive side of the ball at linebacker.
Rupp Highlights
SLEEPER
Andrew Summa, Sr. – Scranton Prep
Height: 6-0 Weight 200
@SummaAndrew
Summa will be an important leader for the Cavaliers on both sides of the ball. He becomes the full-time tight end in 2023 and although he was not involved in the passing game much last season, he will become a key target for Prep’s passing game. He is already an accomplished player on the defensive side of the ball. Summa was named an LFC Division I Second Team linebacker in 2022.
Summa Highlights
OTHERS TO WATCH
Chris Delsantro, So. – Scranton – Highlights
Andrew Gelderman, Sr. – Lakeland – Highlights | Twitter
Seth Raymer, Sr. – Nanticoke – Highlights | Twitter
Jordan Santiago, Sr. – Wallenpaupack – Highlights
