Pennsylvania's top high school football players for 2023: Meet the pass rushers
The 2023 high school football season is finally here.
SBLive set out to find the best offensive and defensive players in the state at each position.
We started with the the quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, offensive linemen, linebackers, defensive backs and defensive linemen. Next up is a look at the top pass rushers in Pennsylvania entering the 2023 season. Players from all classifications received consideration.
There are plenty of standout football players in Pennsylvania, and these lists are not intended to be comprehensive. Tag us on X or Instagram at @SBLivePA to discuss the other offensive linemen worthy of fans’ attention in 2023. You can also submit player nominations to ryan@scorebooklive.com.
(Note: These lists were compiled prior to the first week of the season)
(Photo of Milten Hershey pass rusher Michael Blidi by Travis Boyd / USA TODAY NETWORK)
Daniel Adefolarin, jr., Neumann-Goretti
The sky is the limit for Adefolarin, who had 16 tackles for loss, six sacks and five bass breakups as a sophomore. His lone Division I offer is from Temple, but more are sure to come for the 6-foot-3, 230-pound monster.
Michael Blidi, sr., Milton Hershey
A tweener who can play outside linebacker and defensive end, Blidi had 90 tackles (18 for loss), three forced fumbles and two interceptions a season ago. The 6-foot-2, 220-pound athlete has 10 career sacks.
Christopher Climes, jr., Elizabeth Forward
Climes started both ways for Elizabeth Forward as a sophomore, showcasing his strength and agility up front. He recorded 13 sacks and 18 total tackles for loss.
Andrew Devola, jr., Franklin Regional
Devola had a sensational sophomore season for Franklin Regional, putting up 62 tackles (20 for loss), 15.5 sacks and 11 hurries. He also blocked two punts, forced two fumbles and had two fumble recoveries.
Jett Franz, sr., Central Dauphin
A natural pass rusher, Franz recorded 80 tackles, 12.5 sacks and 11 quarterback hurries as a junior. Franz holds Division I offers from Lehigh and Monmouth.
Eugene Green, sr., Steelton-Highspire
Green notched 60 tackles (20 for loss) and nine sacks en route to Class 1A all-state honors last year for Steelton-Highspire. In the spring, he picked up his first offer from Division II Clarion.
Lonnie Greene, jr., Jeannette
Greene was a difference-maker on both sides of the ball during his sophomore season. He particularly shined at defensive end where he recorded 48 tackles and 11 sacks.
Reed Gruber, sr., Garden Spot
The top returning sack master in the Lancaster-Lebanon League, Gruber registered 11.5 sacks during his junior season. The defensive end also had eight hurries and 65 total tackles.
Kole Hummer, jr., Central Columbia
A team captain as a sophomore, Hummer put up 46 tackles, 11 sacks and three forced fumbles a season ago. Unlike most players on this list, Hummer gets his sacks rushing from the interior.
Mario Landino, sr., Emmaus
After logging two sacks during his first two seasons of varsity football, Landino recorded seven sacks and 59 total tackles as a junior. Landino committed to James Madison in June.
Zahir Mathis, jr., Imhotep Charter
Pennsylvania’s No. 1 prospect for the class of 2025, Mathis holds more than 20 Division I offers, inducing Alabama, Georgia, Michigan and Penn State. The four-star recruit had a big game in the Class 5A state semifinals as a sophomore, recording a sack and two pass breakups.
Sam Mayer, jr., State College
Mayer was a key piece of State College’s defensive line as a sophomore. He finished the season with 56 tackles (12 for loss) and nine sacks.
Brady O’Hara, jr., North Catholic
O’Hara also plays tight end for North Catholic, but the junior is especially dangerous as a defensive end who can get after the quarterback. As a sophomore, the four-star prospect had 48 tackles (11 for loss), two fumble recoveries and a forced fumble.
Raheem Orr, jr., Episcopal Academy
Orr tallied 75 tackles (20 for loss), 11 sacks, two forced fumbles and four fumbles recoveries last season for Great Valley. Now at Episcopal Academy, Orr projects to be one of the top pass rushers in the Keystone State.
Jesse Rodino, sr., Marian Catholic
A star performer in basketball and track, Rodino is also a feared edge presence on the football field. He had 80 tackles (15 for loss) and led Marian Catholic with seven sacks as a junior, receiving Class 1A all-state recognition.
Tate Sechrist, sr., Jersey Shore
Sechrist is a versatile senior athlete who complied 95 tackles (22 for loss) and 10 sacks as a junior. He also averaged 9.2 yards per carry on offense, rushing for 504 yards and eight touchdowns.
Sharlandiin Strange, jr., Cheltenham
Strange, a four-star prospect, is one of the most coveted junior prospects in Pennsylvania. He holds offers from Notre Dame, Penn State and USC, among others. Strange had 74 total tackles as a sophomore — 17 going for loss — and seven hurries.
Daiveon Taylor, so., Bishop Canevin
The top returning sack artist in Pennsylvania, Taylor got the quarterback on the ground 17 times during his freshman season. He also had 12 hurries and 76 total tackles. Taylor’s ninth-grade year was dominant enough to earn scholarship offers from Penn State, Pittsburgh, Syracuse and West Virginia.
LaZaryus Toombs, jr., Roman Catholic
Toombs is a promising junior pass rusher who recorded eight sacks and seven hurries a season ago. He finished with 36 total tackles, 10 going for loss.
Mylachi Williams, sr., Monsignor Bonner
A four-star defensive end prospect, Williams committed to Penn State in July. He is a dynamic athlete who recorded 50 tackles and 11 sacks during his junior season.
