The Robert Morris football team struggled on the field last season, but the Colonials are having some big success already this year on the recruiting front.
Earlier this summer, Robert Morris got a verbal commitment from Tim Vecchio, a standout senior receiver-defensive back at Penn-Trafford High School and a Post-Gazette Fabulous 22 pick as a junior.
Then yesterday, Robert Morris got two excellent players from the WPIAL when Penn-Trafford tight end-defensive end Chris Stanford and Clairton running back/receiver/defensive back Harrison Dreher committed to Robert Morris.
You usually don't see Robert Morris land top WPIAL players this early in the season. So, the Colonials must be doing something right. They won their first game of the season yesterday over Notre Dame College.
Stanford's commitment might come as a bit of a surprise because he had some bigger schools recruiting him. He had offers from Mid-American Conference schools Eastern Michigan and Buffalo, as well as one from Youngstown State. Stanford (pictured to the left) is one of the best defensive ends in the WPIAL and had a terrific game Friday against McKeesport. Stanford has been a three-year starter for Penn-Trafford.
Stanford's commitment to Robert Morris followed teammate Vecchio. Vecchio is underrated. He isn't the biggest player or maybe not the fastest, but he is gigantic for Penn-Trafford and one of the best two-way players in the WPIAL.
Meanwhile, Dreher (pictured to the right) is 5-9, 205 and was
Clairton's No. 1 halfback a year ago until he got hurt early in the season. Then Lamont Wade came on and ended up running for more yards in one season than any running back in WPIAL history.
This year, Dreher and Wade are both playing running back for Clairton and doing plenty of damage to opponents. Clairton is 3-0 and has "mercy ruled" all three opponents. Dreher has 352 yards rushing after three games. A year ago, he rushed for 837 yards on 77 attempts.
Game Of The Week report
Here is a look back at Friday's Post-Gazette Game Of The Week between Penn-Trafford and Mckeesport, with interviews and highlights.
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