
Good players help make good teams. That shows with this year's Post-Gazette Fabulous 22. The WPIAL championships are tomorrow at Heinz Field and the four games include 13 players who are on this year's all-star team. Plus, another Fab 22 player led his team to a City League title. This is the 27th edition of the Fabulous 22. The team is picked by the PG scholastic sports staff, based on help from high school and college coaches, and scouting services. If the past is any indication, some of these players will go on to college success and some might play in the NFL. Some former Fab 22 players have gone on to be first-round draft selections, including Aliquippa's Darelle Revis (New York Jets) this past spring.
Terrelle Pryor

College: Recruited by schools across the country, Pryor has narrowed his list to Ohio State, West Virginia, Penn State, Florida, Tennessee and Texas.
If you won a million dollars, what would you buy first? My mom and dad a car, myself one and a couple more pair of shoes.
What is on your ringtone? I keep it on vibrate so I can hide it in school.
Other than a parent, who has been a role model to you? Charlie Batch [Steelers quarterback]. Just for what he does away from the field. And he's so patient, waiting for his turn to play.
If you can't be an athlete in the future, you will be ... A secret agent.
Three words to describe yourself: Tall, laid-back and a winner.
People might be surprised to know that you ... Had a 3.4 grade-average the first nine weeks.
What question do you wish we would've asked? None. I'll answer anything.
Lucas Nix

The skinny: Scouting services rank him among the top offensive linemen in the country, but he also is a force on defense.
College: Had scholarship offers from schools across the country, but made a verbal commitment this past summer to Pitt. His brother, Nate, plays linebacker at Pitt.
If you won a million dollars, what would you buy first? A Lamborghini.
What is on your ringtone? Lil' Wayne.
Other than a parent, who has been a role model to you? My brother, Nate [former Thomas Jefferson player]. I've looked up to him ever since I was a kid.
If you can't be an athlete in the future, you will be... If I don't make it pro, I plan on winning the lottery someday.
Three words to describe yourself: Laid-back, intense, fun.
People might be surprised to know that you ... I'm an artist.
What question do you wish we would've asked? I wish you would have asked what I was going to do after winning a state championship this year?
Cam Saddler

The skinny: A quotable and colorful youngster, Saddler has rushed for 1,578 yards on 200 carries and scored 28 touchdowns. He is one of the best kick returners in WPIAL history, returning seven kickoffs for touchdowns the past two seasons, one short of the national record. This season, averaging 33.8 yards on eight kickoff returns, 25.1 yards on seven punt returns.
College: Has narrowed his choices to Pitt, West Virginia and Virginia.
If you won a million dollars, what would you buy first? First, I'd think of a way to double it. Then I'd buy some cribs [homes] for my family, then a couple cars. And I'd probably blow some of it, like running into Taco Bell and giving everybody there 20 dollars.
What is on your ringtone? "Bottle Poppin" by Yung Joc.
Other than a parent, who has been a role model to you? Our coach, Terry Smith.
If you can't be an athlete in the future, you will be... A rapper. They get the money, the cars, everything an athlete gets - without getting beat up.
Three words to describe yourself: I have to keep this G rated. Happy, exciting, loveable.
People might be surprised to know that you ... Wish I could play offensive line.
What question do you wish we would've asked? What is my motivation for being good? It would be my family and friends.
Jonathan Baldwin

The skinny: Ranked among the top receivers in the country by some scouting services. Caught 41 passes for 613 yards and scored 10 TDs. Two-time Fabulous 22 selection. Also a talented basketball player who made Fabulous Five in that sport last season.
College: Has narrowed list to Pitt, Notre Dame, Miami and Florida.
If you won a million dollars, what would you buy first? My mom a new house.
What is on your ringtone? I don't have one.
Other than a parent, who has been a role model to you? Darrelle Revis [former Aliquippa and Pitt star now in the NFL]. I've always looked up to him.
If you can't be an athlete in the future, you will be ...: Probably a sports broadcaster.
Three words to describe yourself: Humble, serious, smart.
People might be surprised to know that you ...: I eat a whole box of powdered doughnuts before every football and basketball game.
What question do you wish we would have asked? None.
Shayne Hale

The skinny: A starter since his sophomore year, Hale is rated among the top linebackers-defensive ends in the country. He started this season at defensive end, but moved to linebacker. Has 105 tackles and nine sacks, but also a force at fullback as a blocker. A two-time Fabulous 22 selection.
College: Has narrowed his choices to West Virginia, Virginia and Ohio State.
If you won a million dollars, what would you buy first? A Lincoln Navigator.
What is on your ringtone? I have so many.
Other than a parent, who has been a role model to you? My uncle, Bill Wilson.
If you can't be an athlete in the future, you will be... Either a gym teacher or a personal trainer.
Three words to describe yourself: Funny, smooth and crazy.
People might be surprised to know that you ... I'm a beast at snowboarding.
What question do you wish we would've asked? Do I want a million dollars?
Dorian Bell

The skinny: One of the best junior linebackers in the state. A hard hitter with excellent mobility, has 120 tackles and 11 sacks this season for 11-1 Gators. Projected to be one of the top linebackers in the country next year.
College: Although Bell hasn't finished his junior season, he already has scholarship offers from Pitt, Penn State, West Virginia, Ohio State, Virginia Tech and Boston College, among others.
If you won a million dollars, what would you buy first? I'd probably help my parents with bills.
What is on your ringtone? "Good Life" by Kanye West and T-Pain.
Other than a parent, who has been a role model to you? My uncle Richie Stevenson. He played at IUP.
If you can't be an athlete in the future, you will be... Probably working with computers. People call me all the time to fix their computer.
Three words to describe yourself: Funny, hard-hitting and exciting.
People might be surprised to know that you ... I like DC Shoes. They're skateboarding shoes.
What question do you wish we would've asked? I wish you would've asked how important my family is to me, because it is so important.
Christian Wilson

The skinny: Brutishly strong runner who has rushed for 1,961 yards on 284 carries and 28 touchdowns. Also an adept pass catcher with 13 grabs and a defensive force.
College: Originally committed to Michigan, but with coach Lloyd Carr retiring earlier this week, will now also consider Rutgers, LSU, Clemson and Louisville.
If you won a million dollars, what would you buy first? A car, one of those solar-powered ones so I never have to buy gas.
What is on your ringtone: "White Girl" by Lil' Wayne.
Other than a parent, who has been a role model to you? My little brother, Devin. Because he is a good athlete and I am always striving to make sure he doesn't become better than me.
If you can't be an athlete in the future, you will be ...: I'd like to work in broadcasting.
Three words to describe yourself: Determined, fun and focused.
People might be surprised to know that you ...: That I am not cocky.
What question do you wish we would have asked? I wish you would have asked how many girls' numbers I have in my phone.
Mike Yancich

The skinny: One of the top -- and most heavily recruited -- linebackers in the country. Yancich also shined for the Hillers on offense this season, running for 1,616 yards on 212 carries and scoring 21 touchdowns.
College: Made verbal commitment to Penn State.
If you won a million dollars, what would you buy first? A house for my parents
What is on your ringtone? "When you were young" by the Killers.
Other than a parent, who has been a role model to you? Jesus Christ, for all he has given me and how perfect of a life he lived.
If you can't be an athlete in the future, you will be ...: Something where I can just sit around and watch movies all day.
Three words to describe yourself: Strong, dedicated and a leader.
People might be surprised to know that you ...: Read Harry Potter and my favorite movie is Top Gun.
What question do you wish we would have asked:? What was the most embarrassing moment you've had in your football career?
Mike Shanahan

The skinny: Caught 37 passes for 731 yards for WPIAL Class AAAA quarterfinalist. Scored 13 touchdowns. Excellent defensive back. Also a standout basketball player.
College: Shanahan had Division I offers for both football and basketball. He said in the summer he would play basketball in college. But he has since changed his mind and decided to probably play football. Pitt and West Virginia have offered scholarships for football.
If you won a million dollars, what would you buy first? Probably my own car - a big Cadillac SUV.
What is on your ringtone? I keep mine on vibrate.
Other than a parent, who has been a role model to you? My wide receivers coach, Brian Brozeski.
If you can't be an athlete in the future, you will be... Maybe a sports broadcaster.
Three words to describe yourself: Hard-working, gullible and relaxed.
People might be surprised to know that you ... I was the best chess player on the Pittsburgh Storm AAU basketball team.
What question do you wish we would've asked? Something about our offensive line because they need some credit.
Quentin Williams

The skinny: Standout on both sides of the ball for the Vikings. He's caught 17 passes for 345 yards and 4 touchdowns and also is a stalwart on defense at end. In addition, Williams is a stellar outfielder/pitcher in baseball.
College: Has 20 football offers. Has narrowed his choices to Stanford, Boston College, Northwestern, Oklahoma, Rutgers, Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech.
If you won a million dollars, what would you buy first? Central Catholic a football stadium.
What is on your ringtone? I don't have one, it is just the ringing noise.
Other than a parent, who has been a role model to you:? My brother, Nate [who is a linebacker at Northwestern].
If you can't be an athlete in the future, you will be ...: Probably be involved in sports medicine or coach.
Three words to describe yourself: Quiet, passionate and humble.
People might be surprised to know that you ...: I am going to be a two-sport athlete wherever I go to college.
What question do you wish we would have asked? What sets our team apart from others? The answer would be our desire to win a state championship and our team chemistry.
Ed Tinker

The skinny: The top college prospect in the City League. Tinker is an excellent receiver with good hands and quickness. Has caught 26 passes for 443 yards this season and scored seven touchdowns. Also has been outstanding on defense.
College: Has not made a decision, but plans to visit Louisville, Michigan State and Virginia. Iowa is his other finalist.
If you won a million dollars, what would you buy first? My mother a house.
What is on your ringtone? Lil' Wayne.
Other than a parent, who has been a role model to you? My cousin, Jacob Howell. He played at Brashear.
If you can't be an athlete in the future, you will be... A businessman, probably in banking.
Three words to describe yourself: Fun, tough, joking.
People might be surprised to know that you ... I like to go bowling.
What question do you wish we would've asked? What food do I like? Chinese.
Todd Thomas

The skinny: Versatile player who has rushed for 1,243 yards on 142 attempts and scored 20 toucdhowns. Also has 11 receptions. On defense, has two interceptions, including one he returned 107 yards for a TD. Also a standout basketball player who scored more than 1,000 points as a freshman and sophomore.
College: Already has football scholarship offers from Pitt, Penn State and West Virginia.
If you won a million dollars, what would you buy first? Some Jordans [sneakers] and probably some clothes.
What is on your ringtone? Lil' Wayne
Other than a parent, who has been a role model to you? Our football coach, Ryan Matsook.
If you can't be an athlete in the future, you will be ...: A sportscaster -- an ESPN type.
Three words to describe yourself: Athletic, humble and humorous.
People might be surprised to know that you ...: I'm a mama's boy.
What question do you wish we would have asked: What sport I'll pick when I go to college. I'd answer football.
Bill Bair

The skinny: Had one of the greatest regular seasons in WPIAL history. In regular season, rushed for 2,112 yards on 219 attempts, at least the best yardage total in the past three decades. Also scored 204 regular-season points, which ties for the most in the past three decades. Finished career with 516 attempts for 4,702 yards, 14th-best in WPIAL history .
College: Mid-American Conference schools and smaller colleges are interested.
If you won a million dollars, what would you buy first? Maybe a Lamborghini.
What is on your ringtone? I have a lot of different ones.
Other than a parent, who has been a role model to you? My great uncle [Bob Wolfson]. He played at Nebraska and has taught me a lot of lessons.
If you can't be an athlete in the future, you will be... I'd have to say a lawyer.
Three words to describe yourself: Funny, outgoing and nice.
People might be surprised to know that you ... I read a lot.
What question do you wish we would've asked? I don't have any in mind.
Mike Matt

The skinny: A force on both sides of the ball for the undefeated and powerful Jayhawks (12-0). One of the leading tacklers on a team that has allowed only 92 points all seasons. Also has rushed for 410 yards on 48 carries. An excellent blocker.
College: No scholarship offers yet, but Pitt, Tennessee and Buffalo are among the interested.
If you won a million dollars, what would you buy first? Probably a Mercedes-Benz.
What is on your ringtone? Johnny Cash's "Ring of Fire."
Other than a parent, who has been a role model to you? My grandfather, Carl Matt.
If you can't be an athlete in the future, you will be... A cop.
Three words to describe yourself: Handsome, built and athletic.
People might be surprised to know that you ... I like country music.
What question do you wish we would've asked? I wish you would've asked how many girlfriends I go through in a week.
Marvase Byrd

The skinny: One of the most explosive runners in the WPIAL, Byrd used the patented McKeesport flexbone offense to rush for 971 yards on 90 carries (10.8) and 12 touchdowns. Had 1,022 as a junior. Also a tremendous return man.
College: Made a verbal commitment to Akron.
If you won a million dollars, what would you buy first? My mom a mansion in Jacksonville, Fla.
What is on your ringtone? "Fireman" by Lil' Wayne.
Other than a parent, who has been a role model to you? My McKeesport football coaches.
If you can't be an athlete in the future, you will be ...: A businessman, I want to start my own business.
Three words to describe yourself: Calm, patient and tough.
People might be surprised to know that you ...: Are brothers with [Gateway football player] Leon Green.
What question do you wish we would have asked? Who would I like to play football with.
Tino Sunseri

The skinny: One of the top quarterbacks in the WPIAL, Sunseri has led the Vikings to a 12-0 record as he's thrown for 1,408 yards and 18 touchdowns on 77 for 145 passing
College: Originally committed to Louisville, but opened his recruiting back up. Is considering Louisville and Boston College, who have offered scholarships and Ohio State and Tennessee, who have not as of yet.
If you won a million dollars, what would you buy first? Nothing. I would give it to my mom to put in the bank and invest.
What is on your ringtone? I have the iPhone, so it is just standard.
Other than a parent, who has been a role model to you:?[NFL quarterback] Jake Delhomme.
If you can't be an athlete in the future, you will be ...: A football coach.
Three words to describe yourself: Fun, nice and polite.
People might be surprised to know that you ...: Love country music.
What question do you wish we would have asked: What is the best part of our team? And I would have said the offensive line.
Manny Williams

The skinny: A hard-hitting and ultra-athletic defensive leader for a Clairton team that posted four shutouts this year. Williams had 82 tackles, 4.5 sacks, an interception return for a touchdown and a fumble return for a touchdown. Rushed for 424 yards on 26 carries and scored 13 TDs.
College: Committed to Pitt.
If you won a million dollars, what would you buy first? I would get turf for Clairton's football field.
What is on your ringtone? "Pop Bottles" by Lil' Wayne
Other than a parent, who has been a role model to you? The whole Clairton community.
If you can't be an athlete in the future, you will be ...: A businessman, I would own my own business.
Three words to describe yourself: Funny, athletic and cool.
People might be surprised to know that you ...: Play baseball for my high school baseball team.
What question do you wish we would have asked? Who my favorite NFL player is. I have two; on defense it is Troy Polamalu and on offense it is Vince Young.
Geoff Greco

The skinny: One of the most versatile players in WPIAL. Played receiver and QB, but also was excellent at returning kicks. Rushed for 770 yards on 107 attempts, led team in receptions with 17 for 45 yards. Averaged 39.5 yards on kickoff returns.
College: Bowling Green, Ohio and Buffalo are showing interest.
If you won a million dollars, what would you buy first? A new car, probably a Ferrari.
What is on your ringtone? I just have a normal ring. Ringtones are too much money.
Other than a parent, who has been a role model to you? My brothers, Phil and Chris [who both played at North Allegheny]. They've taught me how to play the game and sportsmanship.
If you can't be an athlete in the future, you will be... CEO of a major company.
Three words to describe yourself: Outgoing, energetic and optimistic.
People might be surprised to know that you ... One of my favorite movies is "The Notebook." It's kind of embarrassing because it's a chick flick.
What question do you wish we would've asked? What's my favorite food? It's buffalo chicken pizza from Pizza Roma.
Andrew Taglianetti

The skinny: A versatile performer, Taglianetti lines up at receiver, running back, cornerback and also returns punts and kicks. He has 880 yards rushing, 346 yards receiving and has scored 14 overall touchdowns for the 12-0, WPIAL finalist Vikings.
College: Toledo has offered and Louisville is interested along with Stanford.
If you won a million dollars, what would you buy first? I'd buy my mom something.
What is on your ringtone: Just a regular ringing noise.
Other than a parent, who has been a role model to you? Tim Barry, a family friend.
If you can't be an athlete in the future, you will be ...: I want to go into the Secret Service.
Three words to describe yourself: Caring, nice and faithful.
People might be surprised to know that you ... That I am a stickboy for the Penguins.
What question do you wish we would have asked? How important is the special teams aspect to Central Catholic's football success?
Austin Fedell

The skinny: A little undersized, but one of the most dominating linemen in Class AAAA. A three-year starter, Fedell was at his best on offense, opening holes for North Allegheny's strong running game. Also had three sacks on defense. Son of former Pitt linebacker Steve Fedell.
College: Undecided. Some Division I-AA schools are showing interest.
If you won a million dollars, what would you buy first? A house.
What is on your ringtone? "Under the Bridge" by the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Other than a parent, who has been a role model to you? All my coaches at North Allegheny.
If you can't be an athlete in the future, you will be... A successful businessman.
Three words to describe yourself: Hard-working, fun, sincere.
People might be surprised to know that you ... Take pottery class in school.
What question do you wish we would've asked? I can't think of one. You asked good enough ones already.
Isaiah Jackson

The skinny: A power-back on offense who has the ability to run through tacklers, Jackson has rushed for 1,369 yards and 21 scores on 148 carries in leading the Eagles to the WPIAL championship. Jackson has also been Serra's top tackler the last three seasons.
College: Does not have a Division I offer, but said Maryland, Pitt, Akron, Temple and Northwestern have shown interest.
If you won a million dollars, what would you buy first: My mom a house.
What is on your ringtone: Bottle Poppin' by Yung Joc.
Other than a parent, who has been a role model to you: [Serra football coach] Rich Bowen, because without him I would not be where I am in life right now.
If you can't be an athlete in the future, you will be ... A businessman, an entrepreneur.
Three words to describe yourself: Funny, exciting and athletic.
People might be surprised to know that you ... Listen to country music like Kenny Chesney.
What question do you wish we would have asked: How did I get to this point in life?
E.J. Banks

The skinny: An explosive offensive force, Banks has pushed the Spartans to an undefeated record and a trip to the WPIAL championship by passing for 1,229 yards and 6 touchdowns and rushing for 880 yards and 10 scores.
College: Clemson has offered a scholarship. Louisville, Colorado, Rutgers and North Carolina State have shown heavy interest.
If you won a million dollars, what would you buy first? A Lamborghini and a big house.
What is on your ringtone? Soulja Boy
Other than a parent, who has been a role model to you? My grandmother, Oden Banks.
If you can't be an athlete in the future, you will be ... An engineer.
Three words to describe yourself: Humble, fun and athletic.
People might be surprised to know that you ... Up until recently I didn't think I would be good
What question do you wish we would have asked? Of the teams playing in the four WPIAL championships, who are your picks?