Niko Thorpe is One of the WPIAL’s Biggest Sleepers
by Karlo Zovko
Posted September 26, 2013 8:57 pm
Central Catholic, college football, Linebacker, Niko Thore, preps, Recruiting
The WPIAL is deep with linebackers this year. One that has slipped through the cracks because of this is Pittsburgh Central Catholic’s own Niko Thorpe. Thorpe possesses many tools that Division 1 colleges look for in recruits and has been displaying them very nicely for Head Coach Terry Totten’s stout defense.
Thorpe is a leader for Central Catholic. At 5’11 225 pounds, his size has been somewhat holding him back in his recruitment. We see no problem with his size here at preps.com as Niko has the frame to gain a few more pounds and has quick enough feet and hips that if needed he can transition well to the safety position. He has above average athletic ability and is quicker than his frame shows. Running a 4.62 forty (hand timed), Thorpe also shows lateral quickness that linebackers in collegiate football must have. Thopre also possesses the ability to read a play and shed a block to make a tackle in the backfield. He has no problems tackling in the open field and can make a running back pay when running to his side of the field. He also has the ability to cover backs coming our of the backfield.
Thorpe is a high character, hard working guy that coaches love to have on their roster. We here at preps.com feel Thorpe could succeed at a MAC/AAC school after grooming him and using a redshirt year or make an impact on a 1-AA team immediately as a true freshman. Below are his mid season highlights from his senior year.
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Central Catholic, college football, Linebacker, Niko Thore, preps, Recruiting