South Fayette duo make commitment
South Fayette’s Jonny Beck and Ray Eldridge tackle New Castle’s Freddy Solo during a game at South Fayette in October.
Noah Plack-Tallerico hauled in 35 passes for 679 yards and 10 touchdowns last season for the Lions.
Coleman Coco of Mt. Lebanon was not the only local football player to make a verbal commitment to the college of his choice.
Two rising seniors from South Fayette High School recently made their decisions. While Ray Eldridge selected Richmond, Noah Plack-Tallerico picked Delaware.
A tight end and linebacker for the Lions, Plack-Tallerico had 22 football scholarship offers, including one from Akron as well as Richmond and Fordham.
Plack-Tallerico hauled in 35 passes for 679 yards and 10 touchdowns last season for the Lions.
Meanwhile, Eldridge picked Richmond over James Madison, which was the 2016 Football Championship Series national champion. He is a 6-4, 260-pound defensive end and offensive tackle.
Both are relieved to have their decision wrapped up before the 2017 campaign commences.
“I always had that dream (of playing college football),” Eldridge said. “It feels great. Richmond is a great school for education and it’s great football. While I visited other schools, Richmond was always the first one that popped up in my mind.
“It’s just nice knowing where I’m going instead of constantly thinking about pros and cons.”
Plack-Tallerico added, while he hadn’t considered Delaware until he visited the campus with his mom, stepdad, uncle and grandparents. “It wasn’t just the right fit athletically, but also academically.”
With his decision made, Plack-Tallerico said that he now can focus on football and his senior season.
“It’s the one you remember the most. I wanted to be able to get ready with my team. We have a pretty big chip on our shoulder.”
Though the Lions captured the Northwest Nine Conference with an undefeated record of 8-0, they were ousted from the WPIAL playoffs in the first round, falling to New Castle, 51-43, in the Class 4-A tournament. South Fayette finished 10-1 overall.
Luke Campbell contributed to this article.