Penn Hills boasted one of the top linebackers in the WPIAL last season in Dan Mason.  Come 2009, the Indians will boast three top college prospects, including two on the defensive side of the ball.

Aaron Donald, Brandon Ifill, and Cullen Christian all are D-1 prospects for the Indians, according to Rivals.com.  Ifill will be a three-year starter at wide receiver; Donald is a defensive tackle, and Christian is a defensive back.

Ifill, one of the top returning receivers in the WPIAL, has five Division-1 offers:  Maryland, Michigan, Penn State, Pitt, and West Virginia.  He’s also generated interest from Florida State, Ohio State, and UCLA.  The attention is warranted – over the last two seasons, Ifill has hauled in 73 passes for 1,085 yards and scored 10 touchdowns.

Donald, who figures to be one of the anchors of the Penn Hills’ defensive line in 2009, doesn’t have any offers, but has interest from eight different schools.  Michigan State, Pitt, West Virginia, and Purdue are among the interested parties.  One of Donald’s season highlights came when he returned a fumble for a touchdown in a Thursday night showcase game against Pittsburgh Central Catholic.  It made ESPN’s Top-10 plays of the day the next day.

Christian has the most interest, and offers, of the trio.  He’s received interest from 17 D-1 schools, and has offers from nine of them.  Offers include Illinois, Pitt, Purdue, and West Virginia.  Alabama, Florida, Ohio State, Tennessee, and UCLA are showing interest.  Christian had 35 tackles and a pair of interceptions as a junior.

The trio of D-1 prospects for Penn Hills means the Indians are tied for second place among WPIAL teams with Division-1 recruits with Beaver Falls and Woodland Hills.  Gateway, which neighbors Penn Hills to the south and east, leads the way with four.

Information and stats for this story from Rivals.com.