Greater Latrobe football player Alex Tatsch runs around Franklin Regional football player Juliano Marion on September 1, 2023. (Rob Phillips | Rob Phillips Productions)
ALEX TATSCH
School: Greater Latrobe
Position: LB-RB
Year: Senior
Height: 6-3
Weight: 222
ABOUT ALEX
Alex Tatsch is a special player at Greater Latrobe. The last time the Wildcats had a football player sign with a Power 5 school was in 2003. 21 years later the drought will end, and Tatsch will sign with Penn State once the 2024-25 school year begins. Tatsch had 22 offers from major Power 5 schools. Tatsch and his Wildcats made it to the WPIAL 4A Playoffs last season. They defeated West Allegheny 39-7 in the first round before losing to Aliquippa 37-29 in the Quarterfinals. Latrobe has only won three playoff games in school history and Tatsch has been a part of the two of those wins (the other one coming in 2022). Some of Tatsch's accolades including being named on the 1st Team All- State team in 4A and making it to Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Fab 22. Statistically, on the offensive side of the ball, Tatsch rushed for 374 yards, caught 7 passes for 98 yards and scored eight touchdowns. Defensively, Tatsch might have been better recording over 100 tackles, four interceptions and forcing three fumbles.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
I think there is no question that Latrobe had one of its best seasons last year as you all made it to the WPIAL 4A Quarterfinals before losing to Aliquippa. What were some of the biggest takeaways you and your team had last season?
We know we can compete with anyone, and we knew how close we were to getting over that hump.
As a senior, how would you describe your development of leadership on your team?
I think the group of guys I had looked up to when I was an underclassman really set a good example and helped change the culture of our team as a whole.
In a football aspect, what is the biggest you have been trying to work on this offseason?
Block shedding
You recently committed to Penn State back in February. What was the ultimate reason for you committing there?
The culture of the team
What are you most excited about playing at Penn State?
I’m most excited for the change physically, being able to become faster and stronger and also seeing the game in much more detail than you do in high school.
Your younger brother Andy is going to be a junior and has an offer from West Virginia University. What's it like playing with your brother on Friday Night Lights?
It’s some of the happiest times of my life watching him succeed and us doing it together, it doesn’t get any better.
Have you both ever talked about playing college football together?
Not too much but it could certainly be a possibility.
Let's talk about your other teammate in Marshall commit John Wetzel, who threw and rushed for over 1,000 yards last season. Some people say that you're both a 1-2 punch. What's it like playing with John?
Playing with John is great, the type of competitor he is really raises the bar for everyone.
Coach Ron Prady has been getting recognition for the way he has led your team since coming in 2022. What's it like being coached under Prady?
Playing for coach Prady is awesome, the passion he brings on and off the field really reflects the program as a whole now. You can tell how much he cares for everyone in the program.
When you were growing up, who was a Latrobe athlete that you admired? Kyle Brewer (Class of 2022), he didn’t care who the open net was or how bad we were losing, the dude was a gamer.
Ok, some fun questions for you. What is your favorite video game to play?
(Tom Clancy's) Rainbow Six Siege
What class are you most excited to take in your senior year?
Astronomy
Where is your go-to place to get food?
Chipotle
The Pittsburgh Steelers training camp is held at Saint Vincent College, which is not far from Latrobe. Have you been to a training camp session and if so, what is the experience like?
I have, they come practice on our home field once a year. It’s crazy seeing those guys and knowing they aren’t even that much older than me. Just the level and speed they play at is admirable.
What is something that people would be surprised to know about you?
I am on high honor roll.
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