Steelers All-Peer Team | Pittsburgh Steelers - Steelers.com
The Pittsburgh Steelers have teamed up with The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and The Mentoring Partnership to build their inaugural Steelers All-Peer Team, featuring 11 high school football players from around the region who go above and beyond to provide mentor-like support for their teammates. Here's what our 11 special winners will receive:
- The chance to participate in a virtual discussion with Steelers players
- An on-field celebration at a Steelers home game later this season
- A $1,000 donation to their school's athletic program
- Recognition on Steelers social media channels
2024 Steelers All-Peer Team
Jayden Salada
New Brighton High School
Senior | QB/DB
Jayden is an exceptional leader at New Brighton who positively influences his teammates by leading through example both on and off the football field. Beyond his role at the local YMCA, he stands out as a peer leader and, most notably, ranks in the top 10 of his class.
Amari Eleam
Carrick High School
Senior | WR/DB
Amari leads by example both on and off the field at Carrick High School, demonstrating his commitment through his leadership in the Raider Walk, where he actively participates in cleaning up local neighborhoods. Additionally, he volunteers as a youth flag football referee for the Pittsburgh Flag Football League.
Carson Heinle
Kiski Area High School
Senior | QB
Carson, a leader on the football, basketball, and track teams at Kiski Area, also assists students with disabilities in developing their skills. He is an advocate for Athletes Supporting Athletes, encouraging his teammates to support other sports teams at the school. Additionally, Carson is an active member of the Key Club, dedicating his time helping booster and community groups.
Braiden Sudor
Bishop Canevin High School
SR - Center
Braiden, a three-year captain and community pillar at Bishop Canevin High School, plays a pivotal role both on and off the field. Braiden leads volunteer groups, organizes team study halls, participates in school missions, and competes in academic competitions. Braiden also showcased his academic excellence by winning a prestigious pharmaceutical competition at the University of Pittsburgh.
Nick Hage
Moon Area High School
Senior - OT/DE
Nick, a dedicated leader and communicator for Moon Area football, organizes his teammates to support other schools' teams during their athletic seasons. As a partner on the unified Bocce team and a member of Partners in PE, he actively supports students with special needs. Additionally, Nick led a care drive at Pediatric Specialty Care, collecting essential items for children with medical conditions at the Specialty Care Center.
Cooper Dann
Greensburg Salem High School
Senior | WR/LB
Cooper, a dedicated leader both on and off the field at Greensburg Salem, sets an example for his teammates through his actions. In addition to serving on the leadership council, he actively participates in Mini Thon, a charity organization supporting pediatric cancer. Cooper also gives back to the community by officiating youth flag football games.
Arison Walker
Aliquippa High School
Senior | WR/DB
Arison, a senior leader at Aliquippa High School, exemplifies leadership through his actions, serving as a positive role model for the Little Quips Youth Football team both on and off the field. As a dedicated member of the Aliquippa community, he actively participates in organizations such as Aliquippa Impact, Drug-Free Aliquippa, and the Honor Society.
Paul Williamson
Chartiers-Houston High School
Senior | OT/Nose Gaurd
Paul, a Senior captain for Chartiers-Houston football, exemplifies leadership both on and off the field, consistently holding his teammates to high standards of performance and commitment. An active member of the Chartiers-Houston community, Paul participates in programs like the Team Leadership Council. He plans to pursue a college degree and continue playing football at the next level.
William Scoop Smith
Woodland Hills High School
Junior | WR/DB
An All-State and two sport All Conference student athlete, William is active in his community providing free meals during holidays to families in need through his non-profit foundation. William was honored as the President of his Junior class while also maintaining a GPA of 3.7.
Sam Brackney
Central Catholic High School
Senior | OL
Sam is an 1st team All-Conference student athlete who demonstrates what it takes to be a positive role model on and off the football field. Sam is active at Pittsburgh Central Catholic, engaging in leadership committees, Student Council, My Brother's Keeper, including Mission trips to Jamacia. Sam currently has a scholarship offer to Brown University and has interest in Cybersecurity.
Dominic Brown
Baldwin High School
Senior | TE/LB
Dominic is a team captain who holds leadership roles in Student Government, Student Council, as well as Treasurer of the National Honor Society at Baldwin High School. A high honor student athlete with a 4.1 GPA, Dominic unselfishly arrives early to practice and leaves late to help teammates obtain new skills on and off the field. Dominic plans to pursue business upon graduation.
2023 Steelers All-Peer Team
Dante Saputo
South Allegheny High School
Senior | OL/DL
Dante has imposing size for a football player at 6'1" and 340 pounds, but his heart may be the biggest thing about him. He is the go-to guy for peer issues, and has earned Eagle Scout this year as a true community project. His teammates helped him build a cross along the Great Allegheny Passage for the community to gather for reflection and peace. His current plans are to be a City of Pittsburgh Firefighter.
Amare Harper
Sto-Rox High School
Senior | OL/DL
As the captain of the young Vikings football team, Amare has taken it upon himself to help teammates be successful on and off the field, leading study tables to help show them the best way to attack their academics. Amare serves on several extra-curricular activity boards to help improve the culture and safety of students throughout the entire Sto-Rox School District.
Carson Pierce
Shaler Area High School
Senior | ILB
Carson leads by example on and off the field, never missing a workout and near the top of his class. He values daily interaction with peers and teachers with a bright personality in the hallways. When he's not competing on the field, Carson organizes support and attendance for other Shaler activities and events. He also led the way and made sure to welcome the new freshmen players with advice about the football program.
Andrew Sharp
Baldwin High School
Senior | RB/LB
Andrew is an all-conference athlete who overcame injuries in his last two seasons. Leading by example, the three-year captain is building bridges throughout the school with his invovelment in numerous peer groups. The high-honors student can be found in the community helping coach upcoming Highlanders in their flag football program.
Nate Deanes
South Fayette High School
Senior | RB
As a two-year captain for the Lions, Nate is always looked to in challenging situations and viewed as a coach on the field. On track to be a three-time All-Conference player, Nate is looked at by the senior class as a role model, organizing community service with Light of Life Rescue Mission and providing bagged lunches for 150 homeless children and families.
Drew Hairston
Serra Catholic High School
Senior | OT/DE
Drew is an outstanding student-athlete with a 5.0 GPA. Drew's efforts in the classroom have motivated his teammates to put more emphasis on being a better student-athlete. As a leader of the offensive line, he knows everyone's duties and communicates them well. Drew has won several class medals for top academic standing to go along with his on-field honors.
Vasile Balouris
Pine Richland High School
Senior | WR/DB
Vasile is a two-year captain with high marks in the classroom, including a near-perfect SAT and perfect ACT score. He mentors many teammates while playing football and basketball. Vasile leads the Ram's team volunteers activities, is active in his church and serves as a referee for the youth basketball program.
Mason Williams
Canon-McMillan High School
Senior | LG/DT
Mason is a thoughtful leader with a calm demeanor that drives the team mission of making better men through the game of football. He is a great listener and seeks out players that may be facing challenges to help them work though obstacles. He can be found volunteering at almost every community event, including the food bank, cleaning town parks and parade days.
Braeden Helmkamp
Trinity High School
Senior | OT/DE
Though Braeden holds multiple Division-1 football offers, he still continues to put his teammates and community first. He is a great mentor for all the young Hillers, helping to set up the field for practice, excelling in the classroom, and volunteering at numerous events in the community. Braeden defines the Hiller's Person-Student-Player philosophy.
Julian Stevens
Greensburg Salem High School
Senior | TE/LB
Julian is a three-sport athlete that exhibits extraordinary leadership and mentoring abilities. Julian makes sure teammates are well taken care of and provides excellent motivation and communication skills. He has led several school and community initiatives and leads the way for players to support other school sports and activities, including community youth football.
Keith Mincin
Baldwin High School
Senior | RB/LB
Keith is an All-Conference football player, highly ranked wrestler and high-honors student and serves on the Executive Board of his school's National Honor Society. He is a rare 4-year captain of the football team and can be found tutoring teammates and other students and just saying hi to everyone when he walks in a room. Keith can also be found volunteering on the weekends helping coach and referee for youth flag football.
2022 Steelers All-Peer Team
Raymar Coleman
Obama Academy (USO Football)
Senior | OG/DE
Shawn Solomon, Jr.
Brashear Bulls
Senior | RB/DB/LB
Zappula Lewis
Ambridge Bridgers
Senior | FB/LB
Ryan Palmieri
Pine-Richland Rams
Senior | QB, RB, DB
Kyler Rombold
New Brighton Lions
Senior | WR/DB
Jackson Hutter
Mt. Pleasant Area Vikings
Junior | LB
Braden Mika
Kiski Area Cavaliers
Senior | G/DT
Ta'Mere Robinson
Brashear Bulls
Senior | LB
Dior Devers
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Chargers
Senior | RB/DB/LB
Wesley Maxwell
Carlynton Cougars
Senior | OL/DL
Demeitris Taylor
Beaver Falls Tigers
Junior | WR/TE/FS