WVU Commit Jason Cross Leads HS Team in WPIAL Playoffs

(Brian Sherry, Pittsburgh Sports Now)

Standing at 6 feet 2 inches, West Virginia 2024 commit and Bishop Canevin ATH Jason Cross is an explosive, dynamic player who can make plays on both sides of the ball. Cross — a three-star recruit according to 24/7 Sports — primarily plays safety but can easily switch to both quarterback and wide receiver when his team calls on him.

Cross’ versatility was on full display in Bishop Cavein’s 49-6 route of Leechburg in the first round of the WPIAL 1A Playoffs on Friday night. Cross hauled in two touchdowns as wide receiver then showed off his tackling skills as a defensive back for the Crusaders. The senior ATH was on the field for most of the game, but that’s easy work for a player who is committed to seeing his team win. Cross said that his No. 1 priority in the playoffs is helping his team bring home a title.

“Win,” Cross said about what he hopes to accomplish in the WPIAL Playoffs. “We didn’t come here just to win one game. We came here to win a championship.”

But with his team firing on all cylinders on Friday night, Cross’ dreams of winning a title are more than a possibility. The Crusaders were lights out on both sides of the ball against Leechburg, holding the Blue Devils to just one touchdown and putting up all of their 49 points in just the first half. Cross said that getting ahead early was key for his team.

“We wanted to get out early,” Cross said. “I think we did a good job of that.”

Cross especially helped his team get out to an early lead, as both of his touchdowns came in the opening minutes of the first quarter. While the Bishop Canevin senior excels at wide receiver, he remains committed to playing defensive back at West Virginia. Still, Cross isn’t ruling out playing some offense in college.

“Anything can happen,” Cross said about playing wide receiver for the Mountaineers. “It’s a possibility, I’m not going to rule it out. But I wouldn’t be opposed to playing wide receiver in college.”

Cross committed to West Virginia this summer, passing up offers from Michigan State, Penn State and others to play for the Mountaineers. The senior ATH said that he has a close relationship with the Mountaineers coaching staff, as he still regularly talks to them.

“I’m always talking to [the coaching staff],” Cross said. “[Head coach Neal Brown] and the other coaches are always watching these games and giving me advice. They’re coaching and supporting me before I’m on the team.”

Still, while Cross’ future lies in West Virginia, he remains focused on helping Bishop Canevin win now. The Crusaders will play California this Friday in the second round of the WPIAL 1A Playoffs. The Trojans are coming off of a 44-6 victory over Jeannette in the first round.

But with Cross playing at such a high level on both sides of the ball, the Crusaders will be tough to beat this November.

This story initially appeared on our partner site Pittsburgh Sports Now.