Blackhawk running back Brayden McCarthy joins PA contingent by pledging to Sacred Heart

Tagged under: District 7, News, Recruiting

Billy Splain | July 17, 2026

Brayden McCarthy
RB\ATH
Blackhawk
6’0 185lbs
CO 2027
Committed to Sacred Heart University

Brayden McCarthy joins 3 other PA players to commit to Sacred Heart. The incoming senior had a stellar junior campaign, running the ball 239 time for 1,952 and 24 tds.
Norwin lineman Maxsym Fierle, Twin Valley lineman Liam Sheehan and Southern Lehigh lineman Lucas Sutyak have also committed to the Pioneers giving them 4 PA players in the class of 2027 to commit to their program.

We asked Brayden about his decision:

PFN: Why did you choose to commit to them before your Sr season?

It felt like home and it just felt right. The program and school checked off all of my boxes that I’ve been looking for in a University. So I figured why wait when I knew this is what I wanted.

PFN: Who was your biggest influence there. , who recruited you?

Coach PSap

PFN: What are they getting in player like you?

Im a dynamic player that can dominate on both sides of the ball, im resilient and wont be outworked. And I have a true love for every part of the game.

PFN: What was the recruiting process like for you?

My recruiting process as a whole has been a struggle. I’ve been grinding at the recruiting game since freshman year. Its hard to get noticed and get anyone to give you their time of day when you come from a small school that hasn’t had a winning season in years. But then Sacred Heart came out of no where and found me. They came down to my High School to meet me and showed me love ever since. So the recruiting process with SHU has been seamless. I think it just takes the right school to make the process not seem so overwhelming

PFN: What position were you recruited for?

WR/DB

PFN: Do you know what you’d like to study?

Sports Management or Sports Science

PFN: What role did your parents play in your decision?

A big one. theyve supported me through everything, from camps, to visits, to games, they were willing to make it all work just so I could chase my dream of playing ball at the next level

PFN: What do you think is the most exciting thing about the program?

The developmental opportunities once I get there. they’re going to push me to my limits to make me the best student athlete that I can be

PFN: What are you most looking forward to while playing for them?

To develop as a better person on and off the field and win some championships

PFN: Tell everyone out there in the football world something they’d never know about you until you told them:

I started playing my career as a lineman and one day my coach decided to give me the ball and said “Go score.” and thats what I did and you cant keep me out of the endzone ever since

PFN: Who is the person who most influenced you in your football career?

Every single coach that has coached me throughout the years. From club football to varisty they’ve all shaped my game in one way or another.

Why do you play football?

I cant just say one thing, I just love the game. I love every part of it, the work that it takes, thw brotherhood, the adrenaline, everything about it.

What would you do to improve the recruiting process?

It would have been helpful to know what camps I should have been targeting each year. Because what you should be focusing on each year is different. From just building relationships, to maximizing your exposure, to blasting emails and film, it would have been a huge time saver if someone told me not to focus so much on emails Freshman year because coaches cant really talk to you at that point.

PFN: What is it you’d like all your high school teammates and fans to know about your decision that you might have a hard time saying in person?

Thank my teammates for pushing me in practice, always having my back. And thanks to our loyal fans that always showed up for us despite us winning or losing.

What are your goals for this coming season?

Win the WPIAL championship with my boys

Tell everyone why you think football is good for a community

It brings everyone together to support the same thing.

what is your favorite pregame ritual? 

I dont have one really, other than ive got to be at the field before everyone even my coaches

Music of choice:

Country

What is your favorite vacation destination?

Mexico

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