By: Michael Love
Monday, July 14, 2025 | 3:19 PM
Christopher Horner | TribLive
Pine-Richland lineman John Curran plays against Bishop McDevitt during a PIAA Class 5A state semifinal on Nov. 29, 2024, in Altoona.
Christopher Horner | TribLive
Pine-Richland lineman John Curran plays against Bishop McDevitt during a PIAA Class 5A state semifinal on Nov. 29, 2024, in Altoona.
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John Curran is ready to deliver pancake blocks, open lanes for running backs and protect the quarterback.
With the start of official preseason practices just a couple of weeks away, the Pine-Richland senior offensive lineman has his sights set on helping the Rams put together another run to WPIAL and PIAA Class 5A championships.
And he will do that with the peace of mind that comes with knowing where he will continue his athletic and academic pursuits after his high school days have concluded.
Curran is just over a month removed from making one of the biggest decisions of his life so far with a verbal commitment to the football program at Pitt.
“The recruiting process was long and challenging at times, but it is such a relief to be done with it,” he said. “I feel I ended it in the best way possible. Now, I can focus on my senior season. I am in a good place right now.”
Curran, who performed well in front of coaches at Pitt’s prospect camp, said it’s been a dream to put on the Pitt football uniform since he was young.
“My official visit reinforced those feelings,” Curran said.
He received his offer from the Panthers and didn’t wait long to accept, announcing his decision June 6.
“I absolutely love the culture surrounding the program and the coaching staff,” Curran said.
“They are genuine people, and they make you feel like you are family and you’ve known them for many years.”
Curran received a total of 24 Division I offers, including ones from Ohio, Miami (Ohio), Central Michigan and Bowling Green from the Mid-American Conference.
He is rated the 48th best prospect in PA by 247Sports.com.
“The recruiting process was long, but the end goal always was Pitt, and I am happy I did,” Curran said.
“It still is amazing to think that my dream has come true, but I know there is still work to do. I still have the drive to be better for myself and my teammates.”
Curran made his varsity starting debut on the offensive line last year, and he excelled. His efforts in helping Pine-Richland earn WPIAL and PIAA gold were rewarded with all-state recognition.
“I was very blessed to be named all-state,” he said. “I couldn’t have done it without the help of my coaches and teammates.”
Curran’s work in and out of the weight room has helped him put on 15 to 20 pounds of muscle in the offseason. He said he’s excited to put his added strength and quickness on display this fall.
“I started to go to personal trainers and worked on my explosiveness and flexibility,” Curran said. “It also was important to stay consistent with drill work focusing on technique. That all has really helped me.”
With the returning core of players prepping for the start of the season, Curran feels strongly that the Rams have what it takes to make it back to the WPIAL championship game and also challenge for another state title.
“This is probably the closest we’ve been as a whole team,” Curran said.
“Us as seniors have been playing football together since fourth grade. That bond helps a lot. We are ready to play for each other. There are a lot of positives to build on as the season gets closer.”
Pine-Richland kicks off its 2025 season Aug. 29 with a Week Zero game against Central Catholic.
“We are looking pretty good and have been working hard,” Curran said. “We have all the pieces in place to win championships. We just have to stay healthy and execute our game plan each week.”
John Curran
Pine-Richland
Senior
6-3/300 pounds
Offensive Lineman
Stars: 3
Committed to: Pitt
Division I offers: Akron, Albany, Brown, Buffalo, Bowling Green, Central Michigan, Coastal Carolina, Cornell, Dartmouth, Fordham, James Madison, Lafayette, Marshall, Miami (Ohio), New Hampshire, Ohio, Old Dominion, Penn, Rhode Island, Richmond, Stony Brook, Towson, Yale, Youngstown State
Michael Love is a TribLive reporter covering sports in the Alle-Kiski Valley and the eastern suburbs of Pittsburgh. A Clearfield native and a graduate of Westminster (Pa.), he joined the Trib in 2002 after spending five years at the Clearfield Progress. He can be reached at mlove@triblive.com.
Tags: Pine-Richland