Many of the top junior football prospects spend their offseasons toiling in the weight room, studying film and going to camps and combines every weekend.

Norwin junior quarterback Alex Dennison has his own way of keeping in shape and perfecting his craft.

He never stops playing -- and not just football.

As one of the top quarterback prospects in the Pittsburgh area, Dennison has taken his talents to the basketball and volleyball courts this year, and it has him in the best shape of his life as a promising senior football season approaches -- one that could land him on the gridiron at a Division I college.

"I planned on playing other sports to stay in shape, but I really enjoy them also. It helps a lot for football," Dennison said.

"They all have their similarities. In basketball, the jumping, obviously, and in volleyball, I work my shoulders. Volleyball really helps with quickness of feet and other things like that."

The signal caller helped guide a dynamic Knights offense to the WPIAL quarterfinals last year by completing 78 of 144 passes for 1,310 yards and 17 touchdowns. He was a second-team All-Conference selection, as well as a member of the East Elite.

His efforts under center and some impressive workouts at camps and combines in the offseason have caught the attention of college recruiters. Dennison already has received an offer from the University of Buffalo, while many of the MAC schools and Patriot League teams also have called with interest.

"I certainly believe he has the ability to play at that level. If he continues to work on his foot speed and agility, he has the upper-body strength to be a Division I football player," Norwin football coach Dan Conwell said.

"We are pleasantly surprised at how he has taken this team by the horns and become a leader. He's done it in a quiet manner and led by example. I think that the adversity that he's overcome by sitting on the bench for a year and watching things develop has paid dividends for him.

"Obviously, his arm strength is powerful. He's got a very good arm. He has a Division I arm."

As soon as his season ended following a loss to McKeesport in the quarterfinals, Dennison threw on his basketball shoes and filled his spot on the boards for the Norwin basketball team, which also advanced into the WPIAL playoffs.

"I always said that athletes can play any sport, and Alex proves that he is an all-around athlete," said basketball coach Lynn Washowich, citing the forward's size, knowledge and athleticism. "His leadership, it cannot be replaced. Quarterbacks are leaders."

Not long after hoops season had finished, the 6-foot-3, 205 pound junior traded in one round ball for another and took his spot as the middle hitter for the Knights volleyball team.

"Volleyball really helps with quick decision making, because it's so fast," he said.

Dennison's height, leaping ability and long arms have added a nice dimension to the Knights run toward a section title.

"He's a nice, physical specimen. He's built really well. You can tell he's spent some time working out. He's strong. That's the biggest thing he brings to the volleyball court. If he can get a hold of the ball, he hits it well," volleyball coach Al Warden said.

"He doesn't touch a ball in the offseason. That's tough. Middle hitter is a tough position. It takes a while to learn that position. That shows where he is athletically, because he walks into the gym and does well even though he doesn't touch a ball until the first day of practice."

While he enjoys his time on the courts, Dennison knows his future is on the field between the white lines, where he hopes to again help take the Knights to the WPIAL playoffs.

"I'm really excited about the season. We lost so many people, so people aren't expecting much from us," he said. "I think that gives us more of a reason to go out and show them we can compete just as much."

Football is on his mind year-round with his workouts in the weight room and at passing camps, in addition to the frequent contact from college coaches and recruiters. He's considering many offers and planning visits with hopes of making a decision before the football season begins.

"He's got an opportunity. His senior year will dictate a lot. But I think that he's opened up some eyes. He does have some potential to open up even more," Conwell said.

"If you relate the other two sports he plays to football, he is always moving. Feet are the most important part of a football game, and people don't realize that. With him playing basketball and volleyball, he's constantly working on feet movement. That certainly will bode well for him in the future."

It seems that Dennison has found the secret to being a top-notch three-sport athlete: If you keep your feet moving, nothing can stop your path to success.