Jesuit looks to re-load again

Year in and year out the Jesuit Crusaders are one of the top teams in the State of Oregon. They have produced countless D1 kids over the years with a litany of coaches who have also played at that level. As we look at this very unordinary season ahead, there are a host of new athletes who will play primary roles on the perimeter. That said as a few of the keys to the team’s success will come via two returning linemen, who rank at the top of the charts within Oregon. Projected #1 lineman for the class of 2021 [player_tooltip player_id="28703" first="Charlie" last="Pickard"] (6-5 290 T/DL 21’) currently holds offers from most of the Big Sky and San Jose St, and could add a handful more from some prominent schools. His size and versatility are incredibly appealing, earning 1st team all-league honors on both sides of the football in 2019. Speaking on the upcoming season Pickard says, "We feel like our chemistry allows us to accomplish almost anything, having the unified goal of getting to the state championship every year. When we have so few returning starters back, it’s up to us to mentor the young guys and really teach them the Jesuit way." [player_tooltip player_id="28739" first="Declan" last="Quillin"] 6-3 295 DT/G 21’ would be the other top big man as his brute strength makes him a difference maker. Many will remember the name, with brother Joe Quillin currently at Oregon St. So the question becomes how do you replace a handful of athletes who are either on a Pac 12 roster, or were heavily influential and considered some of the best in Oregon? Andy Alfieri (CAL), Logan Horton (Oregon St), Kade Wisher, Ted Atkinson, Seth Welsh to name a few. The answer would be a talented group of Junior’s who have been very successful coming up through the ranks. [player_tooltip player_id="28873" first="Tatum" last="Lewis"] (6-1 175 QB 22’) has looked outstanding and checks in as one of the top QB’s for his class. [player_tooltip player_id="28855" first="Spencer" last="McKelligon"] (6-3 210 LB/TE 22’) is one of the fastest rising kids in the state for 2022 projecting at the D1 level. Expect him to be a 1st team all-conference type athlete, and a Metro League POY candidate, covering the next few seasons. [player_tooltip player_id="28893" first="Johnny" last="Miller"] (5-10 190 WLB 22’) and [player_tooltip player_id="28888" first="Michael" last="Rincon"] (5-10 180 RB 22’) are two other athletes who’s names you will hear often. Miller had an impressive day at the National Preps Collegiate Showcase event a few weeks back, and Rincon could be the beneficiary of a run first JHS program, which has produced some of the top backs ever to play football in Oregon. Separate from the Junior’s expect [player_tooltip player_id="28809" first="Darius" last="Mims"] (5-11 175 DB 21’) to play a big role, returning as one of the top 2021 DB’s in the state. He comes from a football family and stepped up big last season. Head Coach Ken Potter should be commended for his consistency. Success isn’t guaranteed just because you are a private school. Every year his guys show up with the discipline necessary to be in the state title conversation. This season will be no different.