2021 Fall Team Preview: Bethlehem Catholic High School

Welcome to 2021’s Team Preview series! We will highlight programs that are poised to make noise this fall. Ranked players, up-and-coming underclassmen, or watch list prospects, if you’re team has them, we will cover! Bethlehem Catholic will trot out four ranked players plus plenty of talented unranked prospects who look to gain extra exposure this fall. [player_tooltip player_id="91479" first="Jared" last="Richardson"] | 6’3, 200 | QB | 2022 We begin at the top. The highest-ranked player on the team, as well as the leader of the offense, quarterback [player_tooltip player_id="91479" first="Jared" last="Richardson"]. Richardson comes in as the 186th best prospect in his class, the senior will look to further improve on a solid junior year that saw him throw for just under 500 yards, on 43 completions for 6 touchdowns and one interception. The dual-threat prospect also averaged 15 yards on the ground this past season. In a COVID-shortened season might I add. Terrific build, has the ideal height-weight combination heading into his senior season. That size lets him absorb big blows and stay in the pocket to deliver strikes. Big arm, seen launching the ball off one foot while on the run 45 yards downfield. Has a far reach-back when going deep, defensive backs at the next level will key in on this. Seen escaping the pocket, as well as not looking comfortable despite having a clean pocket. Easy fix. Makes sense that he wants to be on the move, he’s special on the go where he can focus on his mechanics and be accurate. Awesome overall field vision which helps him scan the field under duress. Seeks the big play. Rushing stats don’t show how great of a runner he is. Adept at making guys miss in the backfield to set up throws downfield. Can run RPO action as well as some read-option sets out of gun. I want to see a full season of production out of Richardson. As a total package, he has a ton of great qualities to work with at the next level. On-the-move accuracy. Big arm and size. Excited to see more. [player_tooltip player_id="179392" first="Eric" last="Wert"] | 5’10, 175 | ATH | 2023 [player_tooltip player_id="179392" first="Eric" last="Wert"], slot wideout for BC was on the receiving end of many Richardson bombs. Seems like every route he runs is with intention of scoring. He’s excited to be on the field and make a difference. Good ball awareness, shows on both sides of the ball. He provides BC with some cornerback reps as well, he’s got a nose for the endzone on both sides of the ball. Works well with the quarterback when the play breaks down, smart player. As the Hudl moves on, there’s a wide variety of routes put on display by Wert, as well as some outside lane reps. He’s undersized but I love his attention to detail. He’s got good catch concentration, catching wide-open targets, some contested and some on the sideline where he displays great hand-eye coordination. If this offense heats up, he could be the beneficiary. [caption id="attachment_181058" align="aligncenter" width="300"]<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/08/EN35AOHUYAAwyTu-crop-320x211-1628304458.jpeg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-181058" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/08/EN35AOHUYAAwyTu-crop-320x211-1628304458-300x197.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /></a> Photo: [player_tooltip player_id="179392" first="Eric" last="Wert"][/caption][player_tooltip player_id="179391" first="Maximus" last="Johnson"] | 5’8, 210 | RB/LB | 2022 Max Johnson’s junior season only consisted of three games, even shorter than what some on this list were able to squeeze out of COVID. This kid is a load to bring down. Low center of gravity and tree trunks for legs, when I say this I really mean that. Massive player who’s a workout warrior based on his Twitter alone. Involved in a ton of off-set shotgun runs that allow him to build up steam and hit inside holes hard. I’d bet money that arm tackles would not be able to bring this back down. He’s shot out of a cannon. I hope BC utilizes Johnson more because there are times when he looks unstoppable when getting to the second level untouched. Want to see more of Johnson the linebacker. [player_tooltip player_id="179395" first="Ethan" last="Shelton"] | MLB/DE | 2022 The senior got in eight games during the pandemic. First defensive player on the list that was productive in said 8 games. 50 tackles and 2 sacks on the year. Measurables aren’t listed but I can tell he’s got a chiseled-out frame and can stack up with athletic weapons on opposing offenses. Good pursuit after finding the ball carrier. Good first read-step. His running back reps make sense, Shelton displays good lateral movement and solid change of direction ability that helps him move in space when at middle linebacker. High effort player. I see defensive end in his future, or outside linebacker as he clearly excels in space. I am intrigued as to what pass-rush abilities Shelton has. He looks the part. [player_tooltip player_id="179394" first="Siddiq" last="Small"] | 6’1, 225 | LB | 2023 Here’s a kid with little to no film, but has attended All-State Preps camps and has apparently looked good from coaches close to said camps. I’ll have my eyes peeled for him. [player_tooltip player_id="179393" first="Rahmel" last="Terry"] | 5’10, 170 | ATH | 2023 Similar build to Wert. Reps at running back where he is the change of pace the offense needs when not deploying Max Johnson. Good overall acceleration. Looks natural with the ball in his hands and has serious bounce ability and can read when the edge-setter crashes. Not necessarily a north-south runner but wants to get upfield after his cuts and get all the yards he can. Doesn’t dance despite his height-weight combination suggesting so. Punt return reps are a must. Position versatility is Terry’s strong point. He’s everywhere. Reps at corner, wide receiver. He accounts for a lot of BC’s playmaking. [player_tooltip player_id="160557" first="Antonio" last="Ramos"]-Dobbins | 6’0, 215 | LB | 2023 Ramos is the best tackler and most instinctive/natural linebacker for Bethlehem Catholic. He’s a mover when run-stopping and not only absorbs blocks but can push back blockers at the point of attack. When he gets low and has a clear shot of a player, his excellent form and impressive strength help him deliver blows to ball carriers. He’s got an energy about him and an attitude. He’s got serious thud under his pads that he wants out. I could see Ramos handle the middle linebacker spot as I can trust his read and react ability as well as his run-stopping play-style that so well suits his build. Our 261st-ranked junior prospect is more than capable of climbing that list. Love his ability to break down while staying on his toes. [player_tooltip player_id="27747" first="Zyaire" last="Morris"] | 5’9, 185 | RB/SWR|OLB | 2023 Two spots above Ramos on the ’23 rankings is [player_tooltip player_id="27747" first="Zyaire" last="Morris"], the jolt of Bethlehem Catholic. Not too many explosive plays out of Morris but the Hudl shows he is capable of moving the chains when getting reps at running back. If you haven’t noticed yet, BC loves to deploy multiple, capable prospects at running back behind what is clearly a talented offensive line. Zyaire gives you yet another weapon on offense that has a nose for the open field. He’s slippery in the trenches. He can provide reps in all three phases of the game which BC values I’m sure. [player_tooltip player_id="27662" first="Justin" last="Kanyuk"] | 6’6, 310 | OL | 2022 Last but not least is North Carolina commit and our 259th ranked senior in PA. I’ll tell you now that that ranking has to change! The more film that releases the better. I wouldn’t be surprised if Kanyuk surpasses Richardson as the highest-ranking BC prospect. This kid is stellar. One of the strongest grips and upper body strength in his class. I think this kid is capable of accolades across the board this season. He’ll be on my mind when thinking of all-state and district teams. Pancake after pancake. He’s incredibly efficient when run blocking, seemingly never wasting a step and always being in control of his gap and opponent. Yes, Hudl usually shows all the good reps, I have a hard time believing this kid has many false steps and missed assignments under his belt. Incredible size that D1 schools covet. Wide base when in pass-pro with powerful but quick feet. I wouldn’t go as far as to say that Kanyuk is an incredible athlete at his tackle spot. I would say he has worked on his body enough to be a suitable tackle against both speed and power rushes. Happy for this kid and excited for his future!