Shake-Up in Philly, Same Names, New Places
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Over the past two years, I’ve had the pleasure of familiarizing myself with many of the names and faces in the PPL, PCL, as well as District 1 as a whole. This Spring, many of those familiar names have announced…
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Continue ReadingOver the past two years, I’ve had the pleasure of familiarizing myself with many of the names and faces in the PPL, PCL, as well as District 1 as a whole. This Spring, many of those familiar names have announced a change of scenery. Thankfully, none of these changes are too far away, so many of the names below will still be involved on the site, thus still covered by myself this Fall. I hope that each athlete below, that has considered a transfer, ends up in a better situation than they were in before, whether that be financially, academically, or on the field. We wish nothing but good luck to each of these prospects. That being said, let’s get into some big-time Philly talent that will put on new jerseys this Fall.
Semaj Bridgeman Semaj Bridgeman 6'2" | 235 lbs | LB Imhotep Charter | 2023 State PA | Archbishop Wood – Imhotep Charter
We begin with one of the highest-ranking prospects in this group. Linebacker and four-star recruit Semaj Bridgeman Semaj Bridgeman 6'2" | 235 lbs | LB Imhotep Charter | 2023 State PA will have a new home for the second consecutive season after his move to Archbishop Wood after Bishop McDevitt (Wyncote) folded. The stud will play for Imhotep Charter this Fall, which will act as an incredible boost to the defense that lost a number of quality prospects. This move is certainly part of a reload, rather than a rebuild as Imhotep will continue their hunt for a state title behind numerous national recruits and a well-equipped coaching staff. Bridgeman will presumably fill in Maurice Beverly Maurice Beverly 6'1" | 220 lbs | LB Imhotep Charter | 2022 State PA ’s role in the middle of the defense. No matter his usage, be prepared for Bridgeman to tear into the Public League this Fall.
James Heard | St. Joseph’s Prep – Camden HS
Richard James Jr | St. Joseph’s Prep – Camden HS
Continuing with top Pennsylvania recruits, we are sad to see James Heard and Richard Wink Jr. move into New Jersey, as I won’t be able to personally cover them on the site. No matter, we are excited to see what Camden is cooking up. Bringing in two huge talents along the defensive line, I can imagine a huge shift in stock in the right direction for this program. The talent level of each of these prospects cannot be talked about enough. I have had the pleasure of watching James Heard compete at a couple events this year, as well as live this past Fall. The young man is an instant difference-maker. As for SJP, the program is well equipped to handle these loses on paper. No matter the program, losing two national recruits along one unit is going to hurt. We will how badly this shift will affect SJP this Fall. My guess is, not too much.
Anthony Torres Jr. | Frankford – Cheltenham
Kion Wright Kion Wright 6'3" | 235 lbs | DL Cheltenham | 2023 State PA | Northeast HS – Cheltenham HS
Julian Arthur Julian Arthur 6'0" | 160 lbs | WR Norristown Area | 2023 PA | Norristown – Cheltenham HS
The shift to Cheltenham isn’t necessarily surprising considering the new regime and direction the program is headed into. As long as I have been covering Cheltenham, they have produced quality, hungry prospects who want a shot at playing college ball. That notion isn’t going to change. Frankford’s stud QB Anthony Torres is on his way to lead the Panthers and provide some stability at the position. Combine this addition with the addition of Julian Arthur Julian Arthur 6'0" | 160 lbs | WR Norristown Area | 2023 PA and you already have a potential duo that can break a game open by themselves. A dynamic pair to add to the offense.
The cherry on top is national recruit Kion Wright Kion Wright 6'3" | 235 lbs | DL Cheltenham | 2023 State PA joining the program. The highly sought-after defensive end has multiple SEC & Big Ten offers. This young man is expected to anchor in a defense that is going to surprise many. I am already fond of many of Cheltenham’s current players, adding these three will put them in the contention this Fall.
James Bermudez James Bermudez 5'10" | 195 lbs | RB Northeast | 2023 State PA | Archbishop Wood – Northeast HS
Tyrese Whitaker Tyrese Whitaker 6'2" | 235 lbs | DL Northeast | 2023 State PA | Archbishop Wood – Northeast HS
Two notable Catholic League prospects will keep their Viking moniker. RB James Bermudez James Bermudez 5'10" | 195 lbs | RB Northeast | 2023 State PA and DE/LB 3-star recruit Tyrese Whitaker Tyrese Whitaker 6'2" | 235 lbs | DL Northeast | 2023 State PA will don the red and black. Much like Imhotep Charter, these two key additions will act as a reload for Northeast, with Ken Talley Ken Talley 6'2" | 220 lbs | DL Northeast | 2022 State PA moving on as well as Kion Wright Kion Wright 6'3" | 235 lbs | DL Cheltenham | 2023 State PA . Tyrese Whitaker Tyrese Whitaker 6'2" | 235 lbs | DL Northeast | 2023 State PA is a top-30 potential prospect in this class, he should fit in very nicely to this versatile defense. The coaching staff brought the most out of national prospects before, they can do the same with Whitaker.
Terail Greene Terail Greene 5'11" | 190 lbs | RB Abraham Lincoln | 2023 State PA | Northeast HS – Lincoln HS
Running back Terail Greene Terail Greene 5'11" | 190 lbs | RB Abraham Lincoln | 2023 State PA may not have a national spotlight, but he does have a spot on Prep Redzone’s stage. The under-rated running back will now tote the rock for Lincoln HS, a program loaded with talented underclassmen, all of which are ready to leap onto the scene.