2022 Season Preview: St. Joseph’s Prep Hawks, Upperclassmen

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The St. Joseph's Prep Hawks entered 2021 fresh off a 6A State Championship game victory over Beau Pribula and Central York. I could write a book on the 2021 graduating class at SJP and everything they accomplished leading up to the three-peat. Instead, we'll speak on the new-look Hawks and the run they went on last Fall that inevitably led to their season coming to a close one victory away from the top. One year removed from winning four of the last five championships, as well as one year removed from Kyle McCord and Marvin Harrison Jr., the Hawks were ready to prove they can continue the run of dominance Pennsylvania has come accustomed to. That they did. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2021 SJP Hawks' first five games included four non-conference games against out-of-state competition. The Hawks dominated Maryland's St. Mary's Ryken to a tune of 40-0, while also dominating DC's Gonzaga program 35-3. Georgia's Milton HS delivered SJP their first loss of the season, which was then followed by another loss against their conference/league rival, LaSalle College, both games being decided by a score. Despite the early 2-2 record, SJP answered by ripping off five straight victories against PCL competition (and Middletown, DE), The new look Hawks, headlined by [player_tooltip player_id='164520' first='Samaj' last='Jones'], were faced with a playoff rematch against LaSalle College in Round One. SJP proceeded to dismantle the Explorers. The Hawks proceeded a Round One victory with three more playoff wins against solid competition. However, the Hawks ran into a buzzsaw in Mt. Lebanon, a program that was humming all season long. The 2021 Blue Devils had their own dominant trio on offense, a trio that put up a season-high 35 points against this elite defense. The Hawks should still be applauded for their 2021 performance despite them falling short of their ultimate goal. This marked the first time since 2017 that St. Joseph's Prep didn't end up on top of Class 6A. They aim to reach the pinnacle this year, this time with a chip on their shoulders. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Departures: Keenan Nelson JR, Brad Harris, Blaine Bunch, Alec Treadway, Rocco Nicholl, Reese Clark, Josh Barlow, Antonio Chadha, Charlie Backe, </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_62f30965fbc54","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["27736"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Seems like yesterday when Jeremiah Trotter Jr. was leading the Hawk defense to championships. Now, younger brother and West Virginia commit [player_tooltip player_id='27736' first='Josiah' last='Trotter'] leads the pack as a senior captain for the Hawks. Trotter exemplifies elite linebacker play in the state and is expected to set the tone in the Catholic League, acting as the highest-ranked senior PCL prospect.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_62f30971fbc55","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["248207"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Stationed next to [player_tooltip player_id='27736' first='Josiah' last='Trotter'] will be Air Force commit [player_tooltip player_id='248207' first='Cole' last='Nilles'], a prospect who didn't get enough attention last Fall primarily because of the big names surrounding him on defense. Despite concerns about a potentially weakened defensive line, the Hawks will deploy two FBS linebackers to plug running lanes.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_62f3097ffbc56","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["146546"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_62f30991fbc57","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["248861"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"The loss of Brad Harris inside the Hawk offensive line will be felt, no line in the nation can afford to lose a talent of his caliber. Nonetheless, the Hawks will need to maximize the potential of All-Catholic Center [player_tooltip player_id='146546' first='Julian' last='Cervantes'] and monster 6'7 tackle [player_tooltip player_id='248861' first='Joey' last='McMahon']. Cervantes has proven his worth throughout the years, as has McMahon. Concerning McMahon, I still believe the best is yet to come. McMahon scores a high FCS-level grade after his junior campaign, yet the young man has all the potential in the world to be a top-five lineman in his class. I want and expect to see an even more polished McMahon this Fall, doing all he can to replicate Brad Harris' success. He's more than capable.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_62f309a0fbc58","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["248192"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"The 2024 trio of Hawk wideouts are expected to reap the rewards of the passing game this Fall. Yet reps need to be shared in [player_tooltip player_id='248192' first='Mike' last='DiTrolio']'s favor. A veteran in this offensive system, DiTrolio provides a reliable pair of hands in the red zone, as well as a ton of value in special teams. The senior has carved out a role for himself, a role that I expect to be prevalent in 2022 despite the young talent waiting in the fold.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_62f30a02fbc5b","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["98507"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"When I think of college-ready defensive backs in the state, two come to mind. The first being Imhotep's [player_tooltip player_id='27730' first='Rahmir' last='Stewart']. The second, Prep's [player_tooltip player_id='98507' first='Omillio' last='Agard']. His complete skillset translates smoothly to the next level. There isn't a corner, or a prospect, at the high school level who doesn't have areas to work or improve on. Agard isn't the perfect corner prospect but he's pretty damn close to it from a skillset perspective. The secondary at SJP will continue to wreak havoc against opposing wideouts, yet I am intrigued as to how opposing offenses attack the secondary without SEC-corner Keenan Nelson manning the other corner spot. Agard defending some of the PCL's top talents will be must-watch football in Philadelphia.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/OmillioA/status/1554180229731684354?s=20u0026t=UhTqMhpWYjR8e0dZIOkRuQ","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/OmillioA/status/1554180229731684354?s=20&amp;t=UhTqMhpWYjR8e0dZIOkRuQ </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_62f30a0cfbc5c","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["141016"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_62f30a22fbc5d","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["377028"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_62f30a39fbc5f","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["255738"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"In our piece covering the SJP 2024 offense, we spoke about how reminiscent the trio of Washington Jr, Rehmann, and Jones were of SJP's recent past. All the clips, the 7v7 plays, and the talk will be put to the side. It's time to see what this elite trio of Power Five talent is capable of. From the outside looking in, there isn't a current circumstance that could stand in the way of these three producing. They have experience, they have a potential volume passer, they will be schemed correctly. It's a matter of executing with these three. Excited to see them on the field together.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_62f30a30fbc5e","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["164520"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"The most important piece to the Championship puzzle. The pressure relies squarely on [player_tooltip player_id='164520' first='Samaj' last='Jones']' shoulders, a young man who is more than willing to carry the load. We have spoken on the potential cleats he had to fill, that conversation can be tossed out the window, Jones is here to pave his own path. Jones led this Hawk team to another title appearance as a sophomore, I'm inclined to believe we have yet to see the best version of [player_tooltip player_id='164520' first='Samaj' last='Jones']. Expect to see a more comfortable, more filled-out Jones this Fall.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_62f30a69fbc61","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["377915"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_62f30a79fbc62","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["142801"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Blaine Bunch and Josh Barlow are on their way to the next level, insert the junior duo of [player_tooltip player_id='377915' first='Kahseim' last='Phillips'] and [player_tooltip player_id='142801' first='Erik' last='Sanchez']. We were given a nice sample size to evaluate [player_tooltip player_id='377915' first='Kahseim' last='Phillips'] last Fall, here's to hoping we see that same boost in reps for [player_tooltip player_id='142801' first='Erik' last='Sanchez']. 2025 national recruit [player_tooltip player_id='386033' first='Isaiah' last='West'] will be mixed into the backfield, we can only imagine at who's cost. Either way, SJP should have a potent running attack with a duo who can provide pass-catching ability out of the backfield. The duo each received their first FBS offers this offseason, Sanchez, an offer out of Temple, and Phillips, an offer out of Akron.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Kahseimphillips/status/1524421946930311179?s=20u0026t=UhTqMhpWYjR8e0dZIOkRuQ","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Kahseimphillips/status/1524421946930311179?s=20&amp;t=UhTqMhpWYjR8e0dZIOkRuQ </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_62f30a93fbc64","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["255740"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"One of my favorite prospects, a prospect I have no problem shedding light on. This kid is un0ffered at the moment which is a bit of a head-scratcher if I'm being honest. The size is there, with Shamir standing at 6'0, weighing in at 170 pounds. Johnson's physical toolset allows him to match up well with most targets. Johnson is versatile and athletic enough to play multiple coverages, either bump and run or off/man. College coaches will check in on this kid before you know it.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_62f30aa1fbc65","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["255747"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Another unoffered prospect who, much like [player_tooltip player_id='255740' first='Shamir' last='Johnson'], received an FBS-ceiling grade from me. Tape is littered with powerful, punishing pulls that show off his quick feet for a 300-pound lineman. You see Steele flash active feet while keeping a powerful base. I want to see consistency in his senior tape. SJP has its tackle spots, center spot, and guard spot locked up with Steele in the interior.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_62f30a5ffbc60","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["256156"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_62f30a87fbc63","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["142826"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_62f30ab8fbc66","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["142803"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Enter the new kids on the block. New to SJP, hardly new to the site. The Hawks reload with transfers out of Archbishop Wood, Conwell-Egan, and Germantown Academy, adding crucial pieces to solidify their offensive line and secondary. You can make the case that both units would suffice without Towns and Willie, yet both additions keep SJP in title consideration. Towns and Willie each rank as top 50 prospects in their class, carrying FCS-floor grades.rnrnThe Hawks are hardly in need of weapons, yet you can never have enough. [player_tooltip player_id='142803' first='Taj' last='Dyches'] is an underrated addition to the program. What his early sample size will look like is up in the air, even where he will positioned isn't a given. Nonetheless, the kid intrigued me at Germantown. I hope to see the SJP staff make the most of Dyches, it could pay off in the long run.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/DavonWillie_/status/1470425938848538624?s=20u0026t=UhTqMhpWYjR8e0dZIOkRuQ","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/DavonWillie_/status/1470425938848538624?s=20&amp;t=UhTqMhpWYjR8e0dZIOkRuQ </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed -->