Loaded Rosters: Pope John
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This series will highlight they teams throughout New Jersey who are set up with rosters that deserve even more recognition. While Pope John went 4-6 in 2022, I think this team is set up to be something special in 2023.…
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Continue ReadingThis series will highlight they teams throughout New Jersey who are set up with rosters that deserve even more recognition. While Pope John went 4-6 in 2022, I think this team is set up to be something special in 2023. They were heavily loaded in underclassmen, and now their early experience will pay off this upcoming fall with all of these players returning for another year. Lastly, this is by no means an extensive list of all the talent Pope John has. This team is filled with talent, but here are five players that I believe deserve more recognition than they’ve received.
Tylik Hill Tylik Hill 5’9″ | 180 lbs | RB Pope John | 2025 State NJ is one of my favorite running backs coming out of New Jersey in 2025. A player built with all of the characteristics you’d want in a lead back, Tylik is poised to make a big impact in 2023. With 1010 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns last season, he used his quickness and agility to circumvent any dilemma the defense created. He has the ability to juke a player out of their cleats and will turn on the jets once the running lane opens up. Tylik received his first D1 offer this spring from UMass, but you can be sure other schools will be doing their homework soon. I will be catching a Pope John game this fall to watch Tylik dominate.
Charlie Mulligan
Charlie Mulligan
Charlie Mulligan played a pivotal role in Pope John’s pass game last fall. Receiving 447 yards and 3 touchdowns on the year, Charlie was a reliable target for his QB. A smaller but shifty runner, Charlie was one of the more explosive receivers on the team. As a pass catcher, he was someone that could run both deep and short routes successfully. Charlie will consistently catch the ball away from his body and understands where his body is in space any time he is near the sideline. Charlie is set for a big year as I expect Pope John’s aerial attack to really come to form in 2023.
Wes Johnston Wes Johnston 6'3" | 195 lbs | DB Pope John | 2026 NJ
Wes Johnston Wes Johnston 6'3" | 195 lbs | DB Pope John | 2026 NJ
The second receiver on this list for Pope John is Wes Johnston Wes Johnston 6’3″ | 195 lbs | DB Pope John | 2026 NJ . The taller of the two receivers, Wes has excellent size already for the next level. He is a jump ball target, and is primed to make some important end zone catches next fall. He has an explosive vertical, which allows him to catch the ball at the highest point and away from the defender. With his size, he is able to shake loose from tacklers fairly easy and break through arm tackles. A reliable receiver, I look forward to seeing Wes’ stats jump in 2023.
Joseph Walton
Joseph Walton
Joseph Walton is the defensive player that should be getting more attention from Pope John ( Chaas McCoy Chaas McCoy 5’11” | 180 lbs | DB West Orange | 2024 State NJ is the player maybe most recognized thus far from the team). A linebacker and edge rusher, Joseph was extremely explosive off the edge and initiates his movement as soon as the ball is snapped. Getting to the QB 3 times and totaling 45 tackles on the season, Joseph is able to stay low as he penetrates the O line and collapse the pocket in on the QB. He has some extremely quick moves in his arsenal, and his able to swim move the lineman, deliver a punishing punch, or straight up bull rush them to get to the quarterback. Joseph is the type of player you scheme to run away from, he is that dominant.
Chris Dietrich Chris Dietrich 6'3" | 205 lbs | QB Pope John | 2024 State NJ
Chris Dietrich Chris Dietrich 6'3" | 205 lbs | QB Pope John | 2024 State NJ
Chris Dietrich Chris Dietrich 6’3″ | 205 lbs | QB Pope John | 2024 State NJ is the leader of Pope John’s offense. As the quarterback, he threw for 11 touchdowns and 1,249 yards in 2022. Size wise, Chris is ready for the next level. He has some big time arm strength and throws the ball with a ton of velocity. He trusts his receivers and knows where they are going to be and consistently throws them open with superb timing. Mostly a pocket passer but can scramble if needed, Chris is continuing to perfect his craft this off season. With offers from Temple and Monmouth recently, don’t be surprised if more offers come soon for Chris this fall.