Preseason Preview: Providence Catholic Celtics
In this article:
We are under a month away from kickoff for the 2023 season. As the season approaches, we will be previewing some of the top programs across the state. Next up is last year’s 4A IHSA Runner Up, the Providence Celtics.…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingWe are under a month away from kickoff for the 2023 season. As the season approaches, we will be previewing some of the top programs across the state. Next up is last year’s 4A IHSA Runner Up, the Providence Celtics. The Celtics have one of the best defensive backfields in the Land of Lincoln as well as some talented athletes on offense that should be major contributors in their quest for a state title. Let’s take a deeper dive into some key starters returning for the Celtics, as well as some other prospects who are ready to step up and take on a bigger role this fall.
Hagan is an all-around athlete who burst onto the scene in his sophomore campaign. The 6’1, 180 lbs lockdown corner has tremendous athleticism and ball skills that put him in a position to create turnovers. Hagan has extremely polished technique, especially considering he’s entering his junior season. He is a smooth backpedaler with fluid hips and plays an aggressive style of football. Hagan has the speed to run with any receiver in the CCL and can move in and out of breaks swiftly to take the ball the other way or break up a pass. He is strong in press man to man, showing off his quickness and athleticism. Additionally, Hagan is an extremely poised return with vision and speed in the open field. He may even take on a bigger role on offense in his junior year. Long story short, Hagan’s stock is on the rise as one of the top players in the Class of 2025.
Offers: Akron
Mikulski is another impressive Class of 2025 defensive back for the Celtics. The 6’0, 175 lb safety impacts the game in both run defense and pass coverage. Mikulski plays an attacking style of football that allows him to read run action and get downhill in a hurry. He closes space quickly and runs through running backs and wide receivers with physicality. He has a knack for taking the football away, whether its forcing a fumble with a strip or driving on the ball for an interception. Mikulski can backpedal with urgency and transition his hips to stay on top of speed slot receivers in man coverage. In zone, Mikulski shows tremendous range by covering hash to hash to take away the middle of the field. Heading into his junior season, Mikulski’s stock is soaring.
Highlights
Gibson is a 6’2, 215 lbs tight end who showed flashes in his junior season. The 2024 stand out has plus athleticism and great speed that makes him a match up nightmare as a down tight end or when split out in the slot. He is faster than most linebackers, allowing him to beat them vertically when running up the seam or on wheel routes up the sideline. He uses his big frame when matched up against defensive backs to create separation and box them out. He has soft hands, can make contested catches, and understands where the gaps are in zone coverage to allow himself to run open. Gibson should be flying up recruiting boards as he looks to build off his successful junior campaign.
Bochenczak lit it up at defensive line in his junior season. The 6’4, 230 New Lenox product has a tremendous strength and a high motor that allows him to wreak havoc in the backfield. Bochenczak has a quick first step. He fires off the ball with urgency and gets good extension that drives offensive lineman backwards at the snap. His best move is his bull rush, as he has the length and power to knock back tackles and guards while driving his feet. He hustles to the ball, making a good amount of his plays by working secondary pass rush moves or sprinting down the line of scrimmage to chase down ball carriers. Bochenczak plays with low pad level and physicality, making him difficult to drive off the ball. Look out for Bochenczak in his senior campaign, as he should be the anchor of the Celtics’ defensive line.
Barry is a 6’4, 285 lbs offensive linemen who flew under the radar last year. Barry holds several Division II offers, as the athletic left tackle is sure to see more roll in during his senior season. Barry moves extremely while, as he fires off the ball with quickness and low pad level to drive defenders backwards. He plays with physicality and nastiness, finishing most plays with his defender on the ground. He is fluid when pulling, utilizing his moment to run through anything in his path. In pass protection, Barry kick steps with ease and uses his long arms and powerful punch to knock rushers off their path. He has good technique when recovering, as his quick feet and hands work together to protect his quarterback’s blindside. Barry is poised for a monster senior campaign.
Highlights
Olson saw time as an inside linebacker and defensive linemen in his time at Providence and projects as a defensive lineman at the next level. The 6’1, 225 lbs incoming senior plays with aggression and physicality that allows him to dominate at whatever position he plays. Defensively, Olson’s strength and power allows him to knock back offensive linemen. He is highly instinctual and plays with a high motor. He flows to the ball quickly and gives 100% effort on every play. Olson uses a powerful base and quick feet to make plays in the backfield in both the run game and when rushing the passer. On offense, he was used primarily as a blocking tight end who can seal the edge and wash down defensive linemen on the line of scrimmage. He also has a knack for blocking punts and kicks, which he did several times in his junior season. Keep an eye out for Olson, as he is sure to have a breakout senior year.
Jamari Tribett
Jamari Tribett
Tribett is a 5’7, 180 running back who had a break out junior season with the Celtics last year. He rushed for over 1,300 yards and 6 touchdown. The All-Conference RB possesses vision, balance, and power that makes him nearly impossible to tackle in the open field. He has a low center of gravity that allows him to run through arm tackles at the line of scrimmage. When Tribett reaches the second level, he displays shiftiness by putting his foot in the ground and utilizing the cut back. Once in the open field, Tribett has the speed to outrun defensive backs and take it to the house. In his senior season, Tribett should be a key piece as the lead back in Providence’s offense.