Detailing the Promising Future of Two Philadelphia Powerhouses
Want to preface this piece by first reiterating the purpose of this post. I want to solely highlight some of the lesser-known names in the state, primarily underclassmen, those of which I saw participate in the JV game between the…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingWant to preface this piece by first reiterating the purpose of this post. I want to solely highlight some of the lesser-known names in the state, primarily underclassmen, those of which I saw participate in the JV game between the two a couple of weeks back. Being at Imhotep and SJP, all prospects understand that their work means nothing if their grades are not in check. Many of these prospects could be in vastly different situations months from now, am I in no way stamping these prospects in any fashion. That being said, check out some of the new names working under the great coaching umbrellas that are St. Joseph’s Prep and Imhotep Charter.
Imhotep Charter
Watching SJP and Tep JV teams square off stood as the second occurrence of me seeing Joe McLeish live. I was impressed in Week Zero against Life Christian, consider me impressed once again after seeing him work against elite 2026-2027 SJP prospects, this matchup being more daunting than the LCA game. More than willing to attack SJP DBs downfield, clearly confident in his arm strength and downfield accuracy, although he was off on many attempts. Still like that he’s willing to attack and be aggressive. Was accurate and on time under 15 yards, hitting outs with varsity-level power, hitting hitches with varsity-level accuracy. McLeish was on the move as usual, his duality on the field will likely always be a factor defenses have to account for. SJP did a good job containing him outside of some early runs. Poised beyond his years, although the young man could have played better, his demeanor hardly faltered throughout the game.
Poise, confidence, mental make-up, much more substance can be had when evaluating young prospects in these areas, as opposed to how many TDs, INTs one might throw. I can move forward trusting my evaluation, this kid is the real deal. We’ll see how he develops moving forward.
Was the best offensive weapon on either side of the ball. Jamir Rowe did his thing on SJP’s side, but Kareem Haqq was separating consistently against great LBs when crossing the field, or against elite DBs when attacking vertically. This will likely be a must-feed type of wideout, one that will demand coverage rotation toward. Haqq caught 5-6 balls in this one, doing damage under 15 yards and working well after the catch. Flashed separation skills both straight-line and laterally, sprung open a few times downfield but was missed. Fabulous flexibility and twitch, the kid is electric. Going to rank high based on what I’ve seen in person, as well as what little I’ve seen on tape.
Hudl gives you a glimpse of what he’s done in Varsity reps against Gratz and Ben Franklin. Will be a featured name next Fall.
Highlights
I remember Zaire Pollard grabbing my attention at the Imhotep Showcase back in May. Was surprised to find out he was a 2026 at the time. Big kid to the brim with potential. Was called upon to block and run some hitches for McLeish, his potential as a red-zone eater fascinates me more than anything I saw in person. Haqq and Pollard will have to wait their turn, but you can see the drastic sides of the wide receiver spectrum being deployed here by Imhotep. McLeish will likely have a 6’2.5 wideout capable of serving as a big target inside 15 yards, as well as Haqq, who can serve as an all-around threat. The Imhotep machine is going to pump out weapons left and right, Pollard is going to have to continue working on his craft in order for him to become a promising starter as an upperclassman next Fall.
I’d bet that Jesse Moody will keep his high status throughout the remainder of his career at Imhotep. Already ranked as a top lineman in the state, Moody currently holds six Power Five offers, with the likes of Oregon and Georgia being among the suitors. The book on Moody is still being written, with the current chapter conveying just how far out he is from cementing his place among Imhotep greats. In the weight room, viewing Moody from a technical standpoint, there’s a lot left to be worked on. Thankfully for Moody, he’s being coached and trained by men who have a fantastic track record grooming and developing offensive linemen. Moody will likely follow suit. Moody’s rank likely won’t change, as he is still a lineman with a ridiculously high ceiling, both on and off the field.
Ronell Word is the 2027 back whose name you should stash out of the Imhotep RB stable. Sy’eer Coleman will likely be the star of the show for years to come, but we can’t turn a blind eye to this kid. Will likely duo with Coleman years from now, with both Word and Coleman carving up defense from any alignment. Word is athletic enough to be molded to serve any role Imhotep desires. Misdirection sets, split out at wideout, screen game opportunities, expect to see Word work in these areas next Fall, while also seeing carries in the backfield.
The coaching staff raves about this young man. He’s touted as potentially being the replacement for Pitt-commit Jahsear Whittington. Can’t give a bigger compliment. Whether or not he reaches that level isn’t something we’ll dive into here, as the JV matchup against SJP was the first time I learned of the young man. 6’3, 315, still a freshman. Was tossing kids left and right in some reps viewed in person. Powell will be heading into a crucial off-season that could shape early recruitment status. We’ll see whether ‘Tep wants Powell to slim down or not, we’ll see whether Powell makes advances toward broadening his technique at IDL. I’ll reiterate what I said about Moody with Powell, this kid might not be in a better situation, Imhotep knows how to turn raw ingredients into a feast. Is an early offer candidate.
- t
- 6’5, 260
- IDL capable
It’s tough to see the big men working live. Usually going back and watching tape helps highlight just how well an interior lineman played. Tough to see through traffic. That being said, no SJP or Tep lineman caught my eye more than Alvin Carlos Yates, a massive presence in the trenches aligned next to Powel quite often. Thinking about Powell and ACY manning the middle of the defensive line after Whittington has moved on, with Zahir Mathis coming off the edge, is simply unfair to think about. I’d imagine the Imhotep coaching staff explores two-way capabilities with Yates, as his build is a shoo-in for tackle responsibilities. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him working both IDL and OG/OT in the future. Again, like Powell and Moody, this young man has a crucial off-season full of work in front of him.
We’ve gotten this far and still haven’t mentioned arguably the best prospect in the entire class, that being 2027 Linebacker Zykee Scott. Not many superlatives out there that wouldn’t fit to describe this kid. Playing varsity, learning, and gaining experience alongside some of the best talents Philly has seen in some years, those being Mathis, Whittington, and Woseley Jr. Alongside these names is a freshman who is blooming right before our eyes. Recently released a 5-minute season tape that fully encompasses why I like him as the best LB in his class. Scott’s play in space is the first thing to catch my eye when turning on the tape. Whether it be chasing down ball carriers 20+ yards away from his pre-snap alignment, whether it be covering wheels, curls, outs, or seam benders from his LB position, this kid makes it known early just how athletic a backer he truly is. 6’1, 190, the type of athlete that would start at RB/WR/DB in any other program. Can’t speak enough about how his IQ and awareness jump out on tape. You don’t see freshmen looking this seasoned this early. Hardly a false step to be found, plays the run first, takes phenomenal angles when dropping into his zone. Can serve as a blitzer, understands how to pace himself when doing so. This kid is everything we thought he’d be. Can’t wait to see how he grows moving forward.
Highlights
Ahyan Smith had a few promising reps while I was in attendance. He’s a name I’ll stash for the future. Liked his frame, caught an interception in this one, had a few plugs against the run too. I’m interested in seeing if he can carve out a future role at LB next Fall. I don’t know much about the young man but like I said above, I’ll be sure to keep his name on our ranks moving forward.
Imhotep has a fun project on their hands with Charles Belser. Can play quarterback at the varsity level on other programs, yet he’s caught between Mikal Davis and Joey McLeish, two overtly talented prospects. Belser is talented in his own right, but Imhotep might be exploring how to get the most out of him if McLeish is the next man under center. Belser is getting varsity reps at QB, in what I’m assuming is garbage time against some Pub teams. Belser is also getting reps at OLB as well as on special teams. In the game I attended against SJP, Belser was stationed primarily at OLB, where he dwarfed opposing wideouts and running backs. I applaud the Imhotep coaching staff for finding a way to implement this 6’2-6’3 talent. He and Smith looked good in tandem against SJP. Belser’s name likely won’t be buried any time soon. Tight end could be an option as well, as I saw Belser reel in a catch here or there in the JV matchup.
Here’s another completely new name I came away impressed with. Malik Drayton, stationed primarily at CB, flirted a bit with safety alignment when I saw him in person. A ton of really promising reps, both in run support as well as in pass coverage. Opposing SJP QBs couldn’t target guys downfield too often, largely in part due to Drayton’s abilities outside. Handsy, annoying, great at the catch point too. Had a good PBU in the endzone when targetted against. Had a few reps containing/sealing off the edge from his CB spot. Could be a name on offense if need be, watching him navigate the secondary, I’d imagine he could work as a two-way weapon.
Highlights
Willie Norris has a first-four out, one that will likely impress coaches. Norris is a cut above Nealy and Drayton in terms of experience, with Nealy and Drayton being true freshmen. Norris has seen tick on varsity, learning and watching how Woseley and Locks work against real competition. Norris doesn’t exhibit the long/tall builds that Locks and Woseley show off, Norris lands on the smaller, more typical corner build, as corners built like Locks and Woseley are truly outliers. Right now, Norris starts at safety and is often the man left up high in single-safety sets. Right place in the right time kind of safety, this allows him to be in prime position to reel in interceptions, he has multiple on record so far and is looking to add more before the season ends. There are a ton of leaders on the defensive unit, yet Norris isn’t scared to be vocal and call out what he sees from his position. had a viral interception early in the season, one that shows off what he’s capable of when ranging to the numbers from his safety spot. RBs, DL, and DBs, Imhotep’s track record of developing these positions is unmatched in the Pub, pretty much in the entire state if I’m being honest.
Eisa Nealy caught an interception off of SJP while I was in attendance. I personally like the kid at wideout, which may or may not be his primary position when elevated to varsity ball. Doesn’t matter at this stage in his career. Nealy would get ahead of the ball if he could gain the trust of his coaches to work both sides of the football evenly. Whether that be both WR/DB responsibilities, the more the kid can add to his name the better. Nealy almost came away with a second interception a couple of Mondays back. Excited to see him blossom as a potential two-way player. Also excited to see how his body develops, knowing that might hold the secret as to which position is best. Either way, he’s a name I’ll stash.
Highlights
St. Joseph’s Prep
I’m going to save the Alexander Haskell evaluation for a later date, as he is playing varsity ball and making upperclassmen look silly. This piece is mainly focusing on kids I saw work in the JV game against Imhotep. Ranked as the top 2027 DL in the preseason, I doubt that’s going to change, especially after I peeked into the young man’s mid-season tape. He’s special. I’ll write him up when I review SJP’s 2023 season in full.
Pleased with Jayson Nitz’s progress so far. Has some varsity cut-ups on tape, showing off some TFLs and run-support reps from his OLB/DE alignment. From what I can tell, SJP is exploring standing Nitz up and working him with his hand off the dirt, while also mixing in traditional EDGE/DE alignments as well. The majority of Nitz’s reps come with the B’s in the game, yet he still faces better competition than most in this scenario. Got a chance to see him work at DE live, with SJP having the front four run a ton of inside-out stunts. Nitz and company are nimble and athletic enough to do this well. I already like his height/weight combination. So long as he turns some baby fat into muscle, he’s going to fit well in the future SJP front-seven, whether it be at backer or DE.
Highlights
Not entirely sure if John Boggs was suited up in the JV game. I believe he wears 52, but might’ve been 54 or 44 in the game against Imhotep. Whether or not he was, this is yet another LB name you should stash if you’re recruiting SJP underclassmen. Similar build to the previously mentioned Jayson Nitz, yet Boggs is more of your traditional MLB. Some reps on tape come in relief of the varsity starters. Looks like a phenomenal blitzer and gap-plugger. I just don’t know enough about Boggs yet, despite what I’ve seen on tape and at camps. Would love to see him in pads before the season ends.
Seeing Louie Amiano react to the football, react to holes being opened in front of him before they have actually opened, I now understand why he’s seeing early recruiting traction in the form of scholarship offers. Zero hesitation when keying run plays in the backfield. Awesome closing speed. Has some reps where he stationed and played the pass. He’s got a ton to work on in this area, as every underclassman backer does in the state. His top-five LB ranking is solidified after watching him work behind the SJP front four.
Hell of a first impression made by Masiia Acrey. In a game full of elite talent, not one prospect impressed me more than Masiia Acrey. I’ve got a feeling that Acrey is going to be a household name in the entire state in due time. Ranked as the top RB in the state before the season, Acrey will likely serve as the top-ranked ATH or DB once the pre-season rankings are released. I’ve come to this conclusion after seeing him live, as well as factoring in his punt/kick return abilities on varsity. Exemplary corner play, was the only answer for Kareem Haqq, but Tep did a good job avoiding Acrey’s alignment. As athletic as anyone on the field, I witnessed Acrey sky with Pollard/Belser, prospects who each stand over 6’2-6’3, and come away with PBUs. He can match speed, both straight-line and lateral. He can match physicality, has juice and energy that mirrors a linebackers. This is all without seeing him play RB much. SJP has their next blue chip prospect, with Acrey being the state’s top overall ATH.
Played safety during the game I attended, one that can sneak into the box and help out in run support. Is also seen playing safety in relief reps on varsity. Boasts one of the better builds out of any of the young men listed in this article. Weight distributed well, I can foresee a future where Lockley moves into the front-seven, possibly as an OLB. I can see why the staff might see that as a harness to his game, after I saw Lockley range to intercept an Imhotep pass near the sideline in the JV game. The OLB position might not have him in these situations. Having Lockley double as a two-factor defender might be the way to maximize this kid’s abilities. Fearless in run support, can be rotated in the box, plug holes between the tackles, while also running to the flats to help clean up tackles. I don’t foresee a future where Lockley is out of our top 25.
Highlights
I’ve seen enough out of Simaj Hill to stamp him in the form of a boost in ranking. I remember first hearing about Hill, as he walked up to our camp and showed out against upperclassmen from across the state. I then stashed his name, waiting to see more via any varsity clips or live action after attending a game. That time came, and no other prospect outside of Haqq and Acrey impressed me more. Straps time and time again. Acrey, Nealy, and Drayton all fall on the smaller end of the DB spectrum, whereas Simaj Hill lands on the long-limbed, taller form of the DB side of the spectrum, one college coaches covet. Watching Hill in relief of the A-team on varsity, watching him make things difficult for Imhotep to connect deep, I can see why there’s so much hype around the kid’s name. He trusts his own game, I had a chance to see his patience early in reps, his ability to stay square until the last second before flipping his hips, limiting the distance between he and the wideout’s hip. Much of Hill’s quality reps came when being targeted on nine routes, would love to get tape on him working with the ball in front of him, how he breaks on the ball, how his feet move, etc. Will see a rankings boost.
Highlights
Flaherty is another DB who played well in this one, caught a pick too. I’m unfamiliar with his game, no tape to watch or break down. He’s a name I’ll stash moving forward.
Another SJP kid on our WL. Came to one of our camps, not entirely sure on if he was in the JV game against Tep. A corner whose name I’ll keep in my back pocket. Chimuco Jr. doesn’t have much tape to work off of yet either. I’ll keep an eye out.
Highlights
Was nice seeing Charlie Foulke in pads for the first time. Foulke, like many on this list, was a camp name to stash for so long. Finally seeing him work after an off-season molded by the SJP coaching staff was worth the trip. Foulke split time with Junior Tre Henning, so the young man attempted to make the most of any opportunities given. Foulke opened up scoring with a beauty of a pass that Jamir Rowe caught. That pitch and catch can be seen below. Foulke would later throw an interception to Nealy, yet I stress this again, I’m not interested in the box score. Is Foulke learning, is he receiving coaching well, how confident does he look out there. I’m confident that all chinks in Foulke’s game will be ironed out through a ton of in-house work. For now, I’m more concerned about whether or not Foulke can operate an offense against equally talented prospects. I think I can come away with the performance relatively pleased. Excited to see him again in the near future.
Great hand-fighter, does a good job steering and getting his backside in the hole. Undersized for what you’d imagine a left tackle to stand at, yet I came away impressed with his game against Imhotep. Worked against much larger IDL. Working against taller IDL helped with leverage use. Shot his hands well, moved well too. If you’re going to play the position at a lighter weight(240) then you’re going to need to come out of your stance in a flash relative to the 270+ pound kids. Sean Molley had ample opportunities to show off his run-blocking prowess, handled LB well too. Didn’t get to see much of his in pass-protection. Could be a useful piece to the puzzle down the line.
Highlights
Chinonso Madu Chinonso Madu OL St. Joseph's Prep | 2026 State PA
Chinonso Madu Chinonso Madu OL St. Joseph's Prep | 2026 State PA
Another SJP lineman prospect who, much like Sean Molley, is considered undersized for the position. Both Molley (right tackle) and Chi Madu (left tackle) were tasked with handling defenders who both out-weigh and out-height them. Thanks to coaching and trusting their technique, each came away with performances they could build on. Madu is listed at 6’1, 225 but looks to be slightly bigger than that from what I can tell at field level. Again, whether or not these two see the field in the near future, SJP is doing what it can to get the most out of these young 2026 prospects. Madu matching up against some of the future Tep starters should help sharpen his skillset. Madu and Solley figure to be kicked inside in the future.