Belle Vernon 2023 Season Preview
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Under Head Coach Matt Humbert’s leadership, Belle Vernon High School returns this year as the reigning 3A PIAA state champs, looking to repeat in 2023. The Leopards had a historic run last season that included a WPIAL and AAA Interstate…
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Continue ReadingUnder Head Coach Matt Humbert’s leadership, Belle Vernon High School returns this year as the reigning 3A PIAA state champs, looking to repeat in 2023. The Leopards had a historic run last season that included a WPIAL and AAA Interstate Conference title, and a 14-2 overall record. BVA marched through the playoffs in ‘22, beating East Allegheny, Freeport, Avonworth, & Central Martinsburg before defeating the always formidable Neumann-Goretti in the championship.
The Leopards return most of their major contributors from their state run, including their All-everything prospect Quinton Martin Quinton Martin 6'3" | 200 lbs | ATH Belle Vernon Area | 2024 State PA . Besides Martin, fellow FBS product QB Braden Laux Braden Laux 6'4" | 215 lbs | ATH Belle Vernon | 2024 State PA will lead a host of returning weapons such as Jake Gedekoh Jake Gedekoh 6'0" | LB Belle Vernon | 2024 State PA , Dane Levi Dane Levi 6'3" | 280 lbs | OL Belle Vernon | 2024 State PA , Aiden Johnson Aiden Johnson 6'2" | 215 lbs | DL Belle Vernon Area | 2024 State PA , Adam Lacarte, Jake Heckel Jake Heckel 6'1" | 270 lbs | OL Belle Vernon Area | 2024 State PA , Alonzo Wade Alonzo Wade 6'2" | 190 lbs | LB Belle Vernon Area | 2025 State PA , Anthony Crews Anthony Crews 5'10" | 170 lbs | ATH Belle Vernon Area | 2025 State PA , Dylan Dewitt, Luke Bryer, Tanner Moody, and Zach Zelenski.
Quinton Martin Quinton Martin 6’3″ | 200 lbs | ATH Belle Vernon Area | 2024 State PA is a highly sought-after football recruit known for his impressive size and speed. Martin excels at multiple positions, including running back and wide receiver on offense, and cornerback, free safety, and strong safety on defense. His college-ready physique and skills have caught the attention of power 5 colleges nationwide. Ultimately, he committed to Penn State, much to the excitement of their fans. Martin’s exceptional abilities on the field, such as his explosive speed and balanced running style, make him a formidable force at running back. He’s difficult to catch once he breaks away for a long run. Additionally, his surprising talent as a wide receiver adds another dimension to his game. On the defensive side, Martin’s versatility shines, as he can adeptly play various positions in the secondary. His press man coverage skills at cornerback are next level, and he is a reliable tackler from both safety positions. His knack for interceptions and overall ball skills make him stand out as a defender. Martin is a national recruit that will be an All-American if he continues to dominate in ‘23.
The 6’4, 215 lbs FBS product is a versatile athlete that will play TE on the FBS level. Braden picked EMU over Western Kentucky, Marshall, and Maine, respectively. He joins former WPIAL North Catholic DB, Chase Arrington, from the ’22 class in the MAC.
He shows athleticism running the zone read, and he’s deceptively fast in the open field. Laux uses his mobility to buy time, scrambling to find targets downfield. His 6’4 frame and athleticism will be very helpful when playing against top-tier D1 LBs and Defensive Backs on the next level. He flashes his strength, shaking off sacks and breaking tackles when he runs the football. He has all the attributes of an effective run-blocking collegiate TE as well. Braden will be a dangerous weapon as a flex TE in must-have passing situations. Laux made his college plans known when he committed to the MAC program Eastern Michigan University last month. Martin & Laux are the Leopards’ D1 leaders, looking to make another deep playoff run.
Dane displays next level technique in various blocking maneuvers, such as down-blocking, pulling, sift blocking, and pass protection. His ability to fire off the line and use leverage allows him to overpower defensive linemen and pancake them. I must say, he exudes physicality and agility, particularly evident in his nimble pulls on film. For someone of his size, his agility is noteworthy, enabling him to reach the second level and execute blocks on linebackers. One of Dane’s qualities is his tenacity; he plays with relentless effort until the whistle blows, and he possesses an intimidating presence on the field. Levi does an adequate job anchoring down in pass protection, proving his reliability on the offensive line. Currently, he has received football offers from Division II schools, Wheeling, and Clarion.
Johnson demonstrates sound technique and pad level when playing DE, H-back, or TE positions. Defensively, he launches with a low stance, showcasing impressive strength that surprises offensive blockers at the point of attack. His combination of agility and a strong motor allows him to redirect effectively in the run game. He applies pressure on the quarterback and disrupts passing lanes by swatting down passes. I like how he performs as a blocking TE, where his aggressive nature and low pad level make him a force to be reckoned with. Watching the film, I noticed numerous instances where he was the key blocker, catapulting his highly talented RB, Quinton Martin Quinton Martin 6’3″ | 200 lbs | ATH Belle Vernon Area | 2024 State PA , on long runs. His tenacity extends to finishing his blocking assignments at TE. Aiden displays glimpses of his ability to catch and run effectively in that position. Given his skills and versatility, he will undoubtedly be an asset on special teams at the collegiate level as well. Currently, he holds one D2 football scholarship from PSAC Clarion.
Adam LaCarte
Adam LaCarte
Adam is a solid college prospect at safety, that finds a way to disrupt plays. His sharp football IQ helps him read and react swiftly on the backend. He possesses a controlled tempo and a favorable pad level during his backpedal. Adam’s crisp route recognition aids him well in analyzing plays. He’s very rangy in the deep middle and does a good job making plays on the sideline in man-free. Lacarte has precise footwork as a DB and does a good job of not stepping outside of his body frame on breaks. He aggressively runs the alley and is a reliable, physical tackler overall. His ball skills are evident on his INTs, catching the ball away from his body at the highest point. Adam has a lot of athleticism and is capable of returning his INTs all the way for scores. He’s very scrappy, which will be beneficial on special teams on the next level. His senior leadership and game experience will be big weapons for the Leopards this season.
Wade is a 2-sport standout that displays a lot of promise on the gridiron. His hip movements and zone drops are fluid as a nickel/OLB. He’s athletic with ball skills and able to pick passes in zone or man coverage. Wade plays off of blocks well and typically doesn’t allow plays to spill outside of him in the flat area. He’s a solid open-field tackler that displays good technique in general. He plays with a low pad level and triggers fast once he reads a play. His basketball ability translates well to the OLB position, providing Wade with fluid mobility and agility. He’s able to beat blockers with speed or physicality at the point of attack. I especially liked Wade’s aggressiveness running down on kickoff coverage as well. Alonzo is only going to be a Junior, and I, for one, am excited to see his progress in his two final seasons.
Crews is a tough, pound-for-pound athlete that plays bigger than his size. He has notable stop-and-go speed, mixed with balance when he carries the rock. His vision and short-area quickness make him nearly impossible to be brought down by just one tackler. Anthony has the speed to hit the corner and wheel off a long TD run at any time. He maintains strength and balance when running either inside or outside of the tackles. Not only does Anthony have a knack for breaking tackles, but he’s also very elusive in general.
On defense, he displays the ability to play press man coverage at CB. He’s fast and competitive with man coverage skills. He showed the ability to maintain top positioning on deep passes on an interception he had on his film. Crews is a physical CB who looks like he enjoys assisting in run support as well. His skillset tells me that multiple special teams positions, particularly kick returning, could be in his future.
Heckel is another O-Line prospect that Belle Vernon will look to for senior leadership. Jake is a brute and regularly asserts his physicality on the field. He’s adept at down-blocking, sift blocking, reach blocking, and driving DL straight back out of the box. He plays with a nasty disposition and goes until the whistle blows. Jake’s strength is substantial, and when he gets his weight behind his blocks, he pancakes opponents. His punch and footwork are adequate in pass protection. He gives a good effort overall and is capable of getting blocks on LBs. Heckel has valuable game experience and has been a major contributor to Belle Vernon’s offensive success.
Dylan Dewitt
Dylan Dewitt
Dylan is another stout trenchman Coach Matt Humbert has at his disposal at Belle Vernon. Dewitt is a solid OL that excels at pulling, down, and drive blocking at OG. He’s an adequate pass protector that has the footwork and strength needed to be effective. He’s agile at 6’0, 240 lbs and displays the ability to block athletic LBs on film. Dylan plays with good effort and physicality overall on both sides of the ball. His agility serves him well playing DL on the interior line. Dewitt fires out low at DT and packs a punch when he collides with opponents. His game experience and production will allow Belle Vernon to make another deep run in 2023.
Luke Bryer
Luke Bryer
Luke is a tough and gritty player that leaves it all on the field. Bryer is skilled at firing out low with aggressive hand violence when he’s playing on the DL. His low pad level allows him to have strength engaging and disengaging OL on defense. He plays off of blockers well and has a solid motor in pursuit of the ball carrier. He’s mobile and redirects well, moving down the line of scrimmage in run support.
On offense, the power generated from having a low pad level allows him to excel as an OL. Bryer is very skilled at pulling, drive blocking, and fulfilling his assignments on inside runs, in general. He’s a stout pass protector who gives maximum effort overall consistently. Like the rest of the Leopard OL, Luke plays with a nasty attitude. Luke has been on the radar for various D3 programs so far.
Tanner Moody
Tanner Moody
Tanner will provide depth and veteran leadership this season on defense. The first thing I noticed about Tanner on film is his sideline-to-sideline effort. He plays with a low pad level and disengages blockers well in pursuit. Moody displays a lot of agility moving laterally, tracking the ball carrier. He’s a reliable tackler that plays with good physicality and tempo at LB. He does a great job of zone dropping to the body of the WR before coming up to make tackles in the flat area. Moody has all the right attributes to excel on special teams. Tanner has been receiving a lot of attention from Marietta College on the recruiting front.
Zach Zelenski
Zach Zelenski
Zach has been a very reliable performer for Belle Vernon. The senior Fullback/H-back is the catalyst for a lot of big runs. All Quinton Martin Quinton Martin 6’3″ | 200 lbs | ATH Belle Vernon Area | 2024 State PA needs is a small space to break free, and Zelenski is the pathfinder. Zach is a relentless lead blocker that usually springs a big gain. He plays with a low pad level and does a great job of running his feet upon contact. Zach is a solid lead blocker on inside or outside rushing plays. He’s also a very adequate personal pass protector.
Zach is getting heavy interest from programs such as Washington & Jefferson, Saint Vincent College, and Kenyon College, respectively.