2022 Season Preview: Bishop McDevitt Crusaders

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An incredible blend of youth, talent, and potential blessed the 2021 Bishop McDevitt team. The Crusaders ended up losing their first and last games of the season, coming up short against the Aliquippa team that was seemingly destined to win a State Title last Fall. One score decided the contest, one score also decided the previous two playoff matchups against Lampeter-Strasburg and Bishop Shanahan. The 2021 Crusaders were steamrolling competition on their way to 12 straight victories after their Week One loss to LaSalle College HS. The 12-game span provided a glimpse of what this team was capable of both offensively and defensively, shutting out opponents on six different occasions while scoring more than 49 points in nine of said 12 games. Kamil Foster and Mario Easterly were huge pieces to the pie, losing both to the next level will admittedly cause a shake-up in both system reps and of course the depth charts. Yet I am positive the Crusaders won't miss a beat on offense, boasting five top 50 prospects on offense amongst three classes. The same can be said about the defense, bringing back veterans like [player_tooltip player_id='92679' first='Riley' last='Robell'], [player_tooltip player_id='66047' first='Kade' last='Werner'], and [player_tooltip player_id='127244' first='Jaire' last='Rawlison']. With this coaching staff and roster, the pinnacle can be reached. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Departures: Mario Easterly, Kamil Foster, Ryan Russo</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_62f12bc83240e","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["27732"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"There isn't a more polished, college-ready running back in the state than Bishop McDevitt's [player_tooltip player_id='27732' first='Marquese' last='Williams']. The man has left his mark in seasons past, this Fall will be different. Williams's career at Bishop McDevitt needs a cherry on top, the 2022 Fall season will serve as such. What's even more special, he's got a reason to give it his all. The 2022 Crusader roster is to the brim with talent, yet you can make the case that no piece to the offensive puzzle is more vital than the Gopher-commit. Look for Williams to eclipse his staggering 2021 numbers this Fall.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/QueseWilliams26/status/1538363987334676480?s=20u0026t=oibs7S1sTRMfJwfhMf2hOA","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/QueseWilliams26/status/1538363987334676480?s=20&amp;t=oibs7S1sTRMfJwfhMf2hOA </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_62f12c243240f","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["27745"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Hard to come across Title contenders who don't have that absolute juggernaut in the trenches. [player_tooltip player_id='27745' first='Gabriel' last='Arena'], the Virginia Tech Hokie, serves as Bishop McDevitt's anchor at offensive line. The entire offense has Arena and the rest of the offensive line to thank for much of their incredible production throughout the years. The case will more than likely be the same this Fall. Arena's name is a staple in conversations that speak on elite linemen play.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_62f12c3a32410","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["92679"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Congrats are in order for McDevitt's [player_tooltip player_id='92679' first='Riley' last='Robell'], as the senior linemen recently announced his commitment to James Madison University! An absolute steal of a commitment for the JMU program. Robell, who saw his stock fly through the roof after his impressive junior campaign, had multiple opportunities to play at various levels. Ivy League's were hot on his trail, high-end D2s, as well as Group of Five programs like Bowling Green and Western Michigan, clamored for position. Robell found his home. From everything I've heard of the kid, he's going to give all he has on the field in hopes of bringing home a State title.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_62f12c4532411","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["140027"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Safe to say that having two elite backs in the backfield is a luxury many can't afford at this level. Bowers is the pressure alleviator on offense. If Williams is out of the game, the running game won't lose a step with Bowers toting the rock. If the passing game is struggling, rely on the tandem of Williams and Bowers. If the offensive line misses a block/assignment, Bowers is special enough to make up for it. Bowers acts as the wild card of this offense, a prospect whose role and production could expand even further. There is no ceiling too high for this kid. Excited to see what McDevitt has planned for this young man.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_62f12c5832412","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["66047"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"I have mentioned before how under-recruited I feel Werner is. Recruitment aside, I'm excited to see this kid unleash on ball carriers this Fall. The 80 total tackles, that number is going up, 11.5 TFLs, that's going up. Werner takes his offseason work seriously, I have no doubt in my mind he's worked hard to improve his technique at linebacker. Everything will come to light this Fall, I wouldn't want to be in the way of this kid.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/KadeWerner/status/1478906096731443208?s=20u0026t=oibs7S1sTRMfJwfhMf2hOA","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/KadeWerner/status/1478906096731443208?s=20&amp;t=oibs7S1sTRMfJwfhMf2hOA </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_62f12c6432413","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["357952"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"A ton of schools believe they boast the best secondary in the state. There are many outstanding groups, not sure how many are better than the group at Bishop McDevitt, beginning with senior [player_tooltip player_id='357952' first='Tyshawn' last='Russell']. Name something college coaches love more than a DB 6-foot or taller? Russell's recent offer out of Central Michigan and Maine should have him boosted into the top 75, top 100 at least. Russell will act as the veteran amongst a young but talented DB group that is ready to blossom.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_62f12c7232414","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["27750"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='27750' first='Kameron' last='Zaengle'] is the seventh prospect on this list yet we aren't even into the top 200 yet. Goes to show just how special this roster is. Zaengle acts as the second piece to the puzzle when putting together this offense. An un-offered gem waiting for a staff to pull the trigger, Zaengle flaunts some of the best IOL reps you can find in Central Pennsylvania. Zaengle's tape earned him a G5 grade out of me. Zaengle and Arena are expected to bully kids this Fall.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_62f12c8d32415","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["140018"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Another un-offered senior who will lead a new-look receiving core. Love Penn's ability to move while carrying his 6'3, 190-pound frame. He can glide in the open field. A stellar start to the season should bring coaching staffs closer to pulling the trigger. I'd feel comfortable offering so long as he contributes to this offense alongside [player_tooltip player_id='255045' first='Rico' last='Scott'].","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_62f12ca732417","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["255045"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Anyone evaluating Pennsylvania football is ready to see [player_tooltip player_id='255045' first='Rico' last='Scott'] unleashed to the nation. Scott's incredible recruiting run has skyrocketed his stock into the top 10 of a loaded 2024 class. I can see a top five rank in this kid's future, we were close to it. Easterly and Foster accounted for almost 150 receiving yards per game last Fall. With those two studs out of the equation, expect [player_tooltip player_id='255045' first='Rico' last='Scott'] to eat this Fall.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_62f12cb032418","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["127244"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Who has the biggest chip on his shoulder in Pennsylvania? [player_tooltip player_id='127244' first='Jaire' last='Rawlison'] will be my answer every single time. I'm willing to stand on my Power Five grade for this kid. I have yet to see a matchup or a situation that Rawlison isn't up for. There isn't a prospect I am more excited to see this Fall. Let's put all of the noise and excuses aside, this kid is going to strap up and provide elite DB play this Fall. Excited to see it all unfold.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/OfficialJaire/status/1555007368139784192?s=20u0026t=oibs7S1sTRMfJwfhMf2hOA","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/OfficialJaire/status/1555007368139784192?s=20&amp;t=oibs7S1sTRMfJwfhMf2hOA </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_62f12cbc32419","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["259534"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"The rich get richer. Another one of my favorite prospects announced his transfer to Bishop McDevitt recently. Formerly out of Warwick, [player_tooltip player_id='259534' first='Nick' last='Slogik'] will now suit up alongside [player_tooltip player_id='92679' first='Riley' last='Robell'] and rush the passer for the Crusaders this Fall. We have yet to see the best [player_tooltip player_id='259534' first='Nick' last='Slogik'], which is saying something considering his outstanding sophomore tape. He will be in prime position to race Robell as the team's sack leader. We would also like to congratulate Slogik on his recent commitment to Pittsburgh Baseball!","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_62f12cc93241a","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["255044"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Listed as a DB, yet [player_tooltip player_id='255044' first='Nevan' last='Hopkins'] will more than likely contribute at wideout as well. Much like [player_tooltip player_id='140027' first='Cyncir' last='Bowers'] on offense, [player_tooltip player_id='255044' first='Nevan' last='Hopkins'] will provide flexibility and relief for the coaching staff in terms of both rep splits and alignment. A lot like [player_tooltip player_id='259534' first='Nick' last='Slogik'], I think we have yet to see the best version of Hopkins, who received a debut Division 1 grade out of me.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_62f12cd53241b","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["91629"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","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_62f12ce13241c","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["377351"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='91629' first='Ty' last='Kephart'] is a perfect fit to the defense. Here's a kid who can provide real run support as an in-the-box safety/LB, but can even diagnose some passing concepts on the fly. Kephart toes the line between LB and S, balancing out both parts of the defense. Kephart can come down and clog lanes with Werner, while also providing security in terms of a last resort when in the secondary. Kephart will allow the DBs to play with athleticism.rnrn[player_tooltip player_id='377351' first='Chase' last='Regan'] might be one of the more underrated pieces to the defense. Development throughout the offseason will come to light.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_62f12cfb3241d","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["154352"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","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_62f12d073241e","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["386132"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","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_62f12d143241f","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["386324"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"We will always remember [player_tooltip player_id='154352' first='Stone' last='Saunders']' historic freshman season at McDevitt, there isn't much to be said about the young man that hasn't already been said. Can he replicate his statistical performance from last Fall? The answer is yes, of course. Does he have to? No. Does Saunders have areas of his game that need improvement? Of course. Somehow, one of the more prolific freshman passers in the state's history gets questioned far too often. One thing's for certain, Bishop McDevitt can win a State Title with this kid at the helm. What's exciting is to think of his potential improvements. There is no gradable ceiling for Saunders at this time, the state's top-ranked quarterback will have coaching staffs across the nation watching.rnrnTwo new names to keep an eye out for are [player_tooltip player_id='386132' first='Wanieq' last='Scott'] and [player_tooltip player_id='386324' first='Lucas' last='Lawler']. We can project and say both of these prospects have bright futures ahead of them at BMD. I'm more interested in seeing how they can contribute to the goal of a 2022 State Title. The roster is loaded, yet both Scott and Lawler could surprise some and earn real tick this Fall. Both ranks are preliminary.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_62f12d1f32420","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":"","_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","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_62f12c9832416","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":"","_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","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"} /-->