Starting Lineup: The best team in Berks
Kaleb Brown
Wilson QB/CB/P 6-0, 180 Sr.
Looking back: Threw for 1,429 yards, 23 TDs and led Berks in passing efficiency as a junior; earned secondteam All-Berks honors.
Looking ahead: Will see more time in defensive secondary, a spot he’s likely to play in college.
Talking about Brown:
“Throws a good ball but is electric when he takes off and runs. That athletic ability is why FCS coaches are interested in him in the secondary.” — Ross Tucker, GoBigRecruiting.com
Nick Singleton
Gov. Mifflin FB/S 6-0, 205 Jr. Looking back: Earned AllState honors after leading Berks with 1,690 rushing yards and a program-record 32 TDs.
Looking ahead: Has more than two dozen big-time college offers from the likes of Penn State, Ohio State, Michigan, Notre Dame, Southern Cal, Arizona State, etc.
Talking about Singleton:
“Made a name for himself on the combine circuit following his freshman season, then went out on the field and proved he’s a Division I player.” — Ross Tucker, GoBigRecruiting.com
Darren Brunner
Wyomissing SE/LB 6-0, 192 Sr.
Looking back: All-league pick on both sides of the ball for District 3 Class 3A champs. Averaged 17.6 yards per catch, had 42 tackles, two interceptions and two sacks.
Looking ahead: Dropped his time in the 40 dramatically over past year; getting Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference and some FCS looks.
Talking about Brunner:
“He can catch the ball as well as anybody we’ve ever had. He’s the real deal.” — Spartans coach Bob Wolfrum
Cam’Ron Stewart
Gov. Mifflin TE/DE 6-5, 240 Sr.
Looking back: Berks Defensive Lineman of the Year recorded 50 tackles, 13 for loss, with seven sacks and nine tipped passes. Averaged 17.3 yards on teamleading 16 receptions.
Looking ahead: Has committed to play at Rutgers.
Talking about Stewart:
“Rare combination of size and speed; almost unblockable when he wants to be. Tremendous upside as a defensive lineman (in college).” — Ross Tucker, GoBigRecruiting.com
Christian Cacchione
Berks Catholic RB/WR/FS 5-11, 175 Jr.
Looking back: All-league defensive back had 84 tackles, two interceptions and two fumble recoveries; led team with 16 receptions.
Looking ahead: Third-year starter will continue to be linchpin in the secondary; will move into the backfield, where he’ll get more touches on offense.
Talking about Cacchione:
“Christian has special ability to make people miss in the open field. His big-play ability will make him a threat any time he touches the ball.” — Saints coach Rick Keeley
J.R. Strauss
Exeter TE/RB/LB 6-2, 210 Jr. Looking back: Emerged as a big hitter as a sophomore and averaged nearly 6 yards per carry.
Looking ahead: Has offers from Bowling Green, Buffalo, Central Michigan and Massachusetts; interest from Boston College, Penn State, Syracuse and West Virginia.
Talking about Strauss:
“Dynamic with the ball in his hands. Projects to be the type of run-and-hit linebacker who excels in coverage that colleges are looking for.” — Ross Tucker, GoBigRecruiting.com
Troy Corson
Wilson WR/S/KR 5-7, 165 Sr.
Looking back: Led team with 28 receptions and scored five TDs as a junior; averaged 36.5 yards on four kickoff returns. Made 40 tackles and one interception.
Looking ahead: Rare fouryear Wilson starter getting PSAC and Division III looks as a slot receiver and special teams player.
Talking about Corson:
“He makes the calls (in the secondary) and can tell everyone what they’re doing. That’s one person you don’t have to worry is going to do it right.” — Bulldogs coach Doug Dahms
Brandon Strausser
Gov. Mifflin FB/LB 6-0, 207 Sr. Looking back: Section 1 Linebacker of the Year led team in tackles for second straight season, with 87, eight for loss, and five sacks. Averaged 8.7 yards per carry with eight TDs. Looking ahead: Has offer from St. Francis; other FCS schools are watching.
Talking about Strausser:
“Keys and diagnoses from his linebacker position very well. Shows tremendous burst to run through the ballcarrier.” — Ross Tucker, GoBigRecruiting.com
Gavin McCusker
Exeter
QB/S 6-2, 185 Sr.
Looking back: Set program records with 2,035 passing yards and 24 TD throws as a junior.
Looking ahead: Has chance to become program’s career passing leader while drawing FCS looks.
Talking about McCusker:
“Latest in impressive recent history of Exeter quarterbacks. Receiving FCS interest because of his combination of smarts, accuracy, mobility and willingness to put the ball into tight windows.” — Ross Tucker, GoBigRecruiting.com
Amory Thompson
Wyomissing HB/CB 6-0, 175 Jr. Looking back: Proved to be a shutdown corner as a sophomore for the district champs, and picked off three passes.
Looking ahead: Will get chance to show off breakaway speed in Spartans’ offensive backfield.
Talking about Thompson:
“When he puts his foot in the ground and goes, (he shows) he can be a bigtime player. We don’t see people with the acceleration on the first step that he has.” — Spartans coach Bob Wolfrum
Evan Niedrowski
Wyomissing G/LB 6-2, 243 Sr.
Looking back: Berks Linebacker of the Year was a rock in the middle of district champ’s defense; converted from guard to become bullish fullback, scoring 18 TDs.
Looking ahead: PIAA javelin champ in 2019 likely will take that route in college, though he has the physical ability to earn a football scholarship.
Talking about Niedrowski:
“A throwback, old-school fullback and linebacker. Was an absolute battering ram as a fullback after moving from guard last season.” — Ross Tucker, GoBigRecruiting.com
Ty Yocum
Exeter TE/FB/LB 6-1, 220 Jr. Looking back: Earned second-team all-league honors at linebacker after recording 13½ tackles for loss and three sacks; key blocker and short-yardage ballcarrier on offense.
Looking ahead: Will be goto guy on both sides of the ball this season while getting serious college looks.
Talking about Yocum:
“Throwback player. Excelled vs. both the run and pass; extremely hard hitter. (As a ballcarrier) nearly impossible to stop on short yardage.” — Eagles coach Matt Bauer