Sondheimer: These St. John Bosco High players will have impact next fall in college
On the "Petros and Money" sports talk show, Chargers general manager Tom Telesco said the talent on the field for the Bellflower St. John Bosco-Santa Ana Mater Dei football game at the Rose Bowl was the best he’s seen, better than any high school game played in Texas, Florida or Ohio.
St. John Bosco (12-1) has one game left — the CIF Open Division state championship bowl game on Saturday night against San Mateo Serra (13-0) at Saddleback College.
With 45 players in the St. John Bosco program having scholarship offers, let’s take a look at players who could be making an immediate impact at the college level next fall.
Washington fans. That’s who you are getting. The speeding bullet at linebacker. Deven Bryant. pic.twitter.com/wLRoofvGpG
— eric sondheimer (@latsondheimer) November 26, 2022
Deven Bryant, linebacker: The Washington commit is similar to former Long Beach Poly, UCLA and NFL linebacker Jayon Brown. At 6 feet tall with speed and great instincts, he leads the Braves in tackles and is the perfect spy to watch over mobile quarterbacks.
"He can play sideline to sideline," St. John Bosco coach Jason Negro said. "He’s super cerebral. He’s so prepared prior to the snap."
Gronk is back. Matayo Uiagalelei. Easiest and best play in high school football. St. John Bosco 16, Allen 7. pic.twitter.com/cnEm5b5ldw
— eric sondheimer (@latsondheimer) August 27, 2022
Matayo Uiagalelei, defensive end: At 6-5 and 265 pounds, with agility and strength, Uiagalelei is everyone's must-have recruit. Besides causing trouble on defense, he's shown himself to be an outstanding tight end.
"Matayo is a game-changer," Negro said. "He's a unicorn when it comes to size, speed, strength, athleticism."
Ty Lee sack. Yeah he’s really three star. UCLA will take him. pic.twitter.com/JIxZmIOdF4
— eric sondheimer (@latsondheimer) October 8, 2022
Ty Lee, safety: The UCLA commit is a model of consistency. He does whatever he's asked to do, whether blitzing, making tackles on running backs or covering receivers.
"He's got a lot of versatility," Negro said. "He can play the back end of a defense and also in the box for the run game or blitz."
What a catch by Jahlil McClain. pic.twitter.com/EjTrFT5EN0
— eric sondheimer (@latsondheimer) November 26, 2022
Jahlil McClain, receiver: One of the stars from the Braves' 24-22 win over Mater Dei was McClain, who went airborne to make an incredible diving catch.
"He's a talent," Negro said. "He's an explosive guy with really good hands. His athleticism is off the charts."
Pierce Clarkson to DeAndre Moore. 72 yards. St. John Bosco 21, Mater Dei 13. 7:01 left in third. pic.twitter.com/lgI1qj35Wi
— eric sondheimer (@latsondheimer) November 26, 2022
Deandre Moore, receiver: When he gets into open space, he's tough to stop. He looks capable of playing any receiver position and causing havoc.
"He's a difference-maker," Negro said. "He's a big-play threat."
Hey @LouisvilleFB , whatcha think of this 👀@PierceClarkson_ ➡️ @jahlil_mcclain #GOTW | #SoCal | @CIFSS | @boscofootball | @247Louisville pic.twitter.com/uUs0tw07KM
— PrepZone (@prepzone) November 26, 2022
Pierce Clarkson, quarterback: This was his first season as the full-time starter, and he showed improvement each game. There's no doubt he has the mobility and arm to be successful. As he gains experience in reading defenses, the sky is the limit. He's committed to Louisville.
"That's where his greatest development is going to come, understanding defenses and decision-making," Negro said.
ITS THAT MAN AGAIN, @young_concrete SEALS THE VICTORY FOR THE BRAVES 👀#GOTW | #SoCal | @CIFSS | @boscofootball pic.twitter.com/Sds6ZTWYxR
— PrepZone (@prepzone) November 26, 2022
Sean Na'a, offensive tackle: That was No. 74, Na'a, on the key block to give St. John Bosco a game-clinching first down against Mater Dei. A left tackle who used to play at Westlake Village Westlake, Na'a was part of a line group that gave up zero sacks against the Monarchs.
"He's very underrated," Negro said. "He can play early at the collegiate level."
There's plenty more players who will be heard from. Cornerback Aaron Williams has come on strong in the last month after transferring from Corona Centennial. Center Sean Haney (6-2, 280) has been consistent blocking the best Division 1 players. Defensive tackle Vaka Hansen (6-1, 295) is a roadblock in the middle that any college team could use.
Then there's the class of 2024. Safety Peyton Woodyard (6-1, 194) continues to get stronger, faster and better. Linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa (6-3, 226) resembles an NFL player at times. Running back Cameron Jones (6-2, 232) is a star in the making.
So get your high school photos taken now, because one day, you'll be seeing them on ESPN, Fox, CBS, NBC, ABC and whatever broadcaster covers college and pro games.
This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.