Bad things happen in Philly but great things are happening on the football field at Saint Joe’s Preparatory School. “The Prep” is not only a PA State football powerhouse, but it’s starting to become a nationally recognized breeding ground for college and NFL talent. Just last year 3 Prep alumni were selected in the 2020 NFL Draft, which ranked 2nd among all high schools in the nation with 1st being IMG Academy (4) in Florida. Prep alum and now Detroit Lion’s Running Back, D’Andre Swift, was selected in the 2nd round out of UGA and flashed star potential towards the end of last season. Swift, along with his teammates John Reid (4th Rd.) and Jon Runyan Jr. (6th Rd.) got drafted in 2020, and weren’t the first Hawks to get a shot in the NFL, and they definitely won’t be the last.

Historically speaking, Rich Gannon is The Prep’s most famous football alumni. The CBS Football Analyst had a great college career at the University of Delaware, got drafted by the Patriots in the 4th round, and went on to be a 4-time Pro Bowler & 1-time MVP. Besides the 3 guys drafted in 2020, Atlanta Falcons receiver Olamide Zaccheaus (2019 Draft) is another notable Prep alumni making noise in the NFL right now.

The future is bright for the Hawks, as 3 guys graduating in 2021 are heading to MAJOR Power 5 schools. Besides Kyle McCord, who I already wrote about and think has a legit shot to be OSU’s starter next season, let’s meet Marvin Harrison Jr. and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. And yes, those are the sons of NFL Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison, and Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Famer/All-Pro LB Jeremiah Trotter.

Marvin Harrison Jr. – 4 Star WR, Ohio State Class of 2021

The 6’3, 190 pound OSU commit is already 3 inches taller and 5 pound heavier than his dad’s playing weight and may still be growing. The Prep star holds school records for receiving yards in a single game (222) and Philadelphia Catholic League Records for career receiving yards (2,625) and receiving touchdowns (37). Peep some of his highlights below to get an idea of how talented this kid really is.

McCord & Harrison Jr. > Manning &. Harrison Sr.

I say this in all of my college football blogs and I’ll say it again, I’m not a scout, but damn this kid looks polished. Scouts from 247 are saying he’s a technical route runner, has the frame to become an elite talent if he can bulk up to 220, he’s got paws (big, strong hands), and the NFL comparison right now is Kenny Golladay. I have 0 doubt he’ll make it to the league, but if he can stand out as a Buckeye his upper projection is a 2nd-3rd round pick. Standing out will be difficult though, as OSU is LOADED with talented receivers.

Harrison Jr. is coming into OSU as the #15th ranked WR in his class, AND he’s coming in with his high school QB, Kyle McCord. Harrison Jr. will have plenty of competition when he gets on campus, as OSU acquired 3 of the top 15 WR’s in this class, including the #1 and #8 prospects. On top of that, they have Chris Olave and Garret Wilson who will be their top 2 guy this year, and 3 of the top 10 WR’s from the 2020 class. Marv Jr. will have his day, but I don’t think we’ll see much of during the upcoming season.

I’m hype to see what this dude can do in Red, again, and represent Philly on a national level. The McCord to Harrison Jr. connection has a chance to be rekindled in Columbus and I think I’m that package’s #1 fanboy. Go Buckeyes, Go Prep, and Go Philly. Next up, Jeremiah Trotter Jr.

Jeremiah Trotter Jr. – 4 Star LB, Clemson Class of 2021

Can I get a Go Birds?!?! Another Trotter is getting a shot at the league and will be doing so at one of the premier defensive programs in the country. The 6’0, 210 pound ILB out of Philly is going to play under the scariest looking & brightest Defensive Coordinator’s in the country, Will Venables, at Clemson. Add in the fact that this year he’s going to learn from one of the best LB’s in the country, James Skalski, who’s also a terrifying dude, Trotter Jr. will be groomed to be an NFL talent and have a shot to command that premier defense down the road.

Being the son of an All-Pro Linebacker has its perks. Trotter may be slightly undersized, but his instincts are what scouts are raving about. He was ranked as the #2 ILB in the class of 2021, and was named the Catholic League Defensive Player of The Year in 2020. Here a couple highlights and notes that’ll help paint the picture.

That’s a clean lick.
Strong words from a trusted name in the college football world.

The rich get richer and Clemson gets another premier defensive piece to bolster their defense. What else is new. Trotter Jr. is going to look CLEAN in Orange and White and I couldn’t be more excited to watch him play on Saturday’s to come. Also, did you know he has a brother, Josiah?? I’m sure the world will hear about him soon, but the Class of 2023 prospect already has an offer from Temple and has drawn interest from Syracuse and PSU. Damn, if only I could get ahold of those Trotter genetics.

On top of McCord, Harrison Jr., and Trotter Jr., The Prep has a few more graduates going to notable colleges to play ball. 3-Star Sahmir Hagans is going to Duke to play WR, and 3-Star Malik Cooper is going to catch balls at Temple. On top of that, SJP’s “War Daddy”, Nick Yagodich, is going to ball at Harvard, and DB Julian Talley is going to play at The University of Penn.

Tim Roken is building one helluva program over there at the Prep, and I’m looking forward to tracking every single one of these guy’s progression through the collegiate level into the NFL. Go Prep, and Go Philly football.

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