Cub Football - Loyola to showcase a talent-laden team
LOYOLA RETURNS TEN STARTERS FROM CIF DIVISION 4 FINALIST SQUAD, INCLUDING FOUR ALL-CIF STARS
It was looking as though Loyola’s seniors might graduate without having a final football season until the COVID-19 new case rate recently dropped precipitously in Los Angeles County, allowing for an abbreviated grid campaign.
While a five game schedule is not what the 2020 Cub squad-and particularly the senior class-was hoping for, any contests at this point after a year of being isolated has to be viewed as a Godsend.
Ten starters, including four All-CIF players, return to pace a very athletic team that has the promise to rank among the best three outfits to compete for Loyola since it won the last of six CIF large schools titles in 2005. The Cubs came in at number 21 in the Max Preps preseason state rankings and number 14 in the CIF Southern Section.
The four returning All-CIF stars are senior defensive backs CEYAIR WRIGHT and ZAKHARI SPEARS, senior defensive lineman JOSH LONG and junior running back TAHJ OWENS. Wright was named a high school All-American and was tabbed a first team preseason All-State corner. He recently signed with USC. Spears earned second team preseason All-State notice and accepted a scholarship offer to play for the University of Washington.
PROJECTED STARTERS - OFFENSE
Here is a position-by-position look at the the unofficial projected starters along with some of the key back-ups who will vie for playing time, if not starting roles.
QUARTERBACK
Arizona-bound senior BRAYDEN ZERMENO (6-4, 224) returns to call signals. After a strong junior campaign behind center, Zermeno brings great arm strength and excellent mobility to the quarterback position.
Junior JOE TATUM (5-11, 175) was a brilliant field general on Loyola’s league championship freshman team in 2018.
RUNNING BACKS
Junior HARRISON ALLEN (5-10, 171) had an outstanding junior campaign and led the squad in rushing yards. He is a fast, game breaking back and one of the best in the Southland.
Junior All-CIF returnee TAHJ OWENS (5-10, 191) was the first sophomore RB in Cub Football annals to earn All-CIF honors. He is already receiving FBS scholarship offers. He is a fast, hard nosed runner.
Senior NOAH BUSTOS (5-6, 156) returns to the backfield after a one-year hiatus. The words to describe the diminutive athlete are electric and explosive. He is certain to make some spectacular plays.
Junior weight room warrior JUSTIN MURRAY (6-0, 206) is opening eyes at the fullback position.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Junior JACOBY KELLY (6-2.5, 195) led the varsity in catches and receiving yards as a sophomore. He is the real deal, as his nine FBS scholarship offers attest. Expect big things from this highly competitive receiver.
A mid-season injury prevented junior PETE VANIS (5-11, 181) from putting up huge numbers as a sophomore varsity starter, but he should have a statement-making junior campaign. Vanis is a great runner and pass catcher.
CEYAIR WRIGHT (6-1, 175) is one of a handful of players who will likely see duty on both sides of the ball. His elite speed will put fear into the hearts of opposing secondaries.
Senior HENRI EICHLER (6-0, 174) has improved his skill level, and sophomore newcomer WILKIE WILES (5-10, 175) should add production to a strong stable of receivers.
TIGHT END
Junior JOE TAYLOR (6-3, 210) is a fierce competitor at the tight end position who saw significant playing time on the varsity as a sophomore. He brings speed, sure hands and physicality to his post.
Senior JALEN PRIESTLEY (6-0, 208) is likely to be the second tight end in double tight end sets. He possesses the skills to be highly productive.
Junior newcomer SHAWN LIN (6-4, 252) is auditioning for time at tight end.
OFFENSIVE LINE
The expected starters from right to left are as follows: sophomore right tackle JACK SUSNJAR (6-5, 303), senior right guard JOSH MORALES (6-2, 230), senior center CIARAN O’LIONAIN (6-0, 252), senior left guard ANDRES PEREZ (6-3, 231), and junior left tackle SAM YOON (6-6, 282).
Senior newcomer NICK GREEN (6-5, 235) and junior COLIN CRUCE (6-3, 227) are competing for playing time.
YOON, who bench presses 315 and deadlifts 525, started on the varsity as a sophomore and is already receiving FBS scholarship offers. Susjnar has the look of a future big time lineman. Perez is also a baseball player. Yoon and Susjnar both play basketball. The O-line does not want for athleticism.
PROJECTED STARTERS - DEFENSE
LINEMEN
Senior All-CIF lineman JOSH LONG (6-5, 236) is fast, extremely athletic and violent. He will open eyes statewide. He was named to a second team preseason All-State team. The sky is the limit for this talented player.
Senior JEFFREY JOHNSON (6-5, 230) is a sack master and a highly underrated athlete. He wreaks havoc on the D-line.
Senior nose guard TAVO CASADO (5-11, 209) is emerging as a menacing presence at nose guard.
SHAWN LIN (6-4, 252) is fighting for substantial time at the three down positions.
INSIDE LINEBACKERS
Junior PATRICK SODL (6-0, 202) is a rugged player who has spent quality time in the weight room. He led Loyola’s JV team in tackles as a sophomore, and also saw varsity action.
Sophomore ZACHARY BOWLES (5-11, 196) and huge freshman TYE SMITH ( 6-1, 230) are battling for the other inside linebacker position.
Tough senior EMETT HURLEY (6-0, 202) was projected to be in the hunt for a starting position before suffering an injury that has unfortunately sidelined him.
OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS
Senior FINNEGAN POWELL (6-3, 218) is a tough athlete who possesses good range.
Junior RAMAN ENIGBOKAN (6-1, 192) is making a big move in the competition for the other starting outside linebacker post, He is a fast, fluid player.
Aggressive senior CARTER ESPARZA (5-11, 184) is also in the mix on the flank.
CORNERS
All-American CEYAIR WRIGHT (6-1, 175). The All-CIF returneea super fast, lock down corner.
Senior JUSTIN ROJAS (5-10, 168) is an up and coming corner who could end up making a splash in the secondary..
Sophomores KYLE SOMERVILLE (5-10, 176) and JORDAN HEWITT (5-10, 180) are vying for playing time.
Enigbokan may also see playing time at nickel.
Tahj Owens could also see some double duty in the secondary.
SAFETY
Returning All-CIF corner ZAKHARI SPEARS ( 6-3, 193) has made the move to safety. The scholarship athlete is a big hitter with great range.
Junior two-sport athlete JACKSON SHEA (6-0, 276) is an excellent athlete who is expected to seize the other starting safety spot.
Junior AIDAN PLUMB (5-10, 172) is a skilled player who is competing for playing time in a talented secondary.
*Denotes returning starter
The season kicks off with a scrimmage against Sherman Oaks Notre Dame at 1:00 p.m. on March 13 at Loyola’s Smith Field.