DePaul rising junior running back Kareem Walker is one of the most sought after recruits in America (and probably Canada too).
Second of my series today on the Big North United, AKA “Big Fiveâ€.
Of all the teams in the Big North United, I must say I probably know the least about DePaul (of course, critics would say I don’t know anything about anything). But the Spartans are a formidable threat to everyone else in the Big North United. If I was doing my own special poll of just teams in the Big North United, I would probably put them 2nd or 3rd.
DePaul Catholic
Coach: John McKenna
Last year: DePaul was 10-2 and finished as Non-Public Group 2 state champions. They beat Bosco, they beat Bergen Catholic….and they beat Pascack Valley, who were state, er sectional champs too. You can say it was the year big-time high school football arrived at DePaul. (I mean, you can say it, but the Spartans have always been pretty good). The running back tandem of Markey Clark and Kareem Walker were beasts and the team was full of talented, athletic, determined players like Justin Nelson and Kiy Hester.
Who Starts at QB? Looks like its is between Ryan Vanderwerf, Adam Schlereth and sophomore Joe Santillo. None have a ton of varsity experience.
Best Case for DePaul: Walker is the closest thing to Jabrill Peppers that North Jersey has seen since….you know, Jabrill Peppers. He runs for over 2000 yards and is unstoppable. The Spartans defense matures quickly and has a big day in the opener against Pope John. Then they are 5-0 going into game against Bergen on Oct. 11th and then things get really interesting as they close with Joes, PC and Bosco. The other big thing will be where will DePaul fall in the NJSIAA classification. Will they be in Group 2 again, or in Group 3? It doesn’t really matter, because they could probably win both.
Worst case: Defenses key on Walker and he gets beaten down after a while. Pope John exposes a young defense and Pascack Valley is too physical for them in week 3. The season ends with 4 straight losses against fellow Big North United foes and the Spartans miss out on the playoffs.
What do I really think about DePaul? I am really curious to see whether or not last year was a stepping stone for this program to make a big leap, or just a one-year wonder. I kind of like the way they set up the schedule. They have all summer to prep for Pope John and its passing attack, then they have some games they, honestly, should win. Then it almost becomes a step-ladder for them in October with Bergen, Joes, PC and then Bosco. But keep in mind, Bosco and Bergen sure would like to get some payback against the Spartans. Walker though, alone, is worth the price of admission.