By Ian O’Riley ’24
THE ROUNDUP
The Brophy Varsity Football Team is in the beginning of one of its most competitive years. The team is very promising, and there is a lot of potential for this year to be special, says Head Varsity Football Coach Mr. Jason Jewell.
In 2021, the team produced 44 high-quality football players in the senior class, 11 of which have received 4-year college offers or the chance to play at a Division One University. Some of the most talented among these players are Benjamin Morrison ’22, Zach Swanson ’22, Tyler Powell ’22 and Elijah Warner ’22.
“The biggest thing, especially in a sport like football, is the physicality. Players like these are some of the most physical kids on campus, and that is a gift that God gave them,” said Athletic
Director Mr. Josh Garcia ’07.
He said that these players put in the work in the gym, but they were also blessed with a big frame that allows them to get stronger, bigger and faster than the competition as well as other players. Mr. Garcia said that there are players that put in the work every day, but they do not have the talent or skill set that these bigger athletes have.
These players all have stories that make them competitive. All of these players have a background before Brophy as well as a competitive drive that makes them good players. Mr. Jewell explained what some of the top players have that set them apart from the competition.
Mr. Jewell said, “Tyler’s a little bit different, he’s a kid who didn’t play much football before, and he has grown into a good player. He’s gained probably 50 pounds in the last couple of years. He was not a starter during sophomore year, but he has gradually gotten better through his hardwork and drive.” Powell has committed to go play at the University of Arizona.
Mr. Jewell also said that Morrison had a competitive drive from the beginning which led to him being scouted since sophomore year when he played with the varsity team. Mr. Jewell said, “Ben was very talented from the start, and his drive is what has made him into one of the best players on that field.”
These players all have unique traits that give them a competitive advantage on the field. They work incredibly hard in the off season, and they put in the effort during practice, said Mr. Jewell. He said these players are some of the most competitive that Brophy has, and they are also smart and quick to think on their feet.
Mr. Garcia said, “These athletes are of the highest quality physically, but they also have a great IQ.”
The coaches both say that these athletes have great grades and overall academics outside of the field. To get into one of the top schools that these athletes have committed requires a well-rounded personality.
Mr. Garcia said that many of the best players on the team also have a great IQ. They are quick to think in different situations on the field, and they also have a great academic record. He said that it required talent for the sport as well as good performance in school to get into the universities that these players did.
He said that these guys work incredibly hard, but there are smaller guys on the team putting in the same amount of effort. These guys were blessed with a good body, and that is what allows them to put in the work they do to do well on the field.
A Division One football player requires a body equipped to put on weight and muscle and exert the effort required for the sport, as well as talent and good academics.
