What we learned from 2022 St. John Bosco spring football game: 5 takeaways
BELLFLOWER, Calif. -- St. John Bosco played its annual spring football game on Thursday. The Navy Braves team beat the White team 17-10. Below are five takeaways.
JAHLIL MCCLAIN IS A DIFFERENCE MAKER
2023 Louisville commit Jahlil McClain only caught 11 passes a season ago for St. John Bosco, but expect him to play a much bigger role in the Braves offense this fall. McClain was the best Bosco receiver on the field on Thursday.
He caught a long touchdown pass and minutes later nearly scored again on a screen pass where he used blazing speed to bypass defenders into the end zone, but it was called back due to a holding penalty on the other side of the field.
"I had a setback my junior year and I didn't get to play that much," McClain said. "I'm hungry. I've got stuff to show."
PEYTON WOODYARD MAY PLAY OFFENSE
Woodyard is one of the most coveted 2024 safety prospects in the nation. He's a fantastic defensive back who has also returned kicks and punts in his high school career and this fall, the Braves coaching staff may ask him to take his versatility to another level. In addition to his defensive back duties, Woodyard lined up at receiver on Thursday and fit right in. He looked like a natural pass catcher and route runner.
St. John Bosco has used star defensive backs on offense in the past. Current UCLA safety JonJon Vaughns played some receiver in 2019 helping the Braves win a Division 1 Southern Section championship. Woodyard could be asked to do the same if the Braves need a spark at receiver this fall, according to head coach Jason Negro.
KYNGSTONN VILIAMU-ASA IS BACK
Viliamu-Asa missed all of his sophomore year with a knee injury after exploding onto the scene as a freshman. He's back to full health and snagged an interception in Thursday's spring game. Viliamu-Asa is a true difference maker, the type of linebacker that can win his team a tight game by making a key fourth down stop or forcing a turnover. His return is massive.
KHMORI HOUSE HAS STRONG SPRING
House, a linebacker, is one player who may not have been on recruiters' radars coming into the spring, but will be now after putting together a strong few weeks. He had a pick six in the spring game.
"I thought he did a really good job," Negro said of House's spring game performance. "I'm excited about him."
INJURY UPDATE
Three of St. John Bosco's top recruits, 2023 quarterback Pierce Clarkson, 2023 defensive lineman/tight end Matayo Uiagalelei and 2023 defensive back RJ Jones didn't suit up for Thursday's spring game, but they all won't miss significant time.
Negro says they'll be fully healthy ahead of the fall.
"They'll be okay for sure," he said. "For the spring, we're very cautious with what we're doing and there's no sense putting them out there."
