Starting Lineup: Delsin McNeil more than ready to take lead role at Gov. Mifflin
To recognize the top players in Berks football MikeDragoSports.com has selected the “Starting Lineup,” a preseason All-Berks team that includes the 12 top linemen, backs, receivers, linebackers and specialists.
“Starting Lineup” is presented by GoBigRecruiting.com.
Players were selected based on past performance, expected performance this season and college potential. Two-way players were given special consideration. One player will be introduced each day, in random order (the players are not ranked 1 thru 12). Former NFL lineman and recruiting expert Ross Tucker offers comments on each selection.
Delsin McNeil, Gov. Mifflin
| 5-11 | 195 | Senior | QB/S |
BACKSTORY: Like many players in strong programs, Delsin McNeil had to bide his time last season even though he was capable of playing a leading role. He played quarterback behind Eden Johnson, who went on to earn all-league honors after helping the Mustangs complete a perfect regular season.
McNeil saw plenty of time — he was in for about a third of the Mustangs’ offensive series — but didn’t pile up many stats and got little recognition.
“On any other team last year Delsin would’ve been their starting quarterback,” Mifflin coach Jeff Lang said.
McNeil ran the offense seamlessly when he had the chance; he was so efficient, in fact, people often didn’t realize when he’d take over a series for Johnson.
McNeil attempted just six passes during the 10-game regular season but completed them all. He also averaged 7.2 yards on 26 carries.
Lang expects more of the same this season, only in greater volume.
“He’s gonna be good this year,” Lang said. “He’ll take command; he’ll take the lead. He’s got a decent arm but really strong legs. He can put his foot down and make a move on a dime.
“He reads the option very well, has very good quickness and can change direction on a dime. I expect him to do a very good job running our offense.”
Running Mifflin’s offense requires more than having a big arm. Leadership is at the top of the list of job requirements for Mustangs quarterbacks, along with being able to make split-second reads at the line of scrimmage. The Mustangs’ quarterback has to be a good ballcarrier, too; if he reads that the defense is geared to take away the fullback dive or the pitch, he keeps it.
McNeil, who has been running this offense since junior high, checks all the boxes.
“He is what we want for our offense as a quarterback,” Lang said.
McNeil’s a top all-around athlete. He was a starting guard in basketball, where he averaged 9.8 points and hit 20 3-pointers in 21 games. He scored in both the L-Hop drill and the bench press competions at the annual Chris Nunn Memorial Berks football combine in the spring.
ROLE: Will be full-time starter at quarterback and at safety, where he can show off his speed and the physical aspects of his game.
COLLEGE PROSPECTS: Getting looks from Division II coaches as a defensive back and Division III coaches as an option quarterback.
TUCKER’S TAKE: “Very shifty QB who made a number of plays last year in limited opportunities behind Eden Johnson. Could have started for most teams in the state last year and should have an awesome season as one of the focal points in Mifflin offense along with Ayden Martin.”
Starting Lineup 2022
| Anthony Caccese | Exeter | T/DT |
| Cam Jones | Wilson | WR/CB/KR/LS |
| Josiah Jordan | Berks Catholic | HB/CB/KR |
| Matt Kramer | Wyomissing | FB/OLB |
| Ayden Martin | Gov. Mifflin | RB/S |
| Delsin McNeil | Gov. Mifflin | QB/S |
| Xander Menapace | Hamburg | QB |
| Lucas Palange | Exeter | G/LB/DE |
| Jven Williams | Wyomissing | G/T/DT |
The “Starting Lineup” team was selected by MikeDragoSports.com, with input from Berks coaches and Ross Tucker, co-founder and CEO of GoBigRecruiting.com and a former NFL lineman. Tucker, who played at Wyomissing, has deep contacts throughout college football and remains dialed into Berks football.
After the “Starting Lineup” team has been announced MikeDragoSports.com will present the “Berks Watch List,” which will include 50 more other top players to watch this season.
