Penn State Sports Magazine
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/503016
varsity, but he wasn't an immediate sen- sation. "He played a little as a sophomore but struggled, dropping a lot of balls," Paul VI coach John Doherty said. "But he really worked hard in the o7-season to improve himself." Charles caught 15 passes for 263 yards and one touchdown in his second season and was not satis6ed with his production. "I knew I had a long way to go from there," he said. "Ever since that season ended, I have been doing everything I can to im- prove each day." When Charles returned for his junior season, he was an entirely different player. His statistics reflected that improvement, as he finished the season with 49 re- ceptions for 848 yards and 11 touch- downs. This past season, Charles faced constant double- and even triple-team coverage. He still ended with 33 receptions for 492 yards and 10 touchdowns, helping Paul VI win the West Jersey Football League Constitution Division title. Even though his statistics didn't match those of his junior year, his presence helped create opportunities for other players. "I realized as long as I was drawing a double-team that it was going to leave some of my teammates more open," he said. "I had to be calm and wait for my chance, and this season was about being patient." When it comes to attacking defenses, Charles can draw upon a range of skills. One of his best attributes is his ability to gain yards after the catch. He's espe- cially effective on quick slants, but he has the speed to go deep, too. And he hasn't forgotten his days as a lineman, having developed into an accomplished blocker. While Charles boasts a great combination of size and speed, his coach was just as impressed with his attitude, on and o7 the 6eld. "He was de6nitely a special kid to coach," Doherty said. "When you see somebody of his size and speed, you realize how lucky you are to coach somebody like that." Doherty said the intangibles just add to Charles' total package. "As a person, he is a joy to coach and be around," Doherty said. "He is a hard worker, very personable and a very funny kid." On the 6eld, Charles was all business, and he will take that attitude to Penn State, where he is looking to be an imme- diate contributor. "I am never the type to wait for an op- portunity," he said. "As long as I have the opportunity and chance to do some- thing, I will do my best to get out on the field." Charles made his decision in July to at- tend Penn State. He said Ohio State, Mi- ami, Louisville and South Carolina were among the other schools he was consid- ering. "Penn State is such a prestigious school, and it's not as far as the other schools," said Charles, who lives in Sicklerville, N.J., about a four-hour drive from Penn State. "I really liked how the coaching sta7 worked, and campuswise, it had everything I was looking for." He then paused and added, "It felt like a home away from home." Charles was recruited to be a receiver, but he also has the size, speed and strength to excel at tight end. This past season, he played more defense than he had in previous years and 6nished with 14 tackles, three tackles for loss and an interception. But although Charles would seemingly 6t in well as a defensive player at the college level, his passion is catching passes. He has been going through arduous workouts preparing for Penn State and feels that since he's still relatively new to the position, his best days as a receiver are still ahead of him. Charles will be working diligently, as if he is back in his sophomore year, feeling he has much to prove and willing to put in the time to make it all work. ■ Visit bluewhiteonline.com to see video of Charles in action.