Roman Catholic (Pa.) quarterback Semaj Beals (1) throws a pass against Neumann-Goretti (Pa.) in a Philadelphia Catholic League football game played at South Philadelphia Super Site in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on Friday, August 23, 2024. Kiersten Cowgill/D2 Sports Network
PHILADELPHIA - Semaj Beals met six-time All-Pro and 1994 NFL Defensive Player of the Year Deion Sanders on an unofficial visit to Colorado in June.
He also sat down to converse and eat lunch with 1999 Defensive Player of the Year and Super Bowl champion Warren Sapp.
It’s no surprise two Hall of Fame football players want to bring Beals to Boulder. The junior holds offers from Georgia, Ohio State, Alabama, Texas and Penn State, among others, per Rivals, and has helped Roman Catholic High School emerge as an annual PIAA 5A state championship contender.
“I got to see how a legend conducted himself,” Beals said. “They treated me well up there.”
Beals shined in his 2024 season debut.
He finished 23-for-30 passing with 289 yards, four touchdowns and an interception as Roman Catholic cruised past rival Neumann-Goretti, 45-12, in a Philadelphia Catholic League showdown at South Philadelphia Super Site on Friday night. The Cahillites were able to overcome 16 penalties for 164 yards.
A win is a win.
A win against a Philadelphia Catholic League opponent means more.
Especially for Roman Catholic coach Rick Prete as Neumann-Goretti coach Albie Crosby has served as one of his coaching mentors.