Krevokuch grows into expanded role in Norwin offense

By: Paul Schofield
Monday, August 19, 2019 | 4:13 PM

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If the Norwin football team hopes to qualify for the WPIAL Class 6A playoffs this season, then the Knights will need a big season from senior quarterback Jack Salopek.

But for the Knights to be successful, the young receiving crew needs to grow up quickly.

Two players who caught passes from Salopek last season return — junior tight end Tanner Krevokuch and senior wide receiver Sean Pavlic.

The 6-foot-4, 205-pound Krevokuch will be Salopek’s biggest target. He caught 26 passes for 342 yards and two touchdowns last season.

Norwin coach Dave Brozeski is hoping for bigger and better things in 2019 from his big tight end.

“He’s physically matured a little better,” Brozeski said. “He’s getting to enjoy his body better. He’s still young. He did a good job in the weight room, and he’s moving a lot better and is stronger.”

Brozeski expects him to grow even more.

Krevokuch will line up as a tight end and in the H-back position. Brozeski said he should be a matchup problem for some linebackers and smaller defensive backs.

That’s something Salopek hopes to use to his advantage.

“Tanner is a big target for me,” Salopek said. “He’s gotten a lot better.”

Krevokuch said knowing the offense makes it a lot easier to perform.

“I know the offense a lot better,” Krevokuch said. “Last year, we were all learning a new offense. I’m familiar with it, and I know what to look for from a defense. We really picked it better. It’s more memorization. “

Brozeski said Krevokuch did a great job as a sophomore, running routes and learning how to block.

“Watching film his sophomore season and comparing him to what we’re seeing already as a junior,” Brozeski said, “things are coming more natural for him. He has the experience of playing in Class 6A, and he’s put in the work to help him be successful this season.”

Salopek said he and Krevokuch and other receivers spent more time this summer running routes and getting familiar with each other.

Salopek completed 116 of 226 passes for 1,790 yards and 15 touchdowns last season.

Pavlic caught 18 passes for 296 yards and three touchdowns, but the remainder of the receiving corps is inexperienced. The group includes senior Declan O’Brien and juniors Connor Chrisman and Ty Bilinsky.

Brozeski said the development of the receivers should be beneficial for Krevokuch. And if Krevokuch draws a lot of attention, the receivers should benefit.

Krevokuch is starting to draw interest from colleges.

“There are a few schools talking to me,” Krevokuch said. “I expect more during the season. They want to see how I do.”

Brozeski said schools want to see how he performs on the field and in the classroom.

“If he puts some good film out there, at least he’ll be in contention with some schools,” Brozeski said.

Krevokuch said he knows he’s not a finished project.

“I have to work on my blocking for sure,” Krevokuch said. “I ran a 4.79 40 (-yard dash), and I know I can improve that.”

Krevokuch also plays a pivotal role on defense as a linebacker.

But if he had his choice, he likes playing offense.

“I like scoring touchdowns,” Krevokuch said.

And Brozeski wouldn’t mind that at all.

Paul Schofield is a TribLive reporter covering high school and college sports and local golf. He joined the Trib in 1995 after spending 15 years at the Daily Courier in Connellsville, where he served as sports editor for 14 years. He can be reached at pschofield@triblive.com.

Tags: Norwin