Salopek ready to lead Norwin to special season

By: HSSN Staff
Monday, August 20, 2018 | 7:48 PM

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Jack Salopek wasn’t totally surprised when he received an offer the play football at Pitt.

In fact, he was kind of expecting it.

But Pitt isn’t the only local college interested in the 6-foot-2, 172-pound junior from Norwin. Penn State and West Virginia have also shown interest.

“Surprised, yes and no,” Salopek said. “I’ve been talking with (Pitt offensive coordinator) coach (Shawn) Watson for a long time. He said it was only a matter of time until they got their 2019 quarterback commit. Once I saw they got their guy, I figured something soon would come my way.”

And Pitt delivered his first offer.

Now, with at least one offer in his pocket, Salopek can concentrate on leading Norwin to a big season in the WPIAL Class 6A Conference.

Norwin is joined in the highest classification by returning PIAA and WPIAL champion Pine-Richland and perennial powers North Allegheny, Central Catholic, Mt. Lebanon and Seneca Valley, and it appears ready for the challenge.

Salopek had a productive sophomore season in 2017. He completed 140 of 258 passes for 1,820 yards and eight touchdowns. He did throw 10 interceptions. He also played as a freshman, sharing the duties with Brock Dieter.

But, with two years experience under his belt, Salopek is ready to grasp the new offense Norwin has installed.

“I’ve been working with my quarterback coach, coach (Alex) Dennison, putting in our new offense, and I think it’s going to work out really well,” Salopek said. “I’ve also worked with Tim Cortazzo at FSQ Sports working on my speed and strength and with Darnell Dinkins at ETHIC Training on quarterback stuff.

“We’ll be up tempo and moving the ball a lot quicker, getting more plays off and spreading teams out. The new offense fits my style a lot better. I like spreading teams out and throwing the ball a little more.”

Salopek has some weapons to work with in senior running backs Jayvon Thrift and Zeke Houser, as well as receivers Gianni Rizzo and Billy Kerston.

Rizzo caught 39 passes for 507 yards a year ago, Kerston added 19 catches for 228 yards and Houser had 12 catches for 87 yards.

“I’ve improved in two things: My presence in the pocket and my deep ball accuracy,” Salopek said. “I’ve been working with coach Dennison a lot; he feels I’ve improved a lot.”

Rizzo said the receivers always have to be alert when Salopek goes back to pass.

“Jack is a special kid,” Rizzo said. “He’s turned into a great quarterback; you can never quit a play with him.

“There was a play in practice where he rolled out and threw a 55-yard strike. He can sling the ball, and you have to be on your toes all of the time.”

Salopek likes to pattern his game after his favorite two quarterbacks: Ben Roethlisberger and Drew Brees.

“I like to keep the play alive,” Salopek said. “We have a lot of skilled receivers and running backs. I just try to buy enough time for them to make a play.

“I like Big Ben being the hometown guy and Drew Brees because he has to focus on his mechanics to play at this level.”

What impresses Norwin coach Dave Brozeski most is how Salopek has grown into the position.

Brozeski is comfortable allowing Salopek to run the new offense.

“Jack has a tremendous competitive spirit and great work ethic,” Brozeski said. “Those are the first two things that come to mind. On the field, he has the ability to do everything you ask of a quarterback.

“He knows how to make the proper reads and knows what to look for and knows the offense. He’s getting to know the offense better and can make all the throws.”

Based on his development, good things could be in store for Salopek and the Knights.

Paul Schofield is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Paul at pschofield@tribweb.com or via Twitter @Schofield_Trib.

Tags: Norwin