WEST PALM BEACH – Tyler Christian made a lasting impact on the area’s high school football scene this past season.
He was one of Berean Christian’s most reliable two-way players and helped turn his team into one of the better ones in the Sunshine State Athletic Conference. With his level of leadership on display, he helped the Bulldogs improve their win total from these past two seasons and reach the SSAC semifinals.
Berean Christian finished its season with a 4-5 record, including its 44-21 playoff road loss to eventual SSAC champion Canterbury (Fort Myers) on Nov. 1.
“Coming from a 2-7 season my sophomore year and a 1-7 season my junior year, I think we made a huge leap in growth this season,” Christian said. “I do feel like we left a lot of games on the table this season, but we definitely made a lot of noise and made people in the community wake up and believe.”
Christian (5-10, 175 lbs.) ended his senior season with some nice statistics at both wide receiver and defensive back. On offense he had 16 catches for 266 yards and five touchdowns (longest reception: 91 yards), and on defense he recorded
20 tackles (3 TFL), 8 pass breakups, one fumble recovery, and one sack.
Berean Christian Bulldogs head coach Mario Jackson spoke on Christian’s overall production.
“The biggest accomplishment for Tyler this past season was understanding the importance of making big plays in critical moments,” Jackson said. “Tyler was one of the few who understood our offensive scheme to its entirety. He was able to play multiple positions and thrive because of his ability to understand. So, not to undermine the stats that he put up, but the stats are directly related to the behind-the-scenes dedication, film study, and work ethic that people don’t see.”
For his efforts, Christian was ranked as our No. 96 overall player in the Class of 2020. He joined teammate and running back/linebacker David Rimes (No. 93) as the two Berean Christian players in the New Era Prep Top 100.
“It’s an honor for sure,” Christian said. “During my sophomore and junior years going to camps and seeing the same talent, I was feeling like I was slept on. But after getting in the rankings, it definitely felt good to see all the work I put in pay off.”
Christian was also selected to play in the N-P-F-A Florida vs. Georgia All-Star Game, which took place on Dec. 30, 2019 in Haines City (Fla.). He joined teammate and offensive lineman Daniel Fellows as the Berean Christian representatives for the interstate showcase.
“It was a cool experience playing against that level of competition,” Christian said.
Now that his high school football days are officially over, Christian’s focus is on finding a college football home for the next 4-5 years. The wide receiver/defensive back has six offers right now, including the likes of Denison, Puget Sound, Rose-Hulman, Carleton, Alvernia, and Concordia (Chicago).
“Of course getting to play with [Benjamin wide receiver/defensive back] Roshaune [Downie] at Denison would be crazy,” Christian said. “They’re up there, as well as Rose-Hulman. I’m working on Kenyon, who will also be a leader.”
When will Christian make his final decision?
“I’ll be waiting until May,” he said. “I think I’ll be committing before then though.”
NOTE: We’ll be closely following Christian’s recruiting process from now until he makes his final college choice.
PHOTO CREDITS: Jordan Peterkin
