Universal Audenried Returns Experienced Playmakers With Eyes on Another Winning Season
Universal Audenried Charter enters the 2026 season with a strong foundation, an experienced quarterback and enough returning skill talent to field one of the more dangerous offenses in the Philadelphia Public League National Division.
The Rockets finished 6-4 last fall after overcoming a difficult start to win six consecutive games.
Universal Audenried opened the season with losses to Cardinal O’Hara and Chichester, but responded by dominating the middle of its schedule. The Rockets defeated Vaux, Overbrook, Dobbins, Kensington, Samuel Fels and Thomas Edison while averaging more than 35 points during that six-game winning streak.
The season ended with losses to York Catholic and Lansdale Catholic, but the progress made throughout the year gave head coach Roy-Al Edwards and his staff reasons for optimism.
The Rockets now return quarterback Marcus Velez, running back SaDeer Thornton, receivers Nickye Brown and Dante Bundick, and several experienced offensive linemen.
Defensively, Universal Audenried must replace important production from Dreden Jones, Jerome Hill and Jahceir Collier-Mills, but the return of Brown, Bundick and defensive end Abdullah Abdullahi provides experience at key positions.
The formula for success is clear.
Protect Velez.
Create running lanes for Thornton.
Stop the run defensively.
Allow the veteran secondary to make plays.
If the Rockets execute those priorities, they should again compete near the top of the Public League National Division and position themselves for another postseason opportunity.
Velez Returns as Offensive Leader
Senior Marcus Velez returns after an efficient and productive season at quarterback.
Velez completed 79 of 99 passing attempts for 727 yards, 15 touchdowns and only three interceptions.
That completion rate demonstrates his accuracy and command of the offense.
At 5-foot-8 and 170 pounds, Velez may not have prototypical size, but he compensates with decision-making, confidence and the ability to distribute the football quickly.
His experience should allow Universal Audenried to expand the offense.
The Rockets want to create opportunities for their playmakers on the perimeter, and Velez has already shown he can get the ball to them efficiently.
The biggest priority will be protection.
When Velez has time, the offense can be dynamic.
When pressure arrives immediately, it becomes difficult to use the speed and athleticism surrounding him.
The offensive line’s performance will determine how consistently Velez can attack defenses downfield.
Thornton Gives Rockets Proven Running Threat
Junior SaDeer Thornton returns after carrying the ball 85 times for 623 yards last season.
That production makes him the centerpiece of the rushing attack.
At 5-foot-7 and 175 pounds, Thornton runs with a compact frame and possesses the balance to work through contact.
He also has enough quickness to create explosive plays once he reaches the second level.
Universal Audenried wants to maintain blocks long enough for Thornton to use his vision and athleticism.
The offense does not need him to break a long run on every carry.
Consistent four- and five-yard gains would help the Rockets control possession, remain ahead of the chains and open opportunities through play action.
Thornton’s presence also prevents defenses from focusing entirely on Velez and the passing game.
If the offensive line performs well, Thornton has the potential to become one of the Public League’s more productive running backs.
Brown and Bundick Lead Receiving Corps
Senior Nickye Brown and senior Dante Bundick return as experienced receivers.
Brown brings versatility and the ability to contribute on both sides of the football.
Bundick adds quickness and experience from the slot or perimeter.
Both players understand the offense and have established chemistry with Velez.
That continuity should help Universal Audenried begin the season more efficiently.
The Rockets also expect Steven Stones to become an important perimeter weapon.
With Brown, Bundick and Stones available, Velez should have multiple options in the passing game.
The receiving corps must create separation and consistently finish catches.
The offense is built around getting the ball to athletes in space, and those opportunities will only become more effective if the receivers block for one another and remain disciplined with their routes.
Brown and Bundick will also be expected to provide leadership for the younger skill players.
Offensive Line Holds the Key
The offensive outlook begins with protection and blocking.
Senior Elijah Gutierrez returns as the anchor of the line.
At 6-foot-4 and 340 pounds, Gutierrez provides outstanding size and can become a dominant presence at the point of attack.
Sophomore Makhi White, listed at 5-foot-10 and 250 pounds, also returns after gaining valuable experience early in his career.
The Rockets must replace Jerome Hill and Jahceir Collier-Mills, making the development of the remaining linemen one of the most important storylines of the preseason.
Gutierrez will be expected to help organize the group and set a physical tone.
The line must give Velez enough time to find Brown, Bundick and Stones while sustaining blocks for Thornton.
If the front performs consistently, Universal Audenried has the personnel to score from anywhere on the field.
If protection breaks down, the offense may struggle to establish rhythm.
Offense Has Dynamic Potential
Universal Audenried’s returning skill talent gives the coaching staff several ways to attack opponents.
Velez is an efficient passer.
Thornton is a proven runner.
Brown, Bundick and Stones provide athleticism on the perimeter.
The offense can spread the field, attack underneath coverage or establish the run.
The key will be balance.
The Rockets cannot become predictable.
A productive rushing attack will help Velez by slowing the pass rush and creating clearer throwing lanes.
The passing game, in turn, should prevent defenses from crowding the line of scrimmage against Thornton.
Ball security will also remain important.
Velez threw only three interceptions last season, and the Rockets must maintain that level of efficiency.
If the offense protects possession and the line plays well, Universal Audenried should again produce significant scoring totals during league play.
Abdullahi Leads Defensive Front
Junior Abdullah Abdullahi returns at defensive end and will be counted on to lead the defensive front.
At 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds, Abdullahi possesses the length and athleticism to disrupt plays off the edge.
His role will become especially important following the graduation of Dreden Jones.
The Rockets’ primary defensive objective is stopping the run.
That begins with Abdullahi and the front maintaining gap discipline and preventing offensive linemen from reaching the linebackers.
Universal Audenried cannot allow opponents to control the game with long, physical drives.
The defensive line must create negative plays and force offenses into predictable passing situations.
Abdullahi has the opportunity to emerge as one of the team’s top defensive playmakers.
Austin Expected to Lead Defense
Junior linebacker Dmayne Austin is expected to take on a major leadership role.
The coaching staff is looking to Austin to organize the defense and become the unit’s primary presence against the run.
That responsibility requires more than making tackles.
Austin must communicate alignments, diagnose plays quickly and make sure the defense remains disciplined.
Stopping the run will be the central focus.
The Rockets must improve their ability to control the line of scrimmage and prevent short gains from becoming explosive plays.
Austin’s development will be critical to that effort.
If he consistently reaches the football and tackles well, the secondary will be placed in better situations.
His leadership should also help younger defenders gain confidence as the season progresses.
Veteran Secondary Can Make Plays
Universal Audenried returns experience in the secondary with Brown and Bundick.
Both players contribute offensively, but their defensive roles may be just as important.
Brown brings athleticism, awareness and the ability to make plays on the football.
Bundick provides quickness and coverage experience.
The Rockets want the returning secondary to capitalize when opposing offenses are forced to throw.
That requires the defensive front and linebackers to first control the run.
If Universal Audenried can create longer down-and-distance situations, Brown and Bundick should have opportunities to produce interceptions and pass breakups.
The secondary must also limit explosive plays.
Communication will be essential, particularly against teams that use motion and multiple formations.
The experience of Brown and Bundick should give the defense stability on the back end.
Stopping the Run Defines Defensive Outlook
The defensive mission is simple: stop the run.
Universal Audenried cannot allow opponents to dictate tempo and possession.
The Rockets must win early downs and force teams into uncomfortable situations.
That requires disciplined gap control from the defensive line, strong pursuit from Austin and the linebackers, and support from the secondary.
Tackling fundamentals will be critical.
The first defender must finish the play or slow the ball carrier until help arrives.
Missed tackles can quickly turn manageable gains into touchdowns.
The Rockets have enough athleticism to play aggressive defense, but aggression must remain connected to assignment discipline.
If the unit consistently stops the run, the returning defensive backs should have opportunities to make game-changing plays.
Players to Watch
Marcus Velez, Sr., QB: Efficient returning starter who completed 79 of 99 passes for 727 yards, 15 touchdowns and only three interceptions.
SaDeer Thornton, Jr., RB: Productive runner who gained 623 yards on 85 carries and will lead the ground game.
Nickye Brown, Sr., WR/DB: Versatile two-way playmaker expected to contribute as a receiver and leader in the secondary.
Dante Bundick, Sr., WR/DB: Experienced athlete who provides quickness and playmaking ability on both sides of the football.
Elijah Gutierrez, Sr., OL: Massive 6-foot-4, 340-pound lineman who anchors the offensive front.
Makhi White, Soph., OL: Young returning lineman with valuable varsity experience and considerable upside.
Abdullah Abdullahi, Jr., DE: Athletic edge defender expected to lead the defensive front.
Dmayne Austin, Jr., LB: Emerging linebacker who will be counted on to lead the defense and help stop the run.
My thoughts on Universal Audenried
Universal Audenried enters the 2026 season with enough returning experience to remain one of the top teams in the Philadelphia Public League National Division.
The Rockets return an efficient senior quarterback, a proven running back and multiple veteran receivers.
That offensive continuity should allow the unit to build on last season’s six-game winning streak.
The biggest question is the offensive line.
Gutierrez and White provide a strong foundation, but the unit must replace important graduates and develop depth.
If the line protects Velez and creates consistent running lanes for Thornton, the offense has the potential to become one of the more dynamic units in District 12 Class 3A.
Defensively, Universal Audenried must become stronger against the run.
Abdullahi and Austin will be central to that effort, while Brown and Bundick provide experience in the secondary.
The defense does not need to create a turnover on every possession.
It needs to tackle, remain disciplined and force opponents to earn every yard.
Special teams must protect Rose and avoid the type of mistakes that can change games.
The Rockets showed last season that they can recover from adversity and produce an extended winning streak.
With Velez directing the offense and a strong group of returning playmakers around him, Universal Audenried has an opportunity to improve on its 6-4 record, challenge for the Public League National Division title and make another postseason run.
Head Coach: Roy-Al Edwards
Assistant Coaches:
Ryan Benson
Robert Clark
Khaliff Rafiq Young
Quintin Hedgepeth
Jermaine Mercer
Kashef Spratley
Team Name: Universal Audenried Charter High School
District: 12
Class: 3A
League: Philadelphia Public League, National
2025 Record: 6-4
8/22 @ Cardinal O’Hara (4A) 7:00 pm L 0-49
8/28 @ Chichester (5A) 7:00 pm L 16-36
9/06 Vaux (Big Picture Philly)* (2A) 4:00 pm W 26-6 at South Philadelphia Supersite
9/13 @ Overbrook* (3A) 4:00 pm W 42-6 at South Philadelphia Supersite
9/19 @ Dobbins Randolph Vo-Tech* (3A) 7:00 pm W 42-2 at Northeast Supersite
9/25 @ Kensington (6A) 3:00 pm W 34-0 at South Philadelphia Supersite
10/04 Samuel S. Fels* (6A) 3:00 pm W 44-8 at South Philadelphia Supersite
10/11 Thomas Edison* (4A) 1:00 pm W 26-22 at South Philadelphia Supersite
10/18 @ York Catholic (1A) 2:00 pm L 0-14
11/01 Lansdale Catholic (2A) 1:00 pm L 8-56 Dist. 12 2A Championship @ Germantown SS
2026 Schedule:
Date Opponent Kickoff
8/22 @ Brandywine HS 1:00 pm Scrimmage
8/28 @ Cardinal O’Hara (4A) 7:00 pm
9/03 @ Chichester (4A) 7:00 pm
9/12 Academy of Palumbo* (5A) 3:00 pm
9/18 Thomas Edison* (5A) 7:00 pm
9/26 Roxborough* (4A) 3:00 pm
10/01 @ Olney* (4A) 7:00 pm
10/10 @ Germantown Academy 1:00 pm
10/16 @ Martin Luther King* (5A) 7:00 pm
10/22 @ Benjamin Franklin* (4A) 7:00 pm at Northeast Supersite
Key Starters Lost:
DL/ LB Dreden Jones
OL Jerome Hill
OL Jahceir Collier-Mills
Offensive Starters Returning:
Sr. QB Marcus Velez, 5-8 170
Sr. OL Elijah Gutierrez, 6-4 340
Soph. OL Makhi White, 5-10 250
Sr. WR Nickye Brown, 5-9 170
Sr. WR Dante Bundick 5-7 170
Jr. RB SaDeer Thornton 5-7 175
Defensive Starters Returning:
Sr. DB Nickye Brown, 5-9 170
Sr. DB Dante Bundick 5-7 170
Jr. DE Abdullah Abdullahi 6-2 200
Key Newcomers:
Soph. SS Ryhmair Knuckles 6-0, 175
2026 Returning Player Stats:
Marcus Velez 79 completions on 99 passing attempts. 727 yards, 15 TD’s, 3 interceptions.
SaDeer Thornton 85 Rushes 623 yards
2026 Offensive Outlook: The keys for offense this year will be protecting Sr. QB Marcus Velez, and giving him time to throw to the playmakers (Nickye Brown, Steven Stones)on the perimeter; as well as maintaining blocks for Jr. RB Sa’Deer Thornton to make plays with his legs. If The offensive line plays well the offense can be dynamic.
2026 Defensive Outlook: The keys for defense this year will be stopping the run. We are looking for Jr. LB Dmayne Austin to lead the defense, and for our returning secondary to make plays.