Vaux Big Picture Aims to Take the Next Step Behind Veteran Playmakers
Vaux Big Picture High School enters the 2026 season with a clear objective: transform experience into victories.
The program finished 4-5 a year ago while competing in the Philadelphia Public League American Division, showing flashes of potential throughout the season. The Knights earned wins over Jenkintown, Samuel S. Fels, Kensington and Dobbins Randolph Vo-Tech, but several close losses kept them from finishing above .500.
Head coach Jordan Holbert and his staff believe this year’s team has the opportunity to take that next step.
The challenge begins with replacing several of the program’s most productive players. Graduation claimed standout running backs and linebackers Naeem Wiley and Khaseem Wiley, quarterback Jamai Robinson, offensive tackle Hiram Adams and two-way lineman Lameer Dogan.
Those departures remove experience from nearly every position group.
Fortunately, Vaux returns one of the Public League’s top wide receivers in Semaj Pridgen, an elite ball-hawking defensive back in Sean Washington Jr., an emerging edge defender in Nasir Franklin and explosive return specialist BJ Hinds.
The Knights have also established three simple goals that will define their season.
Become students of the game.
Take care of the football.
Compete relentlessly every snap.
If those goals become habits, Vaux has enough athleticism to challenge for one of the top spots in the Public League American Division.
Finding the Next Quarterback
Replacing Jamai Robinson will be the biggest offensive storyline entering training camp.
Quarterback is the one position that touches every offensive snap, and whoever wins the job will inherit an offense with experienced playmakers on the perimeter.
The coaching staff will likely emphasize decision-making over spectacular plays early in the season.
One of Vaux’s stated offensive goals is eliminating turnovers.
That philosophy begins with the quarterback.
The new starter must protect possession, distribute the football efficiently and trust the athletes around him.
The Knights do not need their quarterback to force difficult throws.
Instead, they need consistency, leadership and the ability to keep the offense on schedule.
If the position develops quickly, Vaux’s offense has enough speed and athleticism to become much more explosive than it was a year ago.
Pridgen Headlines Passing Attack
Senior Semaj Pridgen returns after one of the most productive receiving seasons in the Public League.
Pridgen caught 34 passes for 426 yards and six touchdowns last season, establishing himself as the offense’s top playmaker.
At 6-foot and 170 pounds, he possesses the size to win contested catches while also creating separation on the perimeter.
His experience will be invaluable for a first-year starting quarterback.
Pridgen understands coverages, runs disciplined routes and consistently gives his quarterback a dependable target.
Expect defenses to focus heavily on limiting his opportunities.
That attention could create favorable matchups for other receivers.
The coaching staff will likely move Pridgen around the formation in an effort to create space and prevent defenses from consistently double-covering him.
When the football is in his hands, he has the ability to change games.
Griffin Provides Another Veteran Target
Senior Hamid Griffin returns to give Vaux another experienced receiver.
At just over 6-foot tall, Griffin adds size and athleticism to the passing game.
His presence opposite Pridgen should help balance the offense.
The Knights need Griffin to consistently win one-on-one matchups and take advantage of the attention Pridgen receives.
If both receivers produce, opposing defenses will have difficulty committing extra defenders to either side of the field.
Griffin also brings senior leadership to a position group expected to play a major role in the offense’s development.
His chemistry with the new quarterback will be one of the key storylines throughout preseason camp.
A productive receiving tandem gives Vaux the opportunity to stretch defenses vertically while opening running lanes underneath.
Offensive Line Must Set the Tone
Senior Jadon Bracy returns to anchor the offensive line.
At 5-foot-10 and 240 pounds, Bracy brings valuable varsity experience and toughness to the interior.
The graduation of Hiram Adams and Lameer Dogan means younger linemen must develop quickly around him.
Bracy’s leadership will be critical.
The coaching staff believes the offensive line will determine how successful the offense becomes.
Protecting the quarterback, creating rushing lanes and eliminating negative plays all begin in the trenches.
The Knights want to become a more disciplined offensive team.
That includes reducing penalties, communicating assignments and executing consistently.
If Bracy leads the line effectively, Vaux should be able to establish offensive balance while giving its playmakers opportunities in space.
Hinds Adds Explosiveness
Junior BJ Hinds returns after rushing 30 times for 210 yards and three touchdowns last season.
Although his offensive role is expected to expand, Hinds may be most dangerous on special teams.
His speed and quickness make him one of the team’s most explosive athletes.
The coaching staff will look for creative ways to get the football into his hands.
Whether lining up in the backfield, catching passes or returning kicks, Hinds has the ability to create momentum-changing plays.
His continued development provides another weapon for an offense replacing its starting quarterback and two leading rushers.
The Knights need explosive plays, and Hinds gives them an athlete capable of producing them.
Becoming Students of the Game
One phrase has become the offensive theme entering the season: Become students of the game.
That mindset extends beyond learning the playbook.
The coaching staff wants players to understand defensive tendencies, recognize adjustments and make smarter decisions during games.
Vaux also wants to average 30 points per game.
Achieving that goal requires more than athletic ability.
It requires execution.
The offense must protect the football, finish drives and eliminate self-inflicted mistakes.
Turnovers often determined the outcome of close games last season.
Reducing those mistakes could quickly translate into additional victories.
If the offense consistently executes, the talent exists to become one of the more productive units in the Public League American Division.
Franklin Anchors Defensive Front
Junior Nasir Franklin returns as one of the leaders of the defensive front.
At 6-foot-1 and 192 pounds, Franklin possesses the size and athleticism to become a disruptive edge defender.
With the graduation of Naeem Wiley, Khaseem Wiley and Lameer Dogan, Franklin’s role becomes even more important.
The Knights need him to create pressure, set the edge against the run and establish a physical tone.
Franklin has the opportunity to emerge as one of District 12’s top defensive linemen.
If he consistently wins one-on-one matchups, he will create opportunities for the linebackers and secondary behind him.
Washington Headlines Opportunistic Secondary
Few defensive backs in the Public League produced more turnovers last season than senior Sean Washington Jr.
Washington recorded an impressive eight interceptions, demonstrating outstanding instincts and ball skills.
His ability to create takeaways can completely change games.
Quarterbacks must know where Washington is located before every snap.
The senior safety provides leadership and confidence to the secondary.
He also serves as the last line of defense against explosive plays.
The coaching staff wants the defense to communicate better this season.
Washington will be responsible for making sure everyone is aligned correctly before the ball is snapped.
If he continues producing turnovers at last season’s pace, Vaux’s defense will consistently create short fields for the offense.
Pridgen Excels on Both Sides
Pridgen’s value extends well beyond offense.
The senior also returns as one of the team’s starting cornerbacks.
His athleticism, length and understanding of route concepts make him a difficult defender to challenge.
Opposing offenses must account for him regardless of which side of the ball he is playing.
His ability to contribute in all phases makes him one of the Public League’s premier two-way athletes.
Leadership will be another important responsibility.
With several new starters joining the defense, Pridgen’s experience should help stabilize the secondary.
His communication with Washington gives Vaux a veteran tandem capable of making game-changing plays.
Communication Will Define the Defense
The Knights have identified three defensive priorities:
Become students of the game.
Compete for every yard.
Communicate.
Those goals reflect a desire to play faster and more disciplined football.
Communication prevents coverage breakdowns, missed assignments and confusion before the snap.
Competing for every yard means finishing tackles and refusing to surrender easy gains.
Vaux wants opponents to earn every first down.
The defense also understands that improved football intelligence will allow players to anticipate plays rather than simply reacting.
If the Knights consistently communicate and execute, the defense has enough athleticism to become one of the strengths of the team.
Hidden Yardage Can Change Games
Special teams will receive significant attention this season.
The coaching staff wants to create explosive plays while uncovering hidden yardage that often determines close games.
Few players are better suited for that role than Hinds.
His speed makes him dangerous every time he fields a kickoff or punt.
The coverage units must also contribute by maintaining lanes and avoiding costly penalties.
Winning the field-position battle can make life much easier for both the offense and defense.
The Knights understand that special teams are not simply another phase of the game.
They can become a difference-maker.
Players to Watch
Semaj Pridgen, Sr., WR/CB: One of the Public League’s top two-way players after catching 34 passes for 426 yards and six touchdowns while also starring in the secondary.
Sean Washington Jr., Sr., S: Elite ball hawk who recorded eight interceptions last season and anchors the defensive backfield.
BJ Hinds, Jr., RB/Returner: Explosive athlete who rushed for 210 yards and three touchdowns while providing game-breaking ability on special teams.
Jadon Bracy, Sr., RG/DT: Veteran lineman who anchors both the offensive and defensive fronts.
Hamid Griffin, Sr., WR: Experienced receiver expected to complement Pridgen and provide another reliable target.
Nasir Franklin, Jr., DE: Athletic edge defender poised to become the leader of the defensive line.
My thoughts on Vaux
Vaux Big Picture enters the 2026 season with a mixture of proven talent and important questions.
Replacing a starting quarterback and several standout two-way players will not be easy, but the Knights return enough experienced playmakers to remain competitive.
Pridgen gives the offense a proven No. 1 receiver.
Griffin provides another experienced target.
Bracy anchors the offensive line, while Hinds brings explosive athleticism to multiple phases of the game.
Defensively, Franklin, Pridgen and Washington provide leadership at every level.
Washington’s ability to create turnovers gives the Knights a defender capable of changing games with a single play.
The biggest keys to the season have already been established by the coaching staff.
Become students of the game.
Protect the football.
Communicate defensively.
Create explosive plays on special teams.
If Vaux accomplishes those goals, the Knights have the talent to improve on last year’s 4-5 record, compete for the Philadelphia Public League American Division title and position themselves for a return to postseason play.
Head Coach: Jordan Holbert
Assistant Coaches:
Offensive Coordinator – Sean Richardson
Defensive Coordinator – Shaquan Jones
Asst. Coaches – Aliyoh Turay, Bruce Studevan, Deandre Milner, David Chaney
Team Name: Vaux Big Picture High School
District: 12
Class: 3A
League: Philadelphia Public League, American
2025 Record: 4-5
8/22 Lower Moreland (4A) 12:00 pm L 0-33 at Germantown Supersite
8/28 @ Jenkintown (1A) 12:00 pm W 42-20
9/06 @ Universal Audenried Charter* (2A) 4:00 pm L 6-26 at South Philadelphia Supersite
9/12 Samuel S. Fels* (6A) 3:00 pm W 26-20 at Germantown Supersite
9/18 Thomas Edison* (4A) 3:00 pm L 8-18 at Germantown Supersite
9/25 @ Olney (5A) 3:00 pm L 0-40 at Germantown Supersite
10/02 @ Kensington (6A) 3:00 pm W 18-12 at South Philadelphia Supersite
10/11 @ Overbrook* (3A) 1:00 pm L 22-26 at John Bartram
10/16 Dobbins Randolph Vo-Tech* (3A) 7:00 pm W 18-6 Senior Night; at Germantown Supersite
2026 Schedule:
Date Opponent Kickoff
8/22 @ Martin Luther King (5A) 10:00 am Scrimmage
8/28 @ Lower Moreland (4A) 12:00 pm
9/04 Jenkintown (1A) 3:00 pm
9/11 @ Dobbins Randolph Vo-Tech* (2A) 3:00 pm
9/18 @ Samuel S. Fels* (5A) 3:00 pm
9/25 @ Philadelphia Central (6A) 3:00 pm
10/01 Overbrook* (2A) 7:00 pm
10/09 Kipp-DuBois Collegiate Academy* (2A) 3:00 pm
10/15 Kensington* (6A) 3:00 pm
10/23 @ South Philadelphia* (6A) 7:00 pm
Key Starters Lost:
RB/LB – Naeem Wiley
RB/LB – Khaseem Wiley
QB – Jamai Robinson
LT – Hiram Adams
C/DT – Lameer Dogan
Offensive Starters Returning:
RG – Jadon Bracy, Sr. 5’10” 240
WR – Semaj Pridgen, Sr. 6’0” 170
WR – Hamid Griffin, Sr. 6’0 1/2”, 165
Defensive Starters Returning:
DT – Jadon Bracy, Sr. 5’10” 240
DE – Nasir Franklin, Jr. 6’1” 192
CB – Semaj Pridgen, Sr. 6’0” 170
S – Sean Washington Jr., Sr. 6’0 170
Special Team Starters Returning:
Returner – BJ Hinds, Jr. 5’7” 145
Key Newcomers:
Tymir Holmes
Khalief Washington
Kahlil Washington
Namir Brown
2026 Returning Player Stats:
Semaj Pridgen – 34 rec, 426 yards, 6 TD
Sean Washington Jr. – 8 INTs
BJ Hinds Jr – 30 carries, 210 yards, 3 TD
Nasir Franklin –
2026 Offensive Outlook:
Become students of the game
Score 30 points per game
Eliminate turnovers
2026 Defensive Outlook:
Become students of the game
Compete for every yard
Communicate
2026 Special Teams Outlook:
Create explosives
Uncover hidden yardage