Reading High junior LB/FB Gabriel Laws

The best thing about sophomores is that they turn into juniors.  Reading had 21 sophomores on its roster last season including Gabriel Laws.  The Red Knights will be a more experienced team this fall.  They return seven starters on offense and five on defense.  Laws is a workout warrior.  The 6', 205-pound LB/FB joined the 1,000-pound club last year.  His combined total in the bench press, squat, and deadlift reached 1,000 pounds which isn't too shabby for a 10th grader.  Laws is busy during track and field season as well.  He competes in the 100-meter dash, 4x100 relay, shot put, and discus.  Laws used his athleticism to make 14 tackles for loss last year.  His favorite NFL linebacker is Fred Warner of the 49ers.  His high school head coach knows a thing or two about playing that position.  Troy Godinet had 105 tackles and eleven sacks in 2003 when Reading finished as the District 3 runner-up.  Godinet is entering his second season at the helm of the Red Knights.  Laws mentioned that he has watched film of his coach.  "He was a tough player," said Laws with a big grin.  Godinet has brought a lot of energy to the program.  SV Sports' Paul Roberts asked Laws what he likes most about football.  "I just like to hit. I like to hit people," he replied.  Reading won two of its first three games in 2022 before finishing (3-7, 1-5).  The competition is always fierce in Section 1 of the Lancaster-Lebanon League which includes Manheim Township, Wilson, and Hempfield.  The Red Knights must replace quarterback Amier Burdine and wide receiver Ruben Rodriguez.  Burdine is going to Division I Sacred Heart to play defensive back, while Rodriguez is headed to Rider for basketball.  He averaged 20 yards per catch last fall and was named co-WR of the Year in Section 1.  Reading will have plenty of size up front in juniors Keyshawn Efese (6'5, 315) and Efrain Bonilla (6', 350).  Laws likes what he has seen from Cameron Small and Alexis "Lexi" Alvarado at running back.  Junior defensive back Xavier Beatty is another player to watch.  "We're looking to be better than last year...just come together as a brotherhood," said Laws.