Ethan Potter, the do-it-all football star from Delaware, awaits freshman season at Villanova
BEAR, Del. (BVM) — Ethan Potter was a name every Caravel Buccaneers fan has known over the past four years. Last year, Potter brought that recognition to a whole new level, becoming simply one of the best all around football players in the entire state of Delaware.
At 6-foot, 190 pounds, Potter was a force no matter where he lined up for the Buccaneers, whether that be on offense, defense or even special teams. During his senior campaign last season, Potter simply dominated as one of the best pure athletes on the field. As the team’s running back, Potter rushed for nearly 1,300 yards and 22 touchdowns on the ground. If that wasn’t enough, Potter added nearly 1,000 yards and three touchdowns in the return game as the team’s punt and kick returner. As a defensive back, Potter contributed 104 tackles, eight tackles for loss, four pass breakups and three interceptions.
For Caravel head coach John Reed, it wasn’t a matter of what position Potter played, but getting him on the field.
“We always knew we had a chance to win when he was on the field,” Reed said. “He’s a playmaker. When the ball is in his hands, he wants to score.”
In total, Potter would finish the season with 2,210 all-purpose yards and 31 touchdowns for the Buccaneers. Ethan was so multifaceted in fact that he also threw for three touchdowns on the season. His play would help lead Caravel to the Division II state semifinals where they would fall to Woodridge by one point, 21-20.
Wouldn’t trade these experiences for anything #24Out 💫 pic.twitter.com/HFYlsejVTM
— Ethan Potter (@EthanPotter45) November 28, 2019
Though he wasn’t able to lead his team to the ultimate prize his senior season, Potter was able to rack up the hardware for his performance. Not only was Potter named first team all-state at running back by the Delaware Interscholastic Football Coaches Association, but he also was the state’s first team representative for returner and earned a first team all-state nod at defensive back as well.
By being named a first-team player at three different positions, Potter was the first to accomplish the feat since A.I. du Pont’s Quadree Henderson did so in 2014. Henderson is now a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers practice squad following a college career at Pittsburgh, so Potter is in good company.
“He’s a part of history,” Reed said. “He’s special. When he was on the field, offensively, defensively, all eyes were on him. People gameplanned around him and we were able to use that.”
In addition to his multiple all-state honors, Potter was also named the Maxwell Football Club’s Delaware Player of the Year. In recognition of his achievement, Potter received a mini-Max award at the DIFCA awards banquet in January.
Congratulations to @EthanPotter45 The 2019 @MaxwellFootball Delaware High School Player of the Year. pic.twitter.com/wzP08eKGjd
— Maxwell Football (@MaxwellFootball) January 28, 2020
Much like Henderson, Potter will also continue his athletic career in the state of Pennsylvania as he committed to Villanova University last July and officially signed his National Letter of Intent during a signing ceremony at Caravel on Dec. 18.
DE ➡️ PA
Welcome to #NovaNation, @EthanPotter45❗️ #NSD20 | #TapTheRock | #GoNova pic.twitter.com/O2DUyT17Dq
— Villanova Football (@NovaFootball) December 18, 2019
Though he played all over the field in high school for the Buccaneers, Potter will be mainly used on the defense for Villanova as a defensive back. Coaches are already excited for Potter’s arrival and what he can possibly bring during his time with the Wildcats.
“(Potter) really is a limitless player,” Villanova defensive coordinator Ola Adams said during a Villanova football signing day video. “I think he can play any position on the football field. He is also a guy who I’m expecting to make an immediate impact at safety for us. … We’re going to ask him to play safety for and make an immediate impact.”
Villanova, which made the FCS Playoffs last season with a 9-4 record and was listed at No. 8 in the preseason FCS football rankings, will have a different season than normal this year following the Colonial Athletic Conference decision to cancel conference games due to concerns over COVID-19. With that, Potter’s freshman season is up in the air.
For Reed and the Caravel coaching staff, it is now time for them to return to the drawing board in an effort to replace Potter. Though he knows that Potter is special, Reed is confident that what his former captain showed the team will rub off on the players still on the roster.
“A kid like Ethan doesn’t come around very often,” Reed said. “I hope (my players) learn from guys like that. He was all about the team. He put the work in.”
While he awaits a decision on his freshman football future, Potter will continue to do what he does best — play football. While he may be down for one position for the Wildcats right now, don’t be surprised if you see a return of the multifaceted Potter somewhere else on the field over the next four years. Anyone in Delaware could tell you, Potter can truly do it all.
