2026 PFN Player Profile: Max Karycki-TE/DE/DT/P-Mount Carmel
Tagged under: District 4, News, Player Previews
Cody Brady | August 6, 2026
Max Karycki
Mount Carmel
Class Of 2027
TE/DE/DT/P
Jersey #9
6’2” 250lbs
CAREER STATS: 291 Tackles, 43 TFL, 11 Sacks, 18 hurries, 5 TD
Other sports Track and field
2023 PFN COACHES ALL-STATE DT, 2024 PFN COACHES ALL-STATE NG, 2025 PFN COACHES ALL-STATE DT, 2025 PFN WRITERS ALL-STATE DL
Twitter/X @maxkarycki12
Coach Says: Max is a great leader & truly loves the game of football. He is fast, physical, & explosive & can play any position on the defensive line. Max has been an all-state player since his freshman year & is poised for a strong senior campaign.
Why do you play football?
Football has been my favorite sport since I can remember. From being young playing pretend games in my yard, all the way through the youth football programs, and up to now varsity football, it has been my life.
Who is your favorite sports star and WHY?
I have a bunch of favorite sports stars but one of my favorites from when I was younger was LeSean McCoy.
Do you have a favorite play you remember the most? Explain:
One of my all time favorite plays was from the Coal Bucket game against shamokin in 2025. I ran a corner route when we were in the redzone and made a great jump ball 50/50 catch. The crowd went wild and it was awesome.
What was last years season like for you?
Last year we had a challenging start to the season and we really had to face adversity. The team stuck together and we finished the year strong. I couldn’t be more proud of how we never gave in and never gave up.
What are your goals for this coming season?
My goals for this upcoming season are to win a district championship. It’s been a goal of mine since my freshman year and I know we have a real good shot at achieving that.
Who is the best player you ever lined up against?
The best player I’ve ever lined up against has to be my former teammate Noah Shimko who was a multiple all-state player and is now an offensive lineman for Maine University. He helped me tremendously in the player I am today.
What game, yours, college or pro, was your favorite game you watched and why?
One of my favorite games I watched was in 2021 I was at the Penn State Vs. Illinois game that went into 9 overtime’s.
Describe what the perfect teammate is
The perfect teammate is one who will put himself in any position to help make the team the best.
Tell everyone why you think football is good for a community
Football brings the whole community together throughout the fall and the winter and everyone is always talking about “this weeks game”.
Name one thing that you’d love to do in football that may never happen?
I would say it would have to be throw a touchdown pass or get a handoff and break out a long touchdown run.
Who is your mentor, the person you want to be like? WHY?
My mentor is my Dad. When I was younger he coached me in just about every sport I played and every team I was on. Even though he’s more of a baseball guy, he still taught me extreme amounts of football when I was younger.
What is your favorite practice drill? What is your least favorite practice drill?
My favorite practice drill is during double sessions in August we run a version of the Oklahoma drill that we call the “PA” drill and everyone gets hype. I wouldn’t really say I have a least favorite drill, I believe all the drills we do our very good and helpful to become a better play and they are fun.
Preseason Two a Days are:
Amazing. It’s one of my favorite times of the year and the team bonding is great.
Is there anyone in your family, besides your parents, you could consider your biggest fan? Who, Why?
My biggest fan was my PapPap. He was at all of my sporting events in my entire life and he always told me that I did great and he couldn’t wait for my next game.
When you aren’t playing, practicing or training for sports, what is your go to activity and WHY?
My go to activity is fishing. Almost every day even after practices I always go out fishing all around to different creeks/ponds/lakes. Usually for trout but in the summer I fish for bass as well.
What is your favorite play to run?
24 power
is a hot dog a sandwich? If not, then why?
I would say a hot dog is a sandwich considering it’s almost like a hoagie.
Music of choice:
90s Metal/Grunge
Best Pizza topping?
Hot Cheese Soupie from Hollywood Pizza here in Mount Carmel.
What is your favorite vacation destination?
Ocean City, Maryland
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