Arizona's top high school football prospects: 2016 class
azcentral sports' Richard Obert ranks the Top 150 high school football prospects of the class of 2016 in Arizona.
Editor's note: Last summer, Richard Obert unveiled his Top 100 prospects in the 2016 class. This is a new list, with new rankings.
RELATED:More high school recruiting coverage
MORE:Top 100 prospects of class of 2017
MORE:Top 50 prospects of class of 2018
MORE:10 under-the-radar high school football players
No. 150 Ryan Bright, Chaparral, 6-5, 195, WR/DB
Comes from an athletic family. He is an outstanding high jumper in track. He has great range and speed and will go after the ball in traffic. A beast in the secondary.
No. 149 Travis Lockhart, Hamilton, 6-1, 175, QB
He showed flashes of great potential last season as a backup on a Division I state runnerup team, throwing seven touchdown passes. Good, accurate arm, this will be Lockhart's turn to stand out.
No. 148 Will Lane, Scottsdale Christian, 6-2, 260, DT
This will be his fourth year on varsity. Explosive nose tackle who creates double teams. Had 11 sacks and 13 tackles for losses to go with 74 tackles last season.
No. 147 Noah Gerald, Williams Field, 6-4, 210, DE
Expected to have a huge season after he had 11 quarterback hurries and four sacks on a team that reached the Division III final.
No. 146 Aaron Rosenbaum, Phoenix Arizona Lutheran Academy, 6-3, 245, DL
Started the last two seasons on both sides of the ball. Had 91 tackles playing both defensive tackle and defensive end last season. Has a 380-pound bench. Great hands, very quick. Was first-team all-section and first-team all-division last season.
No. 145 Jeff Kindorf, Notre Dame Prep, 6-3, 205, WR
Led team in receiving last season as a hybrid tight end. Very good outside speed and strong enough to make the difficult catch in traffic. Good athletic skills, above-average speed. Expect a break-out senior season with offensive coordinator Mike Brown finding ways to get him the ball.
No. 144 Quentin Clark, Show Low, 6-4, 200, Athlete
He is a natural wide receiver who had to play quarterback last season because of injuries. He made huge plays out of wildcat with his legs, looking like a man-child at the Division IV level. Great size and skills. Very good safety.
No. 143 Aaron Owens, Maricopa, 5-11, 160, QB/DB
He is being recruited as an athlete because of his versatility as a dual-threat quarterback who can lock it down at cornerback. He passed for 2,658 yards and 25 touchdowns and ran for 368 yards and three scores in 10 games last season.
No. 142 Henry "Cole" Inglis, Desert Mountain, 6-2, 180, DB
Averaged six tackles his junior season when he recovered a fumble and deflected three passes. Can play either safety position. Good ball skills.
No. 141 Desmond Ethridge, Red Mountain, 5-11, 190, RB/SS
He was hobbled my injuries last season, but he is stronger and faster than ever now and ready to make an impact on both sides of the ball. Very dynamic runner who could be safety in college.
No. 140 Colton Dunkle, Basha, 6-3 265, C/G
The strongest of the Big Four on Basha's offensive line. Universities from the Ivy League to the Pac-12 have shown interest in this smart dynamo at offensive guard. Will be one of the top offensive linemen in AZ Division I this year. Yale, Penn, Harvard as well as Colorado and Boise State are looking.
No. 139 Michael Niu, Mesa Mountain View, 6-3, 300, DT
Run stopper who will give the Toros a strong pass rush up the middle. Will face a lot of double teams because of his size and strength.
No. 138 Nicholas Silvestro, Basha, 6-5, 275, T
A gladiator on the offensive line with good feet and technique putting him on the radar at Boise State, Colorado, NAU, Nevada and UCLA. Has an Adams State offer.
No. 137 Bryce Utter, Sunrise Mountain, 6-0, 185, WR
Injuries derailed his career at Peoria Liberty, but he is healthy now, going full throttle this spring. He just needs games now. Once colleges see him play next season, offers should come.
No. 136 Prince Gbeadah, North, 6-1, 210, LB/RB
Pure athlete, will play anywhere asked of him. Will line up at middle linebacker, outside linebacker, on the edge. Will move from fullback to tailback. Might be North's best overall athlete.
No. 135 Mata'ava Ta'ase, Mesa Mountain View, 6-4, 205, WR
Mountain View could have two of the tallest receivers in the state next season with 6-7 Curtis Hodges on the other side. Ta'ase has turned into a beast in the off-season and could be one of the emerging receivers in Arizona.
No. 134 Thomas Preston III, Mesa Dobson, 6-5, 276, OL/DL
Great grades and motor. Was first-team all-section last season. Strong lower body, long arms, good technique.
No. 133 Torey Blevins, Phoenix North, 6-3, 185, QB
Came on strong late last season. Has the tools. Fast, strong arm, accurate. Coach Bernie Busken raves about the kids. Tremendous leader.
No. 132 Dustin Woodard, Chandler, 6-2, 285, OL
He has Ivy League grades and picked up a Brown offer in the spring. He has put in tremendous work in the off-season to become a prospect. A strong senior season should help elevate him even more.
No. 131 Ethan Johnson, Mesa Westwood, 5-8, 190, RB
Had a huge junior season, rushing for 1,891 yards and 25 touchdowns for a state playoff team. He will make the transition under new coach Jim Ewan. Rock-solid running back who can catch passes and break tackles. Quick, durable.
No. 130 A.J. Auelua, Highland, 6-2, 305, OL/NG
Big and powerful, Auelua has a great motor and is able to take on double teams on defense. He pulls out well for his size at guard. Will help anchor a big, athletic offensive line. Could play center in college.
No. 129 Donovahn Ross, Hamilton, OLB/SS, 5-11, 205
He can also play tight end, but he is getting most looks on defense, where he is a versatile linebacker who can line up just about anywhere and make plays. He can play inside or outside linebacker and has the speed and athleticism to play strong safety.
No. 128 Brevan Ward, Gilbert Highland, 6-5, 275
Has been impressive in spring workouts. Long, athletic. Runs well. Good, quick feet. Has generated FBC interest.
No. 127 Nic Carbo, Skyline, 6-2, 180, DB
Made first-team all-region last year with four interceptions. Time on field limited by injuries. Big things expected as he anchors strong secondary.
No. 126 Austin Clark, Horizon, 6-0, 200, SS
Caused two fumbles last season, hard hitter who closes quickly. Had 21 solo tackles during his junior season.
No. 125 Chris Araiza, Phoenix St. Mary's, 5-9, 160, CB
He averaged four tackles last season. Appointed team captain this year. Spirited leader who leads in the weight room, locker room and on the field. Tremendous work ethic.
No. 124 Chris Jules, Centennial, 6-0, 218, DE/FB
Another dynamic pass rusher who has the strength and speed to overpower big tackles. He is expected to have a huge senior season. College coaches have been impressed in spring football by his size and speed.
No. 123 Spencer Stanton, Notre Dame, 5-10, 170, CB
Had 60 tackles, two interceptions and six pass breakups in 10 games as a junior. Very good range, can also play safety.
No. 122 Bilal Muhammad, Tempe, 6-2, 180, WR
Should get plenty of college looks this spring after catching 39 passes for 644 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. He has gotten faster, more athletic. Good size.
No. 121 Randy Rodriguez, Centennial, 6-3, 225, DE
He could end up being Centennial's best player next season, the way he has blown up in the off-season with strong work in the weight room. Dynamic edge rusher who has put on 20 pounds of muscle, while still running a sub-4.5-second 40-yard dash.
No. 120 Kreshawn Braker, Cesar Chavez, 6-2, 300, DT
A tank in the middle of Cesar Chavez's line, Braker is tough to move out. He had three sacks last season. Also plays the offensive line, and is powerful with good feet.
No. 119 Cole McLafferty, Ironwood Ridge, 5-9, 180, RB
Ran for 1,079 yards and 14 touchdowns as a junior. Averaged 8.5 yards a carry. Explosive back who can break tackles and pop through the open field and outrun safeties.
No. 118 Jacob Hernandez, Marcos de Niza, 5-11, 205, LB
Could turn into a strong safety in college. Athletic, rangy, good speed. Had 132 tackles and two caused fumbles last season.
No. 117 Austin Newcombe, Willow Canyon, 6-5, 280, OL
Injuries have plagued him the last two years, playing a handful of games as a sophomore and starting seven games last season. But he has a great frame and is getting attention from Arizona and South Dakota State, among colleges. Has made big improvements since getting healthy.
No. 116 Tyler Tafurri, Notre Dame Prep, 6-1, 215, LB
Led the Saints in tackles last season. Gotten bigger, faster stronger. Leader, huge heart, loves to work. Will be the defensive leader this season.
No. 115 Jared Stangler, Willow Canyon, 6-1, 220, LB/K/P
Made all-section honorable mention the last two seasons at linebacker. An ankle injury limited him last season. Exceptional punter and kicker who is being recruited for that by bigger colleges. Smaller four-year colleges like him to play either linebacker or tight end in addition to punting and kicking. Excellent student who has Ivy League attention.
No. 114 Demarco Jackson, Goldwater, 5-9, 175, WR
Fast slot receiver who makes big plays. Had 41 catches for 678 yards and 10 TDs as a junior, only playing in nine games.
No. 113 Alex Centa, Phoenix Barry Goldwater, 6-2, 205, WR
Made a huge lead between his sophomore and junior seasons and is expected to do the same this year as a big, physical receiver. Had 35 catches for 584 yards and seven TDs last season. Got an NAU Junior Day invite.
No. 112 Jalen Scott, Shadow Mountain, 6-5, 195, DE/OLB
His season was shortened by an injury. Played in only two games, but had 11 tackles and two sacks. Very athletic, fast, strong kid. Getting looked at by Colorado and Oregon State.
No. 111 Nick Carlon, Moon Valley, 6-0, 170, DB/KR
He has transitioned from wide receiver to strong safety in his career. Last season, he had 103 tackles, one interceptions and one sack with 504 yards in kick returns. Has good speed, making plays all over the field.
No. 110 Travis Pollay, Northwest Christian, 5-8, 185, RB
Was one of the top Division V players last season when he ran for 1,450 yards and 16 touchdowns. Has more than 2,400 rushing yards in his last two years. He cuts on a dime and has good speed to break away for long runs.
No. 109 Nagi Clark, Peoria, 5-11, 180, WR/DB
Made all-section as a junior at defensive back but will play both receiver and DB his senior year. Can play either position in college. Physical, rangy receiver who locks it down on defense. Good ball skills.
No. 108 Efrain Segoviano, Tucson, 6-2, 245, OL/DL
Was first-team all-section on the offensive line last season. Coach Justin Argraves believes he is the second-best lineman he has had at Tucson, behind now San Diego State's Antonio Rosales. Great motor. Receiving interest from the University of Arizona. 3.0 GPA.
No. 107 Caleb Reeves, Marana, 6-1, 175, WR
Team's best offensive player, Reeves picked up an NAU Junior Day invitation. Sure, strong hands, disciplined route runner.
No. 106 Ben McGriff, Northwest Christian, 6-1, 280, DL
Finished third in the heavyweight division at state wrestling championships. Quick feet, big motor, who is a big run stuffer in the middle of the line. Has been all-section both on offensive and defensive lines.
No. 105 Alex Aguirre, Desert Edge, 6-1, 200, LB/RB
Versatile athlete who can also play tight end. Outstanding inside linebacker for one of the state's top Division III teams.
No. 104 David Ogas, Morenci, 6-1, 220, OL
Keeps putting on quality weight and is getting stronger. Started at left guard since sophomore season. Named to National Honor Society. Hard worker. Great leader.
No. 103 Brendan Coleman, Brophy Prep, 6-3, 250, OL
A very good run blocker who has great feet can protect the quarterback equally well. Can play any offensive line position. Earned first-team all-section as a junior. Getting Division I interest. Carries 3.2 GPA. Two-year starter on the line.
No. 102 Brock Corbin, Goodyear Desert Edge, 6-6, 285, OL
Keeps filling into huge frame. Good feet. Great motor. A big spring will lead to multiple offers.
No. 101 Ryan Velez, Brophy Prep, 6-1, 190, RB/KR
Was first-team all-section last season after rushing for 1,087 yards and 13 TDs on 171 carries. Great all-around athlete who could make an impact on defense. Versatile enough to play several positions. Had 16 catches for 110 yards last year. Returned seven kickoffs for 172 yards and 14 punts for 166 yards. Had 1,535 all-purpose yards. Gets it done in the classroom with a 3.9 grade-point average.
No. 100 Easton Palomino, Deer Valley, 6-3, 195, QB
Has been playing baseball this spring, but will compete in the Elite 11 regional in May in Chicago. He has changed up his diet to build mass and is working out in the weight room after baseball. Has had conversations with Duke and San Diego State.
No. 99 Dionte Flores, Flowing Wells, 5-11, 180, RB
Ran for more than 1,000 yards each of his sophomore and junior season. Has field awareness that his coach compares to former Canyon del Oro star Ka'Deem Carey. Had 24 rushing touchdowns last season.
No. 98Grant Carpenter, Surprise Willow Canyon, 6-2, 180, WR/KR/K
He started at wide receiver last season and filled in at punter after Jared Stangler got injured and ended up with a 39-yard average. He averaged 21.5 yards a catch with five touchdowns. He also made two field goals. Great all-around athlete who runs 100 meters in the low 11s. Has a 3.9 grade-point average.
No. 97 Josh McCauley, Red Mountain, 6-3, 250, C
Athletic, tough, mean with high football IQ. Team leader. Red Mountain used him to pull out on the edge because of his quick feet. Arizona State is showing interest. At the least, a Big Sky prospect.
No. 96 Jonathan Contreras, Centennial, 6-5, 300, OL
Has worked hard in the off-season to make himself a prospect. Coach Richard Taylor said he may have made as big a strides as anybody in the program since the state championship game. Will get good looks just based on his size.
No. 95 Hunter Dean-Gibson, Basha, 5-10, 165, WR
Put up solid numbers his sophomore season with 33 catches for 590 yards and seven TDs. Will benefit greatly from having one of the state's top quarterbacks, Ryan Kelley, throwing to him. Has an extra gear after he catches it.
No. 94 Tanner Hawthorne, Centennial, 6-6, 275, OL
Made an off-season commitment to the weight room and it is paying off. Gotten more explosive. Should have his best season after starting on the line last season.
No. 93 Carl Barrs, Centennial, 6-0, 180, DB
A lock-down cornerback who is having a solid track season in the hurdles. Fast, athletic, makes plays on defense. Great ball skills. Could take off in spring practices.
No. 92 Michael Tate, Higley, 6-3, 270, OL/DL
Versatile lineman who can play center or guard. Tough defensive tackle. Great motor. Quick feet.
No. 91 Teauntae Nash, Chandler, 6-0, 190, DB
Transferred in the spring from Tucson Salpointe, where he had three interceptions, nine pass deflections and 43 tackles as a junior last season. Family had to relocate because of a work move. He will add to an already dynamic secondary as a lock-down cornerback.
No. 90 Nomar Laurel, Goodyear Millennium, 6-4, 310, OL
So far only junior colleges have shown interest, but coach Jason Randels believes Laurel potentially is "a big-time player." He has a great motor to go with good size.
No. 89 Alex Farina, Phoenix Desert Vista, 6-2, 195, QB
Will bounce back from a down year. Can make all of the throws. Strong arm. Has worked in the off-season to improve all around speed, strength and accuracy. Good runner.
No. 88 Dylan Turelli, Arcadia, 6-1, 220, LB
Outstanding inside linebacker with good lateral speed. Had 67 tackles and two interceptions junior season.
No. 87 Tanner Garcia, Apache Junction, 5-11, 170, WR
One of the more dynamic kick returners in the state. Great hands, speed. Projects as a slot receiver/kick returner in college. No offers but on college coaches' radar.
No. 86 Matt McAdams, Tucson Santa Rita, 6-0, 215, LB
Only appeared in two games last season because of an injury. But he is a big impact play-maker who will see his recruiting take off in May. Has big Arizona interest. A strong spring should push him as a go-to prospect.
No. 85 Alex Jackson, Liberty, 5-9, 160, WR
Dynamo who is a home-run hitter returning punts. He returned two punts for touchdowns last season when he caught 40 passes for 773 yards and four TDs. He also had a rushing touchdown. Versatile, dynamic slot receiver.
No. 84 William JJ Lyons, Glendale Copper Canyon, 5-8, 165, WR
This elusive slot receiver transferred from Phoenix Christian to Glendale Copper Canyon at mid-year. Watch him take off with increased speed. He already has great skills, sure hands. Dynamic receiver. Had 37 catches last season at Phoenix Christian.
No. 83 Isiah Swann, Chandler, 5-11, 175, DB
Had 45 tackles on Division I championship team. Had Cornell offer in late March. Good tackler, ball skills. Lock-down cornerback.
No. 82 Marcarius Blount, Mountain Pointe, 6-0, 180, RB/DB
He transferred in from Laveen Betty Fairfax after the Christmas break. He is a threat on either side of the ball. Last season at Fairfax, Blount ran for 774 yards and four TDs on 115 carries, caught eight passes for 124 yards and a TD, had 13 tackles, four quarterback hurries and a fumble recovery.
No. 81 Amarii Keyes, Mesa Skyline, 5-11, 200, RB
Explosive back who ran for 1,131 yards and nine touchdowns his junior season, helping the Coyotes to a 10-2 record and Division I quarterfinal finish. He is a good blocker who also can make catches out of the backfield. He had nine catches for 141 yards and three TDs last season.
No. 80 Drew Inness, Phoenix Northwest Christian, 5-11, 190, QB
Has been invited to Dartmouth's Junior Day. NAU and Azusa Pacific have shown interest. He is a competitor who wants the ball in his hands. Not afraid to fail. Played last two games last season with separated shoulder. Passed for 2,716 yards and 28 TDs and ran for 476 yards and 10 TDs.
No. 79 Matt Mitchell, Joy Christian, 5-9, 180, QB
Great football IQ. Process things quickly. Reads defenses well. Had more than 2,400 passing yards and 29 touchdowns last season when he completed 70 percent of his passes. Tests out very well at combines/camps. Going to Oregon for Elite 11 regional then to Stanford QB camp.
No. 78 Justin Mandrola, Pinnacle, 6-2, 215, Athlete
Multi-purpose player who makes plays at linebacker, running back and tight end. Made all-section at linebacker last season for a very good Division I team. Very good receiver out of the backfield. Above-average speed for his size.
No. 77 Dominique King, Phoenix Thunderbird, 5-8, 185, RB
Ran for 1,427 yards and 21 touchdowns in break-out junior season. Can also play safety on defense. Smart, strong kid who changes speeds well and is hard to bring down with just one tackler.
No. 76 Romeo Robertson, Greenway, 5-9, 165, RB
Had nearly 600 rushing yards in the first four games, before a knee injury sidelined him the rest of the season. He has worked hard to regain speed and strength and is drawing interest from NAU, San Diego State, Bemidji State, Northwestern State and Arizona Christian.
No. 75 Deyton Jackson, Liberty, 5-11, 175, WR
Shifty slot receiver who has sure hands and can break it open for big plays with his ability to fake out defenders. Great personal coach in his dad, Chris Jackson, who came out of retirement last years in the playoffs to help the Rattlers win another Arena Football League championship. Deyton is having a great spring after catching 44 passes for 747 yards and 10 TDs on last year's Division II runnerup team.
No. 74 Tristan Peterson, Oro Valley Canyon del Oro, 6-1, 220, LB
Led the Dorados in tackles the past two season. Great athlete. Fast enough to play inside linebacker, but primarily a middle linebacker who quickly tracks down ball carriers with a quick, aggressive style.
No. 73 Devin Howard, Mountain Pointe, 6-2, 288, OL
He played a lot on last year's Division I semifinal team. Has gotten stronger with improved footwork since then. Will get noticed in May football by college coaches after all of the work he has put in.
No. 72 Tavian Patrick, Desert Ridge, WR/KR
Has been offered by Cornell. Great student with multiple skills on the football field. Talented slot receiver who is elusive. Home-run hitter on kickoff returns. Speedy, shifty player who makes an impact.
No. 71 Ke'shawn Churchwell, Mountain Pointe, 5-9, 185, DB
He played mostly linebacker and strong safety last season, but coach Norris Vaughan is moving him to cornerback. He is a strong, quick, sure tackler with great ball skills. Expect this move to not only help the defense but to raise his recruiting stock.
No. 70 Anthony Trujillo, Marcos de Niza, 6-1, 200, WR
Averaged nearly 20 yards on 27 catches for nine touchdowns last season for the Padres. Exceptional hands and route runner. Has worked hard in the off-season to improve speed and strength.
No. 69 Frankie Leal, Peoria, 5-11, 220, MLB
Will be a three-year starter. Great leader. Had 21 tackles for losses last season. Starting to pick up strong interest.
No. 68 Kent Cullumber, Pinnacle, 6-3, 280, OL
Great feet. Getting a lot of interest but no offers yet. Made first-team all-section last season. Can play center, guard or tackle. Excellent work ethic.
No. 67 Rico Tipton, Hamilton, 6-0, 202, Athlete
Versatile athlete who excels on offense, defense and special teams. He ran for 486 yards and seven touchdowns last season. Big contributor on special teams with three blocked punts. Split time at running back last season, but will be a main ball carrier next season. Will also play defense, where he is flexible enough to play linebacker and safety. Three-sport athlete. Also wrestles and runs track.
No. 66 Chase Hulbert, Liberty, 6-0, 205, LB
Had a huge junior season helping the Lions reach the Division II final with 134 tackles, 17 for losses. He also had 9.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. Relentless swarmer. Great nose for the ball.
No. 65 Johnny Johnson, Maricopa, 5-8, 165, DB/WR
Excellent speed and move, he can play either slot receiver or cornerback in college. Exceptional ball skills. Had 35 tackles and two interceptions last season.
No. 64 Adrian Edwards, Higley, 6-2, 175, DB
Can play free safety and strong safety. He had 32 tackles, five pass breakups, two sacks, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery last season. Has gained strength and speed since last season.
No. 63 Dujuan Lawrence, Glendale Joy Christian, 6-1, 185, WR/DB
Invited to Northern Arizona's Junior Day. Received postseason honors on both side of the ball. Arizona has shown interest. Dangerous kick returner. Had 43 catches last season.
No. 62 Troy Reed, Boulder Creek, 6-2, 195, WR
Had 14 touchdown catches in a break-out junior season that will have college coaches coming around in May to see him up close in spring practices.
No. 61 Xavier James, Buckeye Verrado, 6-1, 178, WR
Had a strong junior season, but it wasn't until he had an impressive performance this spring at a Nike combine, that colleges really started to take interest. It led to his first offer, from Montana. Many college coaches will be coming through in May to get a look at him.
No. 60 Dante Diaz-Infante, Brophy Prep, 6-1, 215, LB
Father played in the NFL. Great leader, work ethic, teammate. Had 81 tackles, 12 for losses on Division I semifinal team last season. Two fumble recoveries. Great lateral movement, nose for the ball.
No. 59 Sergio Hernandez, Poston Butte, 6-4, 215, DB/WR
Can play multiple positions with high impact. Could end up being a college receiver, but he is a big hitter on defense, where he can play either safety position and linebacker.
No. 58 Gunther Johnson, Anthem Boulder Creek, 6-2, 195, QB
Great dual threat. Passed for 2,272 yards and 28 touchdowns with six interceptions, and ran for 723 yards and eight TDs on 8-3 Division I team. Father played college football. Expect an even bigger senior season.
No. 57 Tre Campbell, Surprise Shadow Ridge, 6-3, 200, LB
This outside linebacker also plays tight end. Had four touchdown catches last season, two in the opener against Glendale Deer Valley. A standout on the basketball court and on the track. Runs the 200 meters. Carries a 3.3 grade-point average. Interest from UA, Utah and Columbia. Schools waiting for his test scores.
No. 56 Carson Taylor, Apollo, 6-4, 200, DE
Great motor, excellent first step. Had 42 tackles, 13 for losses, and six sacks for the Hawks last season. Can play with hand in dirt or standing up as an outside linebacker. Started on varsity past two seasons.
No. 55 Dylan Wright, Mesa Desert Ridge, 6-6, 230, QB
Has bulked up without losing speed and arm strength. Good pocket passer who received an Elite 11 regional invitation. Transferred from Gilbert Campo Verde. Expect Desert Ridge to open up the playbook and pass more with Wright flinging it.
No. 54 Isaiah Goodspeed, Glendale Joy Christian, 6-2, 190, WR
Good size and speed, reliable hands, disciplined route runner with big-play abilities. 3.5 grade-point average. Received Junior Day invite from Cornell. Arizona State, Arizona, Northern Arizona all have shown interest.
No. 53 Brett Voss, Phoenix Moon Valley, 6-3, 180, DB/WR
Tremendous athletic ability matched by high football IQ. Processes things quickly on the field. Versatility should help him achieve at either side of the ball in college. Backup quarterback and long snapper, as well. Returns punts. One of the more versatile athletes in the state.
No. 52 Preston Guerra, Glendale Cactus, 6-2, 200, QB
Had a big junior season passing for 2,339 yards and 27 touchdowns, while running for 711 yards and 13 touchdowns on a nine-win team. His recruiting expected to blow up in May when college coaches can see him in spring practice.
No. 51 Spencer Lewis, Mesa Red Mountain, 6-5, 230, OL
Athletic with a nasty streak. Will be a three-year starter. Will fill out in big frame. Has several Pac-12 offensive line coaches come out to see him. Most interest coming from UA, ASU, Colorado and USC. Weight keeping him from getting numerous early offers, but that should change in May. Coach Ron Wisniewski, a former college coach, calls Lewis "a legitimate Pac-12 prospect."
No. 50 Joe Logan, Goodyear Estrella Foothills, 5-11, 185, RB
Sleeper back who is strong, fast and elusive. He ran for 1,591 yards and 19 touchdowns, including 272 yards and two TDs in a 19-13 Division IV playoff win over Show Low. He averaged 35 yards on seven catches, turning four of them into touchdowns. Tremendous athlete who started at guard on basketball team that reached the state tournament.
No. 49 Avery Sanders, Tempe Marcos de Niza, 6-0, 190, Athlete
Line this kid anywhere on the field, and he makes plays. He is cut in the athletic mold of former Marcos de Niza All-Arizona linebacker/running back Ramon Abreu. Sanders has a chance to be even more dynamic. He plays running back and linebacker, but projects in college as a receiver and safety. He had 483 yards rushing on 56 carries and 306 yards receiving on 16 catches last season.
No. 48 Deandre Williams, Tucson, 5-10, 185, RB/DB
After suffering an ankle sprain in season opener, he was never 100 percent and played in just eight games. Given that, it was remarkable that he still had three 100-plus rushing yards games. He is a 3.75 GPA student who plays basketball and runs track. Great leader, athlete, and may be one of the biggest sleepers in the state. Receiving interest from Arizona and Yale.
No. 47 Luke Rudolph, Phoenix Horizon, 6-4, 260, OL
Has gotten bigger and stronger since a break-out junior season, helping Utah-bound Jake Grant anchor the line for one of the more explosive Division I offenses in the state. Long arms and good balance. His stock is on the rise.
No. 46 Jacob Brekken, Phoenix Greenway, 6-6, 280, OL
Big, physical, athletic tackle who had a strong junior season. Great size and feet. Coach Kenyon Anthony says he is "becoming a better football player every day."
No. 45 Vavrix Owens, Mountain Pointe, 5-11, 200, LB
Owens can play linebacker or strong safety. He is fast enough to play safety. Had 57 tackles, six for losses, last season when the Pride reached the Division I semifinals. Great leader. Works hard in the weight room.
No. 44 Jake Welsheimer, Phoenix Shadow Mountain, 5-10, 180, WR
Had a huge year, standing out on a 3-7 team, catching 65 passes for 1,055 yards and 14 touchdowns. Has a 3.8 grade-point average. Hoping to impress in combines and camps to get his recruiting to take off this spring. Has interest from Arizona State, Arizona, Northern Arizona, San Diego State.
No. 43 Bailin Markridge, Phoenix Sandra Day O'Connor, 6-2, 180, QB
Had a break-out junior season, prompting Desert Ridge coach Jeremy Hathcock to call him the best quarterback his team faced. Good speed, instincts, pocket presence. Nothing shatters his confidence. Passed for 2,327 yards and 23 TDs, and ran for 279 yards and five TDs, playing against top competition in Division I.
No. 42 Micah Reed-Campos, Chandler, 5-9, 185, RB
He averaged 8 yards a carry and ran for 11 touchdowns in spot duty last season. Great pass catcher. Caught eight passes for 239 yards and five TDs. Excellent speed and acceleration. Change of pace guy who takes the pressure off of Chase Lucas in the backfield.
No. 41 Dylan Eickmeyer, Salpointe Catholic, 6-4, 265, OL
Can play tackle, guard or center. Exceptional footwork, motor and leverage. One of the more athletic linemen on offense that coach Dennis Bene has had. He will be attending Montana's Junior Day.
No. 40 Riley Kaye, Phoenix Arcadia, 6-4, 300, OL
Has gotten stronger and improved his footwork since the end of last season. Great bloodline. His aunt was LPGA golfer Heather Farr, who is deceased. Mom is Missy Farr, Heather's sister, who played on the pro golf tour.
No. 39 Michael Weinstein, Saguaro, 6-3, 305, C
Made All-Arizona last season at center. Helped anchor an impressive line that led Sabercats to Division III championship. He made second-team All-American. In contact with Colorado State, Boston College, Michigan State, Arizona, Cornell, Dartmouth, Harvard.
No. 38 Jack Smith, Phoenix Mountain Pointe, 6-1, 180, QB
It hasn't taken coach Norris Vaughan long to be sold on this Indiana transplant. He moved from the Midwest after his father became the head baseball coach at Arizona State. Vaughan said that Smith isn't playing baseball to try to work on becoming a Division I football player. Vaughan said Smith is a dual threat who could excel at receiver, running back or defensive back. He believes Smith will emerge as the state's top quarterback next season.
No. 37 Quentin Gomez, Centennial, 5-9, 185, DB
Gomez likely will become Centennial's featured back on offense, but he projects as a cornerback with tremendous ball skills. He returned three interceptions for touchdowns last season. Lock-down defender who anticipates the pass as well as anybody in the state.
No. 36 Jake Ksiazek, Salpointe Catholic, 6-2, 240, LB
In 10 games last season, he had 58 tackles, three tackles for losses and 3 ½ sacks. He has good speed to go with strong frame. Great lateral movement. Pac-12 coaches will be taking a closer look at him in May.
No. 35 Kyree Woods, Chandler, 6-0, 175, DB
Picked up a Nevada offer. He had two interceptions and 45 tackles on last year's state championship team. Hard hitter. Can play corner and safety. Very good ball skills.
No. 34 D.J. Davidson, Mesa Desert Ridge, 6-5, 300, DL
Coach Jeremy Hathcock says Davidson's recruiting is just now heating up and expects him to "a 15-offer guy." Arizona State and Arizona both are all over him. He is a monster along the defensive line. Can play nose tackle to the edge with speed and strength.
No. 33 Hamilcar Rashed Jr., Laveen Cesar Chavez, 6-4, 225, DE/LB
Tremendous prospect who gets an A-plus on the eye-ball test. He is fast and strong and dominant, posting 20 sacks last season when he made azcentral sports' All-Arizona team. His name has gotten out there. Arizona State, Arizona, Washington and Oregon have all come by to see him.
No. 32 Dru Dixon, Phoenix Pinnacle, 6-1, 230, LB
Has been invited to the Opening regional after an impressive recent camp where he emerged as the top linebacker. Was one of coach Dan Zupke's few two-way starters last season. He made the Arizona Football Coaches Association's team at linebacker. He is has great speed and instincts to go with size.
No. 31 Kare' Lyles, Saguaro, 6-2, 210, QB
After a strong first season as the starting quarterback with an off-the-charts QB rating, Lyles' recruiting is heating up. His coach, Jason Mohns, said he received phone calls from the offensive coordinators at Wisconsin, Oklahoma State, Kansas and Colorado, as well as Michigan State, Rutgers, UCLA, San Jose State, Nevada, Montana, NAU and UC Davis. May could be his big break-out month for offers.
No. 30 Kaleb Pitts, Hamilton, 6-3, 175, WR
Watch for big things from this big, athletic receiving next season, after playing a complimentary role last season. Coach Steve Belles raves about his potential. He had 381 receiving yards and two touchdowns on Division I finalist team. He also averaged 36 yards a kick return and had huge returns in the state title game against Chandler.
No. 29 Steffon Canady, Glendale Apollo, 6-1, 215, LB
Great motor who makes an impact on both sides of the ball as a big, bullish athlete. He had 78 tackles on defense and ran for 460 yards and seven touchdown on offense last season.
No. 28 Casey Carnaghi, Tucson Sahuaro, 6-3, 195, WR
Missed most of last season because of a broken hand, but he turned for the state playoffs and had four catches for 135 yards and a touchdown in a loss to Paradise Valley. He is starting to get attention from the Pac-12 schools. He is big, physical, athletic receiver with good hands. A strong spring and summer at camps and combines should help his recruiting. He has all of the physical tools.
No. 27 Isaac Steele, Centennial, 6-2, 190, QB/DB
This athlete may wind up at the next level at defensive back. He is a dynamic dual threat quarterback who makes plays with his legs. He has a big arm. He threw for 1,632 yards and 27 touchdowns and ran for 558 yards and six TDs on 75 carries, leading Centennial to the Division II championship last season. He'll face tough competition in the school's move up to Division I.
No. 26 Christian Skeptaris, Chaparral, 6-3, 225, TE
Skeptaris is a versatile tight end who can block, go wide and make big catches. He is tough in traffic. Fearless. Chaparral utilizes him as an H-back, wingback. He has a big body who is good in space. He will also play outside linebacker next season because he is a tough kid who just makes plays.
No. 25 Bryce Coleman, Marana Mountain View, 5-7, 170, RB
Only played in two games last season after transferring from Tucson High. It was enough to put together an impressive highlight tape to send to recruiters. He had the eighth-fastest 40-yard time at the U.S. Army national combine in January in San Antonio. He was among the top 15 skills players. He got an invite to the Nike Opening regionals in Southern California in March. Watch for his recruiting to take off in May when college coaches come through for spring football.
No. 24 Julian Carter, Saguaro, 6-3, 190, WR
Transferred during the spring from Phoenix Horizon where he caught 47 passes for 693 yards and seven touchdowns last season. He'll form a great receiving corps at Saguaro, which will be playing in Division II next season. Carter is a long athlete who can get up in the air to make catches. Put on a show in the Rivals Camp in Las Vegas and has been invited to a national 7-on-7 showcase.
No. 23 Kurt Shughart, Chaparral, 5-11, 205, DB
Strong, fast kid who runs 40 yards in 4.6 seconds and could project as a linebacker in college. He plays strong safety in high school. Last year he was a catalyst on the defense with this big-play abilities. An ankle injury late in the season slowed him but he is back to full strength, spending much of his time in the gym. He can squat more than 500 pounds. He has the attention of the Pac-12.
No. 22 John Okwoli, Phoenix North Canyon, 6-2, 190, WR/KR
Tremendous athlete who could play receiver, kick returner and defensive back in college. He had more than 1,900 all-purpose yards last season when opposing coaches tried to key on him. He averaged 198 yards a game. He finished with 1,408 receiving yards. Dynamic receiver who is a threat to score anywhere on the field. Duke, Washington, UA and Northern Arizona all are recruiting him.
No. 21 Thayne Jackson, Gilbert, 6-7, 275, OL
Jackson is a natural tackle, who moved from right tackle to left tackle last season when Arizona State-signee Steven Miller was moved from left tackle to guard. There is strong interest from Arizona State, Arizona, Vanderbilt and Oregon. He recently attended ASU's junior day. He has great footwork and good leverage with good balance. UA wants to bring him down for junior day. Oklahoma State and Southern California are starting to come in. He will take an unofficial visit to Vanderbilt soon.
No. 20 Walker Adams, Brophy Prep, 6-1, 220, LB
If he hadn't missed his junior season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament, Adams easily would be a top-10 prospect in Arizona. He is a tough middle linebacker who as a sophomore set a Brophy season record with 134 tackles. He will work his way back to becoming one of the state's top linebackers in the fall. After what happened with Isaiah Oliver falling through the recruiting cracks for Colorado to get, college coaches are going to be looking closely at Adams' progress.
No. 19 Case Hatch, Gilbert Perry, 6-2, 220, LB
He runs 40 yards in 4.6 seconds, but plays even faster. He had 140 tackles last season. Made all-section and all-state. Expected to take off in May when recruiters see him.
No. 18 Daniel Bridge-Gadd, Paradise Valley, 6-2, 190, QB
Very good throwing the ball on the run, Bridge-Gadd makes things happen. And he's got one of the state's top receivers, Jacob Brown, coming back. Gamer. Coach Greg Davis believes Bridge-Gadd is close to getting an offer. About 15 colleges want to see what Bridge-Gadd does during May spring football. If he made any improvement since last season, the sky is the limit.
No. 17 Roy Lopez III, Gilbert Mesquite, 6-3, 290, C/G
A coach's son, Lopez recently won the heavyweight state wrestling championship. He is athletic enough to play defensive tackle in college. Arizona is getting close to offering him. Once a Pac-12 school offers, his recruiting will take off.
No. 16 Jacob Brown, Paradise Valley, 6-0, 180, WR/DB
Brown is good enough to play either offense or defense in college. He was a dynamo on offense last season for the Trojans, catching 54 passes for 1,163 yards and 19 touchdowns. He changes speeds very well. Explosive, dynamic receiver who creates separation and is tough to tackle in space. His recruiting stock keeps rising. So far he has an offer from South Dakota State.
No. 15 Marshal Nathe, Centennial, 6-3, 285, G
Nathe and Bailey are like twins. Not much separates either lineman. They're even the same size with the same big motor. They put in the work and it shows on the field. Nathe has ASU, UA, Florida, Nebraska, Oregon, Washington all interested. If he continues to progress the way he did during his junior season, May should be a great month for him with recruiters.
No. 14 Tyler Bloom, Gilbert Higley, 6-5, 210, QB
He was among the top-10 overall prospects for the 2016 class before he blew out his knee in the season opener. Bloom, a left-hander, is back throwing and cleared to run. He has added 20 pounds during his rehabilitation. He has gotten bigger in his upper body. All of the big college will be back out in May. He has ASU, UCLA, Michigan State, Arizona, Nebraska and Oregon all are still interested.
No. 13 Justice Summerset, Marana Mountain View, 6-4, 175, QB/DB
Great athlete. One of the state's top high jumpers in track and field. Could wind up at a major college for track. On the football field, he does it all. He is a three-year varsity starter with 31 games already under his belt. He made Division II Section 5 Player of the Year last season when he passed for 2,742 yards and ran for 303 yards and had a total of 29 touchdowns. He has interest from Arizona, UCLA, Northern Arizona, Colorado, San Diego State. Texas A&M now has him on its radar.
No. 12 Steven Bailey, Centennial, 6-3, 285, C/G
His recruiting stock went way up after an exceptional junior season, clearing paths for Dedrick Young and the like, as the Coyotes captured the Division II championship. With Centennial's jump to Division I competition, Bailey will see even bigger guys to go up against. He is versatile. Can play any line position, but projects to be a center or guard in college. Big-time motor. Works relentlessly in the weight room.
No. 11 Cade Knox, Brophy Prep, 6-4, 200, QB
He emerged the second half of last season and now has Arizona State looking closely at him. Very athletic and has good speed to get out of the pocket and make plays with his legs and arm. He also plays safety on defense. He led Brophy Prep to the Division I semifinals, passing for 2,306 yards and 24 touchdowns with only eight interceptions. He ran for 439 yards. Excellent in the classroom, Knox has a 3.7 grade-point average.
No. 10 Kyeler Burke, Hamilton, 6-1, 190, DB/WR
Burke's recruiting should take off after making the switch to fulltime cornerback, a need position for major colleges. He is very athletic. He ran for 464 yards and had 976 yards receiving last season when he scored 13 touchdowns for the state runnerup Huskies. He will still play some offense next season.
No. 9 Brandon Jamison, Scottsdale Chaparral, 6-3, 230, DE
No offers yet but half of the Pac-12 has interest. He is a top hurdler in track. Can play outside linebacker and end. He led the Firebirds with 17 tackles for losses last season. A big spring could ignite his recruiting.
No. 8 Bozton Sanders, Peoria Centennial, 5-11, 240, LB
Had breakout junior season, making azcentral sports' All-Arizona team. He plays much faster than his 40-yard time, coach Richard Taylor said. "He runs down people he should not be catching," Taylor said. "He takes great angles. He loves to get there." Sanders is going out for track this spring, doing everything from running sprints to throwing the discus.
No. 7 Justin Holt, Tucson Salpointe, 6-2, 290, DT
The son of a former University of Arizona football player, Holt has a UA offer so far. This spring, colleges will ascend on Salpointe's campus to take a closer look at the nose tackle. He had four tackles for losses last season. Coach Dennis Bene believes it is just a matter of time before Holt's recruiting takes off.
No. 6 Mason Moran, Chandler, 6-3, 180, QB/DB
He won't play his first varsity season as a fulltime starter until this fall, but his coach, Shaun Aguano, can already tell you that he'll be the best quarterback in the state. He made All-Arizona last season at defensive back, where he showed off his tremendous athletic abilities. Moran has offers from Boston College, Colorado and Massachusetts.
No. 5 N'Keal Harry, Chandler, 6-4, 210, WR
This freak athlete recently picked up an offer from Southern California during it elite invitation-only Junior Day. Harry is athletic and physical with good speed. He caught 30 passes for 657 yards and 13 TDs last season. He has seven offers now. Coach Shaun Aguano believes he may pass Lucas for most recruited player on his team for next season. Among his offers are ASU, Nebraska, Texas A&M and Washington.
No. 4 Garrett Rand, Chandler Hamilton, 6-3, 275, DT
Great bull rusher who overpowered centers and guards last season, picking up 10.5 tackles for losses, 10 sacks. He will be a three-year starter. He has offers from most of the Pac-12, and from Michigan State and Nebraska. He could wind up being the among the most sought after players in Hamilton history.
No. 3 Connor Murphy, Phoenix Brophy Prep, 6-7, 240, DE
The brother of Washington Redskins linebacker/defensive end Trent Murphy, a former All-Pac-12 player at Stanford, the younger Murphy has all of the tools to make it big. He has ASU, UA, Michigan, Stanford, Nebraska offers among the nine so far. Very long and athletic with nasty streak like his brother.
No. 2 Chase Lucas, Chandler, 6-1, 180 RB
He is up to double-digit offers with ASU, UA, Nebraska and Notre Dame among those. A versatile athlete who can return kicks, catch the ball out of the backfield and break off big runs on power dive plays. He ran for 1,126 yards and 13 touchdowns and caught 28 passes for 368 yards and three TDs on last season's 13-1 Division I championship team.
No. 1 Byron Murphy, Scottsdale Saguaro, 6-1, 170, DB
Up to 16 offers to start February, Murphy has not only Arizona State and Arizona wanting him but Ohio State, Texas A&M and Notre Dame have offered this long, athletic cornerback, who made All-Arizona his junior season at wide receiver. Coach Jason Mohns believes Murphy will ultimately get recruited much the same way the 2015 No. 1 recruit, Christian Kirk, was recruited. It's getting red-hot.