AZ Week 5 Top Performers

Here’s a deeper look into some of the top performances from around the state in week 5. <strong><img class=" wp-image-43103 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/08/ty-e1597174074716-247x300.jpg" alt="" width="189" height="229" />QB [player_tooltip player_id="42581" first="Ty" last="Thompson"], Mesquite, 2021, 6’4” 215 lbs.</strong> The #1 ranked player in the state had a big game bringing his team back from a three touchdown deficit. In the 47-46 victory over Gilbert he threw for 550 yards and six touchdowns with touchdown passes of 70, 65, and 12 yards in the last six minutes of the game. Thompson is one of the top quarterbacks in the country with ideal size and length for the position at 6’4” 215 lbs. He has a smooth and effortless throwing motion with an extremely live arm. Strong footwork and mechanics in the pocket with plus arm strength and accuracy at all three levels allows him to sit back and methodically throw his way down the field. Great arm talent and understanding of when to zip one in a tight window or throw a catchable ball with touch to allow his receiver to run after the catch. Skyrocketed up recruiting boards before committing to Oregon last March over his 17 other D1 offers. <strong>RB [player_tooltip player_id="42618" first="Zion" last="Burns"], Poston Butte, 2021, 6’0” 185 lbs.</strong> One of the top athletes in the state on both sides of the ball. In week five, Burns rushed 14 times for 230 yards and two touchdowns on offense then had seven tackles with three sacks on defense in a 49-13 win over Tempe. He’s a natural athlete and football player with a good combination of speed and power. He’s a downhill runner with good acceleration and lateral quickness. Runs strong behind his pads with good leverage and leg drive to run through contact. Colleges love his vision, balance, and natural instincts. He has the ability and talent to play either side of the ball at the next level. Currently committed to Nevada. <strong>WR [player_tooltip player_id="42805" first="Andrew" last="Morris"], Mesquite, 2022, 6’2” 200 lbs. </strong> An exceptional versatile athlete on both sides of the ball, Morris was [player_tooltip player_id="42581" first="Ty" last="Thompson"]’s favorite target against Gilbert racking up 158 yards on six receptions with four touchdowns. Possesses a great frame at 6’2” 200 lbs. with plus athleticism, speed, and lateral agility. Strong and confident hands on short/intermediate routes and excels as a vertical threat where he can use his size and length to high point the ball. Projecting as a LB at the next level he holds an offer from New Mexico but is one of the top 2022 prospects in the state and is sure to bring in many more D1 offers when all is said and done. <strong>ATH Howard Russell, Phoenix Christian, 2021, 6’0” 190 lbs. </strong> Russell continues to do it all for Phoenix Christian filling the stat sheet on both sides of the ball. In week five, he had seven total TDs (five rushing and two passing), rushed for over 220 yards, picked off a pass, and had five tackles on defense. Through the first five weeks he leads the state in touchdowns with 17 and in interceptions with six. He’s an explosive playmaker that can beat you in a variety of ways with his natural ability and talent. He’s a smooth quick twitch athlete with good burst and top end speed. He’s a slashing ball carrier that cuts on a dime and shows good acceleration out of his cuts. He has great instincts and game awareness, always putting himself in position to make plays. A normal offseason would’ve benefitted his recruiting allowing him to showcase his ability at camps but has great potential and upside for the college level. <strong>DL Jason Rogers, Glendale, 2021, 6’0” 210 lbs. </strong> Tied for the state lead in sacks (10) and tackles-for-loss (18), Rogers continued to be a force off the edge with 10 total tackles, eight solo tackles, four TFL’s, and two sacks. He’s a good combination of power and speed off the edge. Excels as a pass rusher where he can use his quick and explosive first step off the ball to blow past blockers and put pressure on the QB. He shows good ability to bend and flip his hips while displaying good lateral short area movement to redirect. Understands how to use his hands to his advantage and shows good power/strength at the POA with his ability to bench off a blocker. He’s one to watch as he continues to put up big numbers and develop. <strong>LB Leo Palelei, Shadow Ridge, 2022, 6’2” 185 lbs.</strong> The transfer from Tennessee continued to impress in week five with 11 tackles, a forced fumble, and two interceptions including one that he returned for six. He’s an attacking, downhill LB that plays fast, physical, and aggressive. He has a good developing athletic frame at 6’2 185 lbs. with length and the ability to add weight as he matures. Shows good athleticism, lateral mobility, and change of direction in pursuit. He plays well with his eyes and is an instinctual player that is quick to read and react. Colleges will love his speed and fluid hips to redirect and close space quickly on the ball carrier. He’s relentless in pursuit and violent at the contact point. Possesses great tools to build on for the college level. <strong>DB Austin Johnston, Eastmark, 2023, 5’11” 150 lbs.</strong> The sophomore has flashed good ability and potential on both sides of the ball this season. Against American Leadership Academy (Ironwood) he had three interceptions, a fumble recovery, a PBU and six tackles in Eastmark’s first ever varsity win. Showed good top end speed and range with his ability to cover the deep ball. Strong ball skills allow him to adjust well and time it out to make a play on the ball in the air. He’s young and developing technique but has shown plus natural playmaking ability.