Southern Arizona Sleepers

Southern Arizona schools have had the most unfortunate season, as COVID put their season in a constant shuffle every week. Some Southern Arizona schools have only played 3 games, while others might have played 7. Some are already playoff ineligible while they very well could've been top seeds. However, one thing hasn't changed, and that is the hardship of getting recruited if you're not a city kid. Most of these kids have to stay on the field 100% of the time just to have a shot. Take a look at 5 Southern Arizona sleepers to get on your radar:<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-24524" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/06/Generic-Featured-Image-5-300x187.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="187" /> <strong>Cassell Wiggins, QB, Gila Ridge HS (C/O 2021)</strong> Wiggins has lit it up in a weird COVID season for Gila Ridge with 1,275 yards and 19 TD’s through the air, while adding anther 3 TD’s on the ground in 5 games played. The southpaw is a playmaker for Gila Ridge, and has shown a good ability to extend plays to make something happen. His best trait I’ve seen on film so far is his velocity and accuracy on intermediate middle and out routes. Wiggins has an escape artist ability, as he has had a handful of plays where he looks like a sitting duck, and somehow finds a way to slip or scramble out of sacks in a cluster of defenders to then find a receiver downfield for numerous big plays. Although he is not blazing fast, he is fast enough to make plays on his feet and pick up first downs. He is a very accurate passer on the move as well, and is doing everything he can to make the most out of this short season. [player_tooltip player_id="42677" first="Evan" last="Lovett"], RB/LB, Pusch Ridge Christian Academy (C/O 2021) Lovett has racked up 988 yards and 11 TD’s on the ground, while averaging 12.5 yards per carry. He has 9 receptions for 88 yards and 2 TD’s as well, as Lovett has proven to be a legit all-purpose back. He also returns kicks, and is a solid all around athlete. As a ball carrier, he shows an excellent lateral bounce with a cut on a dime ability. The Pusch Ridge running scheme forces Lovett to be a north-south type runner, although he is fast enough to stretch the edges. He finishes runs and shows excellent all-around physicality. He has been lightly used as a slot, in which he looked very comfortable at and ran solid routes while showing good hands. Lovett has shown some serious flashes of being a game changer at LB, as he has quick reaction and a good POA. Lovett’s athleticism and position versatility gives him a major upside in his recruitment, and schools should definitely get him on their prospect list. <strong>Austin Rush, ATH, Yuma Catholic HS (C/O 2022)</strong> Rush is a flat out good football player. As a receiver, he's hauled in 31 catches for 692 yards and 13 TD's in 7 games played. As a DB, he has 2 INT's, 26 tackles, and a sack. It definitely helps that Rush has the Arizona passing yards leader in Richard Stallworth slinging to him, but Rush has been able to constantly generate clear separation for Stallworth to find him. Rush has good speed and is a threat with the ball in his hands as he can be utilized in any passing scheme. He sets up his routes well, and has been able to take the top off of defenses. As a DB, he can line up in man coverage, cover ground well in zone, and has shown serious ball hawk ability as he breaks to the ball well. Rush has shown to fly up and blow up quick screens and can provide solid run support. The Stallworth-Rush duo will be lethal for the next year, and this will only increase Rush's opportunities and give him a major upside with his recruiting. <strong>Jayden Rittenbach, WR/DB, Pusch Ridge Christian Academy (C/O 2022)<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-46064" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/08/B80AD962-2F86-4C72-B417-99AD3C874B43-300x184.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="184" /></strong> Rittenbach has hauled in 23 receptions for 421 yards and 5 TD's in 6 games played. He is your outside deep threat type receiver that can go up and high point balls. He does a good job of adjusting his body and tracking the ball to make bending, athletic catches. He has a long, lanky build at 6'2" 160 lbs with much room to put on size. He gets a clean release and can shake corners within 3-4 yards off to get them to open their hips too early. As a DB, he lines up at corner and has snagged 2 INT's. He has shown a solid burst to undercut balls and is hard to beat deep. I believe he would fit best as a cover free safety at the next level if he's recruited for defense. Rittenbach still has another year to develop, and can definitely continue to be a big threat on both sides of the ball for Pusch Ridge. <strong>Kaleb Lewis, LB, Florence HS (C/O 2022)</strong> Lewis has 77 tackles in 7 games played, and is a huge leader for Florence. He flies to the ball well and shows solid play recognition. He has a good nose for the ball as he is constantly stripping the ball away from ball carriers and is very effective. He lines up as a MLB this season, and has shown good pursuit by making plays by the numbers. He has very good field strength, but I would like to see him maintain a lower pad level, as he could transition into a major spark plug if he can find a way to get better leverage on ball carriers. You can definitely see a growth in maturity as the season progresses, and he has the potential to develop into a nasty LB, and still has much room to put on size. Lewis can definitely be a sneaky upcoming player to watch.