National Signing Day: NAIA In-State Signees

With a weird COVID season playing a key role in recruiting, Arizona Christian, as usual, still brought in a large class of 60 total signees, but only around 8 of them are from Arizona. Ottawa has landed some big time steals in the past, so it will be interesting going forward between these two NAIA programs, as Ottawa has dominated ACU in the only two matchups 47-7 in 2019 and 73-28 in 2018 when Ottawa had their inaugural season. Take a look at the NAIA in-state signees: <img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-24527" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/06/Generic-Featured-Image-2-300x187.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="187" /> <strong>Marvin Rowell,</strong> <em>WR, Saguaro HS:</em> <strong>Ottawa University </strong> Rowell comes to Ottawa after playing on a powerhouse Saguaro team. He didn't see a ton of play time behind the D1 talent, but showed to be a crisp route runner with good top end speed to stretch the field. He does a god job staying on on blocks til the whistle to provide ball carriers with clear paths. <strong>James Mcelhenny,</strong> <em>ATH, Ironwood HS:</em> <strong>Arizona Christian University </strong> Mcelhenny transferred from Tolleson, where he was the QB1, to Ironwood to play WR and DB after Tolleson High announced they would not have a season. Mcelhenny runs clean routes and possesses solid ball skills with good field awareness as a WR. At DB, he shows good range and play recognition. As a QB, Mcelhenny shows strong potential to become a starter at the NAIA level. <strong>Jaylen Hawkins</strong>, <em>RB, Millennium HS:</em> <strong>Ottawa University</strong> Hawkins shows a solid initial burst and accelerates through the hole nicely. He's an all-purpose type back as he can be effective between the tackles, use speed to stretch the edges, and run routes out of the backfield or from the slot and catch the ball. He does a good job carrying momentum forward to finish runs and pick up a few extra yards after contact. <strong>Will Chambers</strong>, <em>OL, Scottsdale Christian Academy:</em> <strong>Arizona Christian University</strong> Chambers shows a strong anchor and did a great job redirecting his opponents in 2A. He has a good understanding of leverage and often drove his opponents backward. He was a major factor in the explosive SCA offense this past fall. He is the son of Arizona Christian team chaplain Randy Chambers and will join his dad at ACU. <strong>Jaden Green</strong>, <em>DB, Augua Fria HS:</em> <strong>Arizona Christian University</strong> Green shows loose hips with a solid change of direction. He's shown the ability to man up and lock down WR's or cover ground well in zone coverage. He did a great job last season of staying on the hip of WRs and not letting them open his gate too early. Green holds big potential to be a standout at the NAIA level. <span style="font-size: 14pt;">Here are the other in-state NAIA signees: <img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-40972" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/08/cropped-PrzIcon3-300x197.png" alt="" width="300" height="197" /></span> <strong>Christian Carl,</strong> <em>WR, Kofa HS:</em> <strong>Arizona Christian University </strong> <strong>D'Ante Caston</strong>, <em>DB, Augua Fria HS</em>: <strong>Arizona Christian University </strong> <strong>Damen Cornett</strong>, <em>RB, Queen Creek HS:</em> <strong>Ottawa University </strong> <strong>Tyler Faber</strong>, <em>DB, Gila Ridge HS</em>:<strong> Ottawa University</strong> <strong>Gillie Manrique,</strong> <em>DB, Camelback HS</em>: <strong>Arizona Christian University </strong> <strong>Ty Moreno,</strong> <em>LB, Gila Ridge HS</em>: <strong>Ottawa University </strong> <strong>Michael Ortiz</strong>, <em>DB, Desert Edge HS:</em> <strong>Arizona Christian University </strong> <strong>Matthew Phillips,</strong> <em>LB, Centennial HS</em>: <strong>Arizona Christian University </strong> <strong>Jaden Stewart,</strong> <em>LB, Deer Valley HS</em>: <strong>Ottawa University </strong> &nbsp;