Rock’s Favorite Arizona D2 Signings

The 2020 season in Arizona was loaded with big time talent. Every week in the 2020 season starting at week 1, I traveled to various high schools from 6A down to 2A around the state to scout some of the state’s best athletes get loose, and it did not disappoint. Now, Arizona only has 3 division 1 programs (2 FBS and 1 FCS), meaning there is a ton of talent that won’t sign to play division 1 football in-state. It has been a gold mine in the past for every other level of college football, and this year, some division 2 programs landed some big time players from Arizona. Here’s a look at some of my favorite D2 signings: [player_tooltip player_id="42613" first="Maxwell" last="Minor"], <em>WR, Chaparral HS to</em> <strong>Augustana<img class="alignright wp-image-72081" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/11/augustana-sd.200.png" alt="" width="217" height="217" /></strong> Film: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/9689629/Max-Minor">https://www.hudl.com/profile/9689629/Max-Minor</a> At 6’4" 195lbs, Augustana is getting an absolute beast at X or Z. Minor impressed me in a variety of ways this season. He does a tremendous job using his length to his advantage and wins contested catches. I watched him live vs Pinnacle this past season, and he was a walking highlight reel by himself. His catch radius and ability to track the ball will translate nicely to the Augustana offense. With his size and talent, I actually had him pegged as an FBS level prospect, therefore I believe Augustana is landing an absolute steal with Minor. A prototypical outside receiver and a big time vertical threat. [player_tooltip player_id="42606" first="Jeremiah" last="Tyler"], <em>LB, Chandler HS to</em> <strong>Western New Mexico</strong> Film: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/9669716/Jeremiah-Tyler">https://www.hudl.com/profile/9669716/Jeremiah-Tyler</a> The open division state champ will make an excellent fit at WNMU. His position versatility throughout LB and the DL is excellent. Good short area quickness and did a tremendous job timing his blitzes. Quick and violent hands as a pass rusher and has also flashed the ability to use power. He’s a big striker as a tackler and will be a legit tone setter. He held numerous FBS offers from Air Force, Nevada, Ball State, and Army, therefore I wouldn’t be surprised to see Tyler play as a true freshman this upcoming season at WNMU. The Mustangs landed a big time player for their defense. [player_tooltip player_id="42667" first="Elijah" last="Sanders"], <em>ATH, Ironwood HS to</em> <strong>Sioux Falls<img class="alignright size-full wp-image-83003" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/12/sioux-falls.png" alt="" width="200" height="200" /></strong> Film: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/9706234/Elijah-Sanders">https://www.hudl.com/profile/9706234/Elijah-Sanders</a> In my opinion, Sanders was one of the most slept on kids in the state. His elite speed made up for his size as he was a big play threat every time he touched the ball. I got a chance to watch him live in the quarterfinals round of the playoffs against Desert Mountain where caught a clutch TD, ultimately helping Ironwood come back and win. Excellent initial burst off the LOS and was explosive at the top of routes. He hits top speed almost immediately and can take the top off a defense. Flashes twitch at the right times and holds massive potential going forward. [player_tooltip player_id="42645" first="Mason" last="Osborn"], <em>OL, Chaparral HS to</em> <strong>Northern State</strong> Film: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11488990/Mason-Osborn">https://www.hudl.com/profile/11488990/Mason-Osborn</a> Another state champ that played a major role in the explosive Chaparral offense. He’s a big, thick kid at 6’4" 300lbs and plays with a mean streak. He shows a good punch and is a very physical football player. He holds ground well in a pass set with solid hand placement. He’s a big nasty kid that will make a big impact at Northern State. Big time bully on the OL and a fun kid to watch. [player_tooltip player_id="42705" first="Eric" last="Lira"], <em>WR, Mesquite HS to</em> <strong>Southwest Minnesota State</strong> [caption id="attachment_63963" align="alignright" width="270"]<img class=" wp-image-63963" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/10/IMG_4576-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="270" height="177" /> Photo: Twitter[/caption] Film: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11001387/Eric-Lira">https://www.hudl.com/profile/11001387/Eric-Lira</a> Lira was an electric kid to watch all season. He is the epitome of someone who will grind through adversity. He transferred to Mesquite from Central since Central cancelled their football season, and he took the opportunity and balled out to score the game winning 2-point conversion to win the 4A state championship over Cactus. Big time burner down the field with excellent top end speed. Presses up DB’s toes and is explosive at the top of routes to generate separation. SMSU landed a gem in Lira. [player_tooltip player_id="42676" first="Isaiah" last="Webb"], <em>LB, Cienega HS to</em> <strong>Western New Mexico</strong> Film: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12697123/Isaiah-Webb">https://www.hudl.com/profile/12697123/Isaiah-Webb</a> Another Arizona kid headed to WNMU that is a flat out playmaker on defense. Excellent athleticism across the board with a good nose for the ball to strip or jar it loose from ball carriers. He shows good reaction and is strong at the POA and strikes through opponents to finish tackles. Very tough kid that fought through injuries and still put together a solid tape. He was a fun kid to watch at the high school level and holds big potential. [caption id="attachment_53675" align="alignright" width="255"]<img class=" wp-image-53675" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/09/IMG_4396-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="255" height="255" /> Photo: Twitter[/caption] [player_tooltip player_id="42714" first="Avery" last="Lambert"], <em>WR, Horizon HS to</em> <strong>Southwest Baptist</strong> Film: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11266598/Avery-Lambert">https://www.hudl.com/profile/11266598/Avery-Lambert</a> I know there’s a handful of receivers on this list, but Lambert is a flat out stud and will make a nice contribution to Southwest Baptist. He originally committed to Adams State, then decommitted, went through the process again, and landed at SBU. He’s a Julian Edelman type kid that plays fearless. As precise of a route runner as you’ll see, and does a great job setting up his routes and will catch the ball if its thrown in his direction. Willing blocker with good physicality, and will make a great fit at SBU.