Juco Gems

There were some highly talented 2021 kids in Arizona that chose to take the juco route over numerous other options. All of which project to draw big attention at their next school. Here's a look at 6 standouts I came across that project to be productive at the juco level:<img class="alignright wp-image-84539" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/12/snow-college.jpg" alt="" width="173" height="173" /> [player_tooltip player_id="42631" first="Evan" last="Svoboda"], <em>QB, 6’5" 225lbs, Red Mountain HS- <strong>Snow College</strong></em> Svoboda is a very balanced pro-style QB and a legit FBS level talent that should excel at the juco level. He shows the ability to hit all 3 levels of throws from inside the pocket or on the move if he has to. He has excellent arm strength to stretch the field vertically and has solid velocity to squeeze in tight window throws. He stands tall in the pocket and shows a high release with a fluid motion, which makes it very difficult for opponents to deflect passes at the LOS. Svoboda does a very good job of looking off safety’s, making him very effective with the deep ball. He chose Snow College over a PWO from Marshall, and other offers from Illinois State, Abilene Christian, Morehead State, and Washburn. [player_tooltip player_id="42707" first="Mekhi" last="Faison"], <em>TE, 6’3" 210lbs, Ironwood HS- <strong>Coffeyville CC</strong></em> Faison was a definite mismatch at the high school level given his frame and athleticism. He runs crisp routes and will run across the middle and into traffic with no fear. He does an excellent job securing the catch during contact, and secures the ball after taking big hits as well. Dynamic TE overall with the ability to run routes as a down TE, from the slot, or isolated out on the numbers in man coverage. Strong and sticky hands wit the ability to haul in athletic catches. He did a great job stretching the field, as his speed is deceptive and was underestimated at the high school level. Coffeyville is getting a very athletic kid with FBS potential. [player_tooltip player_id="93272" first="Daylen" last="Batchan"],<em> WR, 6’2" 185lbs, Estrella Foothills HS- <strong>Salt River Scorpions </strong></em> Batchan led the state for a while in receiving yards, and is a precise route runner. He does a good job generating separation, as he has displayed swift and smooth feet and breaks into his route extremely effectively. Batchan did a fantastic job of finding windows or remaining in stride with scramble flow to rack up receptions on busted plays. He possesses solid hands overall with the ability to line up from the slot or outside. He has good physicality after the catch, utilizing a good stiff arm and is not shy to take opponents head on. He finishes blocks and did a good job creating space for ball carriers.<img class="alignright wp-image-40970" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/08/PrzIcon3-294x300.png" alt="" width="276" height="282" /> <strong>Tyler Speece</strong>, <em>DB, 6’0" 180lbs, Skyline HS- <strong>Papago Pumas</strong></em> In my opinion, Speece was one of the most underrated DB’s in Arizona. After racking up a bundle of D2, NAIA, and D3 offers, Speece chooses the juco route. He has solid range at safety with the ability to eat up ground sideline to sideline to make plays. He plays the ball well in the back half of the field and has showcased legit ball hawk ability. The juco route will be perfect for Speece, as the talent is there, and he’ll have some more time to grow into that potential. Solid signing for Papago. [player_tooltip player_id="93295" first="Jaden" last="Mason"], <em>RB, 5’9" 185lbs, McClintock HS- <strong>Gila River Hawks</strong></em> Mason was another underrated player that will fit in well at the juco level. He broke over 1,000 yards rushing with 15 TD’s on the ground. Mason displays good vision and accelerates through the hole well. He shows an excellent change of direction to frequently cut on a dime. Mason displayed good peripheral vision with a nice lateral bounce to make people miss or get outside, which was crucial in his ability to spring loose. He showed that he can be a threat between the tackles or on the edges, and will be an excellent fit for Gila River. [player_tooltip player_id="93266" first="Ty" last="Perry"], QB, <em>5’11" 180lbs, Estrella Foothills HS- <strong>Salt River Scorpions</strong></em> Perry will get a chance to continue the lethal high school duo with [player_tooltip player_id="93272" first="Daylen" last="Batchan"]. Perry is a dual-threat QB and a legit playmaker and a solid all-around athlete. He did an impressive job of extending plays and keeping his eyes downfield to deliver accurate throws for big gains all year. Perry has shown solid accuracy on all 3 levels of throws, and has made some athletic throws off platform or on the move in both directions. As a ball carrier, he has shown solid vision with good second level speed and had numerous impressive runs. Perry is an improviser with big potential, and chooses Salt River over numerous D2 and NAIA offers.