Southwest Minnesota State Makes A Splash

As always, Arizona has been a gold mine for numerous D2, D3, and NAIA programs since (before ACU and Ottawa) there were only juco and D1 programs in-state. Southwest Minnesota State is no stranger to recognize the talent AZ has to offer, as they were able to land one of the best 2021 receivers in the state in Mesquite’s [player_tooltip player_id="42705" first="Eric" last="Lira"], and Mountain Pointe's Anthony Ortiz. They’re back again, and they’re making all the right moves here in AZ. They recently sent out a plethora of offers to some promising C/O ’22 prospects around the state, and have shown interest in many more. Whatever they have in the mix in their recruiting board, it has sure drawn all attention their way from prospects here in the desert. Take a look at some of the talented players that picked up an SMSU offer on May 6th: [caption id="attachment_140616" align="alignright" width="216"]<img class=" wp-image-140616" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/05/IMG_5517-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="216" height="216" /> Photo: Twitter[/caption] [player_tooltip player_id="42842" first="Brandon" last="Craddock"], <em>LB, 6’0" 210lbs, O’Connor HS</em> Craddock was the first to announce his SMSU offer on May 6th, and it is an excellent offer by the SMSU staff. Craddock is a clear top tier LB in the state and a promising talent with a high ceiling. Including myself, everyone that watched Craddock describes him as a field general. This kid will go up against power 5 prospects and do his thing. He has excellent instincts and range with the ability to make plays sideline to sideline. He’s strong at the POA and racked up a massive 141 tackles last season as a junior with 21 TFL’s. A big time prospect and a smart move by SMSU. [player_tooltip player_id="100663" first="Isaac" last="Yates"], <em>WR, 6’1" 170lbs, Shadow Ridge HS</em> Yates brings in his first offer with the SMSU offer from yesterday. He is an explosive WR and can take the top off a defense. He shows good top end speed and is a solid route runner overall. He was a big part of a good WR duo along with Zach Sutton at Shadow Ridge, and projects to have a big senior campaign. [player_tooltip player_id="100666" first="Alfred" last="Smith"], <em>DB, 5’10" 160lbs, Chandler HS</em> Smith picks up his 4th offer from SMSU after previous offers from Benedictine, Western New Mexico, and Navy. He’s a well rounded DB that can lock up WR’s in man, understands responsibilities in zone, and will fly up and provide run support as well. He earned the "Smitty Island" nickname for locking up opponents on various 7v7 events, and is a well polished DB all around. [caption id="attachment_128938" align="alignright" width="251"]<img class=" wp-image-128938" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/04/AZ-NP-Showcase-Joseph-Lagafuaina-crop-322x212-1617760096-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="251" height="165" /> Photo: National Preps Showcases[/caption] <strong>Joseph Lagafuaina</strong>, <em>ATH, 6’0" 170lbs, Cactus HS</em> Lagafuaina also brings in his first offer with SMSU, and he is a big time player on both sides of the ball for a very talented 4A Cactus team. He has excellent athleticism all across the board. At WR, he is a big play threat on screens with his speed, and a good route runner with solid body control to adjust. As a DB, he has solid range and is a legit ball hawk. Excellent instincts with no wasted motion with good ball skills on both sides of the ball. [player_tooltip player_id="100650" first="Cooper" last="Ross"], <em>TE/DL, 6’4" 245lbs, Heritage Academy-Mesa</em> Ross picked up his first offer form New Mexico Highlands a few days ago, and now adds his second offer from SMSU as they show the best player in 8-man football some love. He sizes up with a tremendous frame and holds position versatility along the OL and DL at the next level. He’s a complete mismatch at any position he lines up at in 8-man and is one of the most dominating kids to watch. [player_tooltip player_id="42810" first="Jax" last="Stam"], <em>DB, 5’11" 200lbs, Liberty HS<img class="alignright wp-image-136303" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/04/PRZ-Generic-Gray-300x187.jpg" alt="" width="271" height="169" /></em> Stam picks up an SMSU offer after holding previous notable offers from UPenn, Georgetown, Army, and New Mexico. He’s a big time DB with excellent closing speed and a big striking ability. He shows both lower and upper body flexibility and is a very instinctual player. Excellent range all around and plays with a mean streak and a high motor. He reads the QB’s eyes well and possesses a tremendous football IQ. [player_tooltip player_id="42825" first="James" last="Scott"], <em>5’8" 185lbs, Centennial HS</em> SMSU gives Scott his first and well deserved offer. He displays good balance to break and bounce off tackles at the LOS, as he rarely goes down at initial contact. He shows solid lateral bounce and speed to change direction and accelerate into open lanes or on the edges. His balance is what stands out the most, as he’s turned 3-4 yard losses into 50 yard TD’s. Scott has good vision and is trending to have a big senior season, and is an excellent offer by SMSU.