Dynamic 23’s: Small School Standouts
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Small towns and small schools across Arizona have those hidden gems, and the best way to notice them is for them to never come off the field. Many small school athletes will play both sides of the ball or standout…
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Continue ReadingSmall towns and small schools across Arizona have those hidden gems, and the best way to notice them is for them to never come off the field. Many small school athletes will play both sides of the ball or standout at multiple positions, but doing so as a sophomore deserves some attention. Versatility is a huge trait especially for small school athletes, so here’s a look at 5 small school dynamic players from the 2023 class:
Adam Damante Adam Damante 6'1" | 175 lbs | QB American Leadership Academy (Gilbert North) | 2023 State AZ , QB, 5’11″ 165lbs, ALA-Gilbert North
Damante will take over as the QB1 for ALA-GN, but his athleticism and versatility is off the charts. He possesses excellent top end speed and may be the fastest kid in 3A ball. Dangerous in space to make opponents miss, or just use pure speed and burn past opponents. He showed what he could do as a passer in the semifinals against Snowflake, throwing for almost 400 yards. He does a good job distinguishing whether to use velocity or touch, and has excellent timing on most throws. Good arm strength to stretch the field when he wants to and will continue to mature. He played DB last season as well, where he showed solid instincts and loose hips. Excellent athlete all around with a high ceiling.
Cody Leopold Cody Leopold 5'10" | 185 lbs | ATH Prescott | 2023 State AZ , ATH, 5’10″ 185lbs, Prescott
Leopold is a name you’re going to want to remember, as he racked up 693 AP yards and 9 total TD’s, with 95 tackles on defense in 8 games, proving to be a threat on both sides of the ball. He shows solid instincts and play rec as a LB with the ability to make plays sideline to sideline. Closes well as a tackler with strength at the POA and is explosive through the hips. Leopold shows excellent balance and physicality as a ball carrier and has flashed top end speed to finish big runs. He does a good job bouncing runs outside when needed and has to be an identified threat. He did his best work as a ball carrier when lined up in the wildcat. Big time potential for Leopold on both sides of the ball and will be a key player to watch in Northern AZ.
Jayden Diaz Jayden Diaz 6'1" | 180 lbs | ATH Arizona College Prep | 2023 State AZ , ATH, 5’11″ 160lbs, Arizona College Prep
Diaz was utilized as a WR, DB, and QB during wildcat schemes last season, and is transitioning to take over the reigns at QB for his junior season. He displays solid vision as a ball carrier with good lateral agility and COD. Solid speed all around and is a flat out playmaker with the ball in his hands. He displays a nice initial burst off the LOS when lined up as a receiver and is a clean route runner as well. As a DB, he shows good range and closes well as a tackler with a low POC. His QB film from last season isn’t eye popping, however, he has taken a major leap and has made huge improvements with his mechanics this spring. He has also added some twitch to his game, and projects to be a sleeper to bust loose in the fall in 3A.
Austin Johnston Austin Johnston 6'1" | 185 lbs | ATH Eastmark | 2023 State AZ , WR/DB, 5’11″ 160lbs, Eastmark
Johnston sizes up with a slender build with room to put on weight. He had a productive year for the inaugural Eastmark High football season on both sides of the ball, but did his best work as a DB. He racked up 5 INT’s and 60 tackles in 8 games, which earned him “1st Team All-Region DB”. He has a great understanding of assignments in various coverages, as he was frequently tested in the back half of the field and did his job. He breaks on the ball well and will be a sure ball hawk next season. He progressed as a route runner as well, and showed good field awareness along the boundary.
Coby Tabet, WR/DB, 5’10” 160lbs, Scottsdale Christian Academy
Tabet led Scottsdale Christian in receptions and receiving yards as a sophomore, and showcased solid athleticism everywhere he lined up. The 2A kid showcased his versatility to line up at WR, RB, and DB. He has good vision as a ball carrier with the ability to slip through tight spaces. Good COD to stop and cut on a dime and make opponents miss. He displayed good top end speed for a ’23 kid and holds big play ability with the ball. Good short area quickness and is developing twitch, and should be a player to keep an eye on in 2A next season.