QB Battles Around Arizona

As we approach the season, there are some intriguing QB competitions going on around the state in efforts to secure that QB1 role. Here’s a look at some schools across the state that are evaluating for the starting job (ordered by class): <span style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong>Chandler</strong></span> With the departure of current UCF QB [player_tooltip player_id="42603" first="Mikey" last="Keene"], the defending open division champs will have to find a new leader behind center to fill some big shoes. However, they have a trio of talented 2022 transfers competing for the spot, all of which have been performing well throughout the summer. [player_tooltip player_id="159393" first="Kenneth" last="Cooper"], <em>’22:</em> Cooper transfers in to Chandler from Pebble Hills High School in Texas. The 6’5" 225lb pro-style gunslinger a big arm kid that is mechanically sound in the pocket and shows a good demeanor to drive the ball downfield. He recently picked up his first offer from Eastern Kentucky. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="161934" first="Blaine" last="Hipa"]</strong>, <em>’22:</em> Hipa is a 6’2" 195lb pro-style QB who transferred to Chandler from Campbell High School in Hawaii. He currently holds two offers from Tennessee and Hawaii, and is one of three Chandler QB’s making this competition tight. The southpaw is a natural arm talent with the ability to fit throws in with velocity, touch, or finesse. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="161952" first="Ethan" last="Moore"]</strong>,<em> ’22</em>: Moore is a dual-threat QB sizing up at 6’2" 195lbs, and transferred to Chandler form University City High School in California. He’s shown the ability to improvise and deliver accurate throws off platform. Very athletic QB all-around with the ability to hurt defenses through the air or on his feet. &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong>Liberty</strong></span> Liberty comes off a strong 2020 season, nearly upsetting Chandler in the semifinals. With the departure of [player_tooltip player_id="93263" first="Brock" last="Mast"] to NAIA Rocky Mountain College, Liberty will have to find a signal caller to lead the powerhouse west valley program back to the playoffs. [player_tooltip player_id="42935" first="Max" last="Martin"], <em>’23:</em> Martin is a 6’2" 195lb pro-style QB with a good pocket presence. He goes through progression well and delivers with a smooth release. He’s shown solid arm strength and a demeanor to drive the ball down field at various camps this summer, and is a strong pocket passer across the board. [player_tooltip player_id="115509" first="Navi" last="Bruzon"], <em>’24:</em> Bruzon enters the varsity QB competition after a very impressive freshman season. The dual-threat QB is one of the best all-around athletes on the field and is very dangerous on the ground, possessing exceptional balance with solid speed. He is maturing as a passer and has recently impressed at various camps, hitting receivers in tight windows with velocity. [player_tooltip player_id="115512" first="Jason" last="Franklin"], ’24: Franklin is a dual-threat QB with big potential. He holds solid pocket mechanics and delivers with a smooth release. Good anticipation and timing with receivers, and won’t hesitate to tuck it and go if the pocket collapses. Solid athlete all around and looks like a promising young prospect. &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong>Canyon View</strong></span> Canyon View’s QB situation is going to be very interesting to follow. After their inaugural football season, the 5A Canyon View squad enters their 2nd season with a 5 man competition. According to coach Gehrts, all of which are in the mix for the starting role. <strong>Enthony Pina</strong>, <em>’22:</em> Pina is the only incoming senior competing for the starting job. He sizes up with a good frame at 6’3" 175lbs with room to put on weight. He shows solid poise and is calm and collected in the pocket. He’s shown the ability to use touch on certain throws and reads the field fairly well. <strong>Jesse Rocha,</strong> <em>’23: </em>Rocha has had some solid performances during 7v7 events, showing solid placement and touch. Dual-sport athlete that looks to make an impact over at Canyon View. [player_tooltip player_id="110138" first="Ashton" last="Zacher"], ’<em>23: </em>Zacher was the leading passer for Canyon View last season by throwing 1,069 yards and 9 TD’s. Solid pocket presence with a quick release and has flashed the ability to throw with different arm angles. He can fit throws in with velocity or touch and holds solid potential. <strong>Justin Clark,</strong> <em>’24:</em> Clark had a stellar freshman campaign showing excellent maturity for a young QB. He shows a very good football IQ for a 2024 kid and possesses solid arm strength with the ability to fit throws in with velocity. He has competed against tough competition at various camps this summer and has done a great job thus far. Dual-threat ability and a promising 2024 prospect. [player_tooltip player_id="115511" first="Beau" last="Devens"], ’<em>24: </em>Devens was utilized as a dual-threat QB during his freshman season. He sizes up with a long, lanky frame with room to put on weight. He was effective throwing the deep ball and contested throws throughout the season.