QB Battles Around Arizona
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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…
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Continue ReadingAs 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):
Chandler
With the departure of current UCF QB Mikey Keene Mikey Keene 5'11" | 175 lbs | QB Chandler | 2021 State AZ , 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.
Kenneth Cooper Kenneth Cooper 6'5" | 225 lbs | QB Chandler | 2022 State AZ , ’22: 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.
Blaine Hipa Blaine Hipa 6'2" | 200 lbs | QB Chandler | 2022 State AZ , ’22: 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.
Ethan Moore Ethan Moore 6'2" | 195 lbs | QB Chandler | 2022 State AZ , ’22: 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.
Liberty
Liberty comes off a strong 2020 season, nearly upsetting Chandler in the semifinals. With the departure of Brock Mast Brock Mast 5'10" | 185 lbs | QB Liberty | 2021 State AZ to NAIA Rocky Mountain College, Liberty will have to find a signal caller to lead the powerhouse west valley program back to the playoffs.
Max Martin Max Martin 6'3" | 210 lbs | QB Camelback | 2023 State AZ , ’23: 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.
Navi Bruzon Navi Bruzon 5'11" | 180 lbs | QB Liberty | 2024 State AZ , ’24: 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.
Jason Franklin Jason Franklin 5'9" | 120 lbs | QB Liberty | 2024 AZ , ’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.
Canyon View
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.
Enthony Pina, ’22: 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.
Jesse Rocha, ’23: 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.
Ashton Zacher Ashton Zacher 6'0" | 185 lbs | QB Canyon View | 2023 AZ , ’23: 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.
Justin Clark, ’24: 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.
Beau Devens Beau Devens 6'4" | 195 lbs | QB Canyon View | 2024 State AZ , ’24: 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.