Arizona Twitter Spotlights Of The Week

This week's spotlight features two players from two different programs that don't usually see enough college attention. One of which might not pass the eye test on paper, but his production speaks for itself. The other of which is a up and coming 2024 prospect who has flashed good potential. Take a look: &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong>Offensive Spotlight <img class="alignright wp-image-155914" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/06/PrzIcon3-294x300.png" alt="" width="248" height="253" /></strong></span> [player_tooltip player_id="100659" first="Seth" last="Gallardo"], <em>QB, 5’9" 150lbs, Shadow Ridge ’22</em> <a href="http://www.hudl.com/video/3/7301174/5fc3073902bc97022cf51073">*Junior Film</a> Gallardo definitely isn’t the biggest guy on the field, but his high football IQ and athleticism outweighs his size by a mile, as he has proved to be a very efficient QB in 6A football. The dual-threat QB led Shadow Ridge to a 6A quarterfinals appearance, ultimately resulting in a 6-3 season. He shows solid footwork and mechanics in the pocket, and will step up and deliver throws downfield under pressure. He delivers with a smooth release and has shown the ability to hit receivers with timing and placement. He shows the ability to use velocity or touch on certain routes, and has flashed glimpses of anticipation for routes to develop to connect for big plays. His high football IQ comes when reading coverages, as he frequently hits receivers in the soft spot and also does a great job of getting the ball out quick when he needs to. Gallardo is an escape artist with playmaker ability as he can find receivers downfield or pick up yards on his feet. Solid short area quickness and shows good COD with the ability to make opponents miss in space. He was awarded "2nd Team All-Region QB" in the 6A Southwest, and holds a 3.6 GPA. He has drawn attention from DII programs, and will have an opportunity to draw much more attention this fall. https://twitter.com/seth_gallardo07/status/1376613516107517957?s=20 &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong>Defensive Spotlight </strong></span> <strong>Markhi Mckinnon,</strong> <em>DL, 5’11" 190lbs, Goldwater ’24<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-136931" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/04/PRZ-Generic-Helmets-300x187.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="187" /></em> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15134666/5fb9920f041ef309e82fd1b0">*Freshman Film </a> Mckinnon is a sneaky up and coming young player for Goldwater that could have a big impact on both sides of the ball this season. He played DL at the varsity level as a freshman last season, and showcased some solid potential. Although he does have much room to mature and improve, Mckinnon could be a potential 2024 to get on your radar. He flashes a nice initial ball get off on some plays, and shows good pursuit to track down ball carriers. Good speed as a DL to be able to make or help on plays along the boundary. He shows a nice initial strike with solid power to drive back opponents, flashing a nice bull rush to be able to get into the backfield. Given his size and athleticism, he holds solid position versatility on the defensive side of the ball. He closes ground well for a 2024 kid as well, and should have a big role during his sophomore campaign. Mckinnon also saw a couple reps as a RB for Goldwater, as there is some potential there to see him get some carries this season with the departure of senior RB [player_tooltip player_id="42708" first="Earnest" last="Greenwood"]. He also plays basketball and is apart of the track team at Goldwater, and holds good potential going forward as he matures.