Best of Northern Arizona

Northern Arizona is without a doubt the most under recruited region in the state, as it is loaded with hidden gems. Players from up north have to go the extra mile to get a foot in the door with their recruitment, and everyone on this list is continuing to prove why they are college level prospects. It's not a region to be slept on for long, so here's a look at the top 5 players in northern Arizona: &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="161935" first="Nick" last="Morrow"], <em><strong>DL, 6’8" 255lbs, Flagstaff ’22<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" /></strong></em> Morrow is by far the most recruited prospect out of the northern Arizona region in a long time, as he holds offers from California, Baylor, and Northern Arizona. He sizes up with an elite frame, size, and length and is a very productive player on both sides of the ball. As a DE, he flashed solid quickness and possesses good functional strength as he utilizes both to dominate OT’s on top of his frame and build. He holds good position versatility along the DL as well as he can line up in a 3-tech and make plays. Morrow holds strong potential going forward and projects to see more power five offers roll in. &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="42932" first="Cody" last="Leopold"], <em><strong>ATH, 5’10" 180lbs, Prescott ’23</strong></em> Leopold is a versatile player that can produce anywhere he lines up and is a threat on both sides of the ball. He comes off a strong sophomore season as he recorded 95 tackles and racked up 993 all-purpose yards and 9 TD’s in an 8 game span. He’s an instinctual player on the defensive side of the ball and shows solid closing speed as a tackler, while possessing strength at the POA with good hip explosiveness. As a ball carrier, he is trending in the direction of an all-purpose back as he possesses a solid combination of both speed and physicality. He shows solid balance after initial contact and did his best work when lined up in the wildcat. A dynamic 2023 kid who should see offers come his way. &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="42854" first="Andy" last="Ruiz"], <em><strong>DB, 6’1" 200lbs, Coconino ’22</strong></em> Ruiz sizes up with an athletic frame and build with solid length, and possesses fluid hips with good ball skills to go with it. He did his best work when pressed up against receivers, showing excellent physicality at the LOS to frequently take them out of the play. He shows a nice punch without lunging too much to re-route receivers and throw off the timing. He sheds blocks well and has displayed strength at the POA. Very strong in run support with good range all around as well. He holds an offer from Northern Arizona, and should see more offers pour in as long as he continues on the same trajectory. &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="100701" first="Cael" last="Stewart"], <em><strong>QB, 6’5" 210lbs, Blue Ridge</strong></em> [caption id="attachment_133973" align="alignright" width="273"]<img class=" wp-image-133973" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/04/AZ-NP-Showcase-Cael-Stewart-1-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="273" height="273" /> Photo: National Preps Showcases[/caption] Stewart has had an intriguing high school journey, as he spent his first 2 years at Miyamura High in New Mexico, attended 2A St. Johns High last season, and recently transferred to 3A Blue Ridge for his senior season. One of the most underrated QB’s in the state sizes up with a tremendous frame and length. He stands tall, calm, and collected in the pocket showing good poise and delivers with a quick and snappy release. He’s shown the ability to hit tight window throws with velocity and displays a nice torque during his delivery to give him that extra zip. He goes through progression well and is athletic enough to pick up yards on his feet if nothing is there. He holds offers from Concordia-Moorhead, Southwest Minnesota State, and Wisconsin River Falls. &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="100690" first="Caden" last="Cantrell"], <em><strong>QB, 6’2" 200lbs, Snowflake ’22</strong></em> Cantrell had the best first year starter season you could ask for, as he led Snowflake to a 3A state championship win over Yuma Catholic. He threw for 1,811 yards and 14 TD’s while adding another 319 yards and 3 TD’s on the ground. He matured quickly throughout the season is a solid all-around athlete behind center. He did a good job getting the ball out quick when he needed to and showed the ability to hit tight window throws, as really improved his timing with receivers as the season progressed. He holds an offer from New Mexico Highlands and should see more offers throughout the year, as he could easily have a breakout senior season.