Small School Athletes Breaking Out

There are tons of athletes from smaller programs across the state that continue to put up eye opening numbers each week. Despite their production, they still have a tougher time drawing in attention, especially if you’re not a city kid. Take a look at 5 athletes from smaller programs that are having a breakout season through 2-3 weeks of play: &nbsp; <img class="size-medium wp-image-24527 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/06/Generic-Featured-Image-2-300x187.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="187" /> [player_tooltip player_id="110084" first="Richard" last="Stallworth"], <em>QB, 6’2" 205lbs, Yuma Catholic ’23</em> Stallworth picked up right where he left off from 2020, as he’s thrown for 1,168 yards and 15 TD’s in 3 games played. The kid is just on a different level than any other 3A QB as he possesses numerous intangibles to translate to the next level. He's started to draw division 1 interest via twitter, and could potentially land that first offer relatively soon. He has an excellent demeanor in the pocket with the ability to drive the ball downfield with velocity or touch. He shows good anticipation and delivers with an effortless release, and is a favorite for the 3A offensive POY. &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="42871" first="Zach" last="Hammett"], <em>ATH, 5’8" 185lbs, River Valley ’22</em> Hammett is probably the most versatile kid in 3A ball, as he excel anywhere he lines up. River Valley primarily utilizes him at RB here in 2021, as he's racked up 742 yards and 12 TD's on the ground. Raw athletic ability and a big play threat everytime he touches the ball. He possesses good burst and twitch, and has the top end speed to finish off big runs. He broke for over 300 yards against AZ College Prep during their week 2 matchup, and just continues to have big games through 3 weeks (263, 318, and 161 yards in the first 3 games). &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="100707" first="Justin" last="Regehr"], <em>LB, 6’1" 210lbs, Valley Christian ’22</em> Regehr is playing lights out right now, as he has 47 tackles and 2 sacks in 3 games. He's recorded double digit tackles in each of his 3 games (13, 16, 18) and continues to become more productive each week. He takes good attack angles toward ball carriers and closes well as a tackler overall, and possesses solid range to make plays sideline to sideline. Pretty good football IQ to diagnose plays and he is strong at the POA and has flashed a nice striking ability if he can get squared up. Impressive start for Regehr. &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="115491" first="Norien" last="Banks"], <em>LB, 6’1" 215lbs, Seqouia Pathway Academy ’24<img class="size-medium wp-image-201543 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/09/IMG-6209-rotated-crop-3024x1986-1631664352-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /></em> Banks has been a beast thus far, as he's racked up 6 sacks, 13 hurries and 33 tackles in a 3 game span. He had a great game against Highland Prep where he he flashed a nice bull rush and completely overpowered OT's of the edge. He's physical at the point of contact and flashes a nice punch to create space to maneuver. Still young with a ton of room to improve and develop to process the game quicker, but is maturing and producing very well for a 2024 2A LB. &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="115516" first="Zayden" last="Neill"], <em>QB, 6’1" 160lbs, San Tan Charter ’24</em> Neill has been a huge spark for STC, as he’s thrown for 823 yards and 10 TD’s. Absolute gunslinger in 2A ball with strong potential as he continues to mature. Last week, he showed what he could do with his legs as he rushed for 111 yards against a solid 3A Blue Ridge defense. Good arm strength as he's shown the ability to hit throws with velocity or stretch the field vertically, and puts it there with excellent placement. He's shown glimpses of stepping up or sliding in the pocket to evade pressure and deliver accurate throws. Already a big time player in 2A ball and he'll only continue to progress as the game slows down for him as he continues to mature.