PRZ Next Watch List Vol. 2 — Arizona Defensive Newcomers

Ryan Lance

February 18, 2022 @ 07:32 AM

The Prep RedZone Next class of 2026 Watch List Vol. 2 was recently released. This is a list of prospects, not yet in high school, that look to project to play at the FBS/FCS/Division 2 levels in the future. By no means is this list a sure thing, finalized or complete. It will be updated twice more before the end of August 2022. Again, these are not rankings nor are they an end-all, be-all lists. These are the prospects that we have seen, that stand out to our team. Below, we’ll take a look at class of 2026 Arizona prospects, labeled as defensive and athlete prospects, that are currently on the Watch List. <img class="alignleft wp-image-241512 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/11/MarquisRichardson-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />[player_tooltip player_id="283579" first="Marquis" last="Keoni Richardson"] | Athlete Richardson is a versatile athlete who stars on both sides of the ball. At 6-foot-1, 175-pounds he showcases elite length and speed off of the edge and is virtually unblockable as he’s constantly disrupting the backfield. On the offensive side of the ball he’s had success both as a receiver and a running back.   <img class="alignleft wp-image-290842 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/02/TaliqSmith-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />[player_tooltip player_id="212206" first="Taliq" last="Smith"] | Athlete Smith is a player who excels with the ball in his hands. At receiver he’s has soft hands and the ability to make guys miss in space. He’s got great vision and cut-back ability to make defenders miss. He’s a threat in the return game as he has the speed and patience to follow his lead blockers and take it to the house.   <img class="alignleft wp-image-284434 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/02/NoahBahnieAYF-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />[player_tooltip player_id="283580" first="Noah" last="Banhie"] | Defensive Line The 5-foot-11, 265-pound prospect is physical at the point of attack and does a great job using leverage and low pad level to break into the opposing backfield. His low center of gravity makes him tough to move, especially with his quick first step off of the ball.   <img class="alignleft wp-image-254208 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/12/Silhouette-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />[player_tooltip player_id="283582" first="Tharran" last="Koran"] | Defensive Line Koran is a disruptive force along the line as the 5-foot-10, 270-pound athlete features quick feet and good balance. He has the ability to shed blockers by using quick bursts, leverage and active hands.     <img class="alignleft wp-image-290849 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/02/Noah-Chanez-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />[player_tooltip player_id="283581" first="Noah" last="Chanez"] | Defensive Back Chanez is a versatile athlete who showcases his skills on both sides of the ball. Extremely good build on him. As a defensive back he’s got fluid hips and does a great job sticking with the receivers. He has great anticipation and ball skills and does a great job breaking up passes thrown his way. As an offensive player, he’s got good vision and speed and runs with aggression and power.