Steals of Signing Day

Arizona saw a large number of athletes ink their National Letters of Intent earlier this month, and the Arizona football talent is becoming more less of a secret every year. Although there were a big number of signings that stood out to me, here are six players that I have watched vigorously throughout the season that I believe found perfect fits where they can be the difference makers: &nbsp; <em>[player_tooltip player_id="42795" first="Javen" last="Jacobs"], ATH, Saguaro:</em> <strong>Arizona State<img class="size-full wp-image-82232 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/12/arizona-st.png" alt="" width="200" height="200" /></strong> ASU lands one of the best all-around athletes AZ has to offer. Very dynamic kid with the ability to change the game as a receiver, as a ball carrier, and on special teams as a PR/KR. I love this signing by ASU, simply because it is an instant spark for that offense, and I wouldn’t be shocked to see Jacobs on the field early. Speed, burst, twitch, body control, vision, ball security, reliable hands, etc..Jacobs checks all the boxes as a P5 playmaker. He plays very similar to former Saguaro/ASU standout DJ Foster, and he’ll fit into that offense right away with potential to line up in numerous spots. &nbsp; <em>[player_tooltip player_id="42871" first="Zach" last="Hammett"], ATH, River Valley:</em> <strong>Jamestown</strong> I still believe Hammett was under looked due to both physical size and school size, but continued to play lights out and remain the most dominant player in 3A, breaking over the 2,000 rushing mark. Hammett held other NAIA, DII, and DIII offers, and a notable PWO at Northern Arizona which many believed he would jump on. Instead, Hammett chooses NAIA ball up at Jamestown, and is another kid I can see getting on the field and dominating early on. He’s continued to play with a chip on his shoulder, and I think he’ll come out with something to prove. Jamestown landed a sure FCS level talent in my opinion. &nbsp; <em>[player_tooltip player_id="100648" first="Daniel" last="Santiago"], DL, Horizon:</em> <strong>Holy Cross</strong> Santiago was the most tenacious player I saw along the DL all season. He plays with a mean streak and possesses a high motor to bring the juice to that Horizon defense. Quick off the ball with good power and strength at the POA, while frequently displaying a variety of ways to disrupt plays in the backfield. He’s had a journey for a high school kid, as he moved to Arizona from New York in the summer of 2020, back to New York in the summer of 2021, then back to Arizona in time to be eligible for his senior season. Now, he’ll get himself back to the east coast at Holy Cross where he checks all the boxes to dominate at the FCS level. &nbsp; <em>[player_tooltip player_id="161950" first="Blake" last="Sparks"], QB, Millennium: </em><strong>Northern Michigan </strong> Sparks was not talked about near enough as he should’ve been in 2021. Tough, competitive kid with a natural leading ability and good body language during all phases of the game. He sizes up with a sturdy frame and build at 6’2" 215lbs and delivers with authority and timing. He’s athletic enough to pick up yards on his feet, and isn’t shy to put his shoulder down to pick up those extra chunks of yards. Very even keel in the pocket with the ability to stay cool under pressure and deliver accurate throws, as he never seemed to get rattled. He is only scratching the surface of his potential, and should be set up to have a solid career in the future at NMU. &nbsp; [caption id="attachment_140120" align="alignright" width="225"]<img class="wp-image-140120 size-medium" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/05/image0-225x300.jpeg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /> [player_tooltip player_id="147767" first="Terryon" last="Rowe"], SMSU commit[/caption] <em>[player_tooltip player_id="147767" first="Terryon" last="Rowe"], ATH, Mountain Pointe:</em> <strong>Southwest Minnesota State</strong> Rowe is a very competitive kid and a two way spark. SMSU signed him as a DB, but I think Rowe has the potential to blow up at either CB or WR in the NSIC. He really wasn’t utilized to his fullest potential as a WR in 2021, which is why he started opening eyes at CB. Physical at the LOS to take away that initial burst off the ball and knock receivers off their route right when the ball is snapped. Plus athleticism with excellent ball skills all around providing him with sure ball hawk ability. Loose hips with good twitch and has that gamer mentality to go toe to toe with anyone. Whether Rowe stays at DB or moves to WR at some point in his college career, he projects to be a special player and a big time gem for SMSU. &nbsp; <em>[player_tooltip player_id="162027" first="Tre" last="Tate"], DB, Hamilton:</em> <strong>Northern Arizona </strong> Tate has that swagger to him in the back half as he trends in the direction of a well-polished FS. Excellent build at 6’4" 195lbs and still has room to add mass without sacrificing speed/athleticism. Very good range with the ability to fly around the field and make plays, as he covers ground extremely well in the back half. Good closing speed as a tackler to fly up and fill alleys as needed and deliver a solid pop at the POC. Smart football player all-around that continued to impress me each week as you could clearly see the progression. A big time in-state grab by NAU, as Tate has the ceiling and intangibles to flourish up in Flagstaff.