Sunday Sleepers

A new season means new players to fill some bigger roles. Across the state, there are still a ton of athletes that project to have some big shoes to fill ahead of them as we enter 2022. Here's a look at 5 sleepers to know:   Gianni Mascolino Gianni Mascolino 6'1" | 170 lbs | QB Coolidge | 2023 State AZ , QB/ATH, Coolidge ’23

I don’t think 3A is ready for Mascolino in 2022, as he projects to be one of the most explosive players in the state given his dual-threat ability. A recent transfer from Eastmark, he sizes up with a slender frame and build at 6’1" 175lbs with tremendous athleticism to be a game changer from multiple spots, which landed him his first offer last month from Washington. He throws with excellent touch and timing with consistent accuracy to drop it in only the receivers radius. Sells PA well, can deliver accurate throws on the move in both directions, and can process coverages quick and zip throws into tight windows. A big play threat when he decides to pull it own and take off as he’s a speedy kid all-around. Don’t be surprised if he puts up player of the year numbers.   Hudson Stych Hudson Stych 6'1" | 160 lbs | WR Notre Dame Prep | 2023 AZ , WR, Notre Dame Prep ’23 I think Stych is going to surprise a lot of people in 2022. He’s prone for a bigger role with Gavin Smith Gavin Smith 5'10" | 190 lbs | WR Notre Dame Prep | 2022 State AZ graduating, also meaning NDP will be looking for that offensive spark to fill some big shoes. Stych sizes up at 6’1" 165lbs and possesses a nice burst off the LOS and at the top of routes. Very underrated in terms of speed, as Stych is going to be dangerous if he can get the ball in space. Very well-rounded athlete as he formerly played QB and brings that QB IQ to the WR position. Did a great job finding soft spots in zone coverages, and gets upfield after the catch well without dancing or hesitating. Keep an eye on Stych to emerge as that spark on the NDP offense.   Santino Varvel Santino Varvel 6'3" | 170 lbs | WR Canyon View | 2024 State AZ , WR, Canyon View ’24 I was recently very impressed with Varvel’s tape, and definitely think he needs some more respect put on his name. Nice frame and build at 6’3" 170lbs and is developing into that prototypical X/Z. Solid route runner throughout the route tree with excellent body control and a large catch radius. He does a great job extending past his frame to haul in those difficult catches. He’s solid after the catch as he utilizes physicality as needed, or can get slippery and make opponents miss. Overall a promising upcoming receiver that I believe is about to have a huge year.   Max Sawyer Max Sawyer 6'1" | 215 lbs | DL Desert Edge | 2023 State AZ , DE, Desert Edge ’23 Sawyer sizes up with a stout frame and build at 6’1" 220lbs, and projects to have a key role on that Desert Edge defense heading into 2022. Excellent functional strength that he applies to the POC, making him a nasty player to go head up with. Strong at the POA with a big striking ability as he's explosive through the tackle. Solid play rec as he processes the game quick and knows when to stay home or attack. He flashes a nice combination of violent hands and bend around the edges, and has been checking all the boxes as a D1 talent.   Colin Tibbs Colin Tibbs 5'10" | 170 lbs | DB Verrado | 2023 State AZ , DB, Verrado ’23 Tibbs was a difference maker on both sides of the ball for Verrado. At CB, Tibbs possesses loose hips with a nice burst to the ball out of his break. He did a good job tracking receivers hips in man coverage, and showed a solid understanding of responsibilities in when in zone. Good ball skills and speed in the back half providing him with ball hawk ability. He was a solid receiver in 2021 for Verrado hauling in 10 TD’s, and establishing himself as a big play threat downfield. As he enters his senior season, I would imagine Verrado is planning on utilizing Tibbs in a variety of ways given his athleticism and potential.