Preseason OPOY Candidates (6A)

With the 2022 season approaching, it is clear to say that Arizona is primed for a big year of high school football loaded with top talent. It’ll be nothing short of an exciting, impressive season for athletes across the state, but who will rise to the time and earn that OPOY award? Here’s a preseason look at 10 players that could step up and take it home: &nbsp; [caption id="attachment_330147" align="alignright" width="300"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-330147" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/04/PRZStockGraphic-300x187.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="187" /> Photo: Prep Redzone[/caption] <strong>Dylan Raiola</strong>, <strong><em>QB, Chandler ’24: </em></strong>The Ohio State commit transferred in from Burleson High School in Texas. He checks all the boxes you can look for at an elite level. Arm strength, velocity, am angles, poise, movement, timing, IQ, etc..it’s all there. One of the top players in the country instantly ignites a huge spark at Chandler, as everyone in the country expects Raiola to light up the state. &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="42902" first="Devon" last="Dampier"], <strong><em>QB, Saguaro ’23: </em></strong>Dampier took over and showed the state what he was all about in the playoffs in 2021, leading Saguaro to an open division state title. The dual-threat QB is one of the most dangerous players in AZ and projects to put up crazy numbers in that explosive Saguaro offense. &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="115519" first="Demond" last="Williams"], <em><strong>QB, Basha ’24:</strong></em> A big time young gunslinger who’s started for Basha since his freshman season is prone for a breakout Jr. season. He comes off an impressive sophomore year throwing for 2,632 yards and 20 TD’s, with 644 yards rushing and 14 TD’s. He’ll have a big opportunity on a talented Basha squad to do some special things in 2022. &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="42924" first="Kyler" last="Kasper"], <strong><em>WR, Williams Field ’23:</em></strong> I’ve been raving about Kasper since the summer before his sophomore season. The Oregon commit is the most polished, well rounded WR I’ve seen at the high school level and has never not been a problem. Although he loses his QB CJ Tiller to transferring, Kasper earns himself a spot on this list from pure talent level and potential. &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="42897" first="Deshaun" last="Buchanan"], <em><strong>RB, Basha ’23:</strong> </em>Buchanan is a kid people need to be more hyped about. Dangerous in space or between the tackles given his speed and burst, and can hurt defenses in the pass game as well. A very well rounded athlete that can contribute in a variety of ways could easily be prone for a OPOY season. &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="165887" first="Myles" last="Libman"], <strong><em>ATH, Pinnacle ’23:</em></strong> Libman is a very talented kid that will excel anywhere on the field. He’s a big play threat with the ball in his hands given his twitch, speed, and COD that projects to have numerous big plays this season. A dynamic player that I’m excited to see get loose in 2022. &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="115524" first="Jaedon" last="Matthews"], <strong><em>RB, Saguaro ’24:</em></strong> Matthews is another young talent that has yet to scratch the surface of his potential, and when he does, it’s going to be a major problem for defenses across the state, Excellent burst and top end speed for big play ability, and can also line up and run crisp routes and become a problem in the pass game. A very exciting young prospect with loads of potential for a huge season. &nbsp; [caption id="attachment_64659" align="alignright" width="300"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-64659" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/10/IMG_4617-rotated-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /> Hamilton @ Saguaro[/caption] [player_tooltip player_id="42931" first="Lenox" last="Lawson"], <em><strong>ATH, Red Mountain ’23:</strong></em> Lawson is going to make people respect Red Mountain. He comes off a solid 2021 campaign with 819 yards rushing and 9 TD’s while racking up 55 receptions for 577 yards and 6 TD’s. He’s seen a nice jump in his stock this offseason and looks to bust loose this fall. &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="42892" first="Brendan" last="Anderson"], <strong><em>QB, Mountain Ridge ’23:</em> </strong>Anderson comes off a strong Jr. season throwing for 3,037 yards and 39 TD’s. He sits back with pose when he has some time to throw and can dice up defenses effortlessly with his arm. Definitely a big name player in the west valley to keep an eye on going forward. &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="165883" first="Tre" last="Spivey"], <em><strong>WR, Hamilton ’23</strong></em>: Spivey is another long and talented WR with a ton of potential to put up big numbers. Regardless of who gets the starting QB nod at Hamilton, Spivey is an instant WR1 and a big mismatch and threat on the outsides. &nbsp;