The Debut Lineup: ‘Twitter Film Study’ Spotlights Four Standouts
In this article:
Kicking off ‘Twitter Film Study,’ we dive into film from players who’ve hit us up on ‘X’ (formerly known as Twitter). This series is all about shining a spotlight on those players eager to be in it, while also offering…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingKicking off ‘Twitter Film Study,’ we dive into film from players who’ve hit us up on ‘X’ (formerly known as Twitter). This series is all about shining a spotlight on those players eager to be in it, while also offering an honest evaluation of their game. For the first edition, we’re highlighting four standout players – offense and defense represented, with a mix of talent from both the 2025 and 2026 classes.
Jackson McCarthy Jackson McCarthy 6’4″ | 205 lbs | LB Canyon View | 2026 State AZ always seems to be in the right place at the right time for Canyon View’s defense. His instincts are the first thing you notice when throwing on the film. It all stems from his first step; what may seem like a minor detail to most, sets his game apart. McCarthy’s first step isn’t just quick, but more importantly, always with the flow of the offense to ensure he’s not out of position right off the bat. Then he shows an impressive ability to read the play while still flowing with the offense. It can be hard to see a play develop when youre moving through the trenches, but McCarthy always seems to find a way. Players that rely heavily on their instincts are usually susceptible to misdirections and counters, but he’s always making sure to play his assignment before coming off to make a play. As a pass rusher, McCarthy uses that quick first step and his long frame to slip right by lineman on the way to quarterbacks. With some added weight on his frame, he could add another powerful dimension to his pass rushing. When he drops into coverage, McCarthy plays very smart – feeling routes develope behind him as he reads the quarterbacks eyes. While he doesn’t yet have the top-end speed to keep up with speedy wideouts, he isn’t often asked to from the linebacker position. He certainly has a frame built for playing at the next level; and with his skillset, he can contribute to any program in an impactful way.
Highlights
Logan Connelly Logan Connelly 6'3" | 180 lbs | DB Arcadia | 2025 AZ
Logan Connelly Logan Connelly 6'3" | 180 lbs | DB Arcadia | 2025 AZ
Logan Connelly Logan Connelly 6’3″ | 180 lbs | DB Arcadia | 2025 AZ is seen fying all over the field for Arcadia’s defense. He has excellent chasedown speed and the desire to use it on just about every play. If someone on the opposing offense happens to get around the corner, you can count on Connelly to come out of nowhere into the frame and make the play for his team. He has a knack for taking nearly perfect angles to catch the ballcarier at top speed. He’s also a very physical player; providing great support in the run game without getting drawn in too far that he can’t play the pass. It’s a diffuct balance to find, but Connelly walks the fine line nicely. What truly sets his game apart is his ability to read the quarterbacks eyes. He does an excellent job of quickly taking away a quarterbacks first read simply because he can see it developing. Connelly’s biggest strength, may potentially be his biggest weakness. When reading the quarterbacks eyes, he leaves himself open to getting looked off by the more advanced quarterbacks. If he’s able to keep that ability to take away reads without being led into “no-man’s land” by a quarterback’s eyes, he’s going to see his game take a massive jump in his senior year. Logan Connelly Logan Connelly 6’3″ | 180 lbs | DB Arcadia | 2025 AZ is a name to get yourself farmilliar with, you’ll likely be hearing it a lot more often as the season approaches.
Joseph Francis
Joseph Francis
Joseph Francis is a rare type of wide receiver. It’s not often that you come accross wideouts that are willing to put effort into blocking for their running backs, let alone someone who seems to enjoy it. Francis seems to enjoy every bit of it. Putting his body on the line, he shows his physicality when he takes a defensive back all the way into the sideline. When he’s not blocking and takes off down the field instead, he shows off his speed. He can fly by defenders with seemingly no effort and when he gets the ball in his hands, he’s hard to bring down. He averaged a whopping 25 yards per reception in his seven games this past season. It wasn’t just blowing past defenders that was impressive, the way he can adjust to the ball in the air to get himself in the right position allows him to make acrobatic catches down the field. Francis’ impact doesn’t stop when the offense leaves the field. On defense, he shows how physical of a player he is, using his speed to fly around the field and make plays both in the passing game and providing run support. His versatility will help him translate nicely to the next level, where he’ll certainly make an impact.
Wow! The athletasicm that Yos Aunese Yos Aunese 5’11” | 270 lbs | OL Red Mountain | 2026 AZ displays on just about every play is incredible. For someone of his size (listed at 6’0″ 240lbs.) to be able to move the way he can he is something you just don’t see very often. His feet are incredibly quick, pulling around the edge and leading the way for his running backs. Aunese does a phenomenal job working to the second level and keeps his feet moving as he finishes the block. It’s not just the quickness, he’s able to keep pace with the ballcarrier and shows really impressive top-speed. His active hands allow him to keep blocks on the smaller speedy guys, reengaging with them and resetting his feet. Aunese is asked to pull a ton in this offense, and does so at full speed everytime. He’s a well conditioned and extremely high-motor player. Not being the biggest of lineman, he still has impressive power – effortlessly taking out defensive ends to give his running backs the corner. Aunese is one of the most impressive offense line prosepcts that I’ve watched in a while. He has all the tools needed to play at the next level and as he continues to grow, he could develop into one of the top prospects in the state of Arizona.