Twitter Film Study Pt. 12: Backs and Backers
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Welcome to Part 12 of our ‘Twitter Film Study’ series, where we aim to shine a spotlight on some of the amazing athletes that Arizona has on their football fields in the fall, while still providing an honest breakdown of…
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Continue ReadingWelcome to Part 12 of our ‘Twitter Film Study’ series, where we aim to shine a spotlight on some of the amazing athletes that Arizona has on their football fields in the fall, while still providing an honest breakdown of their game. Taking a look at ‘backs and backers’, these are often the heart and soul of these teams. Let’s get right to it!
Owen Reynoso Owen Reynoso 5’8″ | 180 lbs | RB Centennial | 2026 State AZ has an incredibly versatile skillset in the backfield for Centennial. Listed at 5’8” and 170 lbs, he has a solid base that gives him plenty of power. He does a great job of using that power to protect his quarterback when he doesn’t get the ball. Even against the edge rushers with a clear size advantage, there never seems to be any hesitation to put his body on the line. Reynoso shows an impressive burst once he reaches the second level. Effortlessly able to kick it into another gear and use that power to break through arm tackles. For a running back with an incredibly physical play style, he still has the agility to make defenders look foolish in open space. It doesn’t matter if it’s behind the line of scrimmage or 30 yards down the field; Reynoso can take anyone’s ankles. With reliable hands out of the backfield, he truly can do it all. Finishing the year with three trips to the endzone, Reynoso got some valuable experience and should become a big part of the Centennial offense this fall.
Highlights
Brodie Vehrs
Brodie Vehrs
Brodie Vehrs is a name I’ve been hearing quite a lot through the offseason, and it’s clear to see why after watching his tape. The pure arm strength he possesses is off the charts. What might be even more impressive is his ability to use that arm strength when he’s completely off balance. Whether it be across his body or fading away, he still manages to put enough on the ball to get it down the field. Vehrs is able to do all of this and still maintain accuracy. Whether its deep down the field or attacking a small window on a crossing route, he has no problem giving his receivers an opportunity while keeping the ball out of harm’s way. He does a good job of not being too committed to any one receiver; when someone else comes open, there’s zero hesitation to move off his initial read and take what the defense is giving him. His form is already incredibly refined with mechanics that will translate very nicely to the next level. Vehrs recruitment is sure to start heating up as he gets the chance to put more film like this out there.
Latavis Walker Latavis Walker 6'0" | 175 lbs | LB Buena | 2026 AZ
Latavis Walker Latavis Walker 6'0" | 175 lbs | LB Buena | 2026 AZ
Latavis Walker Latavis Walker 6’0″ | 175 lbs | LB Buena | 2026 AZ has a high motor in the second level. Spending lots of time in coverage, Walker does a great job of using his speed to fly all over the field and take away opposing quarterback’s reads. He breaks quickly to the football and does a good job prevententing yards after the catch. While reading the quarterback is a strong suit of his, he can occasionally drift into no-man’s land if the quarterback he’s facing is smart enough to do so. As he continues to get more experience and finds the perfect balance of reading the quarterback and and having a feel for the routes as they develop, his athleticism will allow him to take away multiple options at once. Against the run is where you see Walker’s motor truly shine. Never giving up on a play, he has no problem going across the field and catching running backs from behind. Even with a lighter frame, he’s still able to play physical at the line of scrimmage and has no trouble bringing both shifty and powerful players down in the open field. Walker is a player who’s sure to see his stock rise in his junior year.
Bentley Corbin Bentley Corbin 5’8″ | 185 lbs | RB Sandra Day O’Connor | 2025 AZ ‘s athleticism really jumps off his tape. He can cut on a dime and get back up to full speed within his first few steps. Don’t let that fool you though, he still has plenty of strength in his solid frame. Being such a tough runner paired with the quickness that he has makes for some magic as he weaves through traffic in the trenches. When Corbin creates just enough space to push through defenders it often looks like he’s dancing through them. This is exactly what makes him so dangerous as a kick returner as well. At times it seems like he’s a bit too tall with the ball and it can make it a little easier for defenders to bring him down. If he focuses on lowering his center of gravity when he’s running with the ball, he’ll end up being harder to tackle than he already is. Recently picking up an offer to Grinnell College, he’s a player who’s going to be able to produce at the next level.
Highlights
Tee Smith boasts a big arm out of Hamilton. A true deep ball specialist, he does an excellent job of placing the ball where only his receivers are going to be able to get it. He has a little bit of an elongated delivery, but he gives himself just enough time to launch it down the sideline with impressive touch. When he doesn’t have the time and has to take off running, his long strides make him a threat to take it down the sideline himself. What’s stood out most as a runner, though, was his elusiveness. His ability to change direction and fake out defenders to buy himself more time to find his receivers down the field is not something you’d expect from his 6’0”-175 lbs long frame. In the pocket, Smith’s rhythm is on point as he slides around and his internal clock seems to go off just in the nick of time. Gearing up for his sophomore season, Smith is a player coaches should have on their radar.