Stars in the Making: Nine Offensive Prospects from the C/O '28

<p>Sometimes, football is about more than what you see on Friday nights. Sure, the big plays, the packed stands, and the final scores steal the headlines, but the real story often lies in the quiet build-up — in the countless hours spent training, dreaming, and working toward the next big moment. That's where these 2028 prospects come in.</p>   <p>In this two-part series, we're diving into the future of Arizona high school football, starting with nine offensive players who are already showing flashes of brilliance. These players bring unique skills and big potential to the table. Some are flashy playmakers you've probably heard about. Others might be flying under the radar — for now. Either way, this group is setting the stage for what's next.</p>   <p>But offense is only half the story. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we shift gears and highlight defensive standouts who are equally poised to make an impact. Together, these players are the heartbeat of the 2028 class, and it's going to be fun to watch them grow.</p>   <p>So, let's jump into Part 1 and meet the offensive talent who's putting in the work and ready to leave their mark. From dynamic skill players to the unsung linemen holding it all together, these are the guys who'll be making waves next fall. Let's get to it.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Quarterbacks</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">One of the most exciting players to watch is Hamilton High School quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1325867' first='Jaxson' last='Sculley']. As just a freshman in 2024, Sculley has already shown maturity and poise beyond his years. At 6'1" and 165 pounds, he's got the size and skill set to develop into one of Arizona's top quarterbacks. What sets Sculley apart isn't just his impressive arm strength—though he's more than capable of firing the ball through tight windows — it's his football IQ. Sculley consistently demonstrates an uncanny ability to make smart decisions under pressure. He's the kind of quarterback who knows where the ball needs to go before the snap, thanks to his pre-snap reads and understanding of the game. And if his first option isn't there? No problem. He's quick to adjust, finding secondary options and keeping the offense moving. Off the field, he's just as impressive, earning a spot on the Sports360AZ All-Academic Football Team with a 4.0 GPA.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Another quarterback worth keeping an eye on is [player_tooltip player_id='1219066' first='Dayne' last='Silver'] from Eastmark. Standing at 6'5" and weighing 185 pounds, Silver is a massive presence on the field with physical tools that jump off the page. His natural arm strength is incredible, capable of launching deep throws with ease and fitting the ball into tight windows. And while his arm gets a lot of attention, his mobility shouldn't be overlooked — Silver can move when the situation calls for it, adding another layer to his game. One area for growth is in the quick game. With an arm as big as his, it's easy to lean on those deep passes and explosive plays, but developing a more consistent short and intermediate game could take him to the next level. That said, Silver's raw talent and physical attributes make him one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2028 class. As he continues to refine his game over the next few years, he's someone I'll be watching very closely. The sky's the limit for this young quarterback.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Running Backs</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1114228' first='Byron' last='Brandon'] from Desert Edge is another name that deserves the spotlight. At 5'9" and 180 pounds, Brandon is a running back who combines sharp cuts with explosive burst, making him a nightmare for defenders. His ability to plant his foot, change direction, and leave defenders grasping at air is truly special. But it's not just the agility — it's what happens next. Brandon's burst after a cut allows him to quickly gain yards and turn small plays into big ones. For his size, he's a strong runner who isn't afraid to lower his shoulder when needed. As he continues to develop, the next step in his game will be improving his pull-away speed to consistently outrun the fastest defensive backs. If he can add that dimension, there's no telling just how high his ceiling could be.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Another exciting prospect is [player_tooltip player_id='1325892' first='Chase' last='Ochoa'] from Chandler. At 6'0" and 185 pounds, Ochoa is a powerful running back and wide receiver who's already turning heads with his physicality. His refusal to go to the ground is special — it's a combination of strength, balance, and sheer determination. Ochoa has an uncanny ability to absorb hits, keep his legs churning, and grind out extra yards. Over four quarters, his bruising style takes a toll on defenses, wearing them down as the game goes on. While he has decent speed, Chase's biggest asset is his ability to dominate as a physical runner. Ochoa's a prospect that I'm excited to watch get more opportunities on bigger stages. With his tools and tenacity, Chase is poised to make a massive impact in the seasons ahead.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Wide Receivers</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">If you're talking about freshmen who rose to the occasion on the biggest stages, look no further than [player_tooltip player_id='1218871' first='Roye' last='Oliver III'] from Hamilton. At 5'11" and 160 pounds, Oliver might not be the biggest receiver on the field, but he's certainly one of the most productive. His 43 receptions, 861 yards, and 11 touchdowns during the 2024 season are proof of that. What's even more impressive is how he performed under pressure. In the Open Division quarterfinals against Marana — the first playoff game of his career — Oliver snagged a 30-yard touchdown, helping Hamilton secure a 31-22 victory. Oliver's success is no accident. As I wrote in a previous feature:</p>   <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"> <p>With blazing speed, he has no trouble getting behind defenses and isn't likely to be caught from behind. Oliver runs some really precise routes and moves incredibly smoothly across the field which is rare to see from a freshman.</p> </blockquote>   <p>As he continues to develop physically and refine his game, the sky's the limit for this young wideout. Oliver is already setting the bar high, and it's going to be thrilling to see what's next for him as he grows into one of Arizona's premier offensive threats.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">At 6'3" and 200 pounds, [player_tooltip player_id='1327540' first='Torrin' last='Hill'] from Centennial is a dominant pass-catcher who turned heads with his remarkable 2024 season. Hill's massive frame makes him a natural target, but it's his strong hands and athleticism that set him apart. At the catch point, he does a phenomenal job of using his size and strength to come down with contested balls. His ability to consistently get himself in position to make the catch makes him a nightmare for defenders. Once the ball is in his hands, Hill's physicality and determination are on full display as he fights for extra yards. With his blend of size, skill, and athleticism, Hill is primed to be a key player for Centennial in the years to come. With each snap, His combination of size, skill, and sheer determination makes him a threat on every play, and it feels like we're only scratching the surface of what he can become.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">When it comes to speed and playmaking ability, [player_tooltip player_id='1120654' first='Julian' last='Ferrari'] from Brophy stands out as one of the brightest young stars in the 2028 class. At 5'10" and 160 pounds, he's a wide receiver and punt returner who makes his presence felt in every game. Ferrari's blazing speed isn't just for show — it's what makes him a nightmare to cover and nearly impossible to bring down once he has the ball in his hands. Whether he's burning defenders downfield or breaking away from corners on a short route, Ferrari's quickness changes the game. What makes him even more valuable is his ability to shine on special teams. His speed and elusiveness make him a natural fit as a punt returner, and he's already shown flashes of brilliance in that role. Ferrari is the kind of player who can turn a routine play into a highlight-reel moment, and he's only getting started. With his skill set and work ethic, it's clear that he's a star in the making and a player to watch closely in the years to come.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='451400' first='Amos' last='Augustine'] from Perry is a name both coaches and football fans will want to remember. At 6'2" and 190 pounds, Augustine is a wide receiver with an impressive combination of size, skill, and technical refinement. His strong hands allow him to make tough catches through contact, a skill that's already turning heads. Augustine's footwork in his routes is clearly refined for his age, allowing him to create quick and easy separation from defenders. Adding to his resume, Augustine was selected for Team USA's 15U national flag football team last offseason, showcasing his athleticism and versatility on a national stage. That experience has only sharpened his game, making him an even bigger threat on the field. With his ability to win contested catches, run pristine routes, and create separation, Augustine has all the tools to become one of Arizona's top receiving threats in the years ahead.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Offensive Line</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1327630' first='Karmello' last='Calloway'] from Centennial is a player who commands attention in the trenches. At 6'5" and 295 pounds, Calloway's aggressive nature in the run game makes him a standout. His ability to use his legs to close the gap with defenders ensures that once he locks in, he's almost impossible to shed. Staying engaged with his blocks looks effortless, a testament to his strength and technical skill. What sets him apart even further is his impressive foot speed for a player his size, allowing him to excel in both run blocking and pass protection. Calloway's blend of physicality and athleticism gives him the foundation to develop into one of the premier offensive linemen in the 2028 class.</p>

Sometimes, football is about more than what you see on Friday nights. Sure, the big plays, the packed stands, and the final scores steal the headlines, but the real story often lies in the quiet build-up — in the countless hours spent training, dreaming, and working toward the next big moment. That's where these 2028 prospects come in.