5A Offensive First-Year Starters Who Made an Instant Impact

Breaking into a starting role on offense in 5A football isn't easy. The defenses are fast, the pressure is real, and there's not much room for mistakes. Whether it's a young guy getting his first real shot or an upperclassman finally stepping into the spotlight, you've got to be ready to produce — because nobody's waiting around for you to figure it out.   These players all did just that — they delivered. They found ways to help their teams move the ball, finish drives, and make plays when it mattered. Some of them put up numbers, others just did the little things right. Either way, they made their presence felt.   Here's a look at some of the 5A offensive first-year starters who made a real impact this past season.    Roskopf is the kind of quarterback who grabs your attention the second he steps onto the field. At 6-foot-6 and 225 pounds, he's got that big, commanding presence you just don't see every day at the high school level. And it's not just for show — his size gives him a clear view of the entire field, allowing him to see over the middle and pick apart defenses with confidence. What really stands out, though, is the combination of touch and arm strength. He's got legit zip on the ball when he needs it, firing throws into tight windows, but he also knows how to take something off and drop in a perfect deep ball, especially with the kind of speed he had around him this season. He's not just a throw-it-up-and-hope kind of guy, either — he goes through his progressions and finds the right read more often than not, which is rare for a young QB who's also not afraid to take shots. And when plays break down, he's shown he can move well enough to escape pressure and even pick up yards on the ground, which you wouldn't expect at first glance. Averaging 244 passing yards per game and leading his team to a state title says a lot about what he brings to the table, and college programs are definitely starting to take notice.      It's wild to think Smith is only a freshman, because nothing about his game plays like it. He's already built like a solid back at 5'10”, 185 pounds, and the way he runs — with his feet firing nonstop, solid burst, and a quiet confidence — makes him look years ahead of most backs his age. He's got that classic downhill mentality, but he's not just a bruiser. His feet never stop moving, which gives him surprising agility through traffic, and when he hits a seam, he's got the burst to get to the second level in a hurry. You really see his toughness when he's dragging defenders with him — guys draped on his back, grabbing at his jersey, and he just keeps those legs churning. There's a maturity to his game already, especially when it comes to running between the tackles. If there's one thing that could take him to an even higher level, it's just learning when to slow things down a touch behind the line — giving his blockers that extra beat to open something up. But even now, it's clear he's a problem for defenses and a name scouts should be circling early for the 2028 class.      Vanacore brings a creative edge to the quarterback spot that's tough to teach. He's got a little wiggle to his game — not the kind where he's looking to take off and run every down, but enough to buy time, escape pressure, and give his receivers an extra second to get open. He's got that shortstop-style release, quick and compact, and he can throw from all sorts of angles without losing accuracy or velocity. That part of his game really jumps off the film. When he lets it fly deep, the ball comes out clean and catchable, and he clearly trusts his arm to put it where only his guy can get it. You love to see that kind of confidence, especially from a sophomore. He does have a bit of that early-exit habit when pressure comes, but it's not panic — it's just instinct. As he gets more comfortable maneuvering inside the pocket — stepping up instead of out, feeling space instead of fleeing — his game is going to hit another level. The natural arm talent, quick trigger, and poise are already there. Once the game slows down for him, watch out.       Roebuck is already showing flashes of big-time potential, and it's easy to see why when you watch him run routes. The younger brother of former Marana standout [player_tooltip player_id='368908' first='Dezmen' last='Roebuck'], Sean's got a similar polish to his game — crisp routes, smooth breaks, and a clear understanding of how to set up defenders with timing and footwork. For just a sophomore, he's got some legit top-end speed, and once he gets into open space, he can separate in a hurry. He's not the biggest receiver physically, but he plays tough — willing to go over the middle, absorb contact, and come down with contested catches. His hands are dependable, and he doesn't flinch in tight spots. You can tell he studies the game and takes pride in the details, which makes him a tough cover even for experienced DBs. With the tools he's already showing and the track record in his family, coaches are going to want to get in on him early.      Cooper has that classic running back build — 5'10”, 205 pounds, low center of gravity, and legs like tree trunks. He looks the part before the ball is even snapped, and once he gets going, defenders are in for a long night. He's not just big for the sake of being big — that strong base gives him the ability to shake off arm tackles like they're nothing, and he's constantly falling forward for extra yards. What's really impressive, though, is that once he gets into his stride, he's got legit speed. That combination of size and burst is flat-out scary. And if you do manage to square him up, you better be ready for a stiff arm that'll put you in the turf. He's not just out there trying to make highlight plays either — he runs with intent, with purpose, and with toughness. As he continues to work on his foot speed and adds a little more craftiness to his game, there's no doubt he's going to be a real problem in the ‘27 class.      Fuiava is the kind of offensive lineman who makes life a whole lot easier for the guys around him. He's 6'2”, 270 pounds, and already plays with the kind of control and power that you usually don't see until much later in a player's development. Right off the snap, he's quick to get his hands inside and take control of the rep. His upper-body strength is impressive — once he locks on, it's usually over, and defenders end up going backward more often than not. What's really encouraging is that he doesn't just rely on brute strength. He's smart with how he uses his hands, extending without holding and keeping his base under him so he doesn't get off balance. In pass protection, he stays cool under pressure, adapting to whatever move the defender throws at him and calmly resetting to stay in front. Whether it's a speed rush or a bull rush, he's rarely rattled. For a sophomore, that poise and technique are huge, and as he continues to refine his game, he could easily become one of the more dominant linemen in the 5A ranks.      Neria might be on the smaller side at 5'9”, 175 pounds, but you wouldn't know it by the way he commands the offense. He's one of the more dynamic athletes you'll find at the quarterback spot — slippery in the pocket, quick-twitch in everything he does, and a nightmare to bring down. What makes him tough to defend isn't just the speed, though. He's got a really smooth, easy arm and can fire it from just about any angle, whether he's on the move or standing tall in the pocket. He throws with confidence, hitting tight windows and letting it rip deep when the opportunity's there. He clearly trusts his receivers too, giving them chances to go make plays on the ball and throwing them open when the coverage is tight. Even when things break down, he doesn't panic — he keeps his eyes downfield and finds ways to extend the play without forcing bad decisions. There will always be questions about size at the next level, but when you've got arm talent, escapability, and that kind of composure under pressure, it's easy to bet on the upside. Neria's ceiling is high, and he's still getting better.      Dafnis is the kind of receiver every quarterback wants in their corner — reliable, tough, and always in the right spot. He's not a burner, but don't let that fool you — he's got more than enough speed to get open and make plays once the ball's in his hands. Where he really shines, though, is working through traffic and finding soft spots in the defense. He's got a natural feel for spacing and timing, and it's clear he's got good chemistry with his quarterback. Dafnis isn't afraid to take a shot over the middle and still come down with the catch — he's got strong hands, a strong base, and a willingness to battle for positioning. He's also one of those high-motor guys who doesn't take plays off. Whether he's running a route or being asked to throw a block against a much bigger defender, he gives the same kind of effort. That kind of mindset is huge, especially at the next level. There's a lot to like about what he brings to the table, and it's the kind of game that holds up well beyond high school.

Breaking into a starting role on offense in 5A football isn't easy. The defenses are fast, the pressure is real, and there's not much room for mistakes. Whether it's a young guy getting his first real shot or an upperclassman finally stepping into the spotlight, you've got to be ready to produce — because nobody's waiting around for you to figure it out.