2025 Team Preview: Notre Dame Prep Offense

<p>As we continue to roll out our team previews, we'll shine some light on the top storylines and the breakout players you won't want to miss. We will resume in the 5A Northeast Division with the Notre Dame Prep offense.</p>   <p>Head coach Greg Prelock will return for another season to a program that aims for further postseason success than their two previous seasons. This team went 5-6 last year and lost in the first round of the 5A playoffs to Verrado. This offense will be looking to replace Oregon Commit and Arizona's #1 prospect in the 2025 class, WR Cooper Perry. Luckily, there have been tons of young players in the spring looking to be core assets and help take their team over the top this year.</p>   <p>Here are key players to watch out for in the Notre Dame Prep offense:</p>    <p class="text-gray-700">2027 Quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1152295' first='Luke' last='Jacobs'] is ready to take his game to a new level for this upcoming season. In the limited amount of action Jacobs did see in his sophomore season, he had 606 passing yards and 7 passing TDs. Jacobs throwing motion is tight and clean, allowing him to throw the ball quickly and efficiently. He has nice arc on his throws which allows him to just get it over the defenders heads towards his receivers. He is definitely a gunslinger and isn't afraid of airing the ball out deep at any opportunity he can get. Jacobs will be looking to lead a efficient and commanding offense this upcoming season for his Notre Dame offense.</p>      <p class="text-gray-700">Another potential signal caller who could be getting some reps this season is 2027 Quarterback Hunter Stine. He didn't play on Varsity last season, but he has been making noise at showcases and 7v7 camps, showing that he has what it takes to play the quarterback position. What Stine wins with is timing, as he always knows when to release the ball and where to place it, which allows for an in-rhythm offense. He also showcased some off-platform throwing ability, able to contort and throw across his body while on the run to hit his target accurately. Don't be shocked if Stine begins to make waves in the Notre Dame Prep offense.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/showtimestine/status/1938687809960951838 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">2026 Running Back [player_tooltip player_id='1653693' first='Mateo' last='Gigena'] looks to be the main workhorse for this rushing attack for the Saints. His junior season consisted of 20 carries for 146 rushing yards, averaging about 7.3 yards per carry, and 1 rushing TD. Gigena's style is definitely to be that bruising runner that wears down a defense over the course of a game. He has a tall frame, but he knows how to get low and powerful in the face of contact. He also demonstrates excellent toughness and edge that you like to see at the position, especially when he is pass blocking. He can get physical and nasty when blocking, slamming his opponents on the turf. With tons of senior talent leaving from last season, look for Gigena to take the reigns of the lead back.</p>      <p class="text-gray-700">2027 Offensive Lineman [player_tooltip player_id='1699704' first='Sam' last='Jenkins'] is a talented, multi-faceted athlete in the trenches for Notre Dame Prep. The dual athlete in baseball in addition to football shows that he is a fiery competitor, and it is on display on tape. You can tell Jenkins loves laying people in the dirt, always looking for the extra finish on his blocks to seal off his opponents. He is a formidable blocker when he is pulling, with a full head of steam that creates predicaments for opposing linebackers. Jenkins holds up well in pass pro as well, able to dismantle rushers' hands and stagnant their advance. Jenkins has a thrilling athletic future in either sport, but his relentless drive and physical finishing align perfectly with the demands of football.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://youtu.be/L1FvAuQ18ec?si=Ee08ErNw8aOBrtbo </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">2026 Wide Receiver Matt Friend presents a dependable presence for the next quarterback in the Notre Dame offense. He didn't see the field a whole lot in his junior season, but he has made it clear in the spring that it is his time to shine in this offense. Friend is a smooth and clever route runner, especially on comeback routes, as he is concise in his cuts to get out of his break quickly. He thrives in the red zone on option routes due to his advanced football IQ, allowing him to diagnose coverages, find weak areas in the zone, or cross the field against man. His ball skills are solid, and he is reliable in making his grabs. Friend, in his senior season, will be looking to put the state on notice as a lethal threat outwide.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/matt_friend4/status/1933024363684769901 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">2027 Wide Receiver [player_tooltip player_id='884074' first='Jace' last='Wright'] is another potential breakout weapon for this offense. Wright, who primarily served as a kicker for the Notre Dame team last season, will look to take on a larger role to help his team win, more specifically on offense. Wright's route running, especially at the top of his route, is crisp and elusive. He is excellent at syncing his hips and changing direction in a heartbeat towards his desired area. This allows him the ability to separate from his defenders. He also has some acceleration to maintain distance and allow for a clear target downfield. It will be interesting to see how Wright is further utilized, leveraging his athletic traits.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/JaceWrightinAZ/status/1932123862654750786 </div></figure>

As we continue to roll out our team previews, we'll shine some light on the top storylines and the breakout players you won't want to miss. We will resume in the 5A Northeast Division with the Notre Dame Prep offense.