New Faces in New Places, Pt. 2: High-Impact Transfers to Know

We already took a look at some of the guys starting fresh this year — but we're not done yet.   Part two features another group of players who made moves this offseason and could be in for big roles once they settle in. Some are transfers looking for the right fit, others just needed a reset. Whatever the reason, they've landed in spots where the opportunity is real, and the upside is hard to ignore.   Here are a few more new faces in new places you'll want to keep on your radar.    Trey's the kind of receiver that can turn a short catch into six points before you even realize what happened. He's got that suddenness and feel that makes him a nightmare for defenders in space. Even though he's not the biggest guy on the field, he more than makes up for it with elite twitch and smooth route-running. You can tell he just gets it out there — how to separate, when to gear up, when to throttle down. He's coming off a strong year at Millennium where he put up over 600 yards and 9 scores, and now he's stepping into a Cactus Shadows offense that already has plenty of weapons. Bringing Trey into the mix adds another layer to what they can do offensively. He's a dynamic weapon who can line up anywhere and create problems for defenses with his speed and route-running. He'll be a fun one to watch once he settles into the system and finds his rhythm with a top-tier QB.     Patrick Mahoney isn't just a big body up front — he's a tone-setter. Listed at 6'3” and 305 pounds, he brings serious power to the trenches, and when he decides he's not moving, defenders don't have much of a choice in the matter. He plays with a steady base and has a real knack for locking into defenders and finishing blocks. Even against other big-bodied linemen, Patrick holds his ground and often controls the rep start to finish. He moves well for his size too, which should give Queen Creek some flexibility in how they use him. Whether it's anchoring in pass pro or clearing space for their dual-threat QB, Patrick's skill set is going to be a welcome addition. Coming over from Broughton High in North Carolina, he may be new to the AZ scene, but he's got the tools to make an instant impression.     There's a lot to like about Youngmin Lee's game, especially if you're a fan of quarterbacks who stay calm no matter what's coming at them. He's not easily rattled — even when there's a free rusher flying in, he keeps his eyes downfield and stands in to make the throw. That kind of toughness goes a long way, especially when paired with the accuracy and touch he shows on deeper throws. He doesn't rely on pure speed, but he's got just enough mobility to get himself out of trouble and make something happen on the move. What really stands out is his pocket presence — he knows when to step up, when to escape, and when to hang in and deliver. Coming off a huge year at Mercer Island where he threw for nearly 2,900 yards and 37 touchdowns, he brings experience, leadership, and a ton of polish into the Tolleson program. Don't be surprised if he quickly becomes one of the most productive arms on the West Side.     Bryson Vaughn might not have prototypical linebacker size, but that hasn't stopped him from making plays all over the field. He's got really clean footwork, great lateral movement, and a knack for slipping through traffic to get to the ball. What stands out most is how well he reads things on the fly — whether it's a zone read or play action, he stays patient just long enough to diagnose it and then hits the gas. Now in Arizona and now suiting up for Lee Williams, Bryson brings an edge to their front seven. He had a shortened season last year but still made his presence felt, and now with a full year ahead, he's the kind of player who can quietly rack up a ton of production just by doing his job right. He plays fast, physical, and with real intent. That's going to matter a lot for a defense looking to make a jump this fall.     [player_tooltip player_id='1682192' first='Hayden' last='Davis'] is a big, physical presence in the trenches, and once you see him fire out of his stance in the run game, it's easy to see why people are high on his upside. He's got the size at 6'6", 270, but what really pops is how well he uses that length to initiate contact and stay engaged. He's not just throwing his body around — he drives his feet, locks in, and finishes. In pass protection, that length gives him a huge advantage. He can get his hands on defenders early and control the rep if his technique holds up. He's got the foot speed to get back into his set and anchor when needed, though there's still some room to tighten things up with consistency against elite edge guys — which he'll definitely see plenty of playing at ALA Queen Creek. Hayden could be one of those linemen people look back on as a late bloomer who really took off his senior year. He's got the tools — now it's just about putting it all together week to week.     Carston Robinson plays with the kind of confidence you want in your quarterback — especially one stepping into a new situation. The lefty has a smooth, compact release and just enough zip on the ball to get it into tight windows. He's not out there trying to outrun everybody, but he's got enough wiggle to extend plays when things break down, and he throws well on the move. What really stands out is his feel for timing and space. Even when defenders are closing his windows, he doesn't panic — he trusts his arm and puts the ball where it needs to be. That kind of poise can be a game-changer in a spread system, and AZ Compass should give him plenty of chances to lean into that comfort. Carston brings both the tools and the intangibles to be a steady presence right away — and since AZ Compass plays in the CAA and not under AIA jurisdiction, he won't have to sit out and should be eligible to contribute from the jump.

We already took a look at some of the guys starting fresh this year — but we're not done yet.