2025 Team Preview: Mountain Pointe Defense

<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 now move over to the 5A San Tan Division with the Mountain Pointe Pride defense.</p>    <p class="text-gray-700">2026 Linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='739442' first='Jaylyn' last='Colter'] is easily one of the best linebackers in the state. Improving from his sophomore year by nearly doubling his numbers in his junior season with 122 total tackles, 83 solo tackles, 3 TFLs, 1 sack, 1 INT, and 5 pass deflections. He has great size at the linebacker position at a 6'2 195lb frame. Colter's instincts are top-tier, the way he can diagnose a play and fly downhill to meet the ballcarrier. He brings it when he lays his tackles, leading with his shoulders and drawing heavy impact into the ball carrier to stop his advance. He moves well in coverage and possesses above-average ball skills, which make him a versatile 3-down linebacker. Colter will be looking to make his senior season one for the history books for this Pride defense this season.</p>      <p class="text-gray-700">2028 Athlete [player_tooltip player_id='1326122' first='Legarrette' last='Blount Jr.'] will look to be a dynamic player on both sides of the ball for this team heading into the season. Transferring from Hamilton, Blount's athletic prowess allows for versatility, but he exhibits special traits that may allow him to shine as a defender, specifically in the secondary. He is quick and twitchy when moving around the field, displaying phenomenal mobility and flexibility to contort his body. After diagnosing the play, he wastes no time getting to the ball, shooting downhill with sudden acceleration and explosive burst. He possesses the ball skills to make picks or deflections at the catch point, which will make him a highly productive player. Watch out for Blount Jr. to be a prominent young component to the success of this Mountain Pointe team.</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/LG_Blount_Jr/status/1934023067283698080 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">2029 Defensive Back AJ Anderson will be another young player looking to fill the void on the backend for this Mountain Pointe secondary. With tons of senior talent leaving from the season prior, it will be a prime opportunity for this young corner to step up into a starting role. He already has the prototypical size you look for in a corner at 6'0 with a tall, lengthy build. He has long arms that pack a punch when pressing at the line of scrimmage, which disrupts his opponents. He is physical and athletic, showcasing great potential to be a shutdown man corner for this defense. Anderson has the chance to really shine in the early stages of his young high school career.</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/CoachD858/status/1936592656781705518 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">2026 Defensive Lineman Teylor Caldwell is set to be a standout edge defender for this Mountain Pointe team. He was able to bring in 38 total tackles, 28 of which were solo tackles, 7 TFLs, 6 sacks, and 3 pass deflections during his junior year campaign. He has a lengthy frame at his 6'3 215 lbs, but he plays with his pads low on a consistent basis. He has a great go-to move with his inside cross-step move, demonstrating twitchiness and short-area quickness to fake outside and come back across the tackle's face inside in a hurry. He has long arms that allow him to extend and create separation, setting the edge and making tackles for loss. Caldwell should be loads of fun to watch as he looks to thrive this year out on the edge.</p>      <p class="text-gray-700">2027 Defensive Lineman Marleigh Fely is a young star ready to shine for this Mountain Pointe defense. In his sophomore season, he had 27 total tackles, 20 of those as solo tackles, 6 TFLs, 4.5 sacks, and 1 forced fumble. His getoff and speed off the edge are excellent, coming down the line of scrimmage in a hurry and immediately making an impact. He has powerful shock and shed, utilizing his strong upper body to disengage with his blockers. His motor is what drives him to make numerous plays, never giving up and always seeking to get involved in some capacity. Fely will look to take that next step in his production as he starts his junior season.</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 now move over to the 5A San Tan Division with the Mountain Pointe Pride defense.