Mesa’s Fast Track: Four Transfers, One Big Boost

Mesa just picked up four transfers from California, and they aren't just depth pieces — these are guys who can step right in and change the look of a team. Each of them brings a different skill set, but they've got the kind of talent that can make an immediate impact as soon as they're cleared to play.    It's been a whirlwind for these kids and their families, and I don't need to tell anyone reading this how much has already been said about the whole situation. We'll keep the focus here on what they bring to the field, but it's worth noting that, from what <a href="https://x.com/JUSTCHILLY">Chilly</a> has mentioned — both in a tweet and on his podcast — the word is they'll be eligible to suit up after 10 days at their new school. Since their first official day was last Friday, the countdown is already on.    Caleb Tafua jumps off the field right away. His athleticism is flat‑out special, the kind of stuff that makes coaches start dreaming up ways to use him all over the formation. He can line up wide, slide inside to the slot, or play a traditional tight end role without missing a beat. He's got the length and strength to hold his own in the run game, where his reach lets him lock up defenders and create lanes. But it's not just about size — he's incredibly fluid for his frame and moves like a much smaller player. What really stands out is how he makes tough catches look routine — big body, strong hands, and fearless through contact. He doesn't shy away from physicality, but at the same time he's smooth enough to slip past defenders and turn short gains into chunk plays. He's basically a matchup nightmare: too big for defensive backs to muscle up with, too fast for linebackers to keep up with, and versatile enough to hurt you in a bunch of different ways. It feels like every snap he's on the field, he forces the defense to make a tough choice — and more often than not, it's the wrong one.     Kingston Anetema is one of those receivers who just feels comfortable no matter the situation. He's got that top‑end speed to flat‑out finish when he slips behind the defense, but what really makes him tough to deal with is how cleanly he separates. Corners barely get a chance to get their hands on him before he's already created space. He's sharp with his cuts, savvy with his hands, and he understands leverage like a veteran — using every little detail to win at the line and shake defenders downfield. You watch him attack press coverage and it's not just physical, it's calculated, like he knows exactly what the DB is about to try. That polish makes him dangerous because once he's free, he's not just catching short stuff, he's a threat to stretch the field. And when the ball is in the air, he plays like he expects to come down with it every single time. His old quarterback clearly trusted him a ton — you don't keep getting balls thrown your way in double coverage unless the QB knows you'll turn them into highlights. And more often than not, that's exactly what he did, turning contested looks into momentum‑changing plays.     Kane Anetema just looks natural out there running the offense. He looks so comfortable when he's on the move, staying balanced while throwing on the run. His lower body mechanics are consistent and clean, which makes everything else about his game look smoother. The footwork really stands out — it's the kind of detail that separates an average high school QB from one who looks ready for the next level. When it's a quick, three‑step drop and fire, the ball is out on time with that classic rhythm coaches love. Add in those long strides and he's got just enough speed to beat out linebackers who think they've got the angle. The arm strength is there, but what makes it pop is the touch he puts on throws outside the numbers. It's confident, it's controlled, and it makes him look like a quarterback who knows exactly how to run the show. Beyond the mechanics, you can see the poise — he doesn't look rattled when pressure comes, and he's willing to stand in and deliver. That kind of calm presence is huge for a young QB, and it gives off the vibe of a leader who's only going to keep getting better with more reps.     Kainalu Skipps doesn't have a huge pile of stats or film yet, so I went back and watched some of the snaps he got late in games last season. The first thing that jumps out is his build — he's not the tallest or longest linebacker you'll see, but he's definitely sturdy and strong, built to hold his ground. What I like most is that first step. He's quick off the ball, aggressive coming downhill to plug the run, and when his job is to drop into zone he flips his hips and gets moving in a hurry. For a young guy still in the 2028 class, there are a lot of encouraging signs. He plays fast, he's physical, and you can see the instincts starting to click. It feels like he's only scratching the surface of what he can do, and more film is only going to make that clearer.

Mesa just picked up four transfers from California, and they aren't just depth pieces — these are guys who can step right in and change the look of a team. Each of them brings a different skill set, but they've got the kind of talent that can make an immediate impact as soon as they're cleared to play.