Defensive First-Year Starters Who Made an Instant Impact

Some guys just need a chance. Every season, there are first-year starters who step onto the field and immediately prove they belong. Whether it's a young underclassman forcing his way into the lineup or an upperclassman finally getting his shot after waiting in the wings, these players didn't waste any time making their presence known.   It's not easy stepping into a starting role for the first time, especially under the bright lights of Arizona high school football. The game moves faster, the competition is tougher, and mistakes get magnified. But for these guys? None of that mattered. They balled out from the jump, making big plays and showing everyone why they should've been on the field all along.   Here's a look at some of the top first-year starters who made an immediate impact in their debut season.    Hansen plays with a calm confidence that you don't usually see in first-year starters. Whether he's locking down in man coverage or reading the quarterback in zone, he always seems to be in the right spot at the right time. His ability to close on the ball and disrupt passes makes life miserable for opposing quarterbacks, and his footwork is smooth enough to hang with just about any receiver. Coaches must love his football IQ — he understands coverages at a high level and rarely bites on double moves. Even when he's up against bigger receivers, he doesn't back down, using great technique and timing to stay in position. It didn't take long for him to make an impact in year one, and with another season ahead, he's set to be one of the top DBs in the state.     Liles is a matchup nightmare for wide receivers, thanks to his long frame and physical play style. He's got the size of a safety but moves like a true cover corner, and that combination made him a problem for offenses all season. When he jams a receiver at the line, good luck getting off clean — his physicality completely disrupts the timing of routes. But he's not just about strength; he's got solid instincts and doesn't panic when the ball is in the air. He's also a two-way talent, making plays as a receiver on offense with strong hands and natural body control. With schools like Arizona already taking notice, Liles is just getting started, and his ceiling is sky-high.     Franklin plays like his hair is on fire — every snap, every play, full effort. Even as a sophomore, he showed the kind of motor and discipline that coaches dream about in a defensive lineman. He's got a knack for shedding blocks, whether it's using quick hands or just outworking the guy in front of him. He never gives up on a play, often chasing down ball carriers from behind when they think they've escaped. On passing downs, he knows how to use his length to disrupt throwing lanes, making him a problem for quarterbacks trying to get the ball out. With two more years to develop, Franklin is well on his way to becoming one of the most dominant linemen in Arizona.     Axlund brings an energy to the defense that's contagious. He flies around the field like he's got something to prove on every play, and that intensity led to a breakout first season. His instincts in coverage are top-notch — he doesn't just react to the ball, he anticipates where it's going before it even leaves the quarterback's hand. He racked up four interceptions last season by simply being in the right place at the right time, and his willingness to throw his body into tackles made him a force in run support too. Axlund plays like a guy who spends plenty of time in the film room, always seeming to pick up on things before they happen. With his fearless mentality and high football IQ, Axlund is only going to get better.     Duerson is the kind of linebacker that offensive coordinators hate to scheme against — he's fast, physical, and always seems to be around the ball. His explosiveness lets him shoot through gaps before linemen even have a chance to get their hands on him, and once he's locked in on a ball carrier, he's bringing them down. He plays with patience, waiting for the play to develop before attacking, but when he goes, he goes full speed. He's also got a natural feel for dropping into coverage, making him a true three-down linebacker. After a breakout first year, he's already earned a reputation as one of the best young defenders in the state, and it's only a matter of time before colleges start lining up.     Pike just has a knack for making plays. He's the type of defensive back who always seems to be in the right spot when the ball is in the air, whether he's baiting a quarterback into a bad throw or going up to high-point a pass himself. His technique in coverage is solid — he doesn't waste steps and stays disciplined, which keeps him from getting caught out of position. But what really separates him is his versatility. He can line up against slot receivers, play deep as a safety, or even blitz off the edge when needed. That kind of flexibility makes him a valuable piece in Brophy's defense, and as he continues to develop, he's only going to get more dangerous.     Shaffer isn't the biggest linebacker, but you'd never know it from the way he plays. He's all effort, all the time — whether it's fighting through blocks, chasing down runners, or stuffing a ball carrier in the hole, he just finds ways to make plays. His football instincts are sharp, helping him react quickly and beat linemen to their spots before they can get a clean block on him. He's a textbook tackler too — wraps up, drives through, and finishes plays the right way. His motor never stops, and you can tell he takes pride in doing the little things right, whether it's reading a play pre-snap or taking the perfect pursuit angle. If he keeps developing like he did in his first season, he's got a bright future ahead.

Some guys just need a chance. Every season, there are first-year starters who step onto the field and immediately prove they belong. Whether it's a young underclassman forcing his way into the lineup or an upperclassman finally getting his shot after waiting in the wings, these players didn't waste any time making their presence known.