Camping Season: NM Highlands In Santa Fe (Video)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>SANTA FE –</strong> Two highly regarded 2027 defensive prospects from the Albuquerque Metro Region traveled to Ivan Head Stadium in Santa Fe Friday night to compete at the New Mexico Highlands' camp.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Both made great decisions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2027 Sandia linebacker <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1155132' first='Aiden' last='Maldonado']</strong> and 2027 Rio Rancho DE <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1604734' first='Jacari' last='Smith']</strong> were offered by NMHU following the camp. They join 2027 Manzano DE <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1272795' first='Vincent' last='Varela Jr.']</strong> in being offered this week by the Cowboys. Varela attended NMHU's camp Wednesday in Las Vegas.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Maldonado and Smith were both standout performers at Friday's camp. Maldonado posted the fastest times in the 5-10-10 Pro Drill (4.37 seconds) and the L-Drill (7.22) before showing off his skills at running back and linebacker.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Smith demonstrated his elite pass rushing skills during the 1-on-1 portion of Friday's camp.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2027 Hope Christian WR <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1605990' first='Darrien' last='Williams']</strong>, coming off an impressive showing at last weekend's Prep Redzone Exposure Series camp at Albuquerque High, ran the fastest 40 (4.59 seconds) and had the longest broad jump (9 feet, 9 inches). Late Friday night, Williams announced on social media that he had also been offered by NMHU following the Cowboys' camp.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2028 La Cueva ATH <strong>AJ Mazotti</strong> finished second in the broad jump at 9 feet, 3 inches.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Williams' Hope Christian teammate, rising senior OL <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1248664' first='Cooper' last='Cecil']</strong> demonstrated impressive physical skills during testing (broad jumped 8 feet, 2 inches) and then was arguably the top offensive linemen at the camp. Cecil was continuously praised by the NMHU coaches for his technique, fundamentals and ability to keep defenders out of the backfield.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Numerous players who competed at the Prep Redzone Exposure Series camp were in Santa Fe Friday night, including 2029 Los Lunas QB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2178840' first='Rohan' last='Patel']</strong> (his 6-foot-3 frame and strong throwing arm definitely had the attention of the NMHU coaches), St. Pius X WR <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1613476' first='Christian' last='Morales']</strong>, Cleveland DE J<strong>oaquin Manning</strong>, Legacy Academy DL <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1708067' first='Jay' last='Watts']</strong> and Eldorado OL <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2057110' first='Josiah' last='Fayne']</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2027 La Cueva DL <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2153523' first='Ifeoluwa' last='Samuel Abiodun']</strong>, listed at 6-foot-2, 285 pounds, was dominant in the 1-on-1 drills. He'll anchor the Bears defensive line this season and is one of the state's top nose tackles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Here are four videos from Friday night's camp</strong>:  </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>VIDEO 1: Defensive Drills</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://youtu.be/LJXdE7Zxojo?si=P4v2rEn4S9bNeFi3","type":"video","providerNameSlug":"youtube","responsive":true,"className":"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"} --> <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/LJXdE7Zxojo?si=P4v2rEn4S9bNeFi3 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>VIDEO 2: Offensive Drills</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://youtu.be/fHc6S9k5DTM?si=gsxHsTIR3zK8XP-i","type":"video","providerNameSlug":"youtube","responsive":true,"className":"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"} --> <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/fHc6S9k5DTM?si=gsxHsTIR3zK8XP-i </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>VIDEO 3: QB Throwing TO WR; OL vs. DL</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://youtu.be/IZnSnAIaFEA?si=i9Z0lHfmS3CGOWIb","type":"video","providerNameSlug":"youtube","responsive":true,"className":"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"} --> <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/IZnSnAIaFEA?si=i9Z0lHfmS3CGOWIb </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>VIDEO 4: 1-on-1 (WR vs. DB)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://youtu.be/Wsi2251CNkQ?si=I7kp0hBgj9PNJ7eG","type":"video","providerNameSlug":"youtube","responsive":true,"className":"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"} --> <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/Wsi2251CNkQ?si=I7kp0hBgj9PNJ7eG </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Best of Social Media:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">After an amazing camp and conversation with <a href="https://x.com/CoachTwelveGage?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachTwelveGage</a> <a href="https://x.com/CoachTaufaasau?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachTaufaasau</a> I am so blessed to receive my first official D2 offer from <a href="https://x.com/NMHUFootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NMHUFootball</a> thank you for this opportunity!! <a href="https://x.com/coachwilder0917?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@coachwilder0917</a> <a href="https://x.com/tony_mccoy3?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tony_mccoy3</a> <a href="https://x.com/PrepRedzoneNM?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrepRedzoneNM</a> <a href="https://x.com/nmpreps?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nmpreps</a> <a href="https://t.co/576FXeiChJ">pic.twitter.com/576FXeiChJ</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='1155132' first='Aiden' last='Maldonado'] (@Aidenmaldonado_) <a href="https://x.com/Aidenmaldonado_/status/2063103757680775494?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2026</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">After a great camp and conversation with <a href="https://x.com/CoachTwelveGage?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachTwelveGage</a> and <a href="https://x.com/CoachTaufaasau?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachTaufaasau</a> I am blessed to receive my second D2 offer at <a href="https://x.com/NMHUFootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NMHUFootball</a>! <a href="https://x.com/natemp83?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@natemp83</a> <a href="https://x.com/PrepRedzoneNM?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrepRedzoneNM</a> <a href="https://t.co/VafSlEAYn2">pic.twitter.com/VafSlEAYn2</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='1604734' first='Jacari' last='Smith'] (@Jacari35Smith) <a href="https://x.com/Jacari35Smith/status/2063108505372950538?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2026</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Thank you, Coach <a href="https://x.com/TreOguinn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TreOguinn</a> for the invitation. I had a great time at the NMHU camp I really enjoyed the opportunity to showcase my abilities. I appreciate the chance to compete, learn, and be evaluated. Thanks again I look forward to staying in touch.<a href="https://x.com/CoachMyers_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachMyers_</a> <a href="https://x.com/CoachTaufaasau?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachTaufaasau</a> <a href="https://t.co/OSF0d9IRet">pic.twitter.com/OSF0d9IRet</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='1613476' first='Christian' last='Morales'] (@ChristianSnaps4) <a href="https://x.com/ChristianSnaps4/status/2063117068560670960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2026</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Wrapping things up here at the NMHU Camp in Santa Fe. <a href="https://t.co/gjh4mv3b8x">pic.twitter.com/gjh4mv3b8x</a></p>&mdash; Prep Redzone New Mexico (@PrepRedzoneNM) <a href="https://x.com/PrepRedzoneNM/status/2063093326304428262?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2026</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Thank you <a href="https://x.com/CoachTwelveGage?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachTwelveGage</a> for the camp invite I had a great time showing my skills at the NMHU camp. <a href="https://x.com/CoachBakerP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachBakerP</a> <a href="https://x.com/Coach_RGarza?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Coach_RGarza</a> <a href="https://x.com/CoachD84?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachD84</a> <a href="https://x.com/PrepRedzoneNM?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrepRedzoneNM</a> <a href="https://x.com/nmpreps?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nmpreps</a> <a href="https://t.co/ujLRsCSIOG">pic.twitter.com/ujLRsCSIOG</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='1679768' first='Joaquin' last='Manning'] (@JoaquinManning1) <a href="https://x.com/JoaquinManning1/status/2063101834256887834?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2026</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">[player_tooltip player_id='1605990' first='Darrien' last='Williams'] of Hope Christian just ran the 40 in 4.6 seconds at the NMHU Camp in Santa Fe. Good speed. <a href="https://t.co/J1OYfKq0Pm">pic.twitter.com/J1OYfKq0Pm</a></p>&mdash; Prep Redzone New Mexico (@PrepRedzoneNM) <a href="https://x.com/PrepRedzoneNM/status/2063057468440399944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2026</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">After an amazing camp great conversation with <a href="https://x.com/CoachTwelveGage?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachTwelveGage</a> <a href="https://x.com/CoachTaufaasau?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachTaufaasau</a> I am blessed to receive my first D2 offer from <a href="https://x.com/NMHUFootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NMHUFootball</a> <a href="https://x.com/coachsalinas_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@coachsalinas_</a> <a href="https://x.com/PrepRedzoneNM?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrepRedzoneNM</a> <a href="https://x.com/nmpreps?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nmpreps</a> <a href="https://x.com/ArturoCafe7?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ArturoCafe7</a> <a href="https://x.com/CouchPSports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CouchPSports</a> <a href="https://t.co/hQdpmUrF6I">pic.twitter.com/hQdpmUrF6I</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='1605990' first='Darrien' last='Williams'] (@darrien_will23) <a href="https://x.com/darrien_will23/status/2063135169100538233?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2026</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html -->