AZ Week 10 Top Performers

<strong>QB [player_tooltip player_id="42593" first="Will" last="Haskell"], Ironwood, 2021, 6’4” 200 lbs.</strong> Haskell led his team to the 5A state championship with a blowout victory over Notre Dame Prep when he threw for 266 yards and 3 touchdowns on 16 of 22 passing. He possesses all the physical traits colleges look for a QB at the D1 level with his size, length, mobility, and arm talent. Understands how to use his athleticism to his advantage with his ability to improvise and extend plays with his feet by escaping pressure and finding an open target or pulling it down to tuck it and run. Great pocket mobility and awareness allows him to smoothly maneuver around pressure by stepping up or escaping outside. Good ability to make throws at all three depths with his plus accuracy, arm strength, and touch. Committed to San Diego State with offers from Duke, Fresno St., Iowa St., Northern Arizona, and Akron. <strong>RB [player_tooltip player_id="42767" first="Rodney" last="Clemente"], Hamilton, 2021, 5’10” 180 lbs.</strong> Part of the 1-2 punch that has led the Hamilton rushing attack all season along with [player_tooltip player_id="42643" first="Noah" last="Schmidt"]. In the 58-14 win in the semifinals over Salpointe Catholic he picked up 132 yards and 2 touchdowns on only 7 carries. He’s a good combination of strength and speed with his downhill style and quick burst through the hole. Displays good balance as a runner with his ability to square his shoulders get square and run through contact. Plus short area quickness and lateral agility make him elusive in the open field weaving through defenders and his top end speed allows him to finish off long gains in the endzone. Has had a couple big games in a row and is looking to continue that streak in the Open Championship against top ranked Chandler. <strong>WR Johnny Bellino, 2022, American Leadership Academy (Gilbert North), 5’11” 155 lbs.</strong> One of the leading receivers in the 3A this year had another strong performance in the semifinals racking up 10 receptions for 184 yards and one touchdown. He’s an explosive playmaker with the ball in his hands using his speed and elusiveness in the open field. He can stretch the defense vertically as a deep threat or be effective on short/intermediate routes with his strong and technical route running. Strong and confident hands, does a good job extending his arms catching the ball away from his body with a good ability to track and adjust to the ball in the air. Good all around receiver with plus potential and upside for a 2022 grad. <strong>DL [player_tooltip player_id="42590" first="Brandon" last="Buckner"], Chandler, 2021, 6’1” 235 lbs.</strong> The Oregon commit filled the stat sheet with 14 tackles, three sacks, and five hurries in the overtime victory over Liberty. Buckner is extremely disruptive as a defensive lineman using an explosive get off the ball and ability to get quick penetration. He’s violent and active with his hands allowing him to fight off blocks and quickly locate the ball carrier. He shows good strength and power at the POA, drives his legs through contact and plays with good pad level and leverage. He’s capable of playing multiple positions with his natural ability and versatility so it will be interesting to see how he develops and matures at the college level. He’s expected to sign early with Oregon but also received offers from Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, Iowa State, Fresno State, Maryland, Oregon State, UNLV, and Washington State. <strong>LB [player_tooltip player_id="42755" first="Kam" last="Cullimore"], Highland, 2021: 17 total tackles, 1 TFL.</strong> Cullimore was huge in the semifinal win over Boulder Creek when he had 17 total tackles and one tackle-for-loss, including the final tackle near the goal line to advance to the state championship. He’s a physical presence in the Highland defense that plays fast and intense. Good instincts and anticipation coupled with his ability to make quick decisive reads allows him to diagnose plays quickly and put himself in position to make a play. He’s strong and powerful at the contact point and a sure tackler in the open field. A high motor guy with a nose for the football that can play sideline to sideline. <strong>DB Jimmy Lerblance, Benson, 2022, 5’10” 160 lbs. </strong> The Benson DB picked off two Arizona Lutheran passes and had seven tackles on their way to a 34-27 victory to advance to the 2A championship. He’s a quick and explosive athlete with good top end speed. Plays the ball well in the air and attacks it at the highest point contributing to his six interceptions on the season. Shows plus change of direction and fluid hips to transition well out of his backpedal and run with receivers. Strong open field tackler. &nbsp; <em> </em>