2026 Linebacker Andrew Hoyt Andrew Hoyt 5'11" | 205 lbs | LB/RB Desert Vista | 2026 State AZ is an instinctually disruptive player at the position. He finished his junior season with 115 total tackles, 44 of those as solo tackles and 4 TFLs. He can sense out a play before it begins, patiently reading his keys and flying to where the ball is going. He is at his best when he is able to shoot through the gaps, firing through and dodging linemen to find the ball carrier. His strong upper body enables him to absorb and match contact when making his tackles, not allowing any extra yards for the runner. In his first full season of starting at varsity, the sky is the limit for Hoyt in his senior year campaign.

Hoyt is a downhill LB that disrupts opposing offenses with good instincts and reactionary quickness. Compact and well-built frame at 5’10” 200 lbs. allows him to out leverage opponents and accelerate at the POA to deliver heavy contact. He’s got good eye discipline to make quick decisive reads and locate the ball. Shows he can disengage from blockers with his hands or work around using his lateral agility to avoid contact. He’s a competitor that plays hard and is relentless in pursuit to make plays downfield or sideline to sideline. Finished his junior season with 115 total tackles and being voted First Team All Region 6A Central and First Team All City Tempe Union.

2026 Linebacker Andrew Hoyt Andrew Hoyt 5'11" | 205 lbs | LB/RB Desert Vista | 2026 State AZ was a machine for this Desert Vista defense. Playing mainly at the middle linebacker position, he finished with more than five tackles on the night. His constant motor and pursuit allowed him to be in on almost every play, scraping over the top of the Mountain Pointe offensive lineman and finding the ball carrier with sound instincts and good reactive athleticism. Though it was a tough night for his team, Hoyt demonstrated that he can be a difference maker and true leader for his defense.

Andrew Hoyt Andrew Hoyt 5'11" | 205 lbs | LB/RB Desert Vista | 2026 State AZ has a knack for perfectly timing his blitzes so that he can get instant access to the backfield, and takes full advantage of the opportunities when he does. For the second time in three games, Hoyt finished with 13 tackles, two of them being for a loss. Playing in the middle of Desert Vista’s defense, he makes an unusual amount of plays near the sidelines — really showing the type of motor he plays with. His relentless pursuit and ability to read plays quickly make him a constant threat, and his performance continues to elevate Desert Vista’s defensive unit week after week.