Donivan Dixon Donivan Dixon 5'10" | 190 lbs | QB Cactus Shadows | 2026 State AZ put on a show even in a tough loss, piling up a career‑high 405 yards through the air and adding another 98 and two scores on the ground. A Northern Arizona commit with multiple all‑region honors already under his belt, he looks every bit the part of a future college starter. What really stands out is his poise — he’s calm in the pocket, works through progressions with patience, and doesn’t flinch even when he knows he’s about to take a hit. The chemistry with his receivers jumps off the screen with the timing of his throws, and you can tell they trust him to put the ball exactly where it needs to be. The QB run and RPO game leaned heavily on his ability to extend plays and keep drives alive, and he consistently gave his team a chance with both his arm and legs. Even with a couple of heartbreaking early losses, he carries himself with a quiet confidence that makes you believe he can steady the ship and keep Cactus Shadows fighting all season.

2026 Quarterback Donivan Dixon Donivan Dixon 5'10" | 190 lbs | QB Cactus Shadows | 2026 State AZ is easily one of the best dual-threat QBs in the entire state. Some of the absurd numbers he put up in his junior season include 2,634 passing yards, a 58% completion percentage, 24 TDs, 7 INTs, and over 1,200 rushing yards, along with 15 Rushing TDs. Dixon’s ability to operate and manipulate the pocket makes him a challenge for opposing pass rushes to bring down. He throws the ball with tons of velocity and exquisite timing to drop the ball right into his receiver’s hands. But where Dixon is most dynamic is with his legs, as he can change gears at any moment. He can dodge defensive linemen in the pocket and sprint downfield with fantastic speed and acceleration that secondary defenders can’t catch up to. Dixon in his senior season is ready for a similar type of season, aiming to lead his team to a title run.

Dixon is a kid I’ve raved about for a few years now due to his dual-threat ability, and he’s only getting better. He threw for over 2,600 yards and 24 TD’s and added over 1,200 yards and 15 TD’s on the ground, as he is so difficult to gameplan against with that ability to extend plays and find receivers or flat out turn into a playmaker on the ground and be a legit threat with his change of direction, twitch, and top end speed. He throws with anticipation and has shown the ability to hit throws in tight windows with velocity, or finesse throws vertically over or in between opponents. He’s committed to Northern Arizona, and I think this is NAU’s best in-state commitment thus far. A ton to like with this kid as he’s prone for a huge senior season.

Donivan Dixon Donivan Dixon 5'10" | 190 lbs | QB Cactus Shadows | 2026 State AZ is the kind of quarterback who makes things happen — even when the play breaks down. He’s not just a runner, he’s a creator. Whether it’s tucking the ball and picking up yards with his legs or buying time to let a receiver work open, he’s got a real knack for keeping things alive. His arm has taken a step forward too. He throws a clean, catchable ball, and the accuracy is getting sharper every time you watch him. Northern Arizona locking him in is a big-time pickup. He brings that modern dual-threat style everyone’s looking for, and once he gets a year or two in a college strength program, he could take off. He’s got the tools — now it’s just about putting it all together. But there’s no doubt he’s the kind of guy who gives you a chance every single snap.

Donivan Dixon Donivan Dixon 5'10" | 190 lbs | QB Cactus Shadows | 2026 State AZ might’ve had the single most impressive outing of the day in my eyes. I already knew he had the arm talent, but I was really curious to see how his game would hold up in a 7-on-7 setting where his athleticism and legs couldn’t be used as a cheat code. Turns out, he didn’t need them. He showed he could absolutely take over a game with just his arm and decision-making alone. He looked fully in command out there — running the offense smoothly and making throws that made you do a double take. His mechanics were tight, his release was quick, and he zipped the ball into some pretty tight windows. What really stood out was his timing and confidence. There were a few throws that most guys would’ve hesitated on, but he let them rip with conviction and put them right on the money. Off the field — or at least when he wasn’t under center — he was locked in and hyping up his teammates, especially the defense. That energy says a lot about his leadership. It looked like a group that had bought in across the board, and that kind of chemistry starts with the guy leading the huddle. Big-time showing from a quarterback who seems ready to make serious noise this season.