Garduno is a natural passer with smooth arm action. Delivery is fluid/effortless generating consistent velocity and depth without overstraining. Great ability to push the ball downfield, throwing an accurate and catchable deep ball with good air and touch. Arm talent allows him to take risks and capitalize on big play opportunities. Clean and controlled footwork in the pocket staying balanced through his drop and maintaining a strong throwing platform. His upper body and feet stay in sync boosting his accuracy and timing. Like his calm presence, never appearing rushed even with pressure closing in. Threw for 2,387 yards and 22 touchdowns while completing 65% as a junior and led Desert Mountain to the 5a State title. High academic prospect with a 4.8 GPA.

Garduno wrapped up a solid junior year leading Desert Mountain to the 5A state title. A dual sport prospect in football and baseball he’s a natural athlete with good command and control of the offense at QB. Calm and composed in the pocket, he shows consistent footwork/mechanics that are repeatable and reliable under pressure. Demonstrates good awareness and feel for the position with his ability to anticipate open targets and deliver accurately even with defenders in his face. Plus arm strength, he’s able to push the ball vertically with confidence from different throwing platforms while his hip and shoulder work in sync to generate effortless velocity. Not afraid to take chances to hit the explosive play but would like to see him clean up the turnover margin as a senior. Overall, a quality QB recruit that possesses a strong foundational skillset that will continue to develop.

Grant Garduno Grant Garduno 6'0" | 195 lbs | QB Desert Mountain | 2027 State AZ looks like a quarterback who’s actually processing the field, not just picking a guy pre‑snap and hoping it works — and that’s the difference between having a big arm and having real quarterback upside. The arm is absolutely legit. You feel it on deep outs, seams, and any throw that has to get there in a hurry. But what really stands out is how comfortable he is living in the middle of the field, even when the pocket isn’t clean. He’ll move and create when he needs to, but he’s just as comfortable standing tall and ripping tight‑window throws in rhythm, which is exactly what you want as the game speeds up. The production matches the tape: 65% comp., 2,387 yards, 22 touchdowns, and another 246 yards with his legs to keep defenses honest. None of it feels forced — the base is clean, the mechanics are solid, and he looks like a kid who understands what he’s seeing. With the confidence he plays with, it really feels like Desert Mountain has a true foundation piece under center.

Grant Garduno Grant Garduno 6'0" | 195 lbs | QB Desert Mountain | 2027 State AZ played with the kind of calm confidence you want from your quarterback in a championship game — never rushed, never rattled, and always ready to take the shot when it was there. He didn’t need to throw it 40 times to leave fingerprints all over this one; he just needed to be sharp when Desert Mountain called his number, and he absolutely was. Garduno went 15‑of‑23 for 169 yards and both of DM’s touchdowns, delivering the ball with rhythm and patience while keeping everything on schedule behind a run game that kept CV’s defense honest. What stood out most was his timing: he trusted the design, trusted his guys, and when the window cracked open, he let it rip with real conviction. That’s winning football.

This game was truly a clinic on taking what the defense gives you and getting your playmakers the ball in space, allowing them to do what they do best. Garduno played point guard, spraying completions to eight different receivers throughout the night, with the ball consistently coming out on time and his base staying calm and quiet. Against Saguaro’s athletes, you can’t hold the ball, and he didn’t — he ripped quick outs, seams off the hash, and quick rhythm shots that kept Desert Mountain ahead of the sticks; all in rhythm and on time. When he did need to extend a play, he slid rather than panicked, keeping things alive without inviting chaos. It all added up to a 30‑for‑39 night, a 77% completion rate on that many attempts is quite the way to start a season.

Garduno is a high upside QB with clean mechanics, sharp footwork, and excellent pocket presence. 6’0” 195 lbs. he delivers a tight, catchable ball with consistent velocity and touch showing the ability to layer throws into tight windows. Smooth arm action with an over the top release that is quick and compact. Precise with his work from his drop back to his delivery. He’s able to reset quickly, keeps a strong throwing platform, and stays poised when moving within the pocket and navigating pressure. Reads the field well with good vision and awareness while going through his progression. His balance and posture allow him to stay in rhythm and maintain accuracy even when the pocket collapses. Like his ability to get the ball out with defenders in his face. One to watch entering his junior year.

2027 Quarterback Grant Garduno Grant Garduno 6'0" | 195 lbs | QB Desert Mountain | 2027 State AZ is ready to be the next signal caller for this Desert Mountain offense. A two-sport athlete in both football and baseball, he demonstrates a natural ability to throw the ball. He has good pocket manipulation and mobility, able to outrun defensive linemen and throw on the move. He can dish it out to his playmakers with good ball placement and leverage to allow them to maximize yards after catch. Garduno gave us sneak peeks of what he is capable of in the limited action we saw of him last season and during this spring. Get ready for Garduno to shine under the lights in his junior season.