Central RB Khameron Athy commits to Southern Utah after setting season school TDs record

Arizona's high school class of 2024 is one of the deepest in prep football history in the Grand Canyon State. See where the top recruits are going to college. Keep coming back for updates.

Central RB Khameron Athy commits to Southern Utah

Nov. 15, 2023

A summer move-in from Tennessee, Central senior running back Khameron Athy made the most of his only season in Arizona. He ran for 1,320 yards and 24 TDs, set a single-season school record for most touchdowns with 28 and was named the 5A Metro Region Player of the Year.

He capped that with his college commitment to Southern Utah.

Athy, 5-9, 190, said he loved his visit there.

"I went there for a game visit and immediately felt the love," Athy said. "I was on the sideline while they were warming up and interacted with the players."

Coaches Fitz, White and Smith showed a lot of love during the visit. We went on a tour of the campus and loved how education-oriented they were. The opportunities they grant student-athletes at the school are awesome."

Liberty TE Ryan Wolfer announces San Diego State commitment

Oct. 10, 2023

Peoria Liberty senior football player Ryan Wolfer was offered by San Diego State when he still was playing offensive line. This year, the top-ranked Lions (6-1) moved him to tight end. San Diego State likes him even more at that position.

On Tuesday, Wolfer, 6-foot-5, 240 pounds, announced on social media his commitment to the Aztecs.

"They do see me as a TE," Wolfer said in a direct message. "I chose SDSU because of their great values and their history of production of TEs in the past."

Wolfer has caught 20 passes for 290 yards and two touchdowns in his first season playing tight end.

"It's gone really well," Wolfer said of making the transition. "It's really helped me with the block aspect of the game, and helps me with perimeter blocking."

Washington State wins out on Centennial DB

Sept. 13, 2023

Peoria Centennial cornerback Kenny Worthy III announced on social media Wednesday that he has committed to Washington State.

This is a big get for the Cougars, who will be able to unleash one of the top Arizona high school athletes, a kid with different gears, great speed and the ability to make big plays returning kickoffs or punts.

"It was the coaches, the game-day environment, and the living environment," Worthy said for the reasons he chose Washington State. "All the coaches are genuine people and all the staff there.

"I liked the coaches and the game-day environment the most while I was up there from the fans to meeting Klay Thompson. That just shows the connections you can make at WSU. They will play me as a corner and that is all so far."

Four more players commit to colleges

July 22, 2023

Gilbert Higley defensive back Nijrell Eason II was among three players Saturday who announced their college commitments. Eason chose UNLV in Las Vegas.

A couple of days earlier, Peoria Centennial offensive lineman Brady Bakke announced on social media his commitment to Northern Arizona.

Queen Creek offensive lineman Dylan Laflamme also on Saturday announced his commitment to NAU. And Scottsdale Desert Mountain wide receiver Jack Freeburg committed to Fordham.

Freeburg, 6-foot-1, 175, is a big part of the No. 1-ranked receiving corps in the state, according to The Arizona Republic.

He caught 87 passes for 1,278 yards and 12 TDs last season for the Wolves.

"First of all, the coaching staff as a whole let it be known to me that I was their number 1 guy and made not only me but my family feel like a priority to the program," Freeburg said. "Very experienced coaching staff who have done great things with the program and shown that they will develop me into a better player. They love to sling the ball and score points. It seemed like every game last year they put up 40-plus points and they will utilize me as a slot reciever and an outside receiver so I can reach my full potential, which is awesome.

"I’m also big on life after football. Fordham University is extremely prestigious and opens up doors for life beyond the sport and can help me in numerous ways. My visit out there was awesome and I loved the area. It is only a 15-20-minute ride on the subway from New York City. I felt it was the perfect fit for me."

Freeburg also was pursued by Lafayette, Utah Tech, Army, NAU and Georgetown, among others that offered him. e felt Fordham was the best at reaching out and making him feel like a priority.

Eason, 6-foot, 175 pounds, had 42 tackles his junior year, helping the Knights win their first 5A state title. He also had four interceptions and a fumble recovery.

"Nijrell has been a rock in our secondary for three years," coach Eddy Zubey said. "People don't really throw his way.

"He has elite man coverage skills and very good hands. He has a high football IQ. With his knowledge of the position, I expect him to compete for some time early in his career. We are happy for him. UNLV got a winner and a state champion."

Bakke, 6-6, 290, is one of the top linemen in the state. He has good feet, long arms, great hands and an explosiveness that will suit him well in Flagstaff.

Weber State and Army also pursued him hard.

5-star Rushing commits to Arizona, 4-star Williams reopens

July 8, 2023

It was a frenzied weekend for recruiting in the state of Arizona and it's not over yet.

A day after Tucson Salpointe Catholic 5-star edge rusher Elijah Rushing gave Arizona Wildcats coach Jedd Fisch his biggest commitment, Chandler Basha 4-star quarterback Demond Williams Jr., reopened his football recruiting.

Williams has backed off his Jan. 1 commitment to Ole Miss and is exploring all other colleges with Ole Miss still in the mix.

Will the speedy dual threat wind up in Arizona? Williams is The Republic's No. 2 overall Big 150 2024 recruit. He led Basha to its first Open Division state championship last season.

Meanwhile, Chandler running back Ca'lil Valentine, The Republic's top-rated RB in the state, announced Saturday he has committed to Illinois. Valentine is rated No. 8 overall in the Big 150. He led the Wolves in rushing his sophomore and junior seasons.

Chandler coach Rick Garretson believes Valentine's skillset as a runner, pass catcher and return specialist fits in well with what the Illini wants, calling him a "home run hitter."

"They're not only getting a great player but a great kid," Garretson said.

Time will tell. But, for now, the Wildcats pulled in one of the biggest in-state recruits in their football history by getting Rushing to stay home.

Rushing, 6-foot-6, 250 pounds, is rated the No. 1 prospect in the Big 150 2024 class by The Arizona Republic. He had more than 30 Power 5 offers and is considered a given to play on Sundays in the NFL. He could wind up the greatest defensive in UA history, combining a big wingspan, tremendous speed and athleticism and a nasty streak.

"My dad and I talked about me going to one of the great schools I had the opportunity to visit and being part of their rich history and legacy or I can help build one here in my home state, home city, with my hometown team, and what it would mean to my long term legacy," Rushing said in a direct message to The Republic. "Going to any of the other programs required no faith to do that."

Salpointe coach Eric Rogers isn't surprised by Rushing's decision to want to build his legacy at home. Rushing is on the same level recruiting-wise as former Salpointe tailback Bijan Robinson was coming out of high school. A can't miss, star-to-come recruit.

Robinson went on to tear it up for three years at Texas, before being taken in the first round of the NFL draft by the Atlanta Falcons.

"This is huge for Arizona," Rogers said. "The coaching staff has done an incredible job of showing Elijah how much they care about him and want him at UofA.

"Elijah is an extremely humble kid and a great teammate. His best days are still ahead of him. I have no doubt he will continue to learn and grow and be a great Wildcat."

UA is loading up on top in-state talent out of the 2024 class. The Wildcats got commitments from three Glendale Apollo players -- running back Adam Mohammed and offensive linemen Michael Watkins and Matthew Lado -- and got a commitment from American Leadership Gilbert North wide receiver Brandon Phelps, who is rated by The Republic as the top wide receiver in the state for the 2023 season.

Meanwhile, over the weekend, Basha defensive back Miles Lockhart, who missed all of spring and June football rehabiliating from a leg injury, announced his commitment to Ohio State

Lockhart is rated the No. 6 overall prospect in the Big 150.

Chandler running back Ca'Lil Valentin committed to Illinois.

Chandler cornerback commits to Utah

July 1, 2023

Chandler cornerack Sammie Hunter announced his college commitment Saturday to Utah.

Hunter, 5-foot-11, 175 pounds, is one of the fastest defensive backs in the state, running 40 yards in 4.39 seconds. He had 16 solo tackles and four pass brekups last season.

"Sammie is a physical corner who happen to run a 4.39 40," Chandler coach Rick Garretson said. "His technique is second to none and allows him to be a player who can lock up with an opponent's best receiver.

"His skillset allows him to compete at both corner and nickle in Utah's defense. The Utes landed a defender that fits their demeanor."

Arizona State keeps another at home

June 30, 2023

As expected, Scottsdale Chaparral wide receiver Plas Johnson announced Thursday night he has committed to play football at Arizona State.

The speedy Johnson joins Scottsdale Desert Mountain wide receiver/safety Dylan Tapley in Tempe for their college football careers.

Johnson, 6-foot-1, 170 pounds, like Tapley, is a top two-way player who also is a standout cornerback on defense. He chose ASU among Kansas State and BYU.

Last season for the Firebirds' 3-7 team, Johnson caught 88 passes for 1,157 yards and eight TDs.

He is ranked 28th in the 2024 class by the Arizona Republic in the Big 150.

"I really loved the atmosphere and the people there," Johnson said. "It just felt like home once I got to know people and really see how I'd fit in their program. Their work ethic is extremely beneficial and I can trust the coaches and players with building me up as a person and an athlete."

Saguaro Athlete JoJo Clark commits to NAU

Saguaro linebacker/H-back JoJo Clark, who has been a big part of the Sabercats reaching the Open Division state championship game the last two years, announced he will be playing football at Northern Arizona.

He is one of the better two-way athletes in the state.

Clark caught 25 passes for 348 yards and five TDs last season when the Sabercats went 9-4. Defensively, he had 42 tackles, five for losses, and two interceptions with more than 100 yards in interception returns and a blocked kick.

Casteel lineman commits to Utah State

Camden Jury, a 6-foot-6, 315-pound offensive lineman at Queen Creek Casteel, committed to Utah State. He is rated No. 91 in The Republic's Big 150.

He was second-team All-Premier Region in 6A last year. Big, mobile, powerful offensive tackle who has a long reach and good feet.

3 top players commit to Power 5 schools

June 26, 2023

Peoria Centennial edge rusher Noah Carter committed to Washington, Phoenix Horizon offensive lineman Carter Lavrusky committed to Kansas and Phoenix Brophy Prep defensive lineman Devan Kennedy committed to Iowa on Monday.

Carter, 6-foot-4, 220 pounds, is a tremendous athlete who impacts the game on offense, too, with his receiving skills. He is cat quick, eluding blocks to get to the quarterback.

"The Arizona connection was a big part with kids who used to go to my school," Carter said. "And I loved the city with lots of opportunities.

"Another reason was how they're just family to the players and coaches."

Carter said he was recruited to play the edge for the Huskies.

Lavrusky, 6-6, 270 pounds, is a three-sport athlete, who also plays basketball and competes in track and field. He's easily among the top offensive linemen in Arizona with his combination of athleticism, size and power.

"Carter is a great fit in most schools," Horizon coach Andy Litten said. "With his frame, he could be 300 pounds and keep his athleticism."

What makes him different, Litten said, is Lavrusky's ability to move with his size and strength.

"He's a great fit for spread teams that run inside and outside zone," Litten said. "He has great pass protection and his length and wingspan make him a great player to take on edge defenders trying to rush outside.

"I also know he'll enjoy the Kansas barbecue."

Kennedy, 6-4, 240, who added 40 pounds the end of last season, has moved from linebacker to defensive line, and is expected to be a force this season. In a playoff loss at Red Mountain, he returned an interception 72 yards for a touchdown.

He is ranked No. 45 by The Arizona Republic in the Big 150 2024 class prospects rankings. His father, Jimmy, was a former first-round NFL draft pick who was a two-time All-Big Ten defensive lineman at Penn State. Jimmy Kennedy is helping work with the Brophy defensive linemen this year.

Mountain Pointe RB Clark commits to Texas-

June 22, 2023

Mountain Pointe running back Christian Clark became the second Arizona high school football player this week to commit to Texas.

Scottsdale Desert Mountain cornerback Santana Wilson, the son of former Arizona Cardinals safety Adrian Wilson, committed to the Longhorns earlier this week.

Clark, 6-foot, 205 pounds, is built in the mold of former Texas tailback Bijan Robinson, who was a first-round NFL draft pick of the Atlanta Falcons.

Clark shared reps in a stable of strong backs last season for the Pride, but since the end of last season, his recruiting ramped up like no other 2024 player in the state. He picked up 30 major college offers since December.

"I think he has the skills to be the next Texas stud RB," Mountain Pointe coach Eric Lauer said in a text. "He's about as complete a back as you're going to find."

Lauer said that Clark will have family support in Texas.

There could be great hype coming to Texas, after the last great Arizona high school running back tore it up at Texas.

Robinson, who was a two-time state Player of the Year at Tucson Salpointe Catholic, ran for 3,410 yards and 33 touchdowns and caught 60 passes for 805 yards and eight TDs in his three years with the Longhorns. Last season, he won the Doak Walker Award for the nation's top college running back.

Lauer expects Clark to have a great career at Texas.

"The expectations will be enormous," Lauer said. "Real knows real."

11 players commit over long weekend

June 19, 2023

Glendale Apollo running back Adam Mohammed and his top two linemen, Michael Watkins and Matthew Lado, all committed to Arizona at the same time during an Instagram live video on Monday afternoon.

They all put on red Arizona caps, and said, "We're staying home."

They're among 11 2024 in-state football players who announced college commitments during a frenzied four-day weekend. It gives the Arizona Wildcats four in-state commitments in one day. Earlier Monday, Tucson Salpointe Catholic defensive end Keona Wilhite announced he committed to UA.

"We didn’t really plan to go to the same school at the start," said Watkins, who is 6-foot-3, 289 pounds, and can also play long snapper. "We all had offers from similar schools, but we were all fine with each other going our own separate ways.

"But after our individual visits and building relationships with the Wildcats' coaching staff, we all found a home there. I think God wanted us to keep playing together. I don’t think any of this was on accident."

Lado, 6-6, 275, a left tackle, said the atmosphere during their visit was impressive.

"We all like the players' energy and coaching staff of Arizona," Lado said. "We all decided to go to the same college because we would love to still play with each other again after high school. I liked Arizona. They have a winning mentality."

Scottsdale Saguaro running back Jaedon Matthews committed to Georgia Tech during his official visit.

Scottsdale Desert Mountain cornerback Santana Wilson committed to Texas.

Gilbert Williams Field running back Dylan Lee committed to Iowa State.

Mesa Eastmark defensive end Ramar Williams committed to Arizona State.

Phoenix Sandra Day O'Connor cornerback Jackson Barton committed to Nevada.

Goodyear Desert Edge wide receiver Kezion Dia-Johnson committed to Massachusetts on Monday.

And Queen Creek offensive lineman Tayo Omotinugbon committed to Boise State.

Matthews, 5-foot-10, 170 pounds, who has started since his sophomore year at Saguaro, catching the winning touchdown pass in the Open Division state championship game against Chandler, said that he first was impressed by Georgia Tech during an unofficial visit in April.

"I felt the winning environment they are creating," he said. "I believe in making something great by putting in the time and effort to get the outcome as an individual and a team member.

"The reasons I chose GT and what stood out to me was, one, their ability to get me to the next level. They have a true plan for my progression and it was very detailed. Coach (Brent) Key, Coach (Buster) Faulkner, and Coach (Norval) McKenzie have been real and sincere and upfront. Two, my ability to gain access and reach to businesses and additional opportunities outside of football. Three, be part of something that creates character, discipline, and success."

For Lee, he said he believes in Iowa State coach Matt Campbell's vision and how he develops players. Lee, 6-1, 200 pounds, ran for a 6A single-game state-record 518 yards against Scottsdale Chaparral last season.

"I believe in coach Campbell's vision and development for players and the amount of amazing resources that can help me as a young man," Lee said. "He's molded this program and completely changed it into what it is now.

"I love everything about the school, the campus, the academic structure, which it demands the amount of influence that is put on the students to succeed as young people and the amazing staff and faculty that resides there. I know I’m going to have to earn whatever I get up there and I’m going to compete no matter what. I’m just excited to see my development and what the next couple of years hold for me."

Wilson, 6-1, 180, is the son of former Arizona Cardinals safety great Adrian Wilson. He will play both running back and cornerback his senior season at Desert Mountain, which is expected to make a run to the Open title.

"Just the family atmosphere," Santana said about what he likes most about Texas. "Everything in Austin is great. The town, the people, the coaching staff. Coach T-Jo (Terry Joseph, secondary coach) took me under his wing as his own and it’s all family. They know how to develop DBs as in man-on-man technique. I can’t wait to get to work."

Wilhite, 6-5, 245, with heralded edge rusher Elijah Rushing, form arguably the state's best defensive line.

"I like that the whole team looks out for one another," Wilhite said about UA. "It's not just the players. It's the coaches, too, and the coaches' families."

Barton, 6-1, 180, had 34 tackles, an interception and seven passes defended last season for O'Connor.

Dia-Johnson, 6-0, 180, who missed the first half of last season after trasnferring from Cesar Chavez, has the speed, moves and hands to make an impact at UMass. He had 37 catches for 695 yards and seven TDs in seven games last season.

"Kez is a super dynamic player," said Desert Edge co-head coach Mark Carter, who is the offensive coordinator. "He can play outside, slot, running back, and a host of other things.

"He's to us what Deebo Samuel is to the 49ers. What makes him even more special is that he's terrific to coach, a great student, and an exceptional teammate."

Williams, 6-4, 255, can play either tackle or end on the defensive line. Last season, for 3A champion Eastmark, he had 67 tackles, 10 for losses, and four sacks.

Omotinugbon, 6-3, 272, who can play offensive guard and tackle and defensive end, has run a 4.64-second laser 40-yard dash.

Basha safety Tommy Prassas commits to BYU

June 14, 2023

Three-year Chandler Basha varsity starting defensive back Tommy Prassas committed Wednesday to BYU. He announced it on social media.

Prassas, 6-foot-2, 190 pounds, is one of the top safeties in Arizona, who helped the Bears capture their first Open Division state football championship last season with 103 tackles, one interceptions and seven passes defended.

"Coach Jay Hill was a big reason," Prassas said of the BYU defensive coordinator. "I like how he plans to use me in his defense and how he was the first Power 5 guy to offer me.

"Lots of people talk highly of Coach Hill and that gets me excited to see how he can help me achieve my goal of playing in the NFL. I also really like the family aspect of the team and how everyone comes together for the same goal."

Bradshaw Mountain DL James Giggey commits to ASU

June 12, 2023

Prescott Valley Bradshaw Mountain defensive end/linebacker James Giggey announced that he has committed to Arizona State to play football.

Giggey, 6-foot-4, 235 pounds, was the Grand Canyon Region Defensive Player of the Year last season in 4A. His versatility allows for Bradshaw Mountain to move him around on defense. He also is a tight end on offense.

"I chose ASU because it is close to home for my family and friends," Giggey said. "I also love the energy they bring to the table. It was an opportunity that I couldn’t let pass me by.

"They see me as a defensive lineman first. If that doesn’t work then they see me as being able to play tight end."

He had 133 tackles and three sacks last season and blocked four kicks. He also intercepted two passes and defended four passes. Giggey has been flying under the recruiting radar. But he said during an unofficial visit on Monday with ASU, he decided to commit.

"I’m glad that ASU saw the potential in James," Bradshaw Mountain coach Bob Young said. "He has been flying under the radar and we knew it was a matter of time until he was recognized. He can compete at a Pac-12 level.

"Obviously, everyone in the Prescott Valley area is excited."

ALA QC QB Enoch Watson following brother to BYU

June 11, 2023

Quarterback Enoch Watson, who transferred in the spring from Flagstaff Coconino to American Leadership Queen Creek, has given his commitment to play football at BYU.

His brother, linebacker Pierson Watson, signed with BYU out of Coconino last year.

"The main reason was the coaching staff; there is nowhere else I would want to be coached," said Enoch, who is 6-foot-3, 195 pounds. "I feel like for anyone, it’s a dream to play with your brother at the next level."

Watson passed for 641 yards and six TDs and ran for 322 yards and eight TDs on a 4-6 Coconino team last year.

He is the third straight ALA Queen Creek quarterback who will be heading to BYU. Last year, Logan Hubler moved on to BYU but only for track and field where he is a hurdler sensation. Out of the 2023 class, Drew Cowart is walking on at BYU.

Basha DL Jordan Howard commits to Central Michigan

June 7, 2023

Chandler Basha defensive lineman Jordan Howard, 6-foot-2, 250 pounds, has committed to Central Michigan.

He joined Basha last year after transferring from Mesa Eastmark. After sitting out the first five games, he had a huge impact on the defensive front, helping the Bears capture their first Open state championship. He had 45 tackles and four sacks.

"He's a kid who is going to come in and compete to play right away, similar to Ryan Blum, our center, who is already there and is running with the 1s," coach Chris McDonald said. "From an athletic standpoint, he checks all of the boxes. He was raw coming into Basha but he's learned a lot of techniques and fundamentals. I think he's going to do a really good job. We're really proud of him."

Desert Edge LB Jonathan Kamara commits to Kansas

Desert Edge hybrid linebacker/safety Jonathan Kamara became the second Desert Edge 2024 prospect to commit to Kansas. Cornerback Aundre Gibson committed to Kansas earlier this spring.

Kamara, 6-4, 210, is all over the place on defense as as strong safety, corner and linebacker. He likely will play linebacker in college but his versatility gives coaches option.

"First and foremost, Jon Jon is an amazing student-athlete," Desert Edge co-head coach Marcus Carter said. "He takes everything serious. Grades. Social life. Nutrition. Football.

"Kansas is getting a very versatile defender who can play in the box, outside the box. Jon Jon started playing cornerback. Now that he's gotten bigger and stronger, he can do it all from coverage to being a box player. Kansas got better by getting him."

Desert Edge RB McKinnon commits to Idaho

May 22, 2023

Goodyear Desert Edge running back Marki McKinnon, who transferred in the winter from Phoenix Barry Goldwater, where he led 5A in rushing last season, has announced on social media he has committed to Idaho.

McKinnon is powerfully built at 6-foot, 215 pounds. He ran for 1,874 yards and 21 touchdowns for Goldwater in 2022.

"Marcus and I are so proud of Markhi," co-head coach Mark Carter said. "It's not easy coming into a new school with a different culture. All he's done is what we've asked him to do. Be a good student, be a good teammate, and be a good person. He's done it all. Now he gets to reap the benefits of his hard work."

Mark Carter, who directs the offense at Desert Edge, said that the Scorpions will run a "lighter box that will give him more room to run."

Being surrounded by great athletes, McKinnon has yet to show his best, Carter believes.

Horizon punter Kanyon Floyd commits to ASU

May 22, 2023

Phoenix Horizon punter Kanyon Floyd, who made All-Arizona last season after averaging 50 yards a punt, said on social media he has committed to Arizona State.

He was offered a full ride last week.

Floyd is considered one of the top punters and kickers in the nation. He made 5 of 7 field goals for the Huskies his junior year.

Chandler S Urlacher commits to Notre Dame

May 1, 2023

Chandler safety Kennedy Urlacher, the son of Hall of Fame linebacker Brian Urlacher, a star lineback for the Chicago Bears, announced his commitment to Notre Dame on Monday.

Urlacher, 6-foot, 185 pounds, can play either safety position and linbacker for the Wolves. Urlacher joins former Valley high school football stars Tosh Baker and Benjamin Morrison in South Bend, Indiana. Baker is a starting offensive lineman and Morrison a standout cornerback for the Fighting Irish.

Urlacher started since his sophomore year at Chandler. He had 20 offers, including Arizona and Arizona State.

Last season, he had 34 tackles, 20 solo, for the 9-3 Wolves, who lost to Basha in the Open state semifinals. He also had an interception and a fumble recover.

Moga commits to Oregon

Phoenix Sunnyslope quarterback Luke Moga announced Friday on social media that he has committed to Oregon.

"Oregon told me I’m their guy and have shown that throughout the entire process," Moga said to The Republic in a direct message on Twitter.

Moga's recruiting blew up in the winter with 25 offers, including Arizona and Arizona State.

Moga, 6-foot-2, 190 pounds, passed for 2,258 yards and 26 touchdowns with eight interceptions, completing 47% of his passes (134 of 283) for the Vikings last season, when they went 6-5. He also ran for 539 yards and five TDs on 62 carries.

Tapley first in-state to commit to ASU

April 15, 2023

Scottsdale Desert Mountain safety/wide receiver Dylan Tapley, ahead of Arizona State's spring football game Saturday, announced on social media that he has committed to the Sun Devils.

He becomes the first in-state player to commit to coach Kenny Dillingham out of the 2024 class.

Tapley, 6-foot-4, 190 pounds, is a two-time All-Arizona safety who had eight interceptions with 155 return yardage during a 10-4 2022 season. He also could be an impact wide receiver at ASU. Last season, he caught 57 passes for 1,141 yards and 17 TDs.

Tapley said he was impressed with how quickly the new coaching staff has changed the culture and improved the program all around.

"Wanting to help rebuild the program and do it with homegrown coaches and players would be pretty cool," Tapley said. "I feel like ASU is the right opportunity for me on and off the field, as well as my future once football comes to an end."

Tapley told The Arizona Republic last week that he would be willing play either side of the ball.

"I know a lot coaches are giving me the option on (which position) I want to play in college," Tapley said. "It's in the depth chart, where I'll fit in best."

Newcombe commits to Oklahoma Sooners

March 25, 2023

Queen Creek Casteel cornerback/wide receiver Jeremiah Newcombe, 5-foot-11, 175 pounds, one of the state's top athletes, announced Saturday night his commitment to the Oklahoma Sooners. His father and coach, Bobby Newcombe, played football at rival Nebraska.

Jeremiah, who is ranked No. 10 overall in the state in The Arizona Republic's Big 150 2024 class, said his social-media post: "Wow!! Words can't describe how excited and blessed I am!"

"I chose Oklahoma because I felt like this was the best fit for me," Newcombe said. "It’s about relationships with me and traveling down to Norman getting to be around the players and the staff made me feel welcomed and connected already with the Sooner family."

Newcombe doesn't care what position he plays in college. He just wants to get on the field and help the team win.

"To be honest, football is my passion and I love the game," he said. "I don’t care what position they place me whether that’s corner, Nickel, punt returner, but I will always give it my all helping out my team and providing my work ethic to OU football."

He had 62 tackles, two interceptions and six passes defeded last season when he also had 35 catches for 516 yards and five TDs.

Desert Edge's Aundre Gibson chooses Kansas

March 5, 2023

Goodyear Desert Edge cornerback/return specialist Aundre Gibson announced Sunday that he has committed to Kansas.

Gibson, 5-foot-11, 180 pounds, is one of the state's top lock-down corners and a dynamic kick returner. He was named to The Arizona Republic's All-Arizona team his junior season as a return specialist. Not many quarterbacks threw in his direction last season, a sign of respect for how talented he is at shutting down receivers.

"The coaching staff is building something special, and they've been together for a long time," Gibson said of the Jayhawks. "The culture reminded me of DE so I knew it was a good fit."

Desert Edge co-head coach Marcus Carter, who specializes with the defense, said that Gibson's versatility allows him to fit into any spot in the secondary and his return game talents are second to none.

"He started his first year in the slot (covering receivers)," Carter said. "He excelled at that. He made a bunch of tackles and had four to five interceptions.

"How offenses are trying to matchups in the slot against safeties and linebackers. You can place Dre there and still be plus-one in the matchup. Then, when you put him on special teams, he's electric with the football in his hands. As we all know, field position is vital in college and pros. He's the best in the state when it comes to returning the football."

Basha QB Demond Williams Jr. commits to Ole Miss

Dec. 30, 2022

Chandler Basha quarterback Demond Williams Jr. announced his commitment to Ole Miss in late December inside the Basha gym.

Williams, 5-11, 170, led the Bears to their first Open Division state championship, beating defending state champion Scottsdale Saguaro in the final.

AlA Gilbert North WR Brandon Phelps commits to Arizona

Dec. 21, 2022

American Leadership Gilbert North wide receiver Brandon Phelps, 6-3, 190, committed to Arizona a couple of weeks after helping the Eagles capture their first 4A state title. He also had offers from Arizona State and Michigan State, among others.

He caught 97 passes for 1,710 yards and 28 TDs last season.

To suggest human-interest story ideas and other news, reach Obert at richard.obert@arizonarepublic.com or 602-316-8827. Follow him on Twitter @azc_obert

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Central RB Khameron Athy commits to Southern Utah