Advertisement

The Arizona Republic's Fab 100: Top 2027 high school football prospects

The 2027 class in Arizona high school football might be the deepest ever, which is why The Arizona Republic is expanding the Fab 50 to the Fab 100 prospects list.

We will update this every week with 10 more. We start with the first 10 and keep working until it reaches the state's top 100 prospects out of the current freshman class.

The Republic's Fab 100 2027 prospects

1. Jake Hildebrand, Chandler Basha, OL, 6-6, 285

Basha offensive tackle Jake Hildebrand runs a drill during a practice at Basha High School on April 25, 2024.
Basha offensive tackle Jake Hildebrand runs a drill during a practice at Basha High School on April 25, 2024.

The offers keep piling up this spring for one of the top offensive linemen to ever come through Arizona. He started on varsity as a freshman, scraping the surface of his potential. He's got a major college body already. A strong work ethic is going to take him anywhere he wants. Great coaching at Basha will take him far. He'll continue to get better and could be up to 30 offers by the time he starts his sophomore season.

2. Judah Lancaster, Tolleson, TE/OLB, 6-4, 200

Recently picked up an Alabama offer, made a splash last summer in 7-on-7s and continues to work hard to improve his skills. He could play off the edge on defense or outside linebacker. But he projects to be a major college tight end. It's still early and he's got so much room to grow.

3. Noah Roberts, Basha, RB, 6-0, 190

Basha Bears wide receiver Gio Richardson (5) and running back Noah Roberts (29) react to an incomplete pass by the American Leadership Academy Patriots in the dying moments of the game at Basha High School in Chandler on Nov. 17, 2023.
Basha Bears wide receiver Gio Richardson (5) and running back Noah Roberts (29) react to an incomplete pass by the American Leadership Academy Patriots in the dying moments of the game at Basha High School in Chandler on Nov. 17, 2023.

Made a huge impact his freshman year on varsity with eye-popping plays, including a couple against Scottsdale Saguaro early in the season that turned the game into a victory for the Bears. An injury set him back some in the second half of the season. But he's got sprinter's speed and will be highly sought after by major colleges with his size, speed, power and ability to find holes and pop through for touchdowns.

Basha running back Noah Roberts (29) sprints for a touchdown on the first play of the game against Hamilton during a game at Hamilton High School in Chandler on Oct. 6, 2023.
Basha running back Noah Roberts (29) sprints for a touchdown on the first play of the game against Hamilton during a game at Hamilton High School in Chandler on Oct. 6, 2023.

4. Ryder Noche, Phoenix Brophy Prep, WR/Athlete, 5-8, 160

Has offers from Arizona and Arizona State. Ran 100 meters in 10.9 seconds. Played both sides of the ball on varsity as a freshman. Electric on kick returns and is a lock-down corner. But he could be one of the best slot receivers to come out of Arizona by the time he's done.

5. Zerek Sidney, Goodyear Desert Edge, WR, 6-0, 165

His recruiting should blow up this spring and summer. A big-play receiver with speed, moves, and great hands. Not afraid to make the tough catch in traffic. In late March, he was re-offered by the new coaching staff at Arizona.

6. Anitoni Tahi, Basha, DT, 6-2, 315

He played 10 games at defensive tackle on varsity as a freshman. He's got a bright future as a major college recruit. Great instincts, an aggressive, nasty streak and he can move. He'll be a big obstacle in the middle of the line for offenses to try to move the ball. Will have to game plan against him.

7. Jamar Patterson, Tempe Corona del Sol, CB/WR, 6-1, 175

He started varsity as a freshman. Was an All-Central Region player. One of the best defensive backs in the state, but he could be going both ways for the Aztecs. Offers from Colorado State and Arizona. He has interest from Oregon with a visit set up there this spring.

8. Jai Jones, Chandler, WR, 6-1, 170

His offers already are from Arizona, ASU and Colorado State. He's a transfer student from Corona del Sol, where he played varsity football as a freshman. Excellent speed and hands. Has the ability to make people miss. Big-time potential.

9. Braylon Kasper, Gilbert Williams Field, WR, 6-1, 171

He has offers from Arizona State and Oregon. His brother plays at Oregon. His father played in the NFL. He's still growing and developing. His potential is unlimited.

10. Kael Snyder, Gilbert Perry, QB, 6-3, 200

He started on the freshman team. Has such a huge upside that he could start on varsity at most schools now. Big arm, great mechanics, and his father played in the NFL. He understands what it takes to get better.

11. Jaden Baldwin, Basha, WR, 6-1, 170

Already has offers from Pittsburgh, Arizona State, Indiana and James Madison. Track athlete. Burner speed. One of the fastest players in the state. Moved up to varsity towards the end of last season after dominating at the freshman level.

12. Derrion Bartholomew, Centennial, RB, 5-11, 215

He's the closest back to compare to Zidane Thomas that Centennial has had. Fast, powerful, cuts on a dime, will be a threat to take it to the house any time he touches the ball. Just look at his freshman season highlights that included a five-TD game against Chandler's frosh.

13. Brady Allen, Ironwood Ridge, OL, 6-3, 275

He started at left tackle on varsity last season, and rotated on the defensive line. Has a huge wingspan and massive hands. Great pass blocker. Can pull and block in space on counter plays. Can dunk a basketball and throws a baseball 88 miles per hour. He starts on varsity baseball team as a freshman.

14. Talan Scott, American Leadership Queen Creek, TE/LB, 6-4, 215

He's more of an H-Back who can run the ball and catch it. Versatile athlete who makes plays on both sides of the ball. Plays linebacker with great instincts and passion. He'll have a major impact on varsity next season.

15. Benjamin Lowther, Centennial, OL, 6-6, 290

Already a man-child, the Coyotes are ready to plug him into a spot on the varsity offensive line. He is not just big but explosive. Great feet, long arms, strong, powerful.

14. Detroit Taylor, Perry, TE/WR, 6-4, 170

Younger brother of quarterback Diesel Taylor. Great hands, runs disciplined routes. Will be a top tight end in the state. But can flank out and be a deep threat on the outside.

15. Donovan McNabb Jr., Brophy Prep, WR/DB, 5-10, 160

Unlike his famous father who played quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles, this McNabb likes to catch passes. He'll be part of the receiving rotation on varsity next season with his skill set.

16. Mekhi Hodge, Laveen Cesar Chavez, TE/DE, 6-2, 215

Already offered by ASU, he's a quick, explosive edge rusher, and a tough cover for linebackers and safeties because of his size and smooth route-running capabilities. Very physical athlete. Got varsity time as a freshman.

17. Dominick Barjona, Williams Field, QB, 5-9, 165

He had one of the best seasons on a freshman team in the state last year for the Black Hawks, an electric dual threat who can burn defenses with his arm and legs.

18. Braxton Huynh, Peoria Liberty, WR, 5-11, 165

He's a three-sport athlete, including volleyball. Great hands, speed, route running. Will make his impact known on varsity next season as the Lions look for the next guys up to lead the skill positions.

19. Matt Avelar, Tucson Salpointe Catholic, QB, 6-1, 190

He started on varsity the last five games as a freshman. Big-time arm and a great runner.

20. Logan Voss, Queen Creek Casteel, DE, 6-3, 225

Track and field athlete who is primarily an edge rusher on defense with his speed, aggression and instincts. He'll pose problems for varsity offenses in 2024.

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

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona Republic's Fab 100: Top 2027 high school football prospects