4A is loaded with gems this season, and they’re a ton of players that enter 2022 with high production projections. Here’s a look a 10 candidates that can compete for the 4A OPOY:
Richard Stallworth
, QB, Yuma Catholic ’23: Stallworth is a legit gunslinger that has put up some of the state’s best numbers the past two season. A natural arm talent with moxy and poise that makes throws look effortless, as he should continue to put up big numbers.
Cody Leopold
, ATH, Prescott ’23: Leopold is the reigning Grand Canyon Region POY and has the potential to blow up. Physical, workhorse type of RB for Prescott with good vision to identify opening lanes. Excellent balance with strength at the POA to bounce off and run through opponents for big gains while holding that big play ability. He’s a two way standout and a very well polished all around football player that is criminally under recruited.
Adam Damante
, QB, ALA Gilbert North ’23: Damante is a dual threat kid who is a legit gamechanger. Not many, if anyone, can catch him in space when he takes off due to his impressive top end speed, yet can also dice up defenses with his arm. Expecting a dominant year from Damante in 2022.
Gavin Limongello
, QB, Apache Junction ’23: Limongello is another dual threat QB that has showcased his playmaker ability over and over. Good speed with nice vision and change of direction as a ball carrier that is a constant big play threat. He continues to put up big numbers and should be a kid to get on your radar as an ATH at the next level.
Isaac Stopke
, RB, Lake Havasu ’23: One of the purest runners in the state will return for his senior campaign where he projects to put up massive numbers. Excellent combination of burst, speed, physicality, and COD as he checks all the boxes to excel once again this fall.
Zechariah Owens
, QB, Glendale ’24: I really like this young QB. He shows good maturity and football IQ at his age with a dual-threat skillset. He possesses excellent downfield vision and goes through progression well to read coverages and hit those soft spots in zone, while also showing patience for routes to develop. Good arm strength to stretch the field and throws with touch. He seems to have a good self clock and can make something happen with his legs on coverage sacks or when the pocket breaks down. I’m expecting a big year from Owens.
Stephon Daily
, WR, Sierra Linda ’23: The Colorado State commit is one of the most dangerous receivers in the state. Excellent length with a large catch radius as he has proven to be a game changer and snag anything thrown in his direction. Continuously gives CB’s fits and has been a constant problem as he’ll be a fun kid to watch throughout his senior season.
Jayden Diaz
, ATH/QB. AZ College Prep ’23: Diaz is a dynamic player for ACP, and can really line up anywhere on the field and get the job done. He’s flashed playmaker ability and is the leader of that ACP squad who could be sneaky this fall.
Brandon Phelps
, WR, ALA Gilbert North ’24: Phelps checks all the boxes you can want in a P5 receiver. He does a great job tracking the ball and is a smooth route runner, making movements look effortless. He wins those contested catches at high point as he does a great job utilizing his length and large catch radius. That Damante-Phelphs connection should be on full display in 2022.
Cooper French, RB, Coconino ’23: French comes off a solid Jr. season as he rushed for 1,552 yards and 17 TD’s, averaging a huge 7.5 yards per carry, and should enter 2022 with a huge role and a big workload prone for opportunity.
