Some seniors fly under recruiting radar
Several Arizona football players have yet to sign
With the early signing period closing soon, many Arizona high school senior football players are waiting and watching and hoping and praying that a scholarship comes their way.
There are many still out there who can play Division I college football.
The transfer portal is limiting opportunities that normally would be there. College coaches, especially in the Power 5 conference, tend to check there first for immediate needs.
Here's The Arizona Republic's look at some of those 2022 players who appear to be flying under the recruiting radar:
Brayten Silbor, Scottsdale Chaparral, QB, 6-3, 205
He is one of the best quarterbacks to come through Arizona. Ever. But the evolution of the college game, going more for the running quarterback, might be hurting his recruiting. He decommitted from New Mexico after it hired a new coach that is looking to run an option attack. Silbor fits the prototypical pro-style quarterback. Good size, arm, accuracy. He's tough and he's a gamer.
Grady Hickey, Chaparral, WR, 5-10, 175
He had a monster senior season but an injury his junior year limited his film heading into this year. But he did what he had to do to show college coaches he can play at the D. I level. He caught 106 passes for 1,426 yards and seven TDs to go with his six rushing TDs and 10 yards per carry when he slid into the running back spot.
Jax Stam, Peoria Liberty, S, 5-11, 200
This one is baffling. He's got all the intangibles to become an impact Division I college football player. He has started every game since his freshman year. A big hitter with a great nose for the ball. Always has a knack of being at the right place at the right time. He comes from the Zach Hoffpauir mold of safety. This should be a no-brainer for a D. I college coach to go after him.
Javen Jacobs, Scottsdale Saguaro, Athlete, 5-11, 185
He'll wait until February to sign, coach Jason Mohns said. Jacobs has offers, but he might have played his way into Power 5 interest after a great season and Open Division playoff run to the state championship. Versatile athlete who helps any team with his ability to run, catch the ball, return kicks and lead.
Blaine Hipa, Chandler, QB, 6-2, 200 The left-hander got early offers in his career while in Hawaii, but had no junior season because Hawaii didn't allow high school football because of COVID. This senior season was good for Hipa to show what he can do against top programs. He threw 30 TD passes, leading the Wolves to the Open final. But he's another one of those pro-style quarterbacks who are being left out of the mix because of the emphasis on the running QB. Like Silbor, he'll have to wait out all of the shuffling going on in the portal to see if a college still has a need at that position.
Parker McClure, Mesa Red Mountain, LB, 6-0, 220
He's been the heart and soul of the defense the last two years. He ended up with school records for tackles in a season (156) and tackles in a career (348). He simply makes plays on defense. He was named the Ron Pritchard Linebacker of the Year by the National Football Foundation Valley of the Sun Chapter.
Gage Dayley, Gilbert Highland, QB, 5-10, 160
Not big, but he plays big. He was huge in the 6A championship win over Chaparral, throwing for four touchdowns. He's got good feet, a quick release. Very accurate. Big-game player who knows how to get the offense down the field, utilizing his legs and arm and knowing where all of his receivers are.
Zach Hammett, Mohave Valley River Valley, RB, 5-8, 185
He's got double digit offers, but nothing from D. I. He does have a preferred walk-on opportunity at Northern Arizona, if he wants to take that. But he's good now to be put on scholarship for football at a D.I. He's the NFF Valley of the Sun's Running back of the Year, after rushing for more than 2,000 yards and scoring 43 touchdowns this season.
Malaki Ta'ase, Mesa Mountain View, DE, 6-2, 240
He decommitted last week from Nevada, the only D. I that offered him. A knee injury ended his season late in the year. He's a great athlete. He's worked himself back into shape to play basketball. He's got all the tools to impact at D. I. Great instincts, physicality, strength, ultra-competitive. A team-first guy that any D. I coach would love to have around.
Matt Katergaris, Scottsdale Desert Mountain, OL, 6-4, 300
He picked up his first D. I offer from the University of San Diego on the second day of the early signing period. He will wait until Signing Day on Feb. 2, see what else comes his way. He's one of the most versatile linemen out there, able to play center, guard and tackle.
Thomas DeChesaro, Saguaro, S, 510, 180
A tremendous free safety who was good as any DB in the state this year. Played big in big games. His interception late in the first half led to a touchdown in Saguaro's 20-15 Open Division state championship win against Chandler. Coach Mohns called him the heart and soul of the team.
Skylar Edmonds, Red Mountain, OLB, 6-2, 200
He could play strong safety at the next level. Like McClure, no D. I offers. He had a solid season with 88 tackles and five interceptions for a strong 6A team.