Rivals Recap: Peoria Centennial vs. Scottsdale Saguaro
GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Two of the top programs in Arizona met at
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Glendale Community College on Thursday night for a highly anticipated matchup
that certainly lived up to the billing. In the end, Peoria Centennial wore down
Scottsdale Saguaro to emerge victorious in a battle between defending state
champions.
I was impressed with...
Byron Murphy shined on both sides of the ball and special teams, proving once
again why he's considered the most well-rounded prospect in Arizona for the 2016
class. The four-star cornerback had a couple of pass break ups when he was tested,
and also caught two touchdowns while playing nearly every snap on a hot, humid
night. Murphy has the ability to contribute in all facets at the next level and,
though he might have the most upside at corner, he told Rivals.com he's open to
whichever position will get him on the field.
I was surprised by...
The athleticism of Centennial offensive tackle Tanner Hawthorne, who bought his
quarterback plenty of time and was very effective in the run game. The 6-foot-6,
275-pound lineman blocked with tenacity and, despite his height, was able to
gain leverage and seal the edge more often than not. Hawthorne doesn't currently
hold any FBS offers but he camped with Oregon this past summer and also has
caught the attention of in-state schools Arizona and Arizona State in recent
weeks.
Other thoughts...
Saguaro
safety K.J. Jarrell, a Rivals250 prospect in the 2017 class, looked very
comfortable in run support and showed the ability to rush the passer from the
edge. He projects as a free safety due to his ranginess, but if he continues to
grow he could be an effective outside linebacker in some systems. Jarrell
intends to take a couple of visits to Pac-12 schools this season, including UCLA
and USC.
Arizona
State commit Marshal Nathe opened some wide running lanes for Centennial,
mauling defenders into the second level and showing good push whenever he pulled
from his left guard spot. The Sun Devils are getting a tenacious offensive
Kayden LylesClick lineman.Here to view this Link. certainly showed flashes in the trenches, but appeared to be worn down by
the end of the night after having played nearly every snap. The four-star
offensive guard played right tackle and looked capable there, but his best
moments were at defensive tackle where he was a force in the middle early on.
His older brother Kare' Lyles is committed to Wisconsin, where their father,
Kevin, played, but Kayden plans to continue assessing all of his options.
Two
under-the-radar prospects that shined were Centennial athlete Isaac Steele, who
deserves some looks after the performance he turned in at cornerback, and
Saguaro inside linebacker Brandt Casey, a fearless tackler that walked away with
the dirtiest uniform.
