Zone Read: Brophy Lands Crown Jewell

Arizona Sports News online

Thursday afternoon Sports360AZ broke the story of Brophy College Prep hiring long-time Arizona high school recruiting expert Jason Jewell as their new head coach. “The Godfather” is one of the most respected, well-liked and connected high school football figures prioritizing student-athletes’ futures above all else.

I reached out to a number of head coaches around Arizona,  as well as one former one, to get their reaction to Jewell taking over the BCP program and what’s he meant to the state.

Jake Barro, Casa Grande “Jason is “The Godfather” of high school football. I am incredibly happy for him! Brophy his a grand slam with this hire. Jason is a tireless worker and he always has the kid’s best interest at heart. He’s one of the selfless coaches who does it for the kids and he loves to see them succeed. I am excited to see what he does with Brophy football.”

Dennis Bene, Tucson Salpointe “Brophy hit a home run. Jason has helped so many kids in this state get recruited. He is one hundred percent in the kid business. Brophy is an outstanding school with a rich football tradition. No doubt Jason will serve the Brophy community in the highest manner. Arizona football just got much better [Thursday].”

Greg Davis, Paradise Valley “Jason is not only a knowledgeable coach but a great mentor to young men. He has not only been a huge assistant to the growth of Arizona high school football, he has been a voice to the college coaches…this is a huge hire for Brophy! Congrats to them on getting a great coach and mentor to young men!”

Dan Hines, Desert Vista “Jason Jewell has had a positive impact on high school football in Arizona for many years. He has helped hundreds of kids, maybe thousands live their dreams of playing college football. I know this much, his offensive line will be coached up for sure! Congratulations Jason!”

Jose Lucero, Desert Edge “Jason is recognized as a great football coach and a great ambassador for AZ high school football. What stands out the most for me about Jason is that he is an even better person who cares about kids and wants them to succeed. Brophy is lucky to have him as their new head coach and I wish him the best of luck.”

Jason Mohns, Saguaro “Jason has been a tremendous advocate for players and coaches in this state for a long time. He has deep ties to the state and is a very knowledgeable, well-connected coach. I think Brophy got a great coach and a better person!”

Patrick Nugent, Vail Cienega “Great pickup for Brophy! He is a great coach but a big loss for Arizona football players. He has done so much to promote kids in our state and has helped so many players reach their dreams due to the connections Jason had throughout the country. I can’t thank Jason enough for what he has done for me and for my athletes he has helped.”

Charlie Ragle, Cal Special Teams Coordinator (formerly at Chaparral) “Jason Jewell has been at the forefront of the evolution of Arizona high school football for over a decade. Brophy Prep didn’t just get a great coach, they got a GREAT MAN!”

Richard Taylor, Centennial “Jason has helped so many high school players and coaches. I am very happy for him. He will do a great job. They are lucky to have him.”

Derek Wahlstrom, Estrella Foothills “I am very happy for Jason and I think Brophy made an excellent hire. With his coaching acumen from his time at Glendale Community College and his insight and connections with college coaches he can be a major selling point to potential families who are going to make the financial commitment to go to a place like Brophy. I think it is an excellent fit for both Brophy and Jason.”

Rich Wellbrock, Mountain Pointe “Outstanding hire for Brophy! He has been at the forefront of Arizona recruiting, has helped a large number of student-athletes succeed and helped a number of coaches along the way with navigating the recruiting process.”

Eddy Zubey, Higley “Jason has been one of the biggest assets to Arizona high school football and the recruiting boom here. His connections are endless and the colleges that recruit the Valley will always go by and talk to Jason. He is going to do a great job at Brophy!”

Dana Zupke, Pinnacle “Jason Jewell is a fixture in Arizona football. No one person has done more to promote ALL Arizona kids. He is an extremely knowledgeable and experienced coach who is in it for the kids. Very happy for Coach Jewell! That is a great hire by Brophy!”

This one’s for you, Jason. Appreciate everything you’ve done for me during our time together here at Sports360AZ but even more proud to call you my friend.