We’re taking a look at some class of ’27 guys to look out for this season and in seasons to come…
Chandler
“We keep them engaged and everything with fundamentals and schematics so when the time comes for them to, you know, go ahead and get an opportunity you know that they’re that they’re ready.”
Chandler is a program that reloads its’ roster every season with a handful (or a couple handfuls) of transfers.
The 2024 roster is no different than that of years past. Garretson says there’s a couple of transfers he expects will make a huge impact this season and in years to come.
Jai Jones – ’27 ATH, Corona del Sol transfer
Jai Jones started on varsity for the Aztecs as a freshman – he’s expected to make a huge impact for the Wolves. Jai joined the Wolves with a few college offers already in his back pocket. The sophomore receiver has seven offers, including offers from ASU, UofA and Oregon.
Due to AIA transfer rules, Jai will have to sit out for five games. This brings him back under the stadium lights on Oct. 4 when the Wolves host the Liberty Lions.
The Liberty Lions. A team with arguably the biggest target on their back.
“The one thing you can’t is you can’t get the Friday Night Lights, with the lights on the band playing everybody there.”
However, Garretson says Jai will be ready for Liberty in October.
Some light work! pic.twitter.com/LLoL4EqV95
— Jai Jones | c/o 2027 (@jaigothands) August 30, 2024
Maxwell Sprott – ’27 WR, Desert Vista transfer
“I really didn’t know Max from anyone you know and he’s very talented, very fast, can play receiver, can play can play in the secondary.”
Seth Hanson now in at QB for Desert Vista and my goodness this catch by Max Sprott. Two touchdowns now for the freshman and this one was by far the best. Wow. pic.twitter.com/JiZfIKgYIG
— Zach Alvira (@ZachAlvira) August 17, 2023
As a freshman, Max made a solid impact on a Desert Vista team that was struggling for wins.
Will Mencl – ’27 QB, Saguaro Transfer
Likely already on your radar is the new QB1 and Chandler High School – Will Mencl.
Mencl has already seen playing time in the first two weeks of the season. In just two games his completion rate is .882% with two touchdowns.
“He can spin it. He can run it. He can run at me and as a as a runner, but also run the offense. He doesn’t play like a sophomore at that position”
The quarterback competition is friendly at Chandler. Sophomroe Will Mencl and Junior Dominic Carmigiano are learning from each other.
“Both of them are competitors, but you know, they’re their teammates, and they embrace each other’s success and stuff. So it’s a really good room to begin with.”
Chavez @ Chandler
Chandler 2️⃣0️⃣
Chavez 6️⃣
1:16 1QChandler QB Will Mencl runs in the 15 yd TD!!
This will take us to halftime.. pic.twitter.com/hWlq8Vd1Gj
— Just Chilly (@JUSTCHILLY) August 30, 2024
Brophy College Prep
Ryder Noche – ’27 ATH
Ryder can do a little bit of everything, it seems. Starting at cornerback and as a kick returner and punt returner. He also has some notariaty as the NFL Flag Football Player of the year in 2023.
Living our best lives! #RedCarpet #NFLHonors #NFLFlag #PlayersoftheYear pic.twitter.com/oHsc5p1rT7
— Ryder Noche (@Ryder_Noche_) February 9, 2024
Ryder showed what he was capable of for the Broncos as a freshman too.
“He actually was the first freshman that played like significant minutes for us on varsity as a freshman. He’s super dynamic, explosive.”
As is hammered home (just about weekly) on The Recruiting Roundup, track athletes tend to be really special on the football field.
As track szn is over, here are my PR’s:
100-10.86
4×100-41.75
Long Jump
Had an amazing season and I can’t wait to see how I do next spring!@BrophyAthletics pic.twitter.com/cRUGE6IxFH— Ryder Noche (@Ryder_Noche_) May 20, 2024
Noche’s speed can be and has already proven to be a difference-maker for the Broncos.
Do NOT punt the ball to @Ryder_Noche_ 🚨
He will take it to the crib 🍼 pic.twitter.com/0k0COSq3dW
— Showcase 7v7 Football 🌵🏈 (@showcase7v7) September 7, 2024
Donovan McNabb Jr – ’27 WR
“It’s the kids that we’ve had who have fathers, who they are [Former NFL], like those kids have typically been very hard workers, just because their fathers are as well. So he works extremely hard.”
Donovan was getting in his groove in week one and broke out in week two against Regius Jesuit (CO) with three receptions.
The 6-foot, 170 pound wide receiver has one offer from NAU but has been talking with a few programs across the country, including ASU.
Mountain View
Preston Patterson – ’27 LB/TE (JV team)
Patterson has already displayed his versatility and potential as a freshman. He had some time playing QB on the freshman team when the spot opened but is primarily a linebacker and plays tight end as well.
Patterson’s physicality stands out to new head coach Andy Litten. Before he gets moved up to the varsity team, Litten is hoping to see him improve his speed.
“He just needs to be able to move a little bit better. I’d say overall speed is something that he could work on. But he’s got a great size, great frame.”
The linebackers stand out at Mountain View as it is. In fact, Litten calls the team “Linebacker View”… forget Mountain View…
Litten expects Patterson will be in the next cream of the crop to come out of Mountain View.
Talan Arnett – ’26 WR
Talan Arnett has been a breakout player for the Toros in the first weeks of the season. In week one he had 7 catches for 78 yards and one touchdown, putting his name on the radar in California.
Junior @talan_arnett with a very nice debut in Cali. 7 catches 78 yards with 1 TD and 2 point conversion run. Bright future for this kid 🤘 pic.twitter.com/2qEewWir0Q
— Toro Nation (@MVToro_Football) September 1, 2024
In week two he had 4 carries for 115 yards with two touchdowns. No biggie.
“He’s just one of those typical Mountain View guys. Doesn’t say a whole lot, works hard, ‘yes sir’ ‘no sir’ type kid. And, you know, he’s a smaller stature but he plays real big. It’s a physical kid.”
Beautiful pass from @bradygoodman_5 to @talan_arnett for the 45 yard TD. Toro lead is now 30-14 8:52 2 Q pic.twitter.com/HkyUHw9qhu
— Toro Nation (@MVToro_Football) September 7, 2024
Brody Anderson – ’26 SS
A two-year starter for the Toros looking to capitalize on his past seasons. Versatility is also something that comes naturally.
“He’s a smaller guy in stature, but great to get to the ball. He’s physical. You know, as a safety, when we ask him to come down into that linebacker spot, he’s, he’s more than willing to.”
The 5-foot-11, 185-pound strong safety has posted 35 solo tackles, 65 total tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and 2 interceptions in his high school career thus far.
Mesa Mountain View playing football on fire behind head coach Andy Litten
