Zone Read: Three Valley Student-athletes Earn Distinction

This Saturday, March 2nd, the National Football Foundation will be honoring several of Arizona’s standouts for their work in the classroom, community, and on the field.

Besides honoring several elite prep student-athletes, three collegiate standouts will be recognized by the NFF.

I connected with each of their respective head coaches to help share their incredible stories which will be unveiled this weekend.

Clayton Dowdy

On and off the field, Arizona Christian’s Clayton Dowdy is a winner.

“Clayton has been a key component to the ACU Firestorm football program, as well as a valuable member of the student body over the past three years,” head coach Jeff Bowen said. “Clayton is a team leader and helped ACU win the 2022 Sooner Athletic Championship, while also qualifying for the NAIA National Championship Series.”

The Hughson, California native, who started his career at Modesto Junior College, has proven to succinctly balance, and thrive, in multiple roles here in Arizona.

“His past two seasons he acted as a football Tribe leader within the team, while also being involved in camp leadership, Bowen explained. “Clayton is also involved with many off campus outreaches around the Valley. One such organization is ’Sleep in Heavenly Peace,’ a non-profit that provides beds for needy children who do not have a bed in their home.”

Dowdy, a business administration major, who has a sister on the ACU softball team, enjoys all types of water sports in his free time.

“After graduation this spring, Clayton will continue his involvement with ACU football as a graduate assistant working with the tight ends,” noted Bowen. 

Congratulations to Arizona Christian’s Clayton Dowdy as one of our College Scholar Athlete recipients.

Leif Fautana

“Leif Fautanuhas an internal passion to be great.”

Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham holds Leif Fautana in the highest regard.

“He is the definition of a Sun Devil,” he explained. “Not only is he a phenomenal person, he is a leader, a relentless worker, and a vibrant personality.”

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Holding it down under center 💪

Leif Fautanu has been named the Outland Trophy National Player of the Week!#ForksUp /// #ActivateTheValley pic.twitter.com/VK0DvsPHzs

— Sun Devil Football (@ASUFootball) October 31, 2023

The redshirt senior center started all 12 games in 2023, landing on the All-Pac-12 Team as an honorable mention selection. His work in the trenches last fall also earned him team honors, being named the Randall McDaniel Offensive Lineman of the Year Award, as well as the Offensive MVP. 

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Hey Everyone! Play against me during the Sun Angel collective hockey charity challenge during the Desert hockey classic Friday January 5th and Saturday. Go to the link to play: https://t.co/fODRKulg5X @SunDevilHockey @SunAngelNIL @RivalsMediaUS

— Leif Fautanu (@FautanuLeif) January 3, 2024

Fautana, who started his career at UNLV, comes for a football family. One of his uncles, Ed Ripley, played nose guard at the University of Hawai’i, while another uncle, Joe Onosai, was a center for the Dallas Cowboys.

While at UNLV, the Honolulu, Hawai’i native was an Honorable Mention All-Mountain West selection in 2022.

This Sun Devil has clearly made an impact not only with Dillingham, but the program and the community, as well.

“There’s none better to represent ASU football than Leif,” said Dillingham.

We are proud to recognize Leif Fautana as one of our distinguished College Scholar Athletes. 

David Sanchez III

David Sanchez III has been, pardon the pun, the center of attention for the Ottawa Spirit.

“David Sanchez III is an outstanding young man who has been an asset to our football program the past two years, playing as our starting center,” said Ottawa head coach Mike Nesbitt.

A strong student, who is majoring in Psychology, the Rowland Heights, California native takes great pride in giving back as evidenced by his time spent at various locations like the El Mirage Community Clinic in Surprise, the Food Distribution Center in Whittier, CA, and the Huntington Beach Cleanup in southern California. 

Sanchez, one of our select College Scholar Athletes, has received accolades for his work on the gridiron, as well as in the community. 

“He has received All-Conference and All-American awards for his impressive on-field achievements,” explained Nesbitt. “However, what sets him apart is his exceptional leadership abilities and his commitment to service and outreach projects. He has a heart of service and likes to help others.”

His positive impact will be felt on, and around, the Ottawa campus for years to come.

“David comes from a great family and has been a valuable teammate,” Nesbitt said. “It has been a pleasure working with him, and I am confident he will make a significant impact on our world.”