One of the top Class of 2028 defensive secondary players in the state – @_TucsonHigh safety @Ezspivey4 – enters the season with 12 interceptions already in his first two seasons. He totaled 87 tackles last season, giving him 139 after two years. pic.twitter.com/hxqNpqwftz

— Javier Morales (@JavierJMorales) August 25, 2026

Ezra Spivey — DB, Tucson — Junior

Spivey is one of the top returning defensive backs in the 5A Sonoran. He plays safety/free safety and also contributes offensively as a receiver. He entered 2026 with significant varsity experience and a reputation as a ball hawk.

2025 stats

87 total tackles
47 solo, 40 assists
5 interceptions
21 receptions
301 receiving yards
14.3 yards per catch
2 receiving TDs
561 all-purpose yards

Corbin Crosby — DB, Ironwood Ridge — Senior

Crosby is a safety/wide receiver who emerged as Ironwood Ridge’s defensive leader in 2025. Despite the Nighthawks finishing 1-9, he consistently produced at a high level. His 8.0 tackles per game led Ironwood Ridge, and his five interceptions tied for the 5A Sonoran lead. He also had a 12-tackle performance against Marana and a 10-tackle, interception performance against Vista Grande late in the season.

2025 stats

80 total tackles
46 solo, 34 assists
5 interceptions
1 tackle for loss
1 receiving TD

Jayden Smith — DFLEX, Canyon del Oro — Junior

Smith is a two-way athlete who played wide receiver and cornerback for CDO. He was particularly dangerous as a receiver while also producing interceptions on defense. His 24.8 yards per catch shows his big-play ability, while his two interceptions demonstrate his defensive impact.

2025 stats

13 receptions
323 receiving yards
24.8 yards per catch
40.4 receiving yards per game
2 receiving TDs
2 interceptions
334 all-purpose yards

Diego Torres — LB, Canyon del Oro — Senior

Torres was one of CDO’s leading defensive players in 2025. His three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries particularly stand out. He led CDO in tackles per game at 4.3 and was second on the team in sacks.

2025 stats

43 total tackles
32 solo, 11 assists
6 tackles for loss
2 sacks
3 caused fumbles
3 fumble recoveries
2 QB hurries
1 interception
76 receiving yards

Sean Roebuck — WR, Marana — Senior

Roebuck was a three-star 247Sports prospect entering the 2026 season and led Arizona’s 5A Conference in both receptions and receiving yards in 2025. He suffered season-ending injuries in a one-car accident in early August. Roebuck’s 1,076 receiving yards ranked No. 1 in the 5A Sonoran, and his 89 catches also led the conference. He is the younger brother of former Marana standout Dezmen Roebuck, the 2024 Ed Doherty Award winner.

2025 stats

89 receptions
1,076 receiving yards
8 TDs
12.1 yards per reception
89.7 receiving yards per game
5 interceptions on defense
43 total tackles
1 tackle for loss

.@MaranaFB junior RB/LB Jeffrey Smith III career totals after starting as a freshman and sophomore —
Rushing: 1,760 yards on 295 carries (6 yards per carry)
Tackles: 121, five for loss
Interceptions: 2 (one returned for TD)
Fumble recoveries: 1
TDs: 32 (28 rushing, three… pic.twitter.com/j4rjnQLB0L

— Javier Morales (@JavierJMorales) August 17, 2026

Jeffrey Smith III — RB, Marana — Junior

Smith was one of the most productive all-around players in Southern Arizona in 2025. He played running back and linebacker and was particularly explosive during the second half of Marana’s season. His breakout stretch included 210 yards and two TDs on 12 carries against Casa Grande, followed by 198 yards against Vista Grande and 135 against Tucson.

2025 stats

154 carries
1,094 rushing yards
7.1 yards per carry
91.2 rushing yards per game
13 rushing TDs
16 total TDs
294 receiving yards
108 tackles
61 solo tackles
47 assists
4 tackles for loss
2 interceptions

5A SOUTHERN

Chris Gallego — LB, Sunnyside — Senior

Gallego was one of the most productive tacklers in Southern Arizona in 2025. He became the centerpiece of the Sunnyside defense. He ranked second in the 5A Southern in total tackles and was No. 40 statewide in MaxPreps’ Arizona rankings. Gallego repeatedly produced double-digit tackle games, including 14 against Campo Verde, 12 against Mica Mountain, 11 against Flowing Wells and 16 against Mountain View.

2025 stats

10 games
111 total tackles
65 solo tackles
46 assists
11.1 tackles per game

Esteban Ortiz — OL, Desert View — Senior

Ortiz is a physically imposing two-way lineman who helped anchor Desert View’s breakthrough 2025 season. He was listed at 6-1, 270 pounds and played both offensive and defensive line.

Anthony Rodarte — WR, Desert View — Sophomore

Rodarte, 5-11 and 170 pounds, was only a freshman in 2025, yet immediately became Desert View’s leading receiver and a top prospect in the state. He finished second in the 5A Southern in receiving yards and was No. 15 in Arizona’s 5A classification. Rodarte also had several huge games. Against Sunnyside, he caught 7 passes for 173 yards; against CDO, he had 8 catches for 115 yards; and he was named Desert View’s player of the game multiple times during the season.

2025 stats