Welcome to the ArizonaVarsity.com 2018 Film Session Series, where I'll be posting brief, daily evaluations of a few Arizona prep football athletes. To be considered for inclusion in the Film Session Series, email me your highlights, as well a brief biography to azhsfootball@gmail.com.
2019 Williams Field DB Noa Pola-Gates
Height: 6-2
Weight: 180
What I liked: Noa Pola-Gates recent Army All-American combine performance had those that recover recruiting buzzing, and in conjunction with his film, it has led to a bevy of offers in the last couple of weeks, including half the Pac-12, as well as Nebraska and Penn State. Pola-Gates is a player that I spent all last season getting text messages about from opposing team's coaches and parents, so I'm not surprised that he's risen to be one of the top 2019 recruits in Arizona... but even I have to admit I'm surprised at how quickly his stock has risen. Pola-Gates told me that he sees himself as a defensive back, and while he had 230 yards receiving last year for Williams Field, after watching his film, I agree that he belongs on the defensive side of the ball at the next level. His speed and size are perfect for disrupting some of today's bigger, more physical wide receivers, and his physicality at the line of scrimmage will help him jam receivers and disrupt the opponents' running game.
2020 Skyline LB Zach Kriens
Height: 6-1
Weight: 220
What I liked: Young, big, tough and instinctive. Skyline LB Zach Kriens resumè as a sophomore would have been impressive if he were a senior. 42 solo tackles, an interception, fumble recovery and blocked punt. After seeing Kriens in person this last weekend, I was impressed by his physical maturity. After watching his film, it makes me wonder if he isn't this year's Zach Bowers (2019, Chandler). It's still early for me to tell what Kriens' ceiling could be, but I can guarantee I'll be out at a game or two this year to see what he's capable of in pads. If I had to pinpoint one thing that could get in the way of Kriens, or any LB, being a D1 prospect, it's speed. If he can eventually register a verified sub-4.8 40 yards dash time, there's no way he doesn't end up a D1 prospect.
2019 Kellis QB Cade Peterson
Height: 6-2
Weight: 171
What I liked: Cade Peterson had an amazing 22 TD, 6 INT mark in seven Kellis wins, and 2 TDs, 6 INTs in three Kellis losses. Peterson is going to be the key to Kellis' success in 2018, as he was in 2017. I was surprised by his acceleration when he gets in trouble in the pocket. Check out the play at :45 seconds when he turns a potential safety into a 99-yard TD run, or his moves in the pocket at 3:59. I like Peterson's footwork, but the highlights on hand don't showcase the variety of throws some schools might be looking for. It's clear that he can certainly hit a receiver running a slant over the middle, or down the left sideline, but this upcoming season, I'd like to see him make some more throws to the sideline and the seam, as well as cut down on turnovers to showcase how efficient he can be over a full season.
2019 Westview ATH Kayden Staples
Height: 5-11
Weight: 145
What I liked: My dark horse breakout player of the year is Kayden Staples. Not only is he quick, sure-handed, and a downfield threat- but Westview has incoming QB Chase Pope transferring in from Copper Canyon (I profiled him in an earlier film session). If Kayden Staples can bulk up to handle the physicality of being a go-to wideout, they could become one of the state's best QB/WR duos.
