Arizona is emerging as a top state for elite high school football talent, with a focus on the 2027 recruiting class. The article highlights the top 10 recruits from Arizona, showcasing their potential impact on future college football rosters.
Key points
Arizona is becoming a top state for high school football talent
Focus on the 2027 recruiting class
Top 10 recruits highlighted
Will Mencl is a standout player
Arizona players impact college football rosters
Mentioned in this story
Arizona
Will MenclChandler
Regardless of which team has won a national title over the last decade, that roster likely boasted some standouts who once played in Arizona.
While many look to California for high school football in the west, Arizona has quickly established itself as one of the best states for producing elite high school talent.
That is particularly true this year's recruiting cycle.Here's a look at the top 10 players from the Grand Canyon State in the 2027 class.
1. Will Mencl, Chandler
Chandler quarterback Will Mencl (7) throws against Basha during the Open state championship at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe on Dec. 6, 2025.
Chandler quarterback Will Mencl (7) throws against Basha during the Open state championship at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe on Dec. 6, 2025.
Position: Quarterback
Height: 6-3
Weight: 200
Commitment: Uncommitted
Football recruiting notes: Mencl had a monster junior season, leading the Wolves to a state championship appearance. A true dual-threat, he passed for 3,815 yards and 33 touchdowns while also rushing for 741 yards and 17 more touchdowns.
2. Blake Roskopf, Desert Edge (Goodyear)
Desert Edge quarterback Blake Roskopf throws during a 7-on-7 high school football passing tournament at Arizona Christian University on June 3, 2025.
Desert Edge quarterback Blake Roskopf throws during a 7-on-7 high school football passing tournament at Arizona Christian University on June 3, 2025.
Q&A
Who are the top 10 high school football recruits in Arizona for 2027?
The article lists the top 10 recruits from Arizona for the 2027 class, including standout players like Will Mencl from Chandler.
How has Arizona established itself in high school football recruitment?
Arizona has quickly become known for producing elite high school football talent, rivaling traditional powerhouses like California.
What impact do Arizona high school players have on college football?
Many players from Arizona have contributed significantly to college football rosters, often being key players on teams that win national titles.
What are the key attributes of the 2027 class recruits from Arizona?
The recruits from the 2027 class in Arizona are noted for their exceptional skills and potential to excel at the collegiate level.
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Position: Quarterback
Height: 6-5
Weight: 235
Commitment: Washington
Football recruiting notes: Roskopf had a great 2025, leading the Scorpions to an 11-1 record. He completed 66%% of his passes for 2,815 yards and 37 touchdowns with only eight interceptions.
3. Jake Hildebrand, Basha (Chandler)
Basha tackle Jake Hildebrand (74) comes off the bench to play during a game against Brophy Prep at Central High School in Phoenix on Aug. 28, 2025.
Basha tackle Jake Hildebrand (74) comes off the bench to play during a game against Brophy Prep at Central High School in Phoenix on Aug. 28, 2025.
Position: Offensive Tackle
Height: 6-5.5
Weight: 273
Commitment: Uncommitted
Football recruiting notes: Hildebrand anchored an offensive line for the Bears that allowed them to average 420 yards and 37.3 yards per game in 2025. Arizona State and Utah appear to be battling it out for him as he'll take official visits to both schools this summer.
4. Jai Jones, Chandler
Centennial defensive back Clarence Kabbah (19) tackles Chandler wide receiver Jai Jones (11) during a game at Centennial High School in Glendale on Aug. 29, 2025.
Centennial defensive back Clarence Kabbah (19) tackles Chandler wide receiver Jai Jones (11) during a game at Centennial High School in Glendale on Aug. 29, 2025.
Position: Wide Receiver
Height: 6-0.5
Weight: 175
Commitment: Uncommitted
Football recruiting notes: Jones was Mencl's top target in the passing game, leading the Wolves receivers with 54 receptions for 922 yards and 10 touchdowns. He currently has official visits scheduled to California (May 29) and Arizona (June 12).
5. Dontay Tyson, Peoria
Peoria wide receiver Dontay Tyson (2) runs a route against Brophy Prep during an ASU 7 on 7 tournament in Tempe, on June 12, 2025.
Peoria wide receiver Dontay Tyson (2) runs a route against Brophy Prep during an ASU 7 on 7 tournament in Tempe, on June 12, 2025.
Position: Wide Receiver
Height: 6-1
Weight: 190
Commitment: Uncommitted
Football recruiting notes: Tyson only appeared in seven games last season but made the most of his opportunities. He caught 37 passes for 448 yards and a team-high seven touchdowns.
6. Noah Roberts, Basha (Chandler)
Basha running back Noah Roberts (6) breaks up the field against Williams Field during a game at Williams Field High School in Gilbert, on Sept. 12, 2025.
Basha running back Noah Roberts (6) breaks up the field against Williams Field during a game at Williams Field High School in Gilbert, on Sept. 12, 2025.
Position: Running Back
Height: 6-1
Weight: 190
Commitment: Uncommitted
Football recruiting notes: Roberts was part of a two-headed backfield duo for the Panthers. He finished second on the team with 116 carries for 761 yards and eight touchdowns.
7. DaJon Yarborough, Basha (Chandler)
Position: Interior Offensive Lineman
Height: 6-5
Weight: 340
Commitment: Uncommitted
Football recruiting notes: A massive force up front, Yaborough was the anchor of an offensive line for the Bears that helped them win 12 games while winning a state championship and averaging just over 410 yards per game. He has official visits scheduled to Minnesota (May 29), Florida State (June 5), California (June 11) and Washington (June 19).
8. Mikyal Davis, Desert Edge (Goodyear)
Desert Edge Scorpions Mikyal Davis (4) catches the ball during a game against the Millennium Tigers at Desert Edge High School in Goodyear on Oct. 31, 2025.
Desert Edge Scorpions Mikyal Davis (4) catches the ball during a game against the Millennium Tigers at Desert Edge High School in Goodyear on Oct. 31, 2025.
Position: Cornerback
Height: 5-11
Weight: 170
Commitment: Oklahoma
Football recruiting notes: The Sooners landed a commitment from Davis last November. He recorded 36 total tackles, 11 pass breakups and an interception during his junior season.
9. Zerek Sidney, Desert Edge (Goodyear)
Desert Edge wide receiver Zerek Sidney runs a route during a 7-on-7 high school football passing tournament at Arizona Christian University on June 3, 2025.
Desert Edge wide receiver Zerek Sidney runs a route during a 7-on-7 high school football passing tournament at Arizona Christian University on June 3, 2025.
Position: Wide Receiver
Height: 6-0
Weight: 175
Commitment: Washington
Football recruiting notes: An injury limited Sidney to just four games last season, but his focus appears to be on the future. He'll have one last season with Roskopf at Desert Edge before they head off to Washington.
10. Jaden Baldwin, Basha (Chandler)
Basha wide receiver Jaden Baldwin (2) carries a Chandler defender for a first down during the Open state championship at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe on Dec. 6, 2025.
Basha wide receiver Jaden Baldwin (2) carries a Chandler defender for a first down during the Open state championship at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe on Dec. 6, 2025.
Position: Wide Receiver
Height: 5-11.5
Weight: 180
Commitment: Uncommitted
Football recruiting notes: The son of former NFL receiver Jonathan Baldwin, Jaden was one of Basha's top receivers last season, catching a team-high 64 passes for 820 yards and six touchdowns. This summer, he has official visits to UNLV (June 5), Penn State (June 8), Colorado (June 12), and Iowa State (June 19).
