Here are The Arizona Republic's top 10 leading candidates for high school football defensive player of the year. Vote in our ...

All the talk out on the West Coast when it comes to high school football usually gravitates to California, and rightfully so.

This is part of a continuing series, previewing the 2025 Arizona high school football season. We look at the teams with the best secondaries.

OU football earned its fifth commitment of the 2026 class when three-star safety Niko Jandreau picked the Sooners over Missouri, USC and Washington on Tuesday.

5. Niko Jandreau, Chandler Hamilton, 6-0, 200, Sr. He has committed to Oklahoma, where his twin brother, Beau, a top linebacker, will also be playing in college.

He gives Hamilton one of the best secondaries in Arizona and, teaming up with Niko Jandreau, maybe the best safety duo in the state. 10. Ryan McDonough, Scottsdale Desert Mountain, 5-10, 180, Sr.

He gives Hamilton one of the best secondaries in Arizona and, teaming up with Niko Jandreau, maybe the best safety duo in the state. 10. Ryan McDonough, Scottsdale Desert Mountain, 5-10, 180, Sr.