Arizona’s NFL Pipeline: A Ranking of Top High Schools

Arizona High Schools Continue to Be NFL Talent Hubs

By SuperWest Sports Staff

As the 2025 NFL season approaches, Arizona’s high schools have a strong track record of producing professional football talent. A remarkable 307 players from the state have either played or are currently active in the National Football League.

This impressive number comes from 97 different high schools across Arizona. The pipeline of talent is expected to grow further this fall with the addition of recently drafted players making their professional debuts.

State’s National Standing

Nationally, Arizona ranks 26th among states contributing players to the NFL. Within the Western region, it holds the third-highest position for high school NFL alumni.

Many of thes athletes honed their skills in the West, playing college football for teams in conferences like the Pac-12, Mountain West, Big West, and Big Sky. Some players also moved to institutions now part of the Big Ten, Big 12, and ACC.

Top Producing Schools

Chandler High School leads the state with 14 NFL players produced. Following closely are South Mountain High School with 13 players and Saguaro High School with 10.

The state’s top 10 high schools for NFL player production have been identified. Each school’s ranking, player count, and city are detailed. Prospective fans can click on a school’s name to view the list of players who have reached the professional level.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Arizona high school has produced the most NFL players?

Chandler High school has produced the most NFL players, with a total of 14.

How many arizona high schools have had players in the NFL?

A total of 97 Arizona high schools have had at least one player in the NFL.

What is Arizona’s national ranking for producing NFL players?

Arizona ranks 26th in the nation for high schools that produce NFL players.

What are your thoughts on Arizona’s consistent contribution to the NFL? Share your insights in the comments below!

Know someone who played high school football in Arizona and made it to the NFL? Share this article with them!

What factors contribute to Arizona high schools consistently producing NFL-caliber football players?

The Powerhouse Programs: Tier 1

These Arizona high schools consistently produce NFL-caliber talent, boasting robust football programs, dedicated coaching staffs, and a strong track record of sending players to Division I colleges and, ultimately, the professional ranks.

1. Chandler High School (Chandler, AZ): A perennial powerhouse, Chandler has sent numerous players to the NFL in recent years. Their focus on strength and conditioning, combined with a refined offensive scheme, prepares athletes for the next level. Notable alumni include:

Bryan Waddle (WR, New Orleans Saints)

Brenden Stremming (OL, NFL Practice Squad)

Commitments to top programs like USC and Ohio State are frequent.

1. Hamilton high School (Chandler, AZ): Fierce rivals with Chandler, Hamilton consistently competes for state championships and develops high-profile recruits. Their defensive prowess is particularly well-regarded. Key NFL alumni:

Chris Claybrooks (CB, Miami Dolphins)

Jalen Harris (WR, Arizona cardinals – Practice Squad)

Strong emphasis on academic success alongside athletic achievement.

1. Desert Ridge High School (Mesa, AZ): Known for its explosive offensive playmakers, Desert Ridge has become a hotbed for college scouts. They prioritize speed and agility in their player development. Notable players:

Kyron Griffin (RB, University of Arizona – potential NFL draft prospect)

Several players consistently earn All-state honors.

Contenders & Rising Stars: Tier 2

These schools demonstrate a strong commitment to football and are consistently developing players with the potential to reach the NFL. They may not have the same historical track record as Tier 1 schools,but they are rapidly gaining recognition.

1. Salpointe Catholic High School (Tucson, AZ): A private school with a growing football reputation, Salpointe has seen an increase in college scholarship offers and NFL interest. Their disciplined approach and strong coaching staff are key factors.

Recent success in the 6A State Championship.

Focus on character development alongside athletic skill.

1. Liberty High School (Peoria, AZ): Liberty consistently fields competitive teams and produces talented athletes. Their commitment to a extensive football program is evident in their facilities and coaching staff.

Strong pipeline to Arizona State University.

Emphasis on special teams development.

1. Saguaro High School (Scottsdale, AZ): Historically a dominant force in Arizona high school football, Saguaro continues to produce Division I athletes. Their tradition of excellence attracts top talent.

Multiple state championships in recent years.

known for its innovative offensive strategies.

Emerging Programs: Tier 3

These schools are showing promising signs of growth and are beginning to attract attention from college recruiters. While they may not be consistently ranked among the top programs, they have the potential to become major contributors to the NFL pipeline.

1. Mountain Pointe High School (Phoenix, AZ): A large school with a diverse athletic program, Mountain Pointe is investing in its football program and seeing positive results.
2. Westlake High School (Glendale, AZ): Westlake is a relatively new school but has quickly established itself as a competitive football program.
3. Brophy College Preparatory (phoenix, AZ): Another strong private school program, Brophy focuses on developing well-rounded student-athletes.

Factors Contributing to Arizona’s NFL Success

Several factors contribute to the growing number of NFL players coming from Arizona high schools:

Year-Round Training: The favorable climate allows for year-round training and skill development.

Competitive High School Football: The level of competition in Arizona high school football is increasing, forcing players to elevate their game.

Dedicated Coaching: Arizona boasts a number of highly qualified and dedicated high school football coaches.

Increased Exposure: The rise of social media and recruiting services has increased exposure for Arizona high school athletes.

Strong 7-on-7 Programs: arizona has a thriving 7-on-7 football scene,which helps players develop their passing and receiving skills.

Recruiting Landscape & College Pathways

The most common college pathways for Arizona’s top football prospects include:

Arizona State University (Tempe, AZ): Staying in-state is a popular option for many top recruits.

University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ): Another strong in-state program with a history of developing NFL talent.

University of Southern california (Los Angeles,CA): USC consistently recruits heavily in Arizona.

Ohio State University (Columbus, OH): A national powerhouse that frequently enough targets top Arizona prospects.

Other Pac-12 & Big Ten Schools: Many other major college programs actively recruit in Arizona.

Benefits of Playing High School football in Arizona

Exposure to College Scouts: Arizona high school football games are well-attended by college recruiters.

Development of Athletic Skills: The competitive environment and dedicated coaching help players develop their athletic skills.

Character Development: Football teaches valuable life lessons such as teamwork, discipline, and perseverance.

Scholarship Opportunities: Top players have the opportunity to earn college scholarships.

*potential for a Professional