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This is the second in a four-part series, by school, where the Ledger will profile football players who you may not know yet but will as the season the progresses. For now, they are Under the Radar. Here is a list of Combs’ players who are poised to have breakout seasons in 2015:
Ethan Hunt (Sr), QB – 5’10” 150
Hunt started the majority of the Coyotes’ games last year, leading them to a second-consecutive playoff appearance. His stats – 801 passing yards, a 46 completion percentage, 11 touchdowns, six interceptions, and a 79.6 QB rating – were less than overwhelming in 2014. Hunt spent the offseason increasing his arm strength and accuracy, to the point that head coach Jesse Hart believes opposing defenses won’t be able to stack the box this season. Hunt could spearhead a passing game that’s been mostly absent in Combs’ offensive repertoire.
Todd Avery (Sr), LB – 6’0” 195
Avery is one of several Coyotes’ defenders who earned postseason recognition a year ago. The All-Division linebacker finished fourth on the team with 68 tackles, which included four tackles-for-loss. He also had one interception and two fumble recoveries. Avery is one of several playmakers on a defensive unit that is undoubtedly the deepest and most talented ever at the school.
Jake Green (Sr), RB – 6’0” 210
Green is the Coyotes’ leading returning rusher from a year ago, totaling 279 yards and three touchdowns. He came on strong near the end of last season, turning in his best performance against Coronado in the regular-season finale – 160 yards on 16 carries with two touchdowns. Green, who was part of running-back-by-committee approach last season, will carry the majority of the workload in the Yotes’ rushing attack this season.
Travis Cottle (Sr), OL/DL – 6’1” 220
Cottle is the Coyotes’ lone returning starter along the offensive line, one of the few units on the team that lacks a number of experienced players. Cottle, a center, plays the most important position along the line and will be heavily relied upon to make the correct line calls and signals. Cottle is a part of a senior group that head coach Jesse Hart believes has shown the best leadership since he took over the Combs’ football program. Cottle will be on top of his game, leading his fellow linemates by example in 2015.
Joshua Espinoza (Sr), OL/DL – 5’9” 205
This season will be Espinoza’s first as a member of the Coyotes’ football team after transferring from Illinois. The senior lineman has made a positive impression on his head coach and teammates in a short time since joining the team, proving to be player all of them believe can add another dimension to the Yotes’ stifling defense. Espinoza’s arrival appears to be a case of the rich-getting-richer on a defensive unit that could be among the best in Division IV.
Jake Green
Joshua Espinoza
Ethan Hunt
Todd Avery
Travis Cottle
Andrew Luberda began writing for Copper Area News Publishers (CANP) in February 2013 after working 15 years in Healthcare Financial Management. Andy covers sports for 11 high schools. His stories are published in Copper Basin News, San Manuel Miner and Superior Sun, in addition to the San Tan Valley Daily PRSS and CopperArea websites. Additionally, he has written human interest stories and business profiles. In May 2012, he earned an AAS in Sports Management at Central Arizona College before graduating with a BS in Communication from Arizona State University in 2014. He and his wife, Kelli, have three sons – AJ, Kyle, and Kade.
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