Every week, I roll out a top-10 list, leading up to the 2017 high school football season.

This might be the deepest year for Arizona prep quarterbacks in state history. Arguments can be made for those left out among the 10. I agonized cutting this down to just 10.

There are several not making the cut who would make this list on most any other year. But here’s a look at the top 10 I chose.

No. 1 Spencer Rattler, Phoenix Pinnacle, 6-2, 180, Jr.

After visiting USC last week, Rattler will visit Oklahoma this weekend. His recruiting has simply blown up since his freshman season. He has grown by leaps and bounds since that breakout freshman year. He makes all the throws and uses his legs to extend and make plays. “Rattler is one of my top 25 players for next season,” said national recruiting analyst Tom Lemming, who drives to every state to evaluate prospects. “He is a member of our preseason Junior All-American team at the CBS Sports Network. Terrific all-around athlete and QB. Has all the tools.”

No. 2 Tyler Shough, Chandler Hamilton, 6-5, 195, Sr.

Nobody’s recruiting in one spring has taken off more than this guy. His size is one thing, but his maturity and leadership levels are off the charts. He has the arm to make this a special senior year. “Tyler looks like more of a pro-style type to be with a live arm, good size, leadership skills,” Lemming said. “I was with him the day Michigan offered him. Perfectly suited for a pro-style offense.”

No. 3 Brock Purdy, Gilbert Perry, 6-1, 190, Sr.

Not even an All-Arizona junior season is enough to make him the No. 1 quarterback coming into this season. That’s how competitive it is. But Purdy is a gamer. He is stronger than he was last year. And he plays with a chip on his shoulder that disproves skeptics left and right.

No. 4 Jacob Conover, Chandler, 6-1, 195, Jr.

Had a phenomenal sophomore season, passing for more than 3,000 yards, leading Chandler to the 6A state championship. The first few spots are interchangeable and it wouldn’t blow anybody’s mind if he was the No. 1 QB in Arizona by the end of this season.

No. 5 Jack Plummer, Gilbert, 6-5, 215, Sr.

He committed this week to Purdue, after his recruiting blew up this spring. He has the size and speed to make him special. Makes all of the tough throws. Can fire the ball deep or make the sweet touch pass in the red zone.

No. 6 Jack Miller, Scottsdale Chaparral, 6-3, 205, So.

He’s become something of a phenom, blowing it up at camp. He just turned 15 and performed remarkably well at Ohio State’s camp last weekend. He is making a huge jump in competition from 2A to 5A, but Miller has the physical tools to be special.

No. 7 Jamarye Joiner, Vail Cienega, 6-2, 200, Sr.

This kid has to have the ball in his hands. He’d be a remarkable wide receiver at any level, but Cienega knows its offense runs through him, the way he can make moves and take it to the house, or drop back and make the 50-yard pass on the money.

No. 8 Max Massingale, Scottsdale Saguaro, 6-0, 185, Sr.

The bigger the opponent, the better he plays. He showed that as a junior when he passed for more than 2,000 yards and ran for more than 1,000 yards, leading the Sabercats to a fourth consecutive state championship. He’s a quick, accurate passer who makes smart decisions. Coach Jason Mohns loves this kid’s moxie.

MORE: Arizona high school sports coverage

No. 9 Derek Kline, Phoenix Desert Vista, 6-4, 210, Sr.

His size and arm alone turns heads. Hard to keep your eyes off of him when he’s running the offense. Big-time arm. Moved in from Nevada, where he led a run-oriented team. With new offensive coordinator Sean Morin, this kid could turn into this season’s biggest surprise in the state.

No. 10 Trenton Bourguet, Marana, 6-0, 160, Jr.

He is a 7-on-7 national sensation, named by TopGun7x7.com as the Quarterback of the Year. He has been special for a long time, and now that he’ll have full-time control of the offense, the Tigers expect to see record numbers on offense.

RECRUITING

Top 2020 Arizona high school football prospects

Top 2019 Arizona high school football prospects

Top 2018 Arizona high school football prospects

To suggest human-interest story ideas and other news, reach Obert at [email protected] or 602-316-8827. Follow him at twitter.com/azc_obert.