Week 7 of the college football season has come and gone and with it is a referendum on what alumni shine the most. Arizona has been known in recent years as a powerhouse for the skill position talent and quarterback production it has sent out. But as this week and this season has shown, the talent in the trenches is the deepest is has ever been and these three alumni below stood out in some big time matchups.
A’Mauri Washington, DT, Oregon
No player on defense in all of college football has helped their draft stock in the first seven weeks of the year more than Oregon defensive tackle and former Chandler star A’Mauri Washington.
Against No. 7 Indiana, Washington only had 3 tackles and a sack, but his impact goes beyond the stat sheet as an interior precense. His strength has allowed him to dominate both guards and centers in one on one situations and through double teams after gaining 40 pounds between the end of last season and the start of this year.
Washington has now started to move up mock draft boards as ESPN on Wednesday morning released a new mock draft that had him projected to go No. 19 in the upcoming NFL draft. If he continues to make plays like the one above, he could go much higher.
Parker Brailsford, C, Alabama
For most people, the only thing that standouts to them is stats and highlight plays. But for those moments to develop, it all starts in the trenches and on Saturday against No. 14 Missouri, Brailsford showed once again why he’s one of the top Center prospects in the 2026 NFL draft class.
Brailsford allowed only two pressures but one of those was with a double A gap pressure which left him having to protect against two defenders.
Overall, the 2025 season has showcased why he’s one of the best linemen in college football as his ability to anchor an up and down unit and turn it to one of the best in the nation at the midpoint of the season.
Anthony Lucas, DE, USC
Another Arizona high school alum working his way up draft boards and improving as the year has gone on has been former Chaparral Firebird Anthony Lucas.
Facing off against a Michigan team that prides itself on winning in the trenches, Lucas was arguably the most impactful player on the field on Saturday as he repeatedly got into the backfield and put pressure on the quarterback. This goes hand in hand with his development since his transfer from Texas A&M.
The stats may not show his impact but his power and speed have changed a once dormant USC pass rush and turned it to one of the best units in the Big Ten.
Bijan Robinson on Monday Night Football
Sapointe Catholic legend Bijan Robinson had his best NFL game in front of the whole country on Monday Night when the Falcons upset the Buffalo Bills in Atlanta.
Bijan’s final stat line? 170 rushing yards, 68 receiving yards, and this awesome touchdown:
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