Dezmen Roebuck: Gatorade AZ Football Player of the Year

Congratulations to Marana High School Senior Dezmen Roebuck, named the Gatorade Arizona High School Football Player of the Year! 

Gatorade Player of the Year is the top honor in high school sports, celebrating the nation’s best high school athletes for their success on the field, in the classroom and in their community. The award distinguishes Dez as Arizona’s best high school football player, and he joins an impressive group of alumni that spans CEOs, coaches and star athletes such as Emmitt Smith (1986-87, Escambia High School, Fl.), Peyton Manning (1993-94, Isidore Newman School, La.) and DJ Lagway (2023-24, Willis High School, Texas).

The 6-foot, 190-pound senior wide receiver made 95 receptions for 1,131 yards and 14 touchdowns this past season, leading the Tigers (10-1) to the Open Division State Tournament quarterfinals. Roebuck also recorded 51 tackles and four interceptions, and concluded his high school football career with a state-record 352 catches.

Dez has volunteered locally at a food bank and homeless shelter, and he has donated his time as a youth football and basketball coach. “Dez is an absolute stud,” said Justin Argraves, head coach of Cienega High School. “He’s a dynamic playmaker. Teams have to account for him in so many ways, which opens up opportunities for his teammates to make big plays.”

Dez has maintained a 3.06 GPA in the classroom. At the time of his selection, he had made a verbal commitment to receive athletic aid to play football at the University of Washington next fall.