Sitting on 27 scholarship offers, Quinn Martinez is Manteca High’s latest sought-after prospect by NCAA Division I programs.

He’s a big play waiting to happen, whether it’s on offense, defense or special teams. That’s what makes the 5-foot-11, 170-pound receiver/cornerback the No. 1 must-watch returning varsity player in the area for the 2025 season.

Martinez got to flash all of his abilities during a productive junior season in which he was named Co-MVP in the competitive Valley Oak League, and he’ll have a bigger role in the offense as the Buffaloes open up their playbook with other returning weapons in the passing game.

Here are other varsity returners to keep an eye on:

2. RB/S Nikko Juarez, Manteca, Jr.

The Buffaloes have a dynamic 1-2 punch in Juarez and Martinez. An All-VOL first-team running back, Juarez finished as a top-five rusher in the Sac-Joaquin Section last year despite missing time with a shoulder injury. He now gets to join Martinez in the defensive backfield, and they’re the 1-1A options as special teams returners. Juarez has four D-I offers, the latest from Cal.

3. WR/CB Jackson Fay, East Union, Sr.

Electric four-sport standout gained momentum as a Division I prospect last spring when he clocked impressive 100-meter times and qualified for the state track meet. That helped land him two scholarship offers for football, and he’s now committed to UC Davis. The All-VOL second-team selection is expected to have a more featured role in the spread offense under new coach Jason Stock and OC Teejay Gordon.

4. FB/MLB Pablo Peña, Lathrop, Sr.

Lathrop rode the 230-pound fullback to its first Western Athletic Conference championship and the SJS Division V semifinals. Peña plowed his way to 24 touchdowns, a single-season program record, and was second on the team with 101 tackles. His two-way production earned him All-Area and WAC MVP recognition.

5. WR/DE/S AJ Chapman, Sierra, Sr.

A unique talent at 6-6, 225 pounds, Chapman is being recruited as a tight end and holds two Division I offers. He’s Sierra’s top returning receiver and moving to defensive end after beginning last season at free safety. Had four picks in a win at Sheldon.  

6. LG/DL Tipeti Paini, Ripon, Sr.

The Trans-Valley League’s reigning Outstanding Offensive Lineman enters his third varsity season. The 5-11, 255-pound stalwart was also a first-team selection on defense, leading the Indians with 14 QB pressures and 5.5 sacks.

7. WR/FS Amos Cady, Ripon Christian, Sr.

Cady earned All-TVL first-team recognition for defense and is a multidimensional weapon in the Knights’

 fly offense. He racked up 1,257 all-purpose yards and 11 touchdowns last year.

8. ILB/RB Kyrin Barajas, Manteca, Sr.

The Buffs’ new Shepherd impressed as both run stopper and pass rusher, making All-VOL first-team defense. He may get to contribute more offensively after scoring three TDs on just eight touches. 

9. RB/LB Brayden Camara, East Union Sr.

The former receiver was a revelation as the Lancers’ running back in their prolific spread offense with 798 yards from scrimmage and 12 touchdowns. He made All-VOL first team for defense.

10.T/DT Kevin Bradley, Manteca, Sr.

Transfer from James Logan is a massive presence in the trenches at 6-4, 349 pounds. He’s an All-Western Alameda County Conference — Foothill first-team selection for offense and defense.

11. DL Xyloh Kuresa, Manteca, Sr.

Had a productive junior season at defensive end, racking up 56 tackles and 8.5 sacks. The 6-1, 230-pounder is moving to the interior of a revamped D-line that replaces two All-VOL first-team selections.

12. WR/CB JP Abrew, East Union, Sr.

The Lancers have another receiver who plays four sports in Abrew, who has an offer from Sac State. The productive third-year starter can make explosive plays after the catch with his breakaway speed.

13. TE/OLB/K Aaron Van Hofwegen, Sr.

Paced the Knights with 89 tackles and 4.0 sacks last season, earning All-TVL second-team honors. Also handles placekicking duties and will now start at tight end, making him a true three-phase contributor.

14. ILB/TE Chase Bunnell, Ripon Christian, Sr.

All-TVL second-team middle linebacker is a versatile athlete at 6-4, 190 pounds, allowing him to make big plays on both sides of scrimmage. Offensively, he’ll be a big end-zone target at tight end or wide out.

15. QB Owen Gully, Manteca, Sr.

Led the 10-0 JV team in 2023 and was an efficient passer while splitting snaps behind center last year. The traditionally run-first Buffs plan to open up the attack with returners at all other skill positions.

16. LB/RB Hoku Ap’e, East Union, Sr.

Ap’e led East Union with 86 tackles and joined Camara on the All-VOL first-team defense. He’s also part of the Lancers’ deep running back rotation.

17. G/DL Christian Erazo, Lathrop, Sr.

The top returning offensive lineman in the WAC has gotten bigger and stronger at 6-0, 278 pounds. He clears the path for Peña as an effective pulling guard in the physical Wing-T offense.

18. QB Kirk Simoni, East Union, Sr.

Got his first varsity start in the playoffs his freshman year but followed with two up-and-down seasons while competing for snaps. Now, he’s the unquestioned starter and surrounded by exciting playmakers.

19. QB Mason Tameling, Ripon Christian, Sr.

Three-sport standout goes into his third varsity season with a firm command of coach Phil Grams’ West Coast fly offense, which will include more plays with him on the run. Selected to All-TVL second team.

20. RB/OLB Maava Tialavea, Manteca, Sr.

Third-year starting fullback proved he can carry the load in a 31-14 win over Central Catholic after Juarez went down with a shoulder injury. Tialavea will also feature in Manteca’s revamped defensive front.

21. FB/MLB Alex Henry III, River Islands, Jr.

Now at 6-1, 220 pounds, the All-Mother Lode League first-team running back exudes confidence going into his second varsity season. He is also the heartbeat of the Riptide defense. 

22. RT/DL Walker Leamer, Ripon, Sr.

The Indians’ 6-3, 280-pound right tackle enters his third varsity season along with Paini. Leamer earned All-TVL second-team honors and will again contribute on the deep and formidable D-line.

23. RB Darien East, Sierra So.

Proved he belonged against Patterson in his sparkling varsity debut as a freshman, then scampered for 138 yards and a TD in a playoff win at Yuba City. Now, he gets to run behind a big and experienced OL.

24. WR/CB Ryan Reyes, Sierra, Sr.

Baseball standout looks to break out as a two-way producer on the gridiron after making the All-VOL second-team defense. Sierra will make use of his speed at receiver after he previously played RB.

25. DB Eliseo Lopez, Lathrop, Sr.

Diminutive safety anchors an experienced secondary after accumulating 59 tackles and three interceptions to make the All-WAC first-team defense.