The Gila River Hawks are actively assembling their 2026 roster — one of the most anticipated recruiting cycles in HJCAC history. Here’s everything you need to know about the team’s player positions, depth chart structure, key stats, and how the 2026 squad is being built.
2026 ROSTER OVERVIEW
The Gila River Hawks 2026 roster is actively being assembled under Head Coach Larry Cain, with the program officially opening its 2026 recruiting cycle in September 2025. The Hawks are one of the most established programs in the Hohokam Junior College Athletic Conference (HJCAC) — three-time champions (2019, 2020, 2022) — and the coaching staff is targeting another title-contending roster for the upcoming season.
As a JUCO program, the Gila River Hawks roster is constantly evolving. Players join from high school, transfer from four-year programs looking to develop further, or return to football after time away. Head Coach Cain’s staff evaluates each prospect on athletic ability, football intelligence, work ethic, and — crucially — academic commitment.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Typical Active Roster Size | 50–80 |
| Position Coach Specialists | 11 |
| HJCAC Championships Won | 3× |
| Scholarships Generated (2019–20) | 49+ |
POSITION GROUPS & DEPTH CHART STRUCTURE
The Gila River Hawks run a full 11-man football roster structured into three main units: Offense, Defense, and Special Teams. Each unit has dedicated position coaches overseeing player development.
| Unit | Position Groups | Assigned Coach |
|---|---|---|
| OFFENSE | QB, WR, RB, OL, TE | Dante Moses (OC/QB), Robert Ortiz (OL), Scott Hutchinson (WR), Aaron Wilkins (RB) |
| DEFENSE | DL, LB, CB, S | Dante Moses (DC/DL), Zach Cooper (LB), James McKinley (DB) |
| SPECIAL TEAMS | K, P, KR, PR, LS | Edmund Tarleton |
OFFENSIVE ROSTER BREAKDOWN
The Hawks’ offensive system, coordinated by Dante Moses, is built on a versatile scheme designed to highlight individual player strengths while developing transferable skills for the college level. The offense features a pro-style base with spread elements to create mismatches against HJCAC defenses.
Quarterback (QB)
The QB room is led by Coach Moses, who prioritizes developing dual-threat quarterbacks with strong decision-making ability and football IQ. The Hawks are actively recruiting QBs for the 2026 cycle who can lead a balanced run-pass offense.
- Key attributes sought: arm strength, mobility, pre-snap reads, leadership
- Development goal: NCAA/NAIA transfer readiness within 1–2 seasons
Running Back (RB)
Coach Aaron Wilkins runs the RB room with a focus on pass protection alongside carry duties. The Hawks look for versatile backs who can contribute in the passing game and serve as reliable receivers out of the backfield.
- Key attributes: vision, burst, pass protection, hands
- Scheme: zone-run based with play-action RPO elements
Wide Receiver (WR)
Coach Scott Hutchinson coaches the WR corps. The Hawks have historically produced standout receivers who earn transfer opportunities to four-year programs due to the team’s emphasis on route-running precision and contested-catch ability.
- Key attributes: speed (4.5 or better 40-yard dash), route crispness, hands
- Actively recruiting: slot and boundary receivers for 2026
Offensive Line (OL)
Coach Robert Ortiz oversees the trenches. OL development is one of the program’s top priorities for 2026, with the coaching staff seeking big-bodied players (6’2″+ preferred) with strong footwork and pass protection instincts.
- Positions: C, LG, RG, LT, RT
- Emphasis: Zone blocking footwork, hand technique, film study
DEFENSIVE ROSTER BREAKDOWN
Under Defensive Coordinator Dante Moses, the Gila River Hawks run an aggressive, multiple-front defensive scheme designed to disrupt HJCAC offenses and create takeaways. The defense is the identity of this program — the Hawks have built their championship legacy on defensive dominance.
Defensive Line (DL)
Coach Moses also handles the D-Line, emphasizing pass rush development and two-gap run stopping technique. The Hawks are actively targeting DL recruits for 2026 — posting publicly: “Still looking for defense — D Line, DBs, and LBs. Drop your film.”
- Positions: DE, DT, NT (4-2-5 and 3-4 hybrid packages)
- Sought: explosive first-step quickness, strength, motor
Linebacker (LB)
Coach Zach Cooper coaches the LBs. The linebackers are the engine of the Hawks’ defense — responsible for stopping the run, dropping into coverage, and making big plays. Jeremy Mercier, a former Hawks LB, signed with the University of Utah Utes after developing under this program.
- Positions: MLB, WILL, SAM, MIKE
- Key alumni: Jeremy Mercier → University of Utah (Pac-12)
Defensive Backs (DB)
Coach James McKinley leads one of the most heavily recruited position groups on the roster. The Hawks’ DB room is a known pipeline to four-year programs, with corners and safeties regularly earning scholarship offers after demonstrating their coverage ability in HJCAC competition.
- Positions: CB, FS, SS, Nickel/Dime
- 2026 priority: Press-man corners and range safeties
SPECIAL TEAMS
Coach Edmund Tarleton oversees the special teams unit, which includes kickers, punters, long snappers, and return specialists. The Hawks treat special teams as a third unit — not an afterthought — and have produced several standout return specialists throughout the program’s history.
- Kicker / Punter — accuracy at 30–45 yards, hang-time
- Kick Returner — speed, vision, ball security
- Long Snapper — snap consistency, athleticism
NOTABLE PLAYERS & PROGRAM ALUMNI
While the 2026 roster is still forming, here are notable alumni and prospect types the Hawks consistently develop:
| Player | Position | Destination | Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jeremy Mercier | Linebacker | University of Utah Utes | Signed as RS Sophomore — Power Five (Pac-12) |
| Multiple transfers | Various | NCAA D1 / D2 / D3 | 49+ scholarship opportunities generated (2019–20) |
| 2026 Recruits | All positions | TBD — recruiting open | Questionnaires being accepted now |
Legacy Note
The Hawks roster during their back-to-back 2019–2020 championship seasons was ranked #18 nationally among all JUCO football programs — a testament to the caliber of talent on the team’s depth chart during those years.
PROGRAM STATS & PLAYER ADVANCEMENT
The true measure of any JUCO football program’s success is not just wins and losses — it’s how many players it advances to the next level. Here’s how the Gila River Hawks perform on that metric:
| Metric | Result |
|---|---|
| HJCAC Championships | 3 (2019, 2020, 2022) |
| National JUCO Ranking (peak) | #18 nationally |
| Scholarship Opportunities Generated | 49+ (2019–2020 seasons alone) |
| Notable D1 Transfer | Jeremy Mercier → University of Utah |
| Seasons with undefeated stretches | Multiple (2019, 2020, 2021) |
| Programs players transferred to | NCAA D1, D2, D3, NAIA |
2026 RECRUITING TARGETS
The Hawks coaching staff announced their 2026 recruiting cycle is officially open as of September 2025. The program is targeting players across all positions, with particular emphasis on:
| Priority | Position | What Coaches Want |
|---|---|---|
| HIGH | Defensive Line (DL) | Pass rushers with first-step burst and motor |
| HIGH | Defensive Backs (DB) | Press corners and rangy safeties with ball skills |
| HIGH | Linebacker (LB) | Athletic, instinctive players in run defense |
| MEDIUM | Quarterback (QB) | Dual-threat with strong decision-making |
| MEDIUM | Offensive Line (OL) | 6’2″+ with footwork and pass-pro potential |
| OPEN | Wide Receiver (WR) | Speed (sub-4.6) and reliable hands |
| OPEN | Running Back (RB) | Versatile backs who can catch out of backfield |
HOW TO GET ON THE 2026 ROSTER
Submit your recruit questionnaire at gilariverhawks.com and send your highlight film to the relevant position coach. The Hawks staff reviews all submissions and responds to qualified prospects. Academic eligibility (enrollment at an HJCAC-approved college) is required.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: What positions are the Hawks recruiting most heavily for 2026?
A: The Hawks have identified Defensive Line, Defensive Backs, and Linebackers as top priorities for the 2026 recruiting cycle. Quarterback and Offensive Line are also high on the list.
Q: How many players are typically on the Gila River Hawks roster?
A: The active roster typically ranges from 50 to 80 players, depending on the recruiting class size and player development timelines.
Q: Where do Gila River Hawks players go after JUCO?
A: Hawks players have transferred to NCAA Division I, II, III, and NAIA programs. Notable transfers include Jeremy Mercier to the University of Utah (Power Five / Pac-12).
Q: How can I try out for the 2026 team?
A: Complete the recruit questionnaire at gilariverhawks.com and submit your highlight film to the coaching staff. Qualified prospects are invited to practice with the team.
Q: Does the Hawks program offer scholarships?
A: As a JUCO program, the Hawks have generated 49+ scholarship opportunities for players to four-year programs. The program itself helps place players into scholarship positions at NCAA and NAIA schools.
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