While awaiting the fate of a sophomore transfer, Phoenix Thunderbird High's football coach Matt Nalette has turned to his most electric player -- Daryl Little II -- to run the offense.
Little, who has offers from Arizona, Minnesota, Oregon State, San Diego State and Northern Arizona to play wide receiver, has embraced the challenge of playing quarterback. He's expected to start at the position for at least the first five games, until sophomore Alex Orner, a transfer from Glendale Mountain Ridge, becomes eligible under the AIA transfer rule.
"It's still a competition and still a process we're going through," Nalette said. "We have two sophomores. They aren't as experienced yet, but they show a lot of potential. We don't know when Alex will be cleared
by the AIA to play. But he's getting a lot of reps in practice. You'll see all three quarterbacks get a lot of reps in practice."
But the coach is relying on his experienced star player for now.
"Right now, Daryl is QB1. I think right now he gives us the best opportunity to win. He's a very fast processor. You'd think he's been playing quarterback his whole life by how quickly he processes everything. And he gives a different dynamic by what he can do running the ball."
Little, a left-hander, is an amazing athlete. His cousin Elijah Little was one of the most dynamic running backs for Thunderbird in 2023 and '24, rushing for more than 4,000 yards and 57 touchdowns. Daryl, a 5-foot-11, 180-pound junior, is just as electric with the ball in his hands.
Last year, when he helped the Titans to a 5-0 start, Daryl had a game for the ages in 43-42 overtime win over rival Phoenix Greenway with eight catches for 233 yards and three touchdowns, along with four carries for 56 yards. Those runs included two jet sweeps in OT and a two-point conversion run that won it.
But the Titans struggled the rest of the season, unable to finish games and ended up going 6-5 and missing out on the 4A playoffs.
That's fueling Little and the rest of his teammates, as he gets into a comfort zone with the ball in his hands.
"I played a little quarterback when I was younger but it was just a lot younger team," Little said. "It's just this first five games they need me at quarterback."
The offense is being shaped around Little's abilities with more read-option plays.
"It's fun," Little said. "I've got the ball in my hands. I have more control of the game. I like it."
Little is surrounded by family. His cousins Zychaun and Trey Little, Jayden King and Paul Little all are on the team, each playing a role that could help the Titans finish strong this season. They play in perhaps the toughest 4A region, the Skyline, which includes St. Mary's, Northwest Christian, Paradise Honors, Peoria and ALA West Foothills.
"Our mindset is 'finish,' " Nalette said. "It's a tough region. We were in all of those games (in 2025). But something happened and we were playing from behind and those games got away from us.
"We've been preaching them to finish all summer. Whatever drill we're doing, we've got to finish. The guys are receptive to that. It's been their mantra, 'We've got to finish.' "
The Titans spent more of the offseason in the weight room to prepare for bigger teams in the region.
"It's going to be a dogfight, each game," Nalette said. "I think we're better equipped physically for those kinds of battles this year."
And, for Little, it's a chance to show another skill set. He's devoted to Thunderbird and its tight community and wants to see them win.
"I know there were rumors going around that he's transferring to Liberty," Nalette said. "Not only is he staying, he's willing to make a position change. Since he started playing quarterback in the spring, his recruiting has only heated up."
Richard Obert has been covering high school sports since the 1980s for The Arizona Republic. Catch the best high school sports coverage in the state. Sign up for Azcentral Preps Now. And be sure to subscribe to our daily sports newsletters so you don't miss a thing. To suggest human-interest story ideas and other news, reach Obert at richard.obert@arizonarepublic.com or 602-316-8827. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter:@azc_obert
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Thunderbird High star Daryl Little II embraces move to quarterback
