A.J. Hairston. {Top Shot Media}
This article was previously published and is being featured as one of many of our top stories for 2023.
By: Matt Rothman
Monarch High School’s phenom AJ Hairston was one of the most coveted quarterbacks from the 2024 class.
After receiving offers from nearly a zone of schools, including several Power-5 teams, Hairston is officially committed to playing at the University of Massachusetts.
“It feels unreal, and I’m so happy, but this is just the start for me,” Hairston said. “From the start, UMass really stood out to me with the hospitality from their coaches and players. They made me feel like I’m at home.”
Hairston started taking football serious when he was a  freshman in high school and has risen to one of the best in the state.
This past season, he led Monarch to their second straight District Championship in school history. Hairston finished the 2022 season with 196 completion and 3,217 passing yards. He tossed 32 touchdowns and had only six interceptions. Hairston also ran for over 350 rushing yards along with seven touchdowns and won Broward County Player of the Year.
Still, with one year left before heading to college, Hairston hopes to work on his mechanics. The Knights wrapped up their spring season and played just one quarter before their game was postponed. Monarch will open up their season at home on August 24 against Cedar Grove High High School.
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Author Profile
- Matt Rothman is a 2018 graduate from Florida Gulf Coast University receiving his bachelor’s degree in journalism and then graduated from the University of Florida as a graduate student. He also works for the Mohave Valley Daily News in Bullhead City, Arizona covering high school sports.
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