Mesa High’s Adam Diaz rises as one of Arizona’s top long snappers

By Robert Bettis
Navajo Times

FORT WORTH, Texas

At just 16 years old, Adam Diaz of Mesa High School has earned statewide recognition as one of the top 10 high school long snappers in Arizona.

But for Adam, a young Navajo and Mexican athlete, this achievement is about more than football; it’s a testament to his family’s values, his quiet perseverance, and the support of a community that sees his success as their own.

Adam’s journey in football began when he was five years old. He started as a center, but as he grew older, his size led him to specialize in long snapping, a critical yet often overlooked position. Before his freshman year, he began training with AZ Elite Snap, a program led by coach Ben Bernard. There, he worked alongside seasoned specialists, including NFL players like Nick Sundberg and Kyle Nelson, refining a technique unique to long snappers with a grip that creates a tight spiral and consistent accuracy.

What sets Adam apart isn’t just his skill but his dedication. His parents describe a young man who balances grueling training schedules with academic excellence, maintaining nearly straight A’s while competing at the highest level. His father has been a constant presence, traveling with him to camps and helping him navigate the competitive world of specialist recruiting. His mother, deeply connected to their Navajo traditions, has ensured that Adam stays grounded in his culture, even when football demands take him far from home.

Adam speaks about his journey with characteristic humility. “I’ve just been working with the top guys in Arizona, trying to get better every day,” he says. “Being named one of the best snappers is cool, but really I’m just focused on being consistent. If you’re not consistent, you won’t progress.”

Family and community are central to Adam’s story. He has sacrificed practices and games to attend ceremonies and family gatherings, a reflection of the Navajo value of putting family first. His mother recalls a ceremony early in his football journey where Adam offered a football as part of the prayers, a moment that symbolized the connection between his sport and his heritage. Though he eventually cut his long hair for practical reasons, the decision was not made lightly. It was a choice that weighed on him for years, a sign of how deeply he respects his culture even as he pursues his athletic dreams.

Adam’s hard work has already led to remarkable accomplishments. Last season, he set two records at Mesa High School for most field goals in a single season and most in the school’s history. He was named first-team all-region in Arizona’s 6A division, and this past summer, he competed at a national showcase in Tennessee, finishing 24th out of 200 competitors. These milestones are not just personal victories but points of pride for his family and the Navajo community.

Looking ahead, Adam has his sights set on playing college football. He has already attended camps at schools like the University of Missouri and the University of Colorado, where he trained alongside Deion Sanders’ players. His long-term dream is to play professionally, whether in the NFL or XFL. His coach, Ben Bernard, believes he has what it takes. “If Adam sets his mind to it, he will achieve it,” Bernard said.

For Adam’s family, his journey is about more than individual success. His mother put it simply: “When he wins, it feels like we’re all winning.” In a state known for producing elite specialists, Adam is breaking ground as one of the few Native American long snappers competing at this level. His story is a reminder of what can happen when talent meets tradition, when a young athlete carries not just his own hopes but the pride of his community with him onto the field.

As Adam prepares for his senior year, his family, coaches, and supporters will be watching to see where football takes him, and to celebrate how far he’s already come. For younger players who dream of excelling in football, Adam’s story offers a powerful lesson: with hard work, humility, and the strength of your community behind you, anything is possible.

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