Chalk up another award for Scottsdale Saguaro quarterback Tim Ruben.
Maybe this one will finally lead to a scholarship offer.
Ruben captured the 21st annual Ed Doherty Award at the Hilton Scottsdale Resort and Villas on Friday afternoon, given to Arizona’s high school football player of the year, joining past winners such as current NFL players Todd Heap, John Beck and Zach Miller.
The other finalists were Scottsdale Notre Dame’s Sean Renfree, Chandler Hamilton’s Gerell Robinson, Peoria Centennial’s Jarrell Barbour and Sierra Vista Buena’s Jamal Womble.
Ruben, also the Tribune’s Player of the Year, guided the Sabercats to the first undefeated season in school history and to a second straight 4A-I title. He rushed and passed for more than 2,000 yards each in the season.
And while Ruben was gracious about being selected, he still waits for an offer to play football at a four-year school.
“It’s frustrating,” Ruben said. “But I can’t do anything about it. Just sit and be patient.”
Ruben said he’s been asked to walk-on at Boise State, where his brother, Alex, plans to do so, but that is only one option. Ruben doesn’t see himself playing next year at a junior college.
“If I get a four-year opportunity, I’m going to jump on it,” Ruben said.
Ruben doesn’t anticipate making a decision before signing day, which is Feb. 6. More spots could be available when players don’t qualify academically for college.
