In 1998, as a senior at Tualatin (Oregon) High, Staley was named Gatorade Player of the Year and USA Today Player of the Year for the state of Oregon. He was also named Oregonian Player of the Year, earned All-State honors on offense and defense, and was conference Player of the Year for offense, defense, and special teams. He averaged over 300 yards per game during Tualatin's 4-game playoff run. Staley was listed as a Blue Chip Top 100 player.