After scouring prospect lists, CHSAANow all-state teams and 2024 stats, The Denver Post compiled a list of some of Colorado’s top high school football talent. Players are listed in alphabetical order and are limited to 11-man football programs:
Eli Abramson (Lutheran), QB, sr.: The Lions are 3A contenders once again, thanks in part to the talents of their 6-foot-2, 180-pound senior signal caller, who threw for 1,987 yards and 26 TDs on 57.8% passing last season.
Zeke Andrews (Ralston Valley), QB, sr.: The latest product off the Mustangs QB factory floor, the 6-foot-6 All-Colorado returnee can squeeze passes (2,383 yards, 70.0% passing in ’24) into tight windows one play, then gash defenses with his legs (111 carries, 701 yards) the next.
Brooklyn Bailey (Mountain Vista), WR/CB, jr.: With the Golden Eagles’ talented Class of 2025 off to college, the 5-foot-10, 158-pound Bailey leads a new wave of playmakers as a two-way performer who’s already caught the eye of recruiters at Kansas State, Arkansas State and North Dakota.
Mason Bandhauer (Fort Collins), OT, sr.: The 6-foot-5, 255-pound Iowa State commit had scholarship offers from every major college football conference in the land. And for good reason. Bandhauer’s blend of agility, size and to-the-whistle energy fits the FBS ideal at tackle.
Ryken Banks (Legend), RB, sr.: Sean Payton’s got his Joker. The Titans have Ryken Banks, a versatile 6-foot, 180-pound speedster who punished defenses out of the backfield (129 carries, 847 yards), in the slot (30 catches, 358 yards) and just about everywhere else last fall.
Kellen Behrendsen (Dakota Ridge), QB, sr.: A steady hand for an explosive Eagles offense, the 5-foot-11, 150-pound signal caller threw for 2,006 yards and 12 TDs on 67.6% passing in his first varsity season under center. Now, the goal is to take the 4A state semifinalists one step further.
Nico Benallo (Ralston Valley), WR/S, sr.: A go-to target out of the slot for the Mustangs, the 5-foot-10, 165-pound Benallo is a precise route-runner with shiftiness after the catch who was second in the state last fall with 87 receptions for 819 yards and four TDs. With junior WR Levi Rillos also back, the Mustangs are loaded.
Mason Bonner (Mullen), TE/DB, sr.: Long and rangy with a basketball player’s athleticism at 6-foot-6, 215 pounds, Bonner hauled in 33 balls for 617 yards as a receiver last fall. He’s pledged to play tight end for Michigan come 2026, however, and he could play on Sundays after that.
DJ Bordeaux (Legend), QB, sr.: Once a wunderkind freshman at ThunderRidge, the 6-foot-2 Boston College commit spent the last two years flinging the rock in Georgia. Now he returns to Colorado to play for Russell Wilson’s personal QB coach, Jake Heaps, and give last year’s 5A runners-up a shot at the state crown.
Thomas Buckmiller (Coronado), QB, sr.: It’s been 11 years since Coronado last won more than four games in a season, but the Cougars will be dangerous this fall behind the arm of Buckmiller. A year ago, the 6-foot-1 signal caller threw for 2,167 yards on 52.7% passing. With multiple skill players back, the scoreboard operator may be busy.
Daniel Buckeye (Grandview), OL/DL, jr.: Entering his third season as a varsity starter for the Wolves, the 6-foot-3, 260-pound honorable mention all-state pick is the heart and soul of Grandview’s offensive line and protector of lefty QB Blitz McCarty’s blind side at right tackle.
Nolan Case (Douglas County), WR/RB, sr.: Whether lined up on the perimeter or in the backfield, the 6-foot, 185-pound three-sport star is a serious threat. A strong finish left him at 1,170 total yards (834 receiving, 334 rushing) and 9 TDs last fall. If that momentum carries over, the Huskies have a game-breaker.
Jackson Coleman (Valor Christian), WR, jr.: A state finalist in the 5A boys 100-meter dash as a sophomore, the 6-foot-4 Coleman’s combination of size and speed has offers rolling in from the likes of CSU, Missouri, Syracuse, Vanderbilt and Coastal Carolina.
Justin Cranford (Fort Collins), QB, sr.: A deep senior class has the Lambkins in position to make some noise. At the center of it all is Cranford, a third-year starting QB who’s thrown for 4,274 yards and 33 TDs on 63.2% passing over the last two seasons.
Cherry Creek High School football player Eli Cromwell is photographed during the CHSAA and Denver Broncos seventh annual fall high school media day at Empower Field in Denver, on Aug. 5, 2025. (Photo by RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post)
Elijah Cromwell (Cherry Creek), WR/RB, so.: After making a star turn in the 5A state championship with 105 rushing yards as a freshman, the 5-foot-11, 178-pound captain is set to take the state by storm alongside UConn-bound RB Jayden Fox.
Toray Davis (Fairview), ATH, sr.: The UCLA commit popped as a two-way force for the Knights last season. Already a ballhawk on defense (8 career interceptions), the 6-foot-2, 180-pound speedster compiled 1,261 total yards and 17 TDs as a junior. With Jordan Rechel off to UNC, Davis’ role should grow even more this fall.
Pierce Decker (Poudre), OT/DL, sr.: One of the keys to Poudre’s ground-and-pound attack gaining traction? Finding a way to leverage the talents of Decker, a 6-foot-7, 250-pound Wyoming commit who’s got the power and agility to open things up.
Ayden Dodge (Strasburg), RB/CB, jr.: Give Dodge daylight, and you’ll soon see the back of his jersey. The 6-foot, 150-pounder found the end zone 17 times last fall, scoring on offense (13), defense (1) and special teams (3 kick returns) while compiling 2,068 all-purpose yards.
Kobe Dooley (Mesa Ridge), WR, sr.: A burner with 4.5 speed in the 40, the 5-foot-8, 165-pound Dooley can detonate at any moment. A year ago, he hauled in 25 passes for 538 yards and eight TDs over seven games. Give him a full season, and watch out.
Logan Duhachek (Arvada West), QB, sr.: Recently committed to FCS power Eastern Illinois, the 6-foot-4, 210-pound pocket passer shredded defenses to the tune of 2,806 yards and 23 TDs on 67.7% passing last fall. With all of the Wildcats’ weapons back in the fold, expect more fireworks.
Dante Dupuch (Mullen), RB/DB, sr.: Compact and powerful at 5-foot-6, 170 pounds, Dupuch has been a workhorse for the Mustangs the last two seasons with 359 carries for 2054 yards. An even bigger workload may await, with Mullen eyeing a breakout season.
Jacob Dunning (Lamar), QB, jr.: After a prolific sophomore year on the football field (2,595 yards, 31 TDs on 61.7% passing) and basketball court (15.9 ppg, 5.5 rpg), the 2A first-team all-state QB has the Thunder preparing for another run to the state playoffs.
Ki Ellison (Fairview), QB, jr.: Fairview’s latest prolific passer made a big first impression last fall, throwing for 2,873 yards and 27 TDs on 66.5% passing en route to the 5A state semifinals. Can he and do-it-all senior Toray Davis take the Knights a step further?
Brody Flores (Grandview), OLB, sr.: Electric off the edge, the 6-foot-3, 200-pound Utah State commit moved from cornerback to OLB last season and fit right in. After racking up 18.0 tackles for loss and 9.0 sacks in 12 games, he’s got the attention of opposing offensive coaches.
Joey Foot (Longmont), WR/DB, sr.: The Foot brothers (Longmont’s Feet?) gobbled up a lot of turf for the Trojans last fall with Joey and sophomore-to-be Jacob combining to catch 138 passes for 1,889 yards. Whether or not they match those numbers this season may depend on how new head coach Jordan Graff deploys them.
Jayden Fox (Cherry Creek), RB, sr.: The most productive back in 5A last fall with 1,815 yards on 186 carries, Fox was a first down waiting to happen. A state finalist in the 100-meter dash (10.68 seconds), the UConn commit’s combination of speed, elusiveness and vision makes him a TD threat any time he touches the ball.
Trajan Frasier (Arapahoe), RB/DB, sr.: Limited to eight games last fall, Frasier thrived as an ironman when healthy and caught the eye of Princeton as a defensive back commit. Paired with sophomore speedster Marcello Jaramillo in the backfield, a big season awaits.
Leland Frescaz (Doherty), QB, sr.: After compiling 4,305 yards and 39 TDs on 61.3% passing over a pair of five-win seasons, the 6-foot-4, 195-pound signal caller returns with an array of familiar targets ready to light up scoreboards across the Pikes Peak region.
Isaiah Garcia Perez (Broomfield), OT, sr.: The Eagles’ hopes for a repeat 4A title start in the trenches with the 6-foot-5, 305-pound Garcia Perez, a 4A all-state returnee with offers from Fresno State, Washington State and South Dakota, and fellow three-star tackle Evan Haines.
Ty Goettsche (Cherry Creek), TE, sr.: The Bruns have a serious red zone target in Goettsche, a 6-foot-7 BYU commit with a basketball player’s leaping ability and a wide receiver’s hands. After hauling in four TDs for the Bruins last fall, the arrow is pointing up once he’s healthy again.
Josh Gonsalves (Mead), LB, sr.: The Mavericks defense was among the stingiest in 3A last fall, with Gonsalves (103 tackles, 5.0 sacks) and fellow senior linebacker Carter Woods (104, 4.5) among the primary reasons why. That defense will have Mead in the 3A mix once again.
Tanner Gray (Wellington), QB/DE, sr.: The Eagles have become instant 2A contenders thanks in part to the two-way talents of Gray, a 6-foot-4, 235-pound wrecking ball who put up 1,455 total yards, 22 TDs, 8.0 tackles for loss and 4.0 sacks in 10 games last fall. Nevada, Sacramento State and Washington State are all interested.
Jaiden Green (Arvada West), RB/DB, sr.: The lightning to fellow senior Adrian Symalla’s thunder out of the A-West backfield, Green is fast and explosive at 6-foot, 165 pounds. He’s topped 900 yards rushing two years in a row, and a 1,000-yard season isn’t out of the question.
Tanner Guthrie (Heritage), S, sr.: Following in the footsteps of another Guthrie at Heritage, current Nebraska Cornhusker DB Rex, Tanner gives the Eagles a sure tackler (120 tackles in ’24) in the secondary with high-level ball skills (3 INTs) and the IQ to match.
Evan Haines, of Broomfield, is photographed during the CHSAA and Denver Broncos seventh annual fall high school media day at Empower Field in Denver, on Aug. 5, 2025. (Photo by RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post)
Evan Haines (Broomfield), OT, sr.: Not many 4A programs can boast a pair of future FBS tackles, but that may be the case with the defending champion Eagles, who have the 6-foot-7, 315-pound Haines on one side and 6-5, 305-pound Isaiah Garcia Perez on the other. Haines’ offer list includes Fresno State, New Mexico State and UNC.
Enzo Hernandez (Jefferson), DL, sr.: A run-stopping, quarterback-sacking, game-wrecking force on the interior, the three-year varsity starter already has 51.0 tackles for loss and 40.0 sacks to his name entering his senior year.
Caeden Herrera (Pueblo South), QB/DB, sr.: Whether it’s mashing baseballs (16 extra-base hits) in the spring, snagging rebounds (9.3 per game) in the winter, or torching DBs (2,480 yards, 30 TDs passing) in the fall, South’s 6-foot-3 all-state QB is a man for all seasons.
Braylon Hodge (Cherry Creek), LB, sr.: The Michigan State commit has the size (6-foot-3, 215 pounds) and athletic ability to hold his own in coverage and in the box. After totaling 50 tackles (4.0 for loss), one interception and a forced fumble as a junior, Hodge put in work in the weight room to make an even bigger impact this fall.
Cade Holles (Cherry Creek), DL/OLB, sr.: The little brother of CSU running back Keegan Holles isn’t so little anymore. At 6-foot-6, 235 pounds, the Fresno State commit is a terror up front (8.0 tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks, two forced fumbles) for a stout Creek defense.
Azariah Hurtado (Monte Vista), WR/DB, sr.: A deep threat on offense (35 catches, 876 yards in ’24) on offense, ballhawk on defense (69 tackles, 8 interceptions) and explosive returner on special teams (2 return TDs), the 6-foot-2, 170-pound Hurtado puts his stamp on every inch of the field but the bench.
Tufanua Ionatana Umu-Cais (Cherry Creek), DL, sr.: A three-year starter on the Bruins defensive line, the 6-foot-3, 307-pound Washington commit is a menace on the interior, clogging up holes, gobbling up ball-carries and making QBs think twice about stepping up in the pocket.
Phoenix Jenkins (Pine Creek), OL, jr.: Mountainous and mobile at 6-foot-6, 260 pounds, Jenkins comes to Creek after spending last fall at Los Alamitos in Southern California. With offers from Central Michigan, Toledo, Liberty and Florida Atlantic, he’s on a lot of schools’ radar.
Camden Jensen (Heritage), TE, sr.: The three-star UCLA commit combines an offensive tackle’s size (6-foot-7, 242 pounds) with a pulling guard’s nasty streak and a wide receiver’s hands to give the Eagles the complete package at tight end — again.
Sam Johnson (Arapahoe), DB/WR, sr.: The 6-foot-2, 195-pound senior is an aggressive playmaker out of the secondary, capable of flying to the line of scrimmage to deliver run-stuffing blows (78 tackles, one forced fumble in ’24) or patrolling the back end to pick off errant passes (5 INTs).
Landon Kalsbeck (Dakota Ridge), RB/LB, sr.: A battering ram back with breakaway speed (1,777 total yards, 22 TDs), as well as a game-wrecking LB in the middle (15.5 TFLs, 11.0 sacks), the 6-foot-2, 210-pound Washington State commit is a big reason why the Eagles are title contenders once again.
Alijah Landrum-Hamilton (Cherry Creek), WR, jr.: At 120 catches and 1,420 yards two seasons into his prep career, Landrum-Hamilton is a pair of sure hands in the slot. A strong route-runner who can also open things up as a blocker, he’s got offers from Miami, Ole Miss, CSU and Penn.
Adrian Lee (Chaparral), DL, sr.: If the Wolverines are going to turn a corner this season, they’ll need another big season from the 6-foot-6. 210-pound Lee up front. A year ago, he posted 15.0 sacks, 23.0 tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles.
Dolphka Lewis (Pueblo East), QB, jr.: The backfield combination of Lewis and RB Justus Freeman shredded defenses for 216.2 rushing yards per game last season. The 5-foot-10 Lewis also added 1,195 yards through the air as a 3A all-state pick. With both players back, the Eagles are primed to build on last year’s 8-3 campaign.
Maxwell Lovett (Cherry Creek), WR, sr.: The 6-foot, 180-pound Kansas State commit enters his fourth varsity season with 37 games, 119 catches, 1,844 receiving yards and 20 TDs on the ledger. Armed with sprinter’s speed and reliable hands, he can take the top off a defense.
Colton Lucero (Pagosa Springs), RB/LB, sr.: A state wrestling runner-up at 144 pounds, the 5-foot-8 Lucero is a two-way phenom who alternated between punishing defenses as a ball-carrier (1,862 rush yards) and blowing up offenses as a hard-hitting linebacker (73 tackles, 3.0 sacks) last fall.
Noah Lucero (Roosevelt), WR/S, jr.: An impact player on both sides of the ball from Day 1, the 6-foot-4, 180-pound all-state pick is back for a third varsity letter after reeling in 37 balls for 674 yards on offense and pulling down two more passes for picks on defense.
Troy Mailo (Mullen), OLB, jr.: A natural talent with burst and bend, Mailo is a handful (14.0 tackles for loss, 7.0 sacks) off the edge at 6-foot-3, 230 pounds who enters his junior year with double-digit scholarship offers, including from Michigan, Oklahoma, Utah, Arizona State and CSU.
Ethan Mangrum (Sand Creek), ATH/S, jr.: The Scorpions return multiple contributors from a breakout seven-win season, and the all-everything Mangrum is among the most critical after piling up 1,987 total yards and 23 TDs on offense and 20 tackles and one interception on defense.
Jack Manthey (Regis Jesuit), K/P, sr.: The third-year kicker is as reliable as a metronome for Regis, connecting on 74 of 77 extra points and 20 of 26 field goals with a long of 52 yards over the past two seasons. Colorado Mines wants him to stick around the Front Range.
Thatcher Matthews (Golden), QB, jr.: An early-season injury thrust Matthews into action last fall, and the then-sophomore met the moment, piling up 2,622 total yards (1,099 rushing, 1,253 passing) and 26 TDs while leading the Demons to the state playoffs. A year wiser, he has Golden in the 4A mix.
Football player Josiah Manu of Thompson Valley is photographed during the CHSAA and Denver Broncos seventh annual fall high school media day at Empower Field in Denver, on Aug. 5, 2025. (Photo by RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post)
Josiah Manu (Thompson Valley), OL/DL, sr.: Recently committed to CU, the 6-foot-5, 290-pound lineman was an anchor on both sides of the ball for last year’s 3A champions. While Manu’s college future is likely at guard, he’s a driving force for one of the most dominant defenses in the state.
Blitz McCarty (Grandview), QB, sr.: A year after throwing for 1,910 yards and 17 TDs in his first varsity season, the southpaw Idaho commit has added roughly 25 pounds to his 6-foot-2 frame and a running element to his game as he looks to push the Wolves into the upper echelon of 5A.
Chase Mehan (Montrose), RB/DB, sr.: The 6-foot, 163-pound all-state returnee scored TDs in all three phases for last year’s 4A runners-up as a dangerous all-purpose weapon (1,183 yards, 17 TDs) who also swung games as a rangy defensive back (70 tackles, 3 INTs).
Caden Miller (Ponderosa), LB, sr.: Quick and decisive in the middle of the Pondo defense, the 5-foot-11, 190-pound senior has the power to shed blockers and plug holes up front, and the speed to track down ball-carriers on the edge. He’s racked up 221 tackles (11.0 for loss) over the last two years.
Oliver Miller (Cherry Creek), OT, sr.: Thrust into the 5A semifinals as a backup lineman his sophomore year, the Kansas State commit gave a glimpse of things to come in a win over Ralston Valley. He’s been in the weight room ever since and topped 500 pounds on the squat rack this offseason.
Will Monroe (Columbine), TE/DE, sr.: A high-motor player who never leaves the field, the 6-foot-2, 215-pound 5A all-state returnee is a terror off the edge (11.0 sacks in ’24) with power, speed and relentless effort. Air Force and Montana State have offers on the table.
Noah Meurer (Arvada West), WR/DB, sr.: The 6-foot, 175-pound Meurer has a deep bag (55 catches, 855 yards, 10 TDs in ’24) with the speed to beat teams deep, elusiveness to break free on screens, and route-running acumen to move the sticks. Throw in strong run-blocking chops, and you’ve got the total package.
Emmitt Munson (Pomona), ATH, sr.: Built in the classic Panther ironman mold, the 6-foot, 175-pound all-state returnee (2,147 total yards, 61 tackles, 3.0 sacks) leads a talented senior class looking to elevate Pomona one more level after last year’s 3A semifinal appearance.
Jack Offerdahl (Dakota Ridge), DB/KR, sr.: The younger brother of Coach Prime favorite Charlie Offerdahl, the 4A all-state returnee is a dynamic playmaker whenever he gets the ball in space and a reliable last line of defense (195 career tackles, 6 INTs) in the Eagles secondary.
Dawson Olk (Valor Christian), QB, sr.: After throwing for 2,549 yards and 21 TDs last fall, the 6-foot-3 senior has been locked in a tight training camp battle for the starting QB spot with sophomore Titus Huard, a coveted college recruit himself. Whoever first-year head coach Mike Sanford chooses, the Eagles will be in good hands.
Elian Oliva (Northfield), LB/S, sr.: An always-buzzing defender with state track speed, the 6-foot-2, 180-pound Oliva covers a lot of ground for the Nighthawks defense. After a junior season with 16.0 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks, Air Force and others have taken notice.
Football player Keenan Parks of Thompson Valley is photographed during the CHSAA and Denver Broncos seventh annual fall high school media day at Empower Field in Denver, on Aug. 5, 2025. (Photo by RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post)
Keenan Parks (Thompson Valley), OL, sr.: Originally a quarterback as a freshman, the 6-foot-4, 246-pound San Jose State commit moved to the trenches a year later and transformed into a physical left tackle. With CU commit Josiah Manu at left guard, the Eagles’ left side is on lockdown.
Jaxon Pyatt (Arvada West), LB, sr.: The 6-foot-2, 225-pound Cal commit enters his fourth season as a menace in the middle of A-West’s defense. Athletic enough to drop into coverage and powerful enough to lower the boom from sideline to sideline, Pyatt is circled in red on every opposing coach’s game plan.
Jake Pisciotta (Pueblo South), WR/DB, sr.: The Colts passing game produced serious fireworks last fall, with Caeden Herrera to Pisciotta (56 catches, 985 yards, 10 TDs) particularly explosive. With fellow WR Namon Robinson also back, defenses must pick their poison.
Maverick Powers (Montrose), LB, sr.: A heavy-hitting tackler with sideline-to-sideline range, the 5-foot-11, 170-pound linebacker registered a team-high 139 tackles (6.0 for loss) and two forced fumbles for last year’s 4A runners-up.
Jackson Roper (Cherry Creek), OT, jr.: Rated the top Class of 2027 recruit by 247Sports, the 6-foot-5, 285-pound junior takes over at left tackle for the Bruins after two varsity seasons at Regis Jesuit. With offers from Alabama, Oklahoma, Texas A&M, Ole Miss and others, the line of schools recruiting Roper is long.
Luke Rubley (Regis Jesuit), QB, so.: The youngest son of former Broncos QB T.J. Rubley, the 6-foot-3 dual-threat QB already has the attention of Power 4 programs across the country — Florida State, Minnesota, Oklahoma State and CSU among them — after throwing for 1,983 yards and 16 TDs as a freshman.
Reis Russell (Valor Christian), OL, jr.: The 6-foot-4, 295-pound junior’s list of offers grows by the week, with more than 20 FBS programs vying for his services. He’ll line up at right tackle with USC commit Kannon Smith on the opposite end this fall. Good luck getting to Valor’s QB.
Trevon Salas (Mesa Ridge), RB, sr.: Entering his fourth varsity season, the 4A all-state returnee (2,782 career rush yards, 33 TDs) has the speed to burst outside, the power to grind out yards between the tackles, and the wiggle to bust loose on any carry.
Matthew Schimberg (Grandview), TE, jr.: At 6-foot-6, 235 pounds, Schimberg is straight off the D-I tight end assembly line with a blend of size, speed and toughness that has schools like Cal, Minnesota, Kansas, San Diego State and CSU looking to lure him to their campus.
Deacon Schmitt (Windsor), OL/DL, sr.: It’s a coin flip who makes it farther downfield: The Wizards ball carrier the 6-foot-5, 310-pound Schmitt is blocking for? Or the poor defender the Oklahoma commit is pancaking into the turf. No doubt, Windsor will run behind him often.
Gabe Sema (Erie), TE, sr.: The Northern Arizona commit combines soft hands with plus athleticism and a powerful 6-foot-4, 230-pound frame to give the Tigers a dangerous weapon both in the passing game (20 catches, 443 yards in ’24) and as a blocker.
Jamison Seese (Heritage), QB, sr.: A maestro at the controls of Heritage’s high-octane spread attack, the 6-foot-1, 182-pound dual-threat QB has the arm to make all sorts of throws and the athleticism to improvise when needed. After putting up video game numbers last fall (3,636 total yards, 36 TDs), the sky’s the limit.
Brody Sieck (Arapahoe), DL, sr.: The 6-foot-1, 205-pound Sieck lived in opponents’ backfields last fall, totaling 20.0 tackles for loss and 14.0 sacks for a salty Warriors defense. He’ll fit right in with Troy Calhoun’s blue-collar Air Force program.
Tripp Skewes (Kent Denver), T/DE, sr.: The 6-foot-7, 300-pound offensive tackle chose Vanderbilt over a long list of suitors. While he was recruited to protect QBs, he’s shown in the past to be pretty good at tracking them down (24.0 career sacks), too.
Kannon Smith (Valor Christian), OT, sr.: A returning All-Colorado offensive tackle with a three-sport athletic background, the 6-foot-5, 248-pound USC commit anchors a big and nasty Valor offensive line that may very well be the best in the state.
Mark Snyder (Columbine), RB/DB, sr.: Like his older brother, Josh, now at Colorado Mines, the 6-foot-2, 195-pound two-way star can turn on the jets as both a breakaway runner (1,471 yards, 20 TDs rushing in ’24) and lockdown defensive back (43 tackles, seven passes defensed).
Kaden Souders (Fort Collins), LB, sr.: Known as a slugger on the diamond, the 6-foot, 190-pound Souders is also a big hitter on the gridiron with a nose for the football. In the last two seasons, he’s accumulated 201 tackles (17.5 for loss), 6.0 sacks, five interceptions and three forced fumbles.
Cash Spence (Valor Christian), WR/DB, sr.: Lined up in the slot, out on the perimeter or even in the backfield, the all-everything All-Colorado returnee is a threat the moment his cleats hit the field. He had 1,226 total yards in 2024, as well as 52 tackles (5.5 for loss) and 3 INTs. He’ll go both ways again this fall.
Colby Stroup (Pomona), OL/DL, sr.: The leader of a Panthers offensive line that paved the way for an average of 239.5 rushing yards per game last fall, the 6-foot-5, 245-pound all-state selection is a big reason why Pomona is among the top contenders in 3A.
Football player Landry Suarez of Thompson Valley is photographed during the CHSAA and Denver Broncos seventh annual fall high school media day at Empower Field in Denver, on Aug. 5, 2025. (Photo by RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post)
Landry Suarez (Thompson Valley), FB/LB, sr.: The 5-foot-11, 220-pound all-state returnee has manned the middle of one of the stingiest defenses in the state the past two years, logging 199 tackles and one state championship. With several starters back, title No. 2 is a real possibility.
Adrian Symalla (Arvada West), RB/DB, sr.: After back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons, the 5-foot-10, 203-pound senior leader caught the eye of Navy, where his physical running style is likely to pay dividends in the Midshipmen’s triple-option attack.
Atticus Tillman (Arvada West), DB, sr.: Lean and fast at 6-foot-2, 160 pounds, the CSU commit is a reliable bulwark at the third level of defense. After registering 40 tackles and three interceptions last fall, he could branch out to the offensive side of the ball, too.
Braylon Toliver (Erie), RB/DB, sr.: A state title game hero in 2023, the 5-foot-11, 185-pound Oregon State commit is bigger and badder after a junior year that saw him pile up 1,379 total yards and 14 TDs at running back, and 42 tackles and six interceptions as a roving safety.
Gage Turnbull (Legend), OL, sr.: The return of the 6-foot-4, 285-pound 5A all-state selection gives the Titans a leader on the offensive line following the exodus of a talented senior class from last year’s 5A runner-up squad. Air Force is interested.
Owen Twesme (Palmer Ridge), OL, sr.: A state champion shot putter last spring, the 6-foot-2, 285-pound senior is back with fellow all-state offensive lineman Dylan Yanovich to give the Bears a pair of piledrivers on what should be a formidable front.
Lijah Vialpando (Columbine), LB/RB, jr.: The Rebels’ leading tackler (126) as a sophomore, the 6-foot-1, 170-pound linebacker has a habit of being around the ball (three INTs, two forced fumbles, four recoveries). With plans to put him in the backfield this fall, he’ll get to carry it now, too.
Cherry Creek High School football player Brady Vodicka is photographed during the CHSAA and Denver Broncos seventh annual fall high school media day at Empower Field in Denver, on Aug. 5, 2025. (Photo by RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post)
Brady Vodicka (Cherry Creek), QB, sr.: The 6-foot-2, 215-pound Louisiana Tech commit got his first start in Week 7 of his freshman year and hasn’t looked back. With all of that experience and all of those weapons at his disposal, Vodicka is primed for a big year.
Corbin Wade (Green Mountain), DL, sr.: The 6-foot-4, 220-pound UC Davis commit was an integral part of the Rams’ run to 3A semifinals as a disruptive force (12.5 tackles for loss, 7.0 sacks) off the edge. With him and senior OLB Drew Contreras back to apply pressure, the Rams are menacing.
Solomon Washer (Conifer), WR/DE, sr.: A big target at 6-foot-6, 190 pounds, Washer is the state’s leading returning receiver after hauling in 46 passes for 1,049 yards and 13 TDs last fall. Find a way to get him the ball, and big things often happen.
Cash Williams (Chatfield), QB, jr.: The 6-foot-1, 170-pound dual-threat QB accumulated more than 1,800 total yards in leading the Chargers to eight wins in his first varsity season. Multiple playmakers remain for Chatfield, but much hinges on a retooled offensive line.
Jace Winchester (Dakota Ridge), OL/DL, sr.: The 6-foot-2, 275-pound CSU commit plays with a mean streak at right tackle. Strong enough to set the edge and keep it, and agile enough to get out in space and lower the boom, he’ll anchor an Eagles line looking to do big things.
Halas Wise (Centaurus), QB/DB, jr.: The 6-foot, 165-pound Wise needed all of nine games to compile 2,453 yards and 23 TDs on 61.7% passing in his first varsity season. With favorite target and fellow junior Jax Lewis also returning, the best is yet to come.
Robert Wittke (Denver West), DB, sr.: The Cowboys’ football resurgence last fall was powered by a strong junior class, at the heart of which was the 6-foot-1, 185-pound Wittke. He was not only the most productive defensive back in the state (9 INTs, 3 pick-6s), but also a multi-purpose threat on offense (647 total yards, 11 TDs).
Elijah Womack (Montrose), RB, sr.: It doesn’t matter if you know it’s coming, and most defenses usually do, this All-Colorado bruiser is going to get his yards (2,285 in ’24 and 30 TDs) behind the Red Hawks’ physical offensive line, whether you like it or not.
Matthew Zeck (Pueblo West), DL, sr.: The Cyclones took heavy losses from last year’s 4A semifinal team, but the return of 4A all-state defensive lineman Zeck (61 tackles, 8.0 sacks) and senior middle linebacker Joren Flores should ensure another salty West defense.
Note: All statistics taken from maxpreps.com, and all star ratings and scholarship offer lists are from 247Sports.com.
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