Eaglecrest’s Miller, Weatherby extend tradition of elite linemen
Eaglecrest offensive linemen Braden Miller and Kaden Weatherby will make you doubletake upon first glance.
From their choice of top- tier college football scholarship offers, to their towering 6- foot- 6 frames, to the blonde hair that spills out from their helmets while smothering opponents, it’s difficult to pick them apart.
“We call them the twins,” Eaglecrest coach Shawn Marsh said. “They’re the same height, the same weight, and they’ve even got the same flow with the long hair.”
A friendship that began in sixth grade blossomed into a shared football passion. Miller and Weatherby, junior offensive tackles this fall, anchor arguably the best prep offensive line across all of Colorado this season — and it’s no coincidence for Eaglecrest ( 2- 0).
The Raptors have three recent graduates on Power Five football rosters this fall: Kaden’s older brother, Barrett Miller ( Stanford), Reece Atteberry ( Michigan) and Jake Wylie ( Colorado). Kaden Miller and Weatherby, currently undecided on their college destinations, are up next for the Class of 2022.
Several major programs — Arizona State, CU, Kansas State and Michigan State included — have offered scholarships to both Miller and Weatherby. Marsh said his remaining three starters up front, all juniors, also have a future playing college football at some level.
So, how do you explain the surplus of college- ready Eaglecrest offensive linemen?
“There are a bunch of big, strong kids living in all of our areas,” Marsh said. “I think the youth football programs here do a good job of getting those kids excited and wanting those kids to continue playing football. … All the high school coaches know what’s coming into their system. It’s fun to watch the games and know which kids are supposed to be coming to your school.
“But it’s difficult to tell in eighth grade how good a kid is going to be.”
What’s separated Miller and Weatherby is an unsurpassed work ethic, witnessed first- hand by Marsh and Matt McChesney, the owner and operator of Six Zero Strength + Fitness in Centennial.
“The reason I love what I do so much is because of guys like this,” said McChesney, whose full- service athletic training facility has helped send hundreds of area athletes to college football programs over the last decade. “They both know they’re good and they both know they have a ton of potential. They don’t rest on it. They work on it. … I can’t keep Miller and Weatherby out of the gym. I have to tell them to take days off.”
Miller and Weatherby’s dedication has helped pave the way for an explosive Eaglecrest offense.
Through two games, the Raptors have already amassed 961 yards and 10 touchdowns against Centennial League powers Cherokee Trail and Grandview. That includes a dominant ground game with senior running back JP Luketu averaging 163 yards rushing per contest with six total TDs.
“I believe we have one of the best offensive lines in the state of Colorado, for sure,” Miller said. “It’s good to see the work you’re putting in on every play is paying off in the run game.”