Colorado football team

Analysis, relative value to team success, postseason production and the old- fashioned eye test.

MATHIAS PRICE RB | Ftn.- Fort Carson | Sr. | 6- 2 | 215

The virtually unstoppable dynamic force in the Trojans’ backfield led Class 5A with 2,018 yards rushing and 27 touchdowns. He averaged 8.7 yards per carry and broke the 100- yard mark in 11 of 12 games played. The UNC commit takes his combo of speed and power up to Greeley.

PEYTON KNOEBEL OL | Ralston Valley | Sr. | 6- 5 | 290

The Air Force commit was a stalwart at left tackle for the Mustangs, protecting Madden’s blindside all fall. A physical and smart football player who was equally strong in pass blocking and getting the push necessary to establish the Mustangs’ run game. Also starred at nose tackle during RV’S semifinal game.

OMARI BURSEY LB | Legacy | Sr. | 6- 1 | 227

The uncommitted linebacker was a one- man wrecking crew for the Lightning. Bursey, physical and with a high football IQ, had 99 total tackles, including 81 solo, 22 tackles for loss and eight sacks. He also had two interceptions and two fumbles recoveries, one of which went for a scoop- and- score.

AIDEN KNAPKE DB | Cherry Creek | Jr. | 6- 0 | 190

A pillar at safety for the Bruins, Knapke helped Cherry Creek keep the lid on opposing passing attacks. He was voted the Bruins’ defensive MVP, and in addition to four interceptions and 13 pass break- ups, he proved he could lay the wood in the second level, too, with 104 tackles, plus a couple for loss.

JONATHAN COAR RB | Pine Creek | Jr. | 5- 11 | 185

The Eagles’ catalyst ran for 1,369 yards and 14 touchdowns while leading them to the Class 5A quarterfinals, where they lost to Ralston Valley. Tough to bring down in traffic and capable of turning the corner and leaving the D in the dust. Also Pine Creek’s punter/ kicker; he was 7 of 9 on field goals and 32 of 34 on extra points.

CARLOS MENDOZA OL | Columbine | Sr. | 5- 9 | 230

The uncommitted center epitomized the “junkyard dawg” mentality of the Rebels down the stretch as they upset more physically imposing Cherry Creek in the title game. Technically sound on both sides of the ball ( he also played defensive tackle); a quiet leader who embodied the Rebels’ toughness.

NICK LONG LB | Heritage | Sr. | 6- 1 | 212

The Eagles’ star was a central reason for Heritage’s appearance in the Class 4A quarterfinals the past two seasons. Speedy and athletic, Long posted 86 tackles, including 40 solo, and also had 14 tackles for loss plus 10 sacks and 15 hurries. A consistent menace in the opposing backfield.

MIKEY MUNN DB | Windsor | Sr. | 6- 1 | 175

Munn led all classifications with 12 interceptions, which tied for second in the nation. Two of those were pick- sixes, and he allowed just five completions all fall. The South Dakota signee also had 78 tackles, 12 TDS rushing, three TDS at kick returner and, for good measure, also tossed two TDS.

JORDAN HERRON RB | Cherry Creek | Sr. | 5- 10 | 155

The Bruins’ force in the backfield racked up 1,386 yards and 18 TDS on the ground, good for 8.2 yards per carry with nine games of 100- plus yards. With a sophomore quarterback, Herron and the Division I- laden line he ran behind was a major reason for Cherry Creek’s push to the Class 5A state title game.

GAGE GINTHER OL | Fossil Ridge | Sr. | 6- 6 | 290

The state’s top- ranked 2024 recruit, per 24/ 7 Sports, is signed to Tennessee and can play both tackle and guard, though he projects as more of an interior offensive lineman in the SEC. The anchor of the Sabercats’ line was a man among boys in the Front Range League, racking up 19 pancake blocks.

MASON MILLER LB | Pine Creek | Sr. | 6- 3 | 232

The Iowa State signee was a big playmaker at outside linebacker as the Eagles made a Class 5A quarterfinals trip. Miller had 53 tackles ( 19 solo) and 10 tackles for loss using plus- speed, and he contributed on offense behind Coar in the backfield with 747 yards and eight TDS on 107 carries.

DAGAN MYERS DB | Chatfield | Sr. | 5- 11 | 185

The Chargers’ star cornerback opposite their other defensive playmaker in Niguse Shelp, Myers consistently drew the opposing team’s top wideout as the team made its semifinal run. The CSU signee had 56 tackles ( 38 solo), one interception and 11 passes defensed; smart, physical player in the second level.

HUNTER HAMILTON TE | Columbine | Sr. | 6- 1 | 226

Hamilton had nine catches for 135 yards at tight end and led Columbine with five TD grabs. More importantly, he was a key cog on the end of the line blocking in the Rebels’ full- house, doubletight end sets, with five pancake blocks in the title game. Also a force at defensive end ( 55 tackles, seven sacks).

LANDEN DAVIDSON OL | Broomfield | Sr. | 6- 4 | 308

The third- ranked offensive line prospect in the Class of 2024 behind Ginther and Treter, the Nebraska signee helped will the Eagles to the Class 4A semifinals before falling to Palmer Ridge. Physically imposing with plus- athleticism for his size, he was a major reason for Broomfield’s 2022 title as well.

JAMES CILLESSEN LB | Columbine | Sr. | 5- 11 | 220

On a title team with a handful of impactful two- way starters, Cillessen shone as bright as Gold Helmet winner Snyder. A true three- down linebacker with agility, physicality and speed, Cillessen led the Rebels with 129 tackles ( 92 solo) plus six sacks and doubledigit tackles for loss. Also impactful in CHS’ backfield.

LAWSON DOUGLAS DB | Regis Jesuit | Sr. | 6- 2 | 180

The Penn commit with blazing speed ( 4.5 seconds in the 40) and strong cover instincts was a thorn in the side of opposing offenses all year. Douglas had 53 tackles ( 39 solo), plus four interceptions run back for 138 total yards. His athleticism and ability to close gaps in space will translate to the next level.

JACKSON HANSEN WR | Ralston Valley | Sr. | 5- 10 | 146

As Madden’s top target, Hansen was nearly impossible to cover, and opposing defenses took to double- teaming him down the stretch. Even so, Hansen finished with 91 catches for 1,176 yards and 13 TDS, averaging 90.5 yards per game as a primary playmaker for the 5A semifinalists.

JAKE STONEBRAKER ATH | Douglas County | Sr. | 6- 1 | 215

The Kansas State signee is the second- rated prospect in the Class of 2024, per 24/ 7 Sports. He was a jackknife for the Huskies at running back and outside linebacker. With speed and power, he had 1,009 yards rushing and seven TDS, plus 39 tackles on defense, with eight tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks.

TUFANUA IONATANA UMU- CAIS DL | Cherry Creek | Soph. | 6- 3 | 307

“TI” did something that’s very hard to do at Cherry Creek: He emerged as a star as a sophomore and pillar of the defensive line. Uncommitted but already with a handful of Division I offers, it’s only a matter of time before Umu- Cais pledges to a Power 5 school. He had 82 tackles, seven for loss, with 3.5 sacks.

MASON WALTERS K/ P | Valor Christian | Jr. | 5- 11 | 165

A 4.5- star rated kicker, Walters consistently produced for the Eagles all fall. He had 55 kickoffs for 3,161 yards ( 57.5- yard average), 43 of which went for touchbacks. He was 9 of 12 on field goals, including a state- long 55- yarder against Pine Creek, and pinned five of his punts inside the 20.