Colorado State secures five commits from home state in Class of 2021 so far
Colorado State University enters a new era with former Boston College head coach Steve Addazio taking the reigns in Fort Collins this fall. In his first offseason as the head coach, Addazio and his coaching staff have been hard at…
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Continue ReadingColorado State University enters a new era with former Boston College head coach Steve Addazio taking the reigns in Fort Collins this fall.
In his first offseason as the head coach, Addazio and his coaching staff have been hard at work landing a big class of recruits to make their commitment to Colorado State before the early signing day period later this fall.
One area that Colorado State has recruited hard is in its home state. Up to this point, five local prospects from the Class of 2021 have pledged their commitment to play for the Rams at the next level, and more prospects from the state will be on the radar as well.
Here’s a quick look at the five current prospects to announce a commitment to stay at home and play for Colorado State.
Luke McAllister Luke McAllister 6'4" | QB Palmer Ridge | 2021 State CO , 6’4, 193, QB, Palmer Ridge
Many fans of Colorado State football were excited when McAllister announced his commitment to join the Rams. After all, they saw him lead Palmer Ridge to the state championship in Class 3A as the full-time starter in 2019. He completed 61 percent of his pass attempts for 2,647 yards and 28 touchdowns with just 3 interceptions. He elevated his play in the postseason, completing 46 of his 80 pass attempts for 950 yards and 11 touchdowns to help Palmer Ridge to win state. He stands tall in the pocket and has a quick release that can launch the ball downfield with accuracy to his receivers throughout the season. McAllister is the No. 17 ranked prospect in the state by Prep Redzone and is also trying to get his top receiver Kaden Dudley Kaden Dudley 6'0" | WR Palmer Ridge | 2021 State CO (No. 11 ranked prospect in Colorado by Prep Redzone) to join him in Fort Collins in 2021.
Justin Michael Justin Michael 6'5" | OL Poudre | 2021 State CO , 6’5, 260, OL, Poudre
Michael is the fourth-ranked offensive lineman in Colorado by Prep Redzone and looks to be a good find for Colorado State. He shows a good punch with his hands, latches onto defenders and stays with them while driving down the field. He has experience playing at tackle and can contribute both as a run and pass blocker. You can also see him driving through defenders and finishing blocks with a bit of a mean streak on the film. Look for Michael to continue bulking up and adding strength in the weight room to go with a solid base and skill set already in place.
Tanner Arkin Tanner Arkin 6'3" | TE Fossil Ridge | 2021 State CO , 6’4, 225, TE/LB, Fossil Ridge
Another prospect from the City of Fort Collins committed to stay home is Arkin from Fossil Ridge. Part of a loaded tight end class for 2021, Arkin has good size and can win in 1-on-1 coverage with enough speed to create separation. Another trait that bodes well is his willingness to put his hand in the dirt and block along the offensive line, a trait found in many tight ends recruited by Colorado State in recent years. He saw limited time on the field last season, but he’s shown enough so far as a two-year starter to get on their radar. There were also many plays made on defense at his linebacker spot, and if Arkin can stay on the field more this season, that should help Fossil Ridge improve on a 2-8 record posted in the 2019 season.
Langston Williams Langston Williams 5'10" | DB Eaglecrest | 2021 State CO , 5’10, 152, WR/DB, Eaglecrest
Williams is a local prospect that Colorado State hopes can bolster its secondary. He is a fluid runner and has good hips that allow him to change direction and stay with receivers he is covering. If any quarterback put the ball in a place where he could get two hands on it, usually is leads to him picking off the pass and finding room to run the other way. Whether he comes up tight to the line in press coverage or plays off in zone, he shows a good grasp to be in the right spot to make plays for his team.
Mukendi Wa-Kalonji Mukendi Wa-Kalonji 6'5" | DL Grandview | 2021 State CO , DL, Grandview
This young man stepped into a starting role for the Grandview defense and delivered at his defensive end spot. His long arms help him when he gets engaged with an offensive lineman, but before contact is made, he has a good first step off the line and can rush the gap and get in the backfield quickly as well. He recorded 3 sacks and 30 total tackles for the Wolves last year. Plenty of upside can be found on his tape, and one more year as a starter should help him work on any holes in his game before heading to college.