Top two-way players in Class 1A to watch in 2020
We continue to spotlight the players who are called on to play both offense and defense at a high level for their respective teams. After focusing on the smaller 6-man and 8-man teams in the state, we now move to…
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Continue ReadingWe continue to spotlight the players who are called on to play both offense and defense at a high level for their respective teams. After focusing on the smaller 6-man and 8-man teams in the state, we now move to the tradition 11-man game in Colorado.
Up first is Class 1A, the smallest of the five main classifications. Just like the other small schools touched on, you can expect to see many players contributing on both sides of the ball.
There was no shortage of two-way players who excelled in 2019 that are expected to return this fall, keeping many of these teams we mention in the hunt to reach the playoffs. Here are five players to watch on both offense and defense this upcoming season.
Elijah Burkett, 2021, 5’10, 170, OL/LB, Colorado Springs Christian
Burkett found his way to the football all season long for the Lions. In 11 games, he was able to record 104 tackles, putting him ninth in the state in Class 1A for that statistic, and 41 of those tackles were solo stops. As a linebacker, he was used in blitz packages and got to the quarterback for a total of 8 sacks, tied for fifth most in Class 1A. His speed and quickness was put to good use on defense, but he also showed strength and toughness with his play along the offensive line. The Lions offense ended up averaging 245.7 rushing yards per game with Burkett and company opening up running lanes.
A.J. Hemphill, 2021, 6’0, 180, WR/LB, Strasburg
Hemphill has the size and speed to play as a wide receiver on offense and the physicality to anchor the defense from a linebacker position for the Strasburg Indians. It’s a balance that works well to use his athleticism in any way he can to help the team. It starts with his 112 total tackles (29 solo) on defense as he was all over the field. His best asset was rushing the quarterback and he finished with 8.5 sacks to put him fourth in Class 1A. As a receiver, Hemphill did haul in 21 receptions for 328 yards and 6 touchdowns. Look for him to get some more targets and for Strasburg to be in the hunt to make it to its fifth consecutive state championship game.
Holden Morgan, 2021, 6’2, 185, RB/LB, Highland
Highland turned it on late in the regular season to make it to the Class 1A state playoffs and to win its first round game over Hotchkiss in overtime. A big reason for that was the play of Morgan. In the team’s four-game win streak towards the end of the season, he averaged 174.7 rushing yards and scored 10 rushing touchdowns on offense while recording 30 tackles and recovering a pair of fumbles on defense. He shows a great burst in the open field and good instincts which helps him to break and make tackles. For his efforts, Morgan was named First Team All-State in 2019.
Kory Tacha Kory Tacha 6'1" | RB Limon | 2021 State CO , 2021, 6’1, 195, RB/LB, Limon
The reigning Class 1A Player of the Year did it all to lead the Limon Badgers to the state title. He had the fourth most rushing yards in Class 1A last season with 1,469 but also had 325 receiving yards in the passing game. Getting the ball in his hands resulted in him scoring 18 total touchdowns. His strong play continued on defense with 70 tackles and 2 interceptions. Add in his punting and return work, he did it all and is a top prospect in Class 1A. Tacha shows great vision and patience to find the hole his blockers form and puts his good frame to good use winning many jump balls when being thrown to. You should expect to see Tacha everywhere on the field for Limon again in 2020.
Kelton Turner, 2022, 5’10, 165, RB/DB, Meeker
What Turner make lack in size, he makes up for with heart and instincts. He made big leaps as a defensive back in his sophomore season and recorded 7 interceptions in six of the team’s 11 games. The 7 interceptions was the most by a player in Class 1A and was tied for second in all 11-man classifications in Colorado. There was also an 80-yard fumble return for a touchdown. Turner doubled his rushing production last season as well with 94 carries for 687 yards and 9 touchdowns, and he could see his workload increase in his third varsity season. Experience will no doubt make Turner even more dangerous to make big plays on both sides of the ball for the Meeker Cowboys in 2020.