Super Sophomores: Top 2023 Prospects In New Mexico
You don’t often see freshman excelling at the varsity level. But last year there were several that did just that. Here are the Top 2023 prospects (rising sophomores) in the state of New Mexico for the upcoming season: Aiden Chavez,…
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Continue ReadingYou don’t often see freshman excelling at the varsity level. But last year there were several that did just that. Here are the Top 2023 prospects (rising sophomores) in the state of New Mexico for the upcoming season:
Aiden Chavez, QB, Cibola: In Week 1 last season, Chavez threw for 428 yards and six touchdowns in a victory, and he continued to shine throughout the season. In six games, he threw for 1,493 yards and 13 touchdowns. He could be the most dynamic young player in the state.
Cayden Walton, RB/DB, Raton: Best young running back in the state? Yes. Walton rushed for 1,907 yards (158.9 ypg) and 19 touchdowns, leading Raton as far as the second round of the Class 3A playoffs. When you post the numbers Walton did a season ago, expectations should be off the charts in 2020.
Marcquis Henry, QB, Aztec: Henry’s high football IQ stands out for a player entering his sophomore season. Henry will probably be a four-year starter at quarterback for Aztec. Last season he threw for 1,245 yards and 13 touchdowns and was his school’s second leading rusher with 399 yards on the ground. Two years from now, it could be a Chavez vs. Henry battle as to the top quarterback in the state.
Kellen Gehres, WR, Albuquerque Academy: Gehres could be one of the state’s best kept secrets because Albuquerque Academy played an independent schedule in 2019. Gehres was a major contributor at wide receiver with 34 receptions for 554 yards and six touchdowns. Listed at just 5-foot-8, if Gehres grows to six feet or taller, watch out.
Alexavier Carreon, RB/LB, Jal: One of the top two-way young players in the state. Carreon carried 65 times for 288 yards as a running back, caught 9 passes for 82 yards and finished second on the team in tackles with 50. A rising star in the football-obsessed southeastern corner of the state.
Mikah Gutierrez, Centennial: A rising star for a program that came this close to knocking off the eventually state champions in the Class 6A playoffs last November.
Maddox Montoya, LB, Rio Rancho: Montoya isn’t on this list necessarily because of what he did last season on the football field for the Rio Rancho varsity. However, the rising sophomore is a workout warrior in the weight room. He already lifts 225 pounds on the bench press. He’ll only get stronger, too.
AJ Rivera, QB, Albuquerque Academy: While Gehres was emerging as one of the top young wide receivers in the state last season, who was throwing him the ball? Another freshman. Rivera completed 62 percent of his passes last season for 1,476 yards and 12 touchdowns.