Small school prospects to watch in the Class of 2022

Most of the recruiting attention may be focused on the Class of 2021, but there is plenty of talent in the Class of 2022 that will also be looked at closely in the state of Colorado. In the lower level classifications, many athletes who flourish get looked at extensively to play at the NCAA Division II and III programs or schools in the NAIA. Most of the players in Class 1A and 2A who will be getting that attention on the recruiting trail soon are just starting their varsity careers in high schools, whether making their debut last season or even seeing some time as a freshman. This fall, they return with experience under the belt and are ready to make a statement as an upperclassmen. Plenty of talent will come from the lower classifications in the state, and here is a look at some of the top prospects in 1A and 2A from the Class of 2022 heading into the next football season. <span style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/will-schrotenboer/">[player_tooltip player_id="22707" first="Will" last="Schrotenboer"]</a>, 6’2, QB, Resurrection Christian</strong></span> Schrotenboer began his high school career under center, making six appearances as a quarterback for the Resurrection Christian Cougars in 2018. Last season, he moved to the outside as a wide receiver and produced for one of the top programs in Class 2A. He recorded 23 receptions for 397 yards and eight touchdowns, providing a big boost in the passing game. This fall, his contributions in the passing game may come under center again, evident by his highlight film spotlighting some short and deep throws he was making with accuracy and touch. Schrotenboer looks natural and fluid throwing the ball and should step in nicely to lead a Cougars team that lost a big senior class. <span style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/tyler-spell/">[player_tooltip player_id="22711" first="Tyler" last="Spell"]</a>, 6’1, DL, Coal Ridge</strong></span> Spell earned playing time last season as a sophomore and contributed along the defensive line with 52 total tackles, 34 of which were solo stops. He made a number of plays in the backfield with 4.5 sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss as well. While listed as an undersized defensive lineman at 6-foot-1 and 205 pounds, Spell is a typical small-level player who can step in and flourish along the line with his toughness and strength. The experience he earned in eight games last season should only serve as a springboard for the 2020 season. <span style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/cade-killin/">[player_tooltip player_id="22716" first="Cade" last="Killin"]</a>, 6’2, DL, Holyoke</strong></span> Another undersized defensive lineman in Class 1A to watch is Killin. After seeing some time on the field as a freshman, he became a full-time starter and had success at his defensive end position under Holyoke coach Dustin Sprague. A more comfortable Killin ended up with 69 total tackles in 2019, jumping from the 28 he recorded a season ago. Holyoke was one of the best defenses in Class 1A and did not allow more than 21 points in a game during the season. One big key for that was the play of Killin on the line. Look for more time in the weight room to pay off for another valued edge player in the classification. <strong><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/cade-killin/">[player_tooltip player_id="22718" first="Cade" last="Palmer"]</a>, 6’0, RB/DB, The Classical Academy</span></strong> Palmer had a good season for The Classical Academy on both sides of the ball in his first season as a starter. On offense, he showed that he can get to the edge and turn on the jets with breakaway speed but can also maneuver and miss defenders when running between the tackles. Those skills led him to record 1,355 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns for the Titans. Palmer also spent some time in the secondary on defense and had 21 tackles and four pass breakups. In a state where many smaller schools look to find a workhorse running back to lead the team, Palmer has etched himself on the list of running backs that can do that and will be one to  watch in Class 2A for the next couple of seasons. <span style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/tayt-chacon/">[player_tooltip player_id="22725" first="Tayt" last="Chacon"]</a>, 6’5, WR, University</strong></span> Another athlete who saw time on the field as a freshman and then elevated his game to be a full-time starter in 2019. Chacon has great size at 6-foot-5 and 185 pounds to make him a receiver opposing defenses have to key on the passing game for the University Bulldogs. His size and length allows him to win jump balls against smaller defensive backs and gives his quarterback trust to throw the ball up to him in 1-on-1 coverage. Chacon would finish 2019 with 28 receptions for 509 receiving yards and five touchdowns. The Bulldogs hope to challenge Resurrection Christian and Eaton in a deep Patriot West League race this year.