CO Top Performers From National Preps Showcase in Las Vegas

<em>Prospects from across the western region descended upon Las Vegas to attend the National Preps Showcase. Here’s an in-depth look into the top performers from Colorado.</em> <strong>Joshua Bates, OL, 2023, Durango</strong> Bates is one of the top offensive linemen in the state. At 6’3” 280 lbs. he’s a mobile and agile interior offensive lineman at the college level. Quick feet and flashes good bend/flexibility in the hips, knees, and ankles. Great natural strength and power at the POA, he explodes and drives his legs through contact. He’s a violent finisher. As a center, he’s quick to snap then engage showing good efficient hand placement and usage. He’s a high motor guy that plays through the whistle. Waiting on that first offer but is a well-rounded D1 prospect. <strong><img class=" wp-image-24527 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/06/Generic-Featured-Image-2.jpg" alt="" width="266" height="166" />[player_tooltip player_id="22692" first="Tyler" last="Cullen"], DL, 2022, Pueblo West</strong> Worked out with the DL group but plays LB for his HS team. He possesses a versatile skillset that can translate to multiple positions on the defensive side depending on how he develops. At 6’2” 225 lbs. he holds a strong, athletic, and well-balanced frame. Flies around making plays sideline to sideline playing a tough and physical brand of football. Aggressive tackler that plays with good leverage contributing to his strength at the contact point. Plays well with his eyes, he’s decisive with his reads and has a quick trigger to attack the ball carrier. One to watch entering his senior year. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="22684" first="Alec" last="Falk"], OL, 2022, Palmer Ridge</strong> Another one of the state’s top offensive lineman impressed coaches and scouts in throughout the camp. Has the versatility to play any spot on the line and has a great frame to build on at 6’5” 275 lbs. with a 78 inch wingspan. Strong run blocker that comes hard out of his stance with good leg drive. Good powerful punch and snaps his hands when firing out. He’s a mauler that can use his brute strength to overpower opponents. Does a good job using his hands to latch on and sustain his blocks while matching lateral movement. Good potential and upside at the college level. <strong>Zachary Haber, LB, 2023, Durango</strong> A strong two-way player that’s a plus athlete and can affect the game in a variety of ways. He shows quick feet with good short area burst and lateral agility. Good instincts and awareness as a ball carrier, he’s patient until he sees a lane then hits it hard and accelerates through. He’s elusive in the open field using his start/stop speed in addition to his ability to make quick cuts without sacrificing speed. He’s well-rounded with his ball skills and receiving ability out of the backfield. Also a very good DB. Exciting player to watch as he progresses. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="22717" first="Justis" last="Laulu"], DL, 2022, Vista Ridge</strong> Massive size/frame at 6’3” 300 lbs. with a strong lower half. Good mobility and bend for his size. Not a bad athlete showing quickness in his feet and hands combined with his short area burst in pursuit. Good ability to shed blockers and efficiently use his hands to keep blockers off him and away from his body. Can physically overpower opponents with his size and natural strength at the POA. He’s a body tackler that explodes throw contact and brings a thump on every play. Excels as a run stopper but does show an ability to rush/pursue the passer. Strong foundational skillset to build on. <strong>Other Top Performances:</strong> <strong>Tagert Bardin, WR, 2023, Durango</strong> <strong>Jackson Gridley, LB, 2022, Cherokee Trail</strong> <strong>Vladimir Dabovich, DL, 2022, Pueblo West</strong>