Our look at the top All-State players returning this fall in Colorado continues. Here, we take a look at Class 4A, where four players who were names First Team All-State by CHSAA are expected to take the field again in 2021.
Let’s dive in now.
<strong>[player_tooltip player_id="22675" first="Connor" last="Jones"], 2022, 6’7, 290, OL, Palmer Ridge:</strong> Jones is the lone player on this list who played in the fall 2020 season. He is one of the big names in the stacked offensive line group in his class, and his play on the field stands out to make him a top 10 prospect in the state. He has a solid frame and great strength already and continues to build and grow. He does a good job in pass protection with his short sets, making immediate contact and staying latched on to the defender at the line of scrimmage. In the run game, he gets to the point of contact and drives his feet with force to move defenders and put him on the ground. Jones is a seasoned starter who continues to improve and stand out, and his efforts have resulted in him committing to Michigan last season.
<strong>Preston Lyons, 2022, 5’11, 237, OL, Thomas Jefferson:</strong> Lyons had a nice spring season and helped Thomas Jefferson win the Class 4A state championship. A potential small-school prospect, Lyons was the team’s right tackle and showed the ability to push defensive linemen around and drive them off the line of scrimmage in the run game. Per his Maxpreps.com stats, he had four pancake blocks in the season. As one of the team leaders for them this fall, Lyons hopes to elevate his game more to lead the Spartans, and a strong senior season could garner some attention on the recruiting trail.
<strong>[player_tooltip player_id="22740" first="Darius" last="McFarland"], 2020, RB/DB, Falcon:</strong> McFarland is a back who shows an good burst when he gets the ball in his hand. It Is effective to get to the edge on an outside toss or sweep, but it’s just as effective going up the gap between the tackles on an inside run. His speed also allows him to create separation from a defender in the open field and escape arm tackles. But don’t think that McFarland is only a speed guy: he will lower the shoulder and deliver contact while running downhill. In his career, he has surpassed 1,743 rushing yards and 19 rushing touchdowns. Another big season rushing the ball could make McFarland a nice, late addition to the recruiting trail for Colorado running backs.
<strong>Spencer Mickelberry, 2022, 6’3, 265, OL/DL, Centaurus:</strong> Mickelberry has the respect of his peers. On his team, he was voted a team captain and best in the weight room. From others across the state, he was named First Team All-State for the 2021 spring football season. And the accolades continued this summer when he earned his first official offer from Valparaiso. He is a two-way player and anchor at the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball, using his hands to engage with defenders on offense and then shedding blocks on defense. The physicality is there on the film too. More offers could be coming with a nice fall season.
