Returning All-State First Team players from Class 5A

With the preseason getting underway next week, we take a look at some of the top teams and players to watch in Colorado this fall. Here, we take a look at the athletes who were named First Team All-State that return this fall. In total, nine athletes will make up this group in Class 5A, Colorado’s highest classification. <strong>Mohamed Altayeb, 2022, 6’3, 250, TE/DE, Denver East:</strong> A player who shined in the spring football season last year, Altayeb had his best season defensively with 28 tackles and a sack. He has the size and athleticism of a true defensive end, but he will slide inside at the defensive tackle spot and produce. He uses his hands well to get off blocks and does not get driven off the line of scrimmage with his great leverage. His speed makes him dangerous when he gets in the backfield to chase down quarterbacks and also in pursuit. A big season for Altayeb could help Denver East compete in the Metro 2 League. [player_tooltip player_id="153761" first="Josh" last="Clark"]<strong>, 2022, OL/DL, Boulder:</strong> The left tackle for the Boulder Panthers, he has shown improvement in his game over the years and should be a leader up front for the team again this fall. Clark and his offensive line showed steady play as a whole which helped the team average 138 passing yards and 109 rushing yards per game and reach the spring state championship game. <strong>Isaiah Davis, 2022, 5’8, 160, RB/DB, Denver East:</strong> You will see Davis all over the field on offense. He’ll line up in the backfield from his traditional running back spot, and Denver East will also line him up at receiver and use his hands in the passing game. The athletic back can get to the edge with his speed but does a good job planting his foot and going north-to-south in a hurry. When defenders get close, he can jump cut, spin and do many other moves to break arm tackles and get extra yardage. Davis rushed for 380 yards and five touchdowns while catching 28 passes for 309 yards and a score as well. In addition to his play on offense, he can change in the game returning kicks in the special teams. <strong>Jimmy Jefferson, 2022, 5’10, 242, OL/DL, Rangeview:</strong> While he may be a bit undersized for a typical defensive tackle, he can use that to his advantage by keeping low and playing with good leverage. Jefferson is a smart player who can break down a play and determine when a screen or counter play is coming. He does play with a high motor and will be found in the pile for tackles frequently. Jefferson hopes that a busy summer working out will see his play improve going into his senior season. [player_tooltip player_id="153742" first="Aaron" last="Karas"]<strong>, 2022, 6’5, 290, OL, Pomona:</strong> One of the top 10 offensive line prospects in the state according to Prep Redzone Colorado, Karas had a solid 2019 fall season for a strong Pomona program. He flourished in the run game with his quick first step and driving his feet to get movement up front, and he will finish blocks with a mean streak. You also see the ability to pull, get to the second level and set the edge for outside runs. His play has earned him offers from Air Force and Army up to this point. [player_tooltip player_id="22669" first="Braden" last="Miller"]<strong>, 2022, 6’7, 290, OL, Eaglecrest:</strong> Another one of the top offensive line prospects in the state who is back, Miller is another big prospect who played at the right tackle spot. He shows good pass protection sets with a good base and active feet, but he will get off the line quickly and work to the second level in the run game just as well. For a big guy, he moves fluidly. And plenty of times on film, you see him finish blocks and put guys on the ground. Miller announced his commitment to Michigan State earlier this summer. [player_tooltip player_id="58964" first="Boden" last="Page"]<strong>, 2022, 6’2, 180, K/P, Cherry Creek:</strong> Page has a big leg. He booted 21 of his 34 kickoffs into the end zone for touchbacks and averaged 45.9 yards per punt when called to do it. Accuracy is there as well, and Page converted 34 of his 36 PATs. He did hit a 36-yard field goal but has limited opportunities to kick them due to Cherry Creek scoring touchdowns more frequently. His efforts have made him the top kicking prospect in his class, according to Prep Redzone Colorado. [player_tooltip player_id="22672" first="Grant" last="Page"]<strong>, 2022, 6’3, 180, WR/DB, Fairview:</strong> Page has been productive in Fairview’s air raid offense. After catching 76 passes in 12 games as a sophomore, he would haul in 58 receptions last year in just seven games. Once the ball is in his hands, he will find room for run and get extra yardage. The routes he runs are crisp and efficient, and he plays well against zone defenses in finding the opening and setting a nice window to throw to. His play is just as good on defense, where his size and length allows him to play tight coverage. He would record season highs in tackles (36) and interceptions (3) in 2019. Page is committed to play at Nebraska next year. [player_tooltip player_id="22667" first="Gavin" last="Sawchuk"]<strong>, 2022, 5’11, 185, RB, Valor Christian:</strong> No surprise to see the top prospect from the state on this list. Considered by some to be the best running back prospect from Colorado since Christian McCaffrey, Sawchuk has rushed for 3,720 yards and 49 touchdowns in his career. The speed he possesses in the open field is scary. When running, he will show the patience to allow his blocks to form, but once they do and there is an opening, he goes straight to it at full speed. Sawchuk is also improving as a pass catcher and pass protector, turning into a complete back for powerhouse Valor Christian. Earlier this summer, he committed to play football at the University of Oklahoma next year.