Returning First Team All-State players from Class 3A

Some solid players from Class 3A are set to take the field this fall, including a handful of those who were named First Team All-State in the fall 2020 or spring 2021 season. We continue to look at those players returning this fall and dive in with Class 3A now. <strong>Brian Mata, 2022, 6’3, 266, OL/DL, Pueblo South:</strong> Mata had a steady season on the offensive line and will be a team leader for a Colts team hoping to make another deep run in the postseason. His versatility to play the left and right tackle spot pays off for him. He does a good job setting the edge for his backs in the run game and does work his way to the second level. You will also see him do a good job in short pass sets and in slide protection. Pueblo South averaged 213 rushing yards and 109 passing yards per game in 2020, and an anchor like Mata up front could help them put up similar numbers this fall. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="22736" first="Dorian" last="Pacheco"], 2022, 5’7, 175, RB/LB, Lutheran:</strong> Though he may be undersized, Pacheco packs plenty of punch when he is on the field. The middle linebacker is very skilled at blitzing with his speed, timing and tenaciousness mentality to get to the ball. He plays with a high motor, something that will allow him to be on the field. He also has a high IQ playing against the pass and does a good job reading the eyes of the quarterback to get in position for a quick tackle or a pass defend. Pacheco finished 2020 with 89 tackles, three sacks and an interception. His speed and smart play works well when he plays running back on offense, too, and he finished the season with 535 rushing yards and six touchdowns. Pacheco is set to become a four-year starter in 2021 and should get a look to play at the next level. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="22696" first="Kevin" last="Sjogren"], 2022, 6’5, 210, TE/LB, Palisade:</strong> You can tell that Sjogren likes to put in the work to get better. Just look at his workout posts he shares on social media and the amount of weight he is pushing. That translates to the speed and power he flashes on the field. He does not get pushed around much when engaged with offensive lineman, and his downhill pursuit leads to some big hits on ball carriers. His style of play makes him a good tight end in the run-heavy Palisade offense too, where he can lead block when pulling or get up to the second level. Sjogren also caught a pass for 49 yards when he got the call to. He is a player from the Western Slope to check out this fall. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="58957" first="Briggs" last="Wheatley"], 2022, 6’0, 180, QB/LB, Fort Morgan:</strong> Wheatley had a breakout campaign as a sophomore in 2019, and his steady play continued last fall. He threw for 737 yards and seven touchdowns last year, and he ran for 672 yards and four rushing touchdowns as well. He can get the ball out of his hand quickly and shows good accuracy throwing down the field. If a play breaks down, he is a crafty scrambler who will tuck the ball and run for extra yardage. His good touch and accuracy is also there when throwing on the run, and Fort Morgan does a good amount of rollout passing plays for him. You will also find Wheatley getting some time on defense, and he would record 14 tackles and an interception last season. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="22698" first="Cooper" last="Walton"], 2022, 6’1, 210, RB/LB, Roosevelt:</strong> A two-time All-State selection and Northern League Defensive MVP selection, Walton is a seasoned veteran going into his senior season. He shows great closing speed from his linebacker position and really shines in pursuit chasing down the ball carrier. You also have to watch for him lining up from the outside linebacker spot and blitzing, another solid point for him. Walton had 44 total tackles, 31 of which were solo stops, and 2.5 sacks in 2020. Look for his leadership to also be a key as he tries to help Roosevelt make it back to the Class 3A state championship game. He also forced three fumbles and had an interception. You will see Walton on offense carrying the ball from the running back spot, and he was effective with 324 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. In June, he announced his commitment to play for Colorado State next year. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="153708" first="Blake" last="Nieslanik"], 2022, RB/LB, Glenwood Springs:</strong> Nieslanik had a solid spring season and rushed for 1,009 yards and nine touchdowns in eight games. He possesses a good balance of power, speed and finesse that allows him to hit some big runs. He can get to the edge and run up the sideline, or hit the hole up the middle and explode to the second level. If a linebacker gets in his way, he will lower his shoulder and drive through him. For those that try to arm tackle him, he can spin away and stay on his feet for extra yardage. The danger he brings to the offense opens up other players to produce as a result. With a big senior season, he could be a nice, late addition to the recruiting trail for small-level schools.